Top 5 Korean Films From 2021 That You Might Have Missed

2021 was an incredible year for Korean entertainment, art and culture and with the popularity of the same, grew its appreciation from a global audience. Not only K-Dramas but also Korean films and Korean representation on film received great accolades from critics and audiences alike.

Whether you're a cinema lover or you've been looking for a short and sweet story but would rather not commit to a 16-hour drama, we've got the perfect list for you!

While movies like "Seobok", "Space Sweepers" and "The Box" were incredibly popular, here are the top 5 Korean films from 2021 (arranged in no particular order) that you might have missed!

 

1. "Sinkhole"

Cast: Cha SeungWon, Kim SungKyun, Lee KwangSoo, Kim HyeJun, Nam DaReum

Summary: A housewarming party turns into a disaster when a sinkhole swallows a house whole, with residents inside! 

Reasons to watch: "Sinkhole" incorporates a whole range of genres, from survival thriller to comedy, family, melodrama, and more. The stellar cast is simply incomparable and the pace will keep you at the edge of your seat from start to finish.

 

2. "Midnight"

Cast: Jin KiJoo, Wi HaJun, Kim HyeYoon, Park Hoon, Gil HaeYeon

Summary: A serial killer stalks his prey but ends up killing another. When it is witnessed by his original target, he turns his eye on her again. 

Reasons to watch: This psychopathic and bloody game of hide and seek between a serial killer and a deaf girl will send chills down your spine. "Midnight" is brilliantly well-made and the actors do an incredible job at their roles, making the immersion of the movie a thousand times more effective. 

 

3. "Sweet & Sour"

Cast: Chae SooBin, Jang KiYong, Jung SooJung (Krystal Jung)

Summary: "Sweet & Sour" tells the story of a young couple deeply in love, who nonetheless drift apart from each other and ultimately separate. As the title suggests, this film depicts the bittersweet feeling of love turned sour. 

Reasons to watch: The convoluted narrative style of "Sweet & Sour" is one of its strongest points, especially since it creates one of the best plot twists ever! Be it love blooming or withering, "Sweet & Sour" will take you on a roller-coaster ride of feelings that you won't want to get off of. 

 

4. "Pipeline"

Cast: Seo InGuk, Lee SooHyuk, Eum MoonSuk, Yoo SeungMok

Summary: "Pipeline" tells the story of a highly risky oil heist conducted by a drilling genius, aptly named "Drill-bit" (played by Seo InGuk) and his crew, against all odds posed by a corporate monster GeonWoo (Lee SooHyuk) who seeks to pocket all the profit while putting thousands of lives in danger.

Reasons to watch: The perfect blend of crime thriller and comedy, "Pipeline" will keep you entertained and on your toes. The uncertainty and risk of the mission are felt with every scene, amplifying the effect of the climax. Besides, Seo InGuk and Lee SooHyuk make for a delectable pair of enemies. This movie is definitely a must-watch.

 

5. "Escape From Mogadishu"

Cast: Jo InSung, Koo KyoHwan, Kim YunSeok, Heo JoonHo

Summary: "Escape from Mogadishu" is based on the real story of defection between the embassies of North Korea and South Korea during the civil war in Somalia.

Reasons to watch: "Escape from Mogadishu" is an immensely emotionally charged and thrilling narrative that is even more impactful because it is based on very real events. Even though it is an amazing action film, the true essence of the story lies in its touching exploration of human relationships. 

How many of these movies have you watched? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!