Despite Hollywood’s and the West’s dominance in the global film business, various up-and-coming film sectors are making waves across the globe. One such business is South Korea’s Hallyu Wave, whose films have well-crafted narratives and surprising plot twists designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Almost every element typical of a thriller drama is there, from the intricate planning and action scenes to the vengeance plots and the ruggedly handsome Korean ensemble. There are still many surprises in store for Hallyu fans, despite the popularity of movies like “Parasite” and “Train to Busan.”
5 top Korean thrillers currently available on Netflix are listed below.
The Call
Seo Yeon, a young girl in the narrative, returns home after being away for a very long period. She finds an old phone in the house and has a conversation with an unknown woman called Yeong Sook. Seo Yeon and Yeong Sook become fast friends once they discover that they share a but have 20 years time difference. Then, one day, Seo Yeon and Yeong Sook make a seemingly little decision that ends up drastically altering their lives.
Starring: Park Shin Hye, Jeon Jong Seo
Duration: 1 hour 52 minutes
Trailer:
Forgotten
In the story, the oldest son, Yoo Seok, is kidnapped shortly after his family moves into a new home, and his younger brother, Jin Seok, witnesses the whole thing. Yoo Seok returns unexpectedly after 19 days, but he seems to have completely changed his personality. Jin Seok, who has reason to suspect his brother, seeks to uncover the truth about the kidnapping and Yoo Seok’s whereabouts for the next 19 days.
Starring: Kang Ha Neul, Kim Mu Yeol
Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes
Trailer:
Unlocked
The plot revolves around a lady whose life is flipped upside down when a scary stranger obtains her misplaced mobile phone and begins following her around.
Starring: Chun Woo Hee, Kim Hee Won, Yim Si Wan
Duration: 1 hour 57 minutes
Trailer:
Time to Hunt
The narrative depicts a future where a financial catastrophe hits Korea and slums spring up as a result. Jun Seok, just freed from jail, lives in those neighbourhoods of a desolate city with his three close friends, Jang Ho, Ki Hoon, and Sang Soo. Together, they plot a risky operation to start again. Hopes for the future are quickly dashed, however, as a mysterious killer comes and starts to hunt them.
Starring: Lee Je Hoon, Ahn Jae Hong, Choi Woo Shik, Park Jung Min, Park Hae Soo
Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes
Trailer:
The 8th Night
In the narrative, when a spirit that has been dormant for millennia emerges, it seeks to take physical form by murdering its victims in strange ways. To stop it from destroying the world, a group of people work together in a terrifying struggle to put it out in only eight days.
Starring: Lee Sung Min, Park Hae Joon, Kim Yoo Jung, Nam Da Reum
Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
