12 Recommended Exciting Korean Action Films, Some Adapted from True Stories

Kapanlagi.com - Lately, Korean action films have been very popular. It is evident that many people are looking for recommendations for Korean action films to watch. Yes, Korean action films do offer action-packed scenes that are just as exciting as Western action films. Not to mention, the interesting storylines are also a factor in why Korean action films have been very popular lately.

There are many great Korean action films that should not be missed. In fact, some Korean action films have even become a topic of discussion and have trended on social media. Curious about what exciting action films from Korea to watch?

Compiled from various sources, here are reviews of recommended Korean action films that are exciting and worth watching.

1. ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU

One of the must-watch Korean action movies is ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU. The film is adapted from a true story that took place between the 1980s and early 1990s. At that time, South Korea and North Korea were competing for support from countries around the world through diplomacy.

The South Korean and North Korean embassies were trapped in a civil war situation. As a result, the two conflicting countries had to work together very reluctantly to survive and return to Korea. They did various things together with suspicion towards each other. However, gradually, their closeness bound them together.

ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU not only offers thrilling and suspenseful action but also takes the audience on a journey of the characters' feelings, from initially hating and suspecting each other to becoming close friends. The film that won the Best Film award at the 42nd Blue Dragon Film Awards is definitely worth watching!

2. A TAXI DRIVER

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In addition to ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU, A TAXI DRIVER is also a recommended Korean action movie adapted from a true story. It takes place during the crisis in Gwangju, Korea in 1980. The story tells of a taxi driver who takes the risk of driving a German journalist to cover the grim event.

The journey of the taxi driver and the journalist is certainly not easy. Various dangers threaten their safety. Like ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU, the closeness between the main characters in this film also develops slowly. This makes the audience fall in love with and sympathize with each character.

Although it presents a lot of action, A TAXI DRIVER ends with a touching and emotional scene. If you're curious, go ahead and watch this Korean action movie recommendation!

3. EXIT

If you want to watch a thrilling, funny, and entertaining Korean action movie, then EXIT might be the answer. When it was released in 2019, this action-comedy film was a hot topic of conversation.

The story tells of Yong-nam, an unemployed man with a talent for rock climbing. Yong-nam has a flat life and no ambitions. One day, at his parents' birthday party, Yong-nam meets his ex-girlfriend, Eui-joo.

However, at the birthday party, a major tragedy strikes the city. Yong-nam and his family must escape with Eui-joo, who is also skilled at rock climbing. Meanwhile, the building's occupants have already been evacuated.

Starring two big stars, Jo Jung-suk and Im YoonA, EXIT is definitely a Korean action movie that you must watch!

4. EXTREME JOB

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In addition to EXIT, EXTREME JOB is another action film with a touch of comedy. EXTREME JOB tells the story of a group of detectives assigned to uncover and capture a drug mafia. To carry out their spy mission, these detectives then disguise themselves by opening a fried chicken shop near the target's headquarters, the drug mafia gang.

Unexpectedly, the fried chicken shop opened by these detectives turned out to be a hit, making them consider stopping their mission and continuing the business. Curious about its unique and interesting premise? Just watch EXTREME JOB!

5. TIME TO HUNT

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The next recommended Korean action film is titled TIME TO HUNT. One of the attractions of TIME TO HUNT lies in the cast lineup whose acting quality is beyond doubt. TIME TO HUNT features Lee Je Hoon, Choi Woo Shik, Park Jung Min, and Park Hae Soo.

The story begins when a group of friendly young men decide to rob a gambling place. Eventually, the owner of the gambling place paid a cold-blooded hitman to eliminate the robbers.

Carrying a utopian storyline with a world plagued by crises and a lot of criminality, TIME TO HUNT becomes an action film full of tension. In addition, the story of friendship among its characters is guaranteed to drain the emotions of the audience.

6. TRAIN TO BUSAN

Who doesn't know the film TRAIN TO BUSAN? This Korean action film is quite popular, even outside the circle of Korean drama and film lovers. TRAIN TO BUSAN can be said to be one of the most exciting zombie-themed films today.

It is told that a sudden zombie outbreak hit Korea. At that time, everyone tried their best to survive, including the train passengers who were on their way to Busan. Not only the action in fighting zombies, but also the tension in this film arises to fight human egoism.

7. 1987: WHEN THE DAY COMES (2017)

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If you're looking for a recommendation for a Korean action film based on history, 1987: WHEN THE DAY COMES could be an interesting option to watch. In other words, this Korean action film is based on a true story that actually happened.

The story of this film, directed by Jang Joon Hwan, starts with the arrest of an activist named Park Jong Chul who was protesting. Next, the activist and a big tragedy occur. Knowing about the death, many people feel suspicious about the situation that happened. So, what happens next? Just watch this film yourself!

8. I SAW THE DEVIL (2010)

I SAW THE DEVIL tells the story of a highly trained secret agent named Kim Soo-hyeon. It is said that the secret agent has a grudge against a psychopath who commits serial killings targeting women and children. One of his targets is his own fiancée.

Of course, revenge cannot be achieved easily. Facing a cruel psychopath, Kim Soo-hyeon is forced to resort to monstrous methods. This terrible revenge effort results in various tense scenes. Therefore, I SAW THE DEVIL deserves to be on the list of recommended Korean action films that should not be missed.

9. THE BAD GUYS: REIGN OF CHAOS (2019)

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As a fan of Korean action films, THE BAD GUYS: REIGN OF CHAOS is definitely a must-watch. This Korean action film recommendation stars Ma Dong-seok, Jang Ki-yong, Kim Sang-joong, and Kim Ah-jung who have captivating actions in various scenes.

When you start watching it, you will find exciting scenes, especially when the criminals escape on a journey to prison. As a response to this, the police form an investigation team. The story becomes more exciting when detective Oh Goo Tak (Kim Sang-joong) creates a special team.

10. THE MAN FROM NOWHERE (2010)

If you're looking for a recommendation for a Korean action film filled with heroic action, THE MAN FROM NOWHERE could be the answer. While watching it, you will meet actress Sae-ron Kim who plays Jeong So-mi, a small girl who owns a pawn shop. It is told that she has a mother named Hyo-jeong.

Well, it is her mother who is suspected of smuggling drugs from an illegal drug trading organization. The story gets more complicated when a kidnapping case involving Hyo-jeong and So-mi emerges. The story becomes even more exciting with the presence of a former special agent named Cha Tae-shik.

11. TIME TO HUNT (2020)

(Credit: imdb.com)

One of the exciting Korean action film recommendations that you should watch next is TIME TO HUNT. The film, which is set in a fictional South Korean country, has a character named Jun Seok, someone who is released from prison for theft.

Unfortunately, when he gets out, the Korean Won currency has fallen. This makes his past loot no longer valuable. Next, he has an idea to do one final theft. It involves several recruited friends and thieves. They plan to steal from an illegal gambling house that stores money in US dollars. Not only money, but they also take a hard drive that stores recordings of the gambling house's cheating. The situation becomes more complicated when the gambling house owner hires a hitman to track down the thieves.

12. THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL (2019)

THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL is also a Korean action film recommendation that you shouldn't miss. Especially if you are a fan of Ma Dong-seok who often acts in dangerous scenes in films.

In general, the film tells the story of the most feared gang in Korea against a mysterious killer. The gang acts while collaborating with the police to uncover the identity behind the mysterious murders that occur. After being violently attacked by the killer, Jang Dong-su works with detective Jung Tae-seok to catch the sadistic killer known as "K".

Those are some exciting Korean action film recommendations that you don't want to miss. So, which one are you interested in watching?

(kpl/gen/psp)