20 Recommendations for Korean Movies Based on True Stories, Featuring Murder and Kidnapping - A Struggle

Kapanlagi.com - Not all Korean movies have fictional stories, KLovers. Yes, some of these recommendations for Korean movies based on true stories are among them. You, lovers of movies and Korean dramas, must watch these recommendations for Korean movies based on true stories.

Not only do they provide interesting true stories, but you will also be astonished and emotional with some of these recommendations for Korean movies based on true stories. Some are taken from stories of child sexual abuse to tragic murders.

So, what are the recommendations for Korean movies based on true stories? Here are 20 recommendations for Korean movies based on true stories that can stir your emotions. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. MEMORIES OF MURDER (2003)

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The first recommendation for a Korean film based on a true story is MEMORIES OF MURDER. This film tells the story of three detectives trying to solve a series of brutal and mysterious murders in a small village. They have very few clues to go on.

The detectives know that the killer only murders when it rains, when the victims are wearing red clothing, and when a certain song is playing on the radio. This film, which is also considered Bong Joon-ho's best film after Parasite, transitions beautifully from comedy to mystery and sometimes to horror.

In several scenes, it is often very difficult to predict and can present completely unexpected things. It has become one of the must-watch recommendations for Korean films based on true stories.

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2. VOICE OF THE MURDERER (2007)

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VOICE OF THE MURDERER is one of the recommended Korean films based on true stories. Yes, this film is adapted from a true story that occurred in South Korea in 1991. It tells the tale of Han Kyung-bae's son, a famous news anchor who was kidnapped by someone without a trace.

The kidnapper immediately contacted Oh Ji-sun and demanded 100 thousand dollars as ransom. Kyung-bae and Ji-sun, along with the police, quickly devised a plan to rescue their kidnapped child. However, the kidnapper always managed to outsmart the police traps and demanded Kyung-bae and his wife to place the money immediately.

During this movie, you will experience an extraordinary sense of fear and tension, KLovers. You will be left wondering whether the child is still alive or has already died. You will also feel frustrated with every scene in this film.

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3. CHILDREN (2011)

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A recommendation for another Korean film based on a true story is the film titled CHILDREN. The film CHILDREN was released in 2011 and falls under the crime and thriller genre. It features several popular senior stars such as Dong-il Sung, Seung Ryrong Ryu, Kim Yeo-jin, and others.

The film CHILDREN tells the story of the disappearance of five children on Waryong Mountain since 1991. After more than a decade, bones were found that turned out to belong to the missing children. The detectives then attempt to uncover the case behind the children's deaths.

Moreover, there were previously found anomalies when a mysterious young man also went to the mountain at the time the children were declared missing. This film CHILDREN is even based on the true story of an unsolved murder case, you know KLovers.

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4. SILENCED (2011)

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SILENCED is also one of the must-watch Korean films based on a true story that KLovers should see. This film is based on a true story that occurred at Gwangju Inhwa School, a special needs school in South Korea. The film SILENCED tells the story of Kang In-ho, an art teacher at Benevolence Academy in the fictional city of Mujin, North Jeolla Province, who has just started working there.

However, In-ho soon discovers that his students have been sexually abused by the teachers and administrative staff. While watching this film, you will feel enraged until the case is reopened and an investigation is conducted.

Additionally, in October 2011, the National Assembly of South Korea repealed laws that restricted sex crimes against minors and individuals with special needs. However, it was found that these criminals did not receive appropriate punishment.

5. AS ONE (2012)

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After the air bombing carried out by North Korea on Korean Air Flight 858 in 1987, a High-Level Conference was held between North Korea and South Korea to ease the extreme tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The summit ended with a hastily made agreement to form a united Korean sports team.

And table tennis became the likely choice selected as a symbolic unifier. Briefly, the first-ever North-South unified Korean team under the simple banner of "KOREA" was formed to compete in the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships in Chiba, Japan. And this film AS ONE recounts that historical event.

