20 Korean Movies Based on True Stories: Unveiling Thrilling Murder and Kidnapping Dramas

Kapanlagi.com - Kapanlagi.com - Who says all Korean films are fiction? For those of you who love Korean films and dramas, there are many true stories worth watching! We have recommendations for Korean films inspired by real events that will surely immerse you in emotions.

From the tragic stories of child sexual abuse to shocking murders, each of these films presents stories that are not only interesting but also evoke feelings. Curious about what these films are? Here are 20 recommendations for Korean films based on true stories that are ready to stir your emotions. Come on, check them out and prepare some tissues! (kpl/gen/dhm)

1. MEMORIES OF MURDER (2003)

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One of the recommended Korean films based on a true story that you should watch is Memories of Murder. This film tells the story of three detectives who get trapped in a labyrinth of mystery as they try to solve a series of brutal murders in a small village. With only a few clues, they must confront a killer with a unique pattern: striking during the rain, with victims wearing red clothing, and accompanied by a specific song from the radio.

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film successfully combines elements of comedy, mystery, and horror, presenting unexpected moments that will keep you guessing until the end. Memories of Murder is not just a film, but also an exhilarating experience that you must watch!

2. VOICE OF THE MURDERER (2007)

Voice of the Murderer is a must-watch Korean film, inspired by a true story that shook South Korea in 1991. The story focuses on Han Kyung-bae, a famous news anchor, whose son is mysteriously kidnapped. The cunning kidnapper soon contacts Oh Ji-sun, demanding a ransom of 100 thousand dollars.

Together with the police, Kyung-bae and Ji-sun try to devise a strategy to rescue their child, but the kidnapper keeps evading the traps set. This film will take you on a journey filled with tension and deep fear, making you constantly wonder whether the child is still alive or not, and experiencing the emotional helplessness that drains you in every scene.

3. CHILDREN (2011)

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One of the recommended Korean films based on a stirring true story is CHILDREN, released in 2011 with a crime and thriller genre. Starring renowned senior actors such as Dong-il Sung, Seung Ryrong Ryu, and Kim Yeo-jin, this film tells the mystery of the disappearance of five children on Waryong Mountain in 1991.

Years later, the bones that were found reveal their identities, prompting detectives to uncover the dark veil behind the children's deaths. The tension increases when a mysterious young man, who was also on the mountain when the children went missing, appears. More interestingly, CHILDREN is based on a real murder case that still holds many puzzles to this day.

4. SILENCED (2011)

The film SILENCED is a must-watch Korean cinematic work, inspired by a heart-wrenching true story at Gwangju Inhwa School, a school for children with special needs in South Korea. The story follows Kang In-ho, an art teacher who has just joined Benevolence Academy in the fictional city of Mujin, North Jeolla Province. However, a bitter reality soon unfolds when he discovers that his students are victims of sexual abuse by teachers and school staff.

While watching, your emotions will be stirred, from anger to compassion, as this case is finally revealed and investigated again. In October 2011, the National Assembly of South Korea took bold steps by repealing laws that limited the handling of sexual crimes against minors and individuals with disabilities, although unfortunately, many perpetrators still escaped appropriate punishment.

5. AS ONE (2012)

After the horrific bombing incident that struck Korean Air Flight 858 in 1987, North Korea and South Korea sought to ease the escalating tensions through a High-Level Conference. In this historic meeting, both countries agreed to form a united sports team, with table tennis chosen as a symbol of unity. This was a historic moment when the Korean team first united under the name KOREA to compete at the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships in Chiba, Japan.

The film AS ONE tells the story of two athletes who were once fierce rivals, now forced to unite as teammates on the world stage. Despite being separated by personal ambitions, they must gather the courage and spirit to face the dominant Chinese team, which has nine consecutive championship titles.

6. WISH (HOPE) (2013)

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Welcome to the emotional world of cinema! One Korean film that must be on your watchlist is WISH (HOPE), a true story that reveals the dark side of child sexual violence. Reminding us of the film SILENCED, WISH (HOPE) is inspired by the tragic events that occurred in 2008, namely the Mayoung Case.

This story focuses on Na-young, an eight-year-old girl who experiences a horrific ordeal when she is raped and tortured by a 57-year-old man in a public restroom. In this film, we will witness Na-young and her family's extraordinary struggle to rise from the haunting trauma, inviting us to reflect on strength and hope amidst darkness.

