From Drama to Sci-Fi: The Best Korean Films of 2024


Korean cinema continues to shine with its diverse storytelling, blending action, mystery, and emotional depth. In 2024, filmmakers delivered everything from intense thrillers to heartfelt dramas and mind-bending sci-fi. Here are some of the must-watch Korean films of the year.


1. Exhuma (파묘)

  • Director: Jang Jae-hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, The Priests)

  • Cast: Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Do-hyun

  • Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural Thriller

  • Language: Korean

  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

  • Plot: A team of shamans and exorcists are hired to relocate an ancient grave, only to unleash an unimaginable evil. As supernatural forces intensify, they must confront their deepest fears and unravel the grave’s dark history before it's too late. With eerie cinematography and chilling suspense, Exhuma is a gripping supernatural horror that keeps audiences on edge.


2. The Plot (더 플롯)

  • Director: Lee Yo-sub (The Queen of Crime)

  • Cast: Kang Dong-won, Lee Moo-saeng, Lee Mi-sook

  • Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

  • Language: Korean

  • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

  • Plot: A high-profile novelist (Kang Dong-won) discovers that his latest book's plot mirrors a real-life murder case. As investigators close in, he must untangle the truth behind his own words while evading a dangerous game of deception. The Plot is a tightly woven thriller filled with shocking twists and psychological intrigue.


3. Alienoid: Part 3 (외계+인 3부)

  • Director: Choi Dong-hoon (The Thieves, Assassination)

  • Cast: Ryu Jun-yeol, Kim Woo-bin, Kim Tae-ri

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Time Travel

  • Language: Korean

  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

  • Plot: The final chapter in the Alienoid trilogy brings an epic showdown between humans and extraterrestrial forces. With timelines colliding and ancient warriors wielding futuristic weapons, Alienoid: Part 3 explores destiny, betrayal, and the fate of two worlds. Expect stunning visuals, intense battles, and an intricate storyline that ties up the saga.


4. Harbin (하얼빈)

  • Director: Woo Min-ho (Inside Men, The Man Standing Next)

  • Cast: Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jung-min

  • Genre: Historical, Spy Thriller, War

  • Language: Korean

  • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

  • Plot: Set in the early 1900s, Harbin follows the story of Korean independence activists fighting against Japanese colonial rule. Hyun Bin delivers a gripping performance as a resistance fighter navigating espionage, betrayal, and deadly missions. With high-stakes action sequences and a powerful narrative, this film is both thrilling and historically significant.


5. The Moon 2 (더 문 2)

  • Director: Kim Yong-hwa (Along with the Gods)

  • Cast: Doh Kyung-soo, Sol Kyung-gu

  • Genre: Space Survival, Sci-Fi Thriller

  • Language: Korean

  • IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

  • Plot: Following the events of The Moon (2023), a new lunar mission faces unexpected disasters, stranding astronauts in deep space. With Earth facing a communication blackout, the team must rely on limited resources and human ingenuity to survive. The Moon 2 heightens the suspense with realistic space visuals and an emotional survival story.


Final Thoughts

From supernatural horrors to sci-fi adventures and historical epics, 2024’s Korean films have delivered captivating stories for every kind of viewer. Whether you love intense thrillers or futuristic action, this year’s lineup proves why Korean cinema remains at the forefront of global filmmaking.


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