Where two players who had only ever met at the table as bitter rivals suddenly had to become true partners and teammates at the biggest stage of the World Championship. Setting aside their individual ambitions, these women had to muster every ounce of courage and grace to defeat the Chinese team, which had already won the World Championship title for the 9th consecutive time.

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6. WISH (HOPE) (2013)

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Next is the film WISH (HOPE), as one of the recommended Korean films based on a true story that you must watch. Like the film SILENCED, the film WISH (HOPE) also tells a story about sexual violence against minors. It is based on the true story of the Mayoung case that occurred in 2008.

This film tells the story of an eight-year-old girl named Na-young in South Korea who is raped and tortured by a 57-year-old man in a public toilet. In this film, you will see Na-young's struggle and her family's efforts to recover from the trauma.

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7. HAN GONG JU (2013)

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The film HAN GONG JU is also adapted from a true story that occurred in Miryang, South Korea in 2004. The film HAN GONG JU tells the story of a gang rape committed by a group of high school students in Miryang that lasted for 11 months, affecting 41 victims.

Gong-ju is one of the victims who was only 14 years old at the time. Gong-ju represents the helplessness of rape victims, especially those who are still children. She received threats from the perpetrator who recorded the incident and threatened to spread the recording if Gong-ju spoke out.

Instead of receiving help from her family, Gong-ju tries to seek help on her own. And the film HAN GONG JU becomes one of the recommended Korean films based on a true story that you can watch.

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8. THE CLASSIFIED FILE (2015)

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THE CLASSIFIED FILE is also one of the recommendations for Korean films based on true stories. This film tells the story of a 33-day kidnapping case in Busan in 1978. It is told that Eun-joo, a girl, suddenly goes missing.

Two weeks later, the police assume that Eun-joo is dead. However, Eun-joo's mother does not believe it. Eventually, she goes to Kim Joong-san, a famous fortune teller, who claims that her daughter is still alive.

Fortune teller Joong-san then brings her to Gong Gil-yong, a veteran detective, and they soon find Eun-joo. With all their efforts to solve the mystery, the two must face things they never imagined before.

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9. NORTHERN LIMIT LINE (2015)

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NORTHERN LIMIT LINE tells the heroic story of the naval soldiers who also became victims in the battle. Corporal Park Dong-hyuk, who has just become a member of the Republic of Korea Navy, is assigned to the patrol ship PKM 375.

At the time when South Korea co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan, North Korea deployed fishing trawlers with spies to cross the Northern Limit Line, which serves as the maritime demarcation line. The PKM 357 eventually captured all the passengers until they were finally released on government orders.

A month later, incidents of espionage by the Korean People's Navy repeatedly entered South Korean waters. The situation escalated until June 29, 2002, when the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong began with a surprise attack on the PKM 357 by North Korean patrol boats.

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10. NEW TRIAL (2017)

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A recommendation for another Korean film based on a true story is a film titled NEW TRIAL. This film tells the poignant story experienced by Jo Hyun-woo after witnessing the murder of a taxi driver. Instead of becoming a witness in the case, Hyun-woo is accused of committing the murder.

Joon-ho is forced to confess to a murder he never committed due to police abuse. He is sentenced to 10 years in prison. After serving 10 years in prison, Joon-ho meets Lee Joon-young, a lawyer who has a lot of debt to clear his name in the eyes of the law.

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11. DARK FIGURE OF CRIME (2018)

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DARK FIGURE OF CRIMEÂ is a film inspired by episode 869 of Unanswered, a South Korean investigative television program, which tells the true story that occurred in Busan.

The program recounts that the murder was never reported, the body was never found, and no investigation ever took place. This film tells the story of Kim Hyung-min, a Busan detective who does not care about promotions within the police force but has a high dedication to solving the cases he handles.

One day, he meets Kang Tae-oh, an informant who leads Hyung-min to a murder case of an unidentified victim. This film is also one of the recommended Korean films based on true stories that should not be missed.

