Must-Watch Korean Films from 2001: The Best of the Year


The year 2001 was a transformative period for Korean cinema, offering a blend of romance, action, comedy, and thriller genres that captivated audiences. Here’s a look at the most iconic Korean films from 2001 that you should definitely watch.

1. My Sassy Girl (엽기적인 그녀)

Genre: Romantic Comedy | Director: Kwak Jae-yong | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
Gyeon-woo (Cha Tae-hyun), a kind but awkward college student, crosses paths with a bold and unpredictable woman (Jun Ji-hyun). What starts as a series of comic misadventures turns into an emotional and heartfelt romance, making My Sassy Girl one of the most beloved Korean films of all time.

Why Watch?

  • Jun Ji-hyun's legendary performance as the "sassy girl" defined the K-romance genre.
  • A perfect blend of comedy, romance, and emotional depth.
  • Inspired multiple remakes across Asia and Hollywood.

Tags: Korean movies, 2001 Korean films, My Sassy Girl, Korean romantic comedies, Jun Ji-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, best Korean romance films

2. Friend (친구)

Genre: Crime, Drama | Director: Kwak Kyung-taek | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
Four childhood friends in Busan grow up to take different paths—some entering the criminal underworld while others try to escape it. Starring Jang Dong-gun and Yoo Oh-seong, Friend became the highest-grossing Korean film of its time and remains a classic crime drama.

Why Watch?

  • A gripping story of loyalty, friendship, and betrayal.
  • One of the best crime dramas in Korean cinema.
  • Inspired by real-life events.

Tags: Korean crime movies, best Korean dramas, 2001 Korean films, Friend movie, Jang Dong-gun, Yoo Oh-seong, Korean gangster films

3. Musa: The Warrior (무사)

Genre: Action, Historical | Director: Kim Sung-su | Language: Korean, Mandarin

Plot Summary:
Set in the 14th century, this epic follows Korean warriors stranded in China during the Ming Dynasty. Tasked with rescuing a princess (Zhang Ziyi), they must fight against Mongol warriors while facing their own struggles.

Why Watch?

  • Stunning battle sequences and cinematography.
  • A gripping historical drama filled with intense action.
  • Zhang Ziyi’s stellar performance alongside Korean A-listers.

Tags: Korean action movies, historical Korean films, Musa The Warrior, best Korean war movies, Zhang Ziyi, Jung Woo-sung, 2001 Korean films

4. Kick the Moon (신라의 달밤)

Genre: Action, Comedy | Director: Kim Sang-jin | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
Two childhood rivals—one a gangster, the other a high school teacher—reunite as adults. Their contrasting lives get entangled in absurd and comedic situations as they battle for the same woman.

Why Watch?

  • A hilarious mix of action and comedy.
  • Strong chemistry between the leads.
  • A cult classic among Korean comedies.

Tags: Korean action comedies, Kick the Moon movie, 2001 Korean films, best Korean comedies, gangster comedy films, Kim Sang-jin

5. Bungee Jumping of Their Own (번지 점프를 하다)

Genre: Romance, Drama | Director: Kim Dae-seung | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
Seo In-woo (Lee Byung-hun) falls deeply in love with Tae-hee (Lee Eun-ju), but tragedy strikes. Years later, he meets a male student who eerily resembles Tae-hee, forcing him to question destiny, reincarnation, and the nature of love.

Why Watch?

  • A thought-provoking, emotional love story.
  • Lee Byung-hun delivers a powerful performance.
  • Themes of fate and reincarnation make it unique.

Tags: Korean romance films, Bungee Jumping of Their Own, Lee Byung-hun movies, 2001 Korean films, Korean drama movies

6. Guns & Talks (킬러들의 수다)

Genre: Action, Comedy | Director: Jang Jin | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
A team of four assassins balances their deadly missions with their personal lives, but when an ambitious prosecutor starts investigating them, their secret profession is at risk.

Why Watch?

  • A witty, stylish action-comedy.
  • Clever storytelling and humor.
  • Great chemistry between the lead actors.

Tags: Korean action comedy, Guns & Talks movie, 2001 Korean films, best assassin movies, Jang Jin, Korean crime films

7. My Boss, My Hero (두사부일체)

Genre: Comedy, Action | Director: Yoon Je-kyun | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
A tough gangster is forced to go back to high school to earn a diploma. His struggle to fit in with teenage students leads to endless comedic moments.

Why Watch?

  • One of Korea’s most iconic gangster comedies.
  • A hilarious contrast between crime life and school life.
  • Jung Joon-ho’s standout comedic performance.

Tags: Korean comedy movies, gangster comedies, My Boss My Hero, 2001 Korean films, Korean school movies

8. Lover’s Concerto (연애소설)

Genre: Romance, Drama | Director: Lee Han | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
A young man meets two inseparable female best friends, creating a love triangle filled with nostalgia, heartache, and unexpected twists.

Why Watch?

  • A beautifully crafted romantic drama.
  • Strong chemistry between Cha Tae-hyun, Son Ye-jin, and Lee Eun-ju.
  • A tearjerker with deep emotional impact.

Tags: Korean romance movies, Lover’s Concerto, 2001 Korean films, best romantic dramas, Son Ye-jin movies

9. Say Yes (세이 예스)

Genre: Thriller, Drama | Director: Kim Sung-hong | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
A married couple’s road trip turns into a nightmare when they accept a ride from a mysterious man, who slowly reveals his psychotic intentions.

Why Watch?

  • A gripping psychological thriller.
  • Chilling performance by Park Joong-hoon as the villain.
  • Edge-of-the-seat suspense.

Tags: Korean thriller movies, Say Yes movie, best Korean suspense films, 2001 Korean films, road trip thrillers

10. Sorum (소름)

Genre: Horror, Mystery | Director: Yoon Jong-chan | Language: Korean

Plot Summary:
A struggling writer moves into a rundown apartment complex, only to discover that his neighbors are hiding dark secrets. As eerie events unfold, he questions his sanity.

Why Watch?

  • A psychological horror with a chilling atmosphere.
  • A unique take on ghost stories.
  • Deep themes of trauma and loneliness.

Tags: Korean horror movies, Sorum movie, 2001 Korean films, best psychological horror, Korean mystery thrillers

Final Thoughts

Korean cinema in 2001 was filled with groundbreaking films across various genres. Whether you love romance, action, or thrillers, these movies are must-watch classics. Which one is your favorite?


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