7. HAN GONG JU (2013)

The film HAN GONG JU tells the story of a real tragedy that shook Miryang, South Korea, in 2004. In this emotionally charged narrative, we delve into the bitter experience of Gong-ju, a 14-year-old girl who becomes a victim of rape by a group of high school teenagers, with a total of 41 victims over a span of 11 months.

Against the backdrop of fear and threats from the perpetrators who recorded the horrific incident, Gong-ju struggles alone to seek help, without support from her family. This film is not just a viewing experience, but also a reminder of the helplessness faced by victims of violence, making it one of the must-watch Korean films for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of touching social issues.

8. THE CLASSIFIED FILE (2015)

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The film The Classified File is one of the interesting recommendations from Korean cinema inspired by a moving true story. It tells the tale of a mysterious kidnapping that lasted 33 days in Busan in 1978, starting with the disappearance of Eun-joo, a girl who sends everyone into a panic.

After two weeks of searching, the police begin to assume that Eun-joo is no longer alive, but her mother refuses to give in to fate. With strong determination, she seeks help from Kim Joong-san, a famous fortune teller who assures her that her daughter is still alive. Together with veteran detective Gong Gil-yong, they dive into a labyrinth of mystery filled with surprises, trying to uncover the truth behind Eun-joo's disappearance. Prepare yourself to feel the tension and emotion in this unexpected search journey!

9. NORTHERN LIMIT LINE (2015)

Northern Limit Line tells the extraordinary bravery of the naval soldiers who became victims in a thrilling battle. Amid the euphoria of South Korea co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Japan, Corporal Park Dong-hyuk, a new member of the Republic of Korea Navy, carries out his duty on the patrol ship PKM 375.

However, tensions rise as North Korea sends a fishing trawler that intrudes with the intent of reconnaissance across the Northern Limit Line. In a dramatic moment, the PKM 357 successfully captures all the passengers of the ship, but they are released on government orders. The situation escalates, and on June 29, 2002, the second Battle of Yeonpyeong erupts with a surprise attack from the North Korean patrol boat against the PKM 357, marking the beginning of an unexpected conflict.

10. NEW TRIAL (2017)

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One of the recommended Korean films inspired by a true story that must be watched is NEW TRIAL. This film tells a heartbreaking story about Jo Hyun-woo, who, after witnessing the murder of a taxi driver, becomes trapped in a dark scenario.

Instead of being a witness, Hyun-woo is accused as the perpetrator and is forced to confess due to the torture he experiences at the hands of the police. A 10-year prison sentence haunts him. However, hope arises when he meets Lee Joon-young, a lawyer in debt, who is determined to clear his name and uncover the truth.

11. DARK FIGURE OF CRIME (2018)

DARK FIGURE OF CRIME is an evocative film inspired by episode 869 of the famous South Korean investigative program, Unanswered, which reveals a dark mystery in Busan. This story takes us on the journey of Kim Hyung-min, a detective who prioritizes justice over position, determined to uncover the truth behind neglected cases.

When he encounters Kang Tae-oh, a mysterious informant, Hyung-min becomes entangled in a web of murders involving unidentified victims, leading him on a quest filled with tension and intrigue. This film is a must-see, inviting the audience to delve into the dark side of the undisclosed world of crime.

12. ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU (2021)

A must-watch Korean film is Escape from Mogadishu, a work based on a thrilling true story. It narrates the dramatic events when two embassy representatives from South Korea and North Korea were trapped in the chaos of the Civil War in Somalia in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The film highlights the extraordinary efforts and unexpected collaboration between the two embassies to escape from the gripping conflict. Amid the tension of less-than-harmonious diplomatic relations, this cooperation becomes a remarkable and hopeful moment.

13. A TAXI DRIVER

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This film tells the dramatic journey of a father named Kim Man-seob, a taxi driver who unexpectedly transports West German journalist Jurgen Hinzpeter from Seoul to Gwangju to cover the tragic uprising of 1980. Initially, Kim is lured by the promise of a large payment, but he soon finds himself caught in the gripping chaos. A TAXI DRIVER is based on a shocking true story, depicting South Korea's dark history as human rights violations occurred during the Gwangju Uprising.

14. MIDNIGHT

In the film MIDNIGHT, the audience is invited to enter the darkness of Seoul, where a brutal serial killer targets deaf women after they become silent witnesses to his brutal actions. Inspired by the true story of Yoo Young-chul, the Raincoat Killer, this film brilliantly highlights how terror can invade the lives of urban communities, while also revealing how fragile the protection system is for crime victims.

