Unmissable Korean Films: The Best of 2020


2020 was a year of resilience for Korean cinema, delivering powerful narratives across multiple genres. From intense thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these films captivated audiences worldwide.

1. The Call (콜)

  • Director: Lee Chung-hyun
  • Cast: Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo
  • Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
  • Plot: A woman connects with a stranger through a mysterious phone call, only to realize they are living in different timelines—leading to terrifying consequences.

2. Time to Hunt (사냥의 시간)

  • Director: Yoon Sung-hyun
  • Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Ahn Jae-hong, Choi Woo-shik
  • Genre: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
  • Plot: Set in a dystopian future, four friends attempt a dangerous heist but end up being hunted by a ruthless assassin.

3. The Man Standing Next (남산의 부장들)

  • Director: Woo Min-ho
  • Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Lee Sung-min, Kwak Do-won
  • Genre: Political Thriller, Drama
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
  • Plot: Based on real events, this gripping film explores the power struggle leading up to the assassination of South Korean President Park Chung-hee in 1979.

4. Deliver Us from Evil (다만 악에서 구하소서)

  • Director: Hong Won-chan
  • Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Lee Jung-jae, Park Jung-min
  • Genre: Action, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
  • Plot: A hitman’s final mission turns personal as he becomes the target of a ruthless killer seeking revenge.

5. Peninsula (반도)

  • Director: Yeon Sang-ho
  • Cast: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun
  • Genre: Action, Horror, Zombie
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
  • Plot: A sequel to Train to Busan, this film follows survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic Korea overrun by zombies and mercenaries.

6. Voice of Silence (소리도 없이)

  • Director: Hong Eui-jeong
  • Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Yoo Jae-myung
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
  • Plot: Two silent criminals, hired to clean up after murders, find their lives changed when they’re forced to take care of a kidnapped girl.

7. Samjin Company English Class (삼진그룹 영어토익반)

  • Director: Lee Jong-pil
  • Cast: Go Ah-sung, Esom, Park Hye-su
  • Genre: Drama, Comedy
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
  • Plot: Three women working at a major corporation in the 1990s take an English class to earn a promotion, only to uncover a corporate conspiracy.

Final Thoughts

2020 proved that Korean cinema remains a global powerhouse, delivering stories that were thrilling, emotional, and socially relevant. From action-packed spectacles to mind-bending thrillers, these films are worth watching.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!


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