Non-Stop Action: The Best Korean Action Movies of 2013
2013 was an explosive year for Korean action cinema, with movies that combined intense fight sequences, gripping espionage, and high-stakes crime dramas. Whether it's spy thrillers, brutal gangster wars, or military operations, these films delivered adrenaline-pumping action that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Here are the best Korean action movies of 2013 that you can’t afford to miss.
1. The Berlin File (베를린)
- Director: Ryoo Seung-wan
- Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Han Suk-kyu, Jeon Ji-hyun, Ryoo Seung-bum
- Genre: Spy, Action, Thriller
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Plot: A North Korean spy in Berlin finds himself betrayed by his own country and hunted by South Korean intelligence. With intense shootouts, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and a gripping cat-and-mouse chase, this spy thriller delivers non-stop action.
2. New World (신세계)
- Director: Park Hoon-jung
- Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Choi Min-sik, Hwang Jung-min
- Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Plot: A deep-cover cop infiltrates South Korea’s biggest crime syndicate. As he rises in the ranks, he is torn between his loyalty to the gang and his duty as a police officer. This film is packed with intense brawls, power struggles, and stylishly executed action sequences.
3. Secretly, Greatly (은밀하게 위대하게)
- Director: Jang Cheol-soo
- Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Park Ki-woong, Lee Hyun-woo
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Plot: Three North Korean spies are sent to South Korea on a secret mission, disguised as an idiot, a rock star, and a high school student. When they are suddenly ordered to commit suicide missions, their loyalty is tested. This movie delivers a mix of action, humor, and emotional depth.
4. The Terror Live (더 테러 라이브)
- Director: Kim Byung-woo
- Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Lee Geung-young
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Plot: A disgraced news anchor gets a live call from a terrorist who has planted bombs across the city. Thinking it’s his chance for a career comeback, he broadcasts the call—only to realize he is also a hostage in the terrorist’s deadly plan. A tense, fast-paced thriller that keeps you hooked.
5. Cold Eyes (감시자들)
- Director: Cho Ui-seok, Kim Byung-seo
- Cast: Han Hyo-joo, Jung Woo-sung, Sol Kyung-gu
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Plot: A highly skilled surveillance team tracks a ruthless criminal mastermind. With precision chases, mind games, and high-tech tactics, this film brings a fresh take on action and crime thrillers.
6. Commitment (동창생)
- Director: Park Hong-soo
- Cast: Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P), Han Ye-ri, Jo Sung-ha
- Genre: Action, Spy, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Plot: A North Korean teenager is forced to become a spy in South Korea to save his younger sister. As he is caught in a deadly game between rival agents, he must fight to survive while protecting the ones he loves. Expect high-energy fight scenes and intense chases.
7. The Suspect (용의자)
- Director: Won Shin-yun
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Park Hee-soon, Jo Sung-ha
- Genre: Action, Spy, Thriller
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Plot: A former North Korean spy is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and goes on the run to clear his name. With high-speed chases, intense martial arts fights, and non-stop action, this film will keep your heart racing from start to finish.
8. Friend: The Great Legacy (친구 2)
- Director: Kwak Kyung-taek
- Cast: Yoo Oh-seong, Joo Jin-mo, Kim Woo-bin
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Plot: A sequel to the classic Friend (2001), this film follows a gangster who, after being released from prison, tries to rebuild his gang empire. A young recruit joins him, leading to rivalries, betrayals, and brutal gang wars.
9. Hwayi: A Monster Boy (화이: 괴물을 삼킨 아이)
- Director: Jang Joon-hwan
- Cast: Yeo Jin-goo, Kim Yun-seok, Cho Jin-woong
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Plot: A boy raised by five criminals is trained to become a ruthless killer. When he discovers the truth about his origins, he turns against his own family in a bloody fight for freedom. This film blends psychological depth with brutal action.
10. No Tears for the Dead (우는 남자) – Late 2013 Release
- Director: Lee Jeong-beom
- Cast: Jang Dong-gun, Kim Min-hee
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Plot: A cold-blooded assassin makes a fatal mistake during a mission. As he is ordered to kill the victim’s widow to cover up his crime, his guilt conflicts with his duty. With high-energy shootouts and brutal close combat, this film delivers stylized action and deep emotions.
Final Thoughts
2013 was a standout year for Korean action films, offering spy thrillers, gangster wars, assassinations, and high-stakes chases. Whether you love intense fight sequences, emotional storytelling, or complex espionage plots, these movies are guaranteed to keep you entertained.
Which 2013 Korean action movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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