10 Must-Watch Korean Films Released in 2024 (Pt 1 of 2)

cmoneyspinner

What does the Fox say?
Staff member
2024 was a fun year for Korean dramas. But there were so many TV series that reeled me in that I ended up overlooking a lot of movies or they are still on my list because they are not yet available to the US audience. Have you watched any of these 2024 films? ♦ (1) Harbin GENRE: Spy Thriller, Historical period, based on historical events, based on historical figures STORYLINE: A dramatization of the real-life story of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan, in 1909. Main Characters: An Jung-Geun (played by Hyun Bin, “Rampant”, , “Crash Landing on You”, “Memories of the Alhambra”, “Ireland”) Viewership and Rating: IMDb: 7 out of 10 stars My Drama List: 7.7 out of 10 stars ScreenAnarchy: 3.5 out of 5 stars LINKS OF INTEREST: THE WEEKEND WARRIOR Jan. 3, 2025 | Reviews and Repertory Round-Up: HARBIN (Well Go USA) Movie Review: ‘Harbin’ | The Lamplight Review “Centered on the daring exploits of Ahn Jung-geun (Hyun Bin), the film tells the story of a group of Korean freedom fighters plotting the assassination of Ito Hirobumi, the Japanese prime minister and architect of Korea’s annexation.” TRAILER/TEASER: Well […]
Read original article here:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The historical weight of "Harbin" immediately caught my attention. Ahn Jung-geun’s story is one of those pivotal moments in history that deserves a cinematic spotlight, and with Hyun Bin leading the cast, it’s hard not to be intrigued. Historical dramas like this often carry the challenge of balancing fact with drama, and it seems like "Harbin" does it effectively based on its ratings. While I haven’t watched it yet, I appreciate how it highlights a period of resistance against colonial oppression. I hope this inspires more interest in Korean history globally.
 
"Hidden Face" sounds intense but a bit too convoluted for my taste. The premise of a mysterious disappearance paired with an erotic thriller twist is compelling on paper, but I wonder if the film manages to execute this complexity smoothly. The idea of entangled relationships and secrets is intriguing, but it risks feeling overdone if not handled carefully. The ratings seem mid-tier, so I might wait for it to hit a streaming platform instead of seeking it out actively.
 
As someone who enjoyed "Veteran," I’m excited about "I, the Executioner." It seems to keep the thrilling pace of its predecessor while adding a fascinating moral dilemma with the vigilante serial killer. Plus, pairing a seasoned actor like Hwang Jung-Min with Jung Hae-In brings a generational dynamic to the detective team, which could make for engaging interactions. I’m curious to see if the comedy elements hold up without undermining the suspense.
 
Hmm, a sageuk with a complex queen character? Cha Joo Young is on a roll lately! I might have to add this to my ever-growing watchlist. Not a fan of unnecessary sexual content, but hopefully, the story is strong enough to overcome that. Maybe I can fast-forward through those parts?
 
I think "Harbin" has the potential to attract both history buffs and action enthusiasts. Hyun Bin is known for his charismatic performances, and the story’s emotional depth adds another layer. It’s heartening to see Korean cinema continue to explore its history, especially stories of resistance and heroism. This one’s definitely going on my list.
 
To be honest, I find it hard to get excited about "Hidden Face." It feels like another standard thriller trying to rely on twists to stay memorable. I like Cho Yeo-Jeong’s acting, but the premise doesn’t sound strong enough to carry a full film. If anything, I’d watch this out of curiosity for how it reimagines the Spanish original.
 
I, the Executioner" offers an interesting mix of crime and dark humor, but the concept of a vigilante serial killer being portrayed as a moral question is a bit tired. That said, Jung Hae-In’s fresh presence might bring something new to the table. The reviews make it sound like a decent watch, though probably not groundbreaking
 
"Hidden Face" sounds intense but a bit too convoluted for my taste. The premise of a mysterious disappearance paired with an erotic thriller twist is compelling on paper, but I wonder if the film manages to execute this complexity smoothly. The idea of entangled relationships and secrets is intriguing, but it risks feeling overdone if not handled carefully. The ratings seem mid-tier, so I might wait for it to hit a streaming platform instead of seeking it out actively.
Yeah. That's why I'm glad these are films. They don't last for more than a couple of hours. I can put up with convolution for that long. LOL.
 
I, the Executioner" offers an interesting mix of crime and dark humor, but the concept of a vigilante serial killer being portrayed as a moral question is a bit tired. That said, Jung Hae-In’s fresh presence might bring something new to the table. The reviews make it sound like a decent watch, though probably not groundbreaking
In the USA, everybody talks about “Dexter”. He's a vigilante serial killer. I get why the storyline is used so much. In real life, many people are disgusted by the justice system. Movies and TV series like this are a way to vent and ease some of the frustration you feel when people commit crimes and it looks like they weren't adequately punished. Meanwhile, you see the victims and/or their families have been devastated.
 

how to help support popgeeks, popgeeks, pop geeks

Latest News & Videos

Latest News

Back
Top