15. THE DRUG KING

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Busan in the 1970s, the film THE DRUG KING tells the life story of Lee Doo-sam, a drug smuggler who cleverly builds a dark underground business empire. On the other side, a public prosecutor named Kim In-goo relentlessly tries to stop him.

Through a thrilling narrative, this film reveals the dark side of the criminal world in South Korea amidst economic turmoil, where smuggling becomes a shortcut to wealth. With Lee Doo-sam as the focal point, the audience is invited to delve into the bitter reality of a society trapped in corruption and despair.

16. MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7

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In the touching film titled MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7, we are invited to delve into the heart-wrenching story of a father trapped in a web of false accusations and imprisoned without clear evidence, experiencing the heartbreaking injustice of the legal system. Despite having mental limitations, the warm relationship between him and his daughter becomes a ray of hope in the darkness of his life.

A father's sincere love strives to endure amidst this storm of injustice, creating unforgettable emotional moments. Interestingly, although this film is not based on a true story, the director reveals that there are similar cases like Jeong Won Seop, a man accused of committing serious crimes against a child, adding depth and relevance to this story in the context of real life.

17. NEW TRIAL

In the film NEW TRIAL, we are presented with the touching story of a teenager caught in a whirlwind of injustice, becoming the sole witness in the murder of a taxi driver, yet being made the main suspect. Forced to admit to a crime he did not commit, he spends ten years behind bars.

However, hope resurfaces when an opportunistic lawyer takes over his case, embarking on a long journey to uncover the truth and fight for justice. Based on a true story from the early 2000s, this film illustrates how fragile the legal system is and the heartbreaking impact caused by the mistakes of authorities, robbing a youth that should have been full of hope.

18. THE LAST PRINCESS

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The film THE LAST PRINCESS is inspired by the touching novel "Deokhyeongjoo," telling the heart-wrenching journey of Princess Deokhye, the last heir of the Joseon Dynasty. In 1925, amidst the shadows of Japanese colonization, the princess is forced to leave her beloved homeland. In a high-pressure situation, a childhood friend is determined to bring her back to Korea. Through this story, the audience is invited to feel the suffering of the princess, who is trapped in a whirlpool of politics, loss of identity, and a deep longing for her hometown.

19. ODE TO MY FATHER

This film touches the heart by telling the story of a boy who is forced to part from his family due to the Korean War, yet is determined to keep them safe with all his soul. The promise he makes becomes his guiding principle for more than six decades, depicting the lives of ordinary people struggling against poverty, conflict, and the ever-changing dynamics of the times. ODE TO MY FATHER is not just a film, but a mirror reflecting extraordinary dedication and sacrifice in the midst of the darkness of war.

20. THE HIMALAYAS

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The film THE HIMALAYAS tells the emotional journey of two legendary Korean climbers, Um Hong-gil and Park Mu-taek, intertwined in an everlasting friendship. When Mu-taek tragically dies during an expedition to the summit of Everest, Um Hong-gil takes a brave step to bring back his friend's body, challenging death amidst the cold of the snowy mountains.

With an inspiring tone, this film presents steadfastness, profound loss, and the value of true friendship, while affirming the strength of brotherly love and an indomitable spirit in the face of extreme natural challenges.

21. QnA Recommendations for Korean Films Based on True Stories

Q1: Who is the real figure behind the film A Taxi Driver?

A1: The character is based on Kim Man-seob, a taxi driver who helped a German journalist cover the Gwangju tragedy in 1980.

Q2: What is the real inspiration behind the film Midnight?

A2: The case of Yoo Young-chul, a serial killer known as the Raincoat Killer.

Q3: Why is The Drug King considered realistic?

A3: Because it depicts the true story of drug smuggler Lee Doo-sam in Busan during the 1970s with accurate social details.

Q4: Who is Princess Deokhye in The Last Princess?

A4: She is the last princess of the Joseon dynasty who lived in exile during the Japanese occupation.

Q5: What is the main message of The Himalayas?

A5: The film highlights the values of friendship, sacrifice, and courage in facing extreme nature.

These are some recommendations for Korean films based on true stories that KLovers can watch. Not only do they provide sad and tragic stories, but some of these recommendations also offer tales that are touching and even traumatic. Follow the latest celebrity news only on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

(kpl/nlw)