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12. ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU (2021)

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And the last recommendation for a Korean film based on a true story is a film titled ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU. This film is an adaptation of real events when two embassy representatives from South Korea and North Korea were trapped in the Civil War in Somalia in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The story recounts an effort and cooperation between the two embassies to escape from the conflict. This cooperation becomes an amazing thing amidst a country that has less than amicable diplomatic relations.

13. A TAXI DRIVER

A TAXI DRIVER (credit: imdb.com)

This film tells the story of a father who works as a taxi driver named Kim Man-seob, who accidentally drives a West German journalist, Jurgen Hinzpeter, from Seoul to Gwangju to cover the 1980 uprising. Initially, he is just chasing a big fare, but he eventually gets caught up in the horrific chaos.

A TAXI DRIVER is adapted from the true story of a dark chapter in South Korea's history, when massive human rights violations occurred during the Gwangju Uprising.

14. MIDNIGHT

MIDNIGHT (credit: imdb.com)

In the film MIDNIGHT, a serial killer brutally hunts down deaf women on the streets of Seoul after the victim witnesses his brutal crime. This film is based on the true story of a Korean serial killer named Yoo Young-chul, who was nicknamed the Raincoat Killer.

This story illustrates how terror can envelop the lives of urban communities and highlights the weaknesses in the protection of crime victims.

15. THE DRUG KING

THE DRUG KING (credit: imdb.com)

Set in Busan in the 1970s, the film THE DRUG KING tells the story of Lee Doo-sam, a drug smuggler who builds an illegal underground business empire. Alongside this, a public prosecutor named Kim In-goo tries to bring him down.

The film depicts the true story of the criminal world in South Korea during the dark economic times, when smuggling became a fast track to wealth. Through the character of Lee Doo-sam, the audience is invited to see the dark side of a society filled with corruption and despair.

16. MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7

MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 (credit: imdb.com)

This film tells the story of a father who is falsely accused and thrown into prison without strong evidence. He is treated unfairly by the legal system. MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 depicts the warm relationship between a father with mental disabilities and his daughter. This story highlights how a father's love continues to shine amidst the injustice that shatters his life.

However, interestingly, the director of this film revealed that MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 is not inspired by a true story. However, there is a similar case to this film, one of which is the story of Jeong Won Seop, a man who was accused of raping and murdering a young child.

17. NEW TRIAL

NEW TRIAL (credit: imdb.com)

In NEW TRIAL, a teenager becomes the sole witness to the murder of a taxi driver but is instead accused as the perpetrator. He is forced to plead guilty and is imprisoned for ten years. An opportunistic lawyer then takes on this case, paving the way for a long struggle for justice.

This film is based on a true case of wrongful accusation in the early 2000s. This story illustrates the injustices of the legal system and how someone can lose their youth due to the mistakes of authorities.

18. THE LAST PRINCESS

THE LAST PRINCESS (credit: imdb.com)

The film THE LAST PRINCESS is based on the novel Deokhyeongjoo, which tells the story of Princess Deokhye, the last heir of the Joseon Dynasty. In 1925, she was forced to leave her homeland for Japan under colonial rule. A childhood friend promised to bring her back to Korea. This story depicts the suffering of the princess trapped between politics, loss of identity, and longing for her country.

19. ODE TO MY FATHER

ODE TO MY FATHER (credit: imdb.com)

This film highlights the difficult times in South Korea's history through the story of a boy who promises to take care of his family after being separated due to the Korean War. That promise becomes his compass for over six decades.

ODE TO MY FATHER tells the story of ordinary people struggling against poverty, war, and changing times. The film is a true portrait of dedication and sacrifice during wartime.

20. THE HIMALAYAS

THE HIMALAYAS (credit: imdb.com)

The film THE HIMALAYAS is based on the true story of two friends, Um Hong-gil and Park Mu-taek, legendary mountain climbers from Korea. After Mu-taek dies during an expedition to Everest, Um Hong-gil decides to undertake a dangerous mission to bring his friend's body home.

This film depicts steadfastness, a sense of loss, and the value of true friendship amidst extreme nature. With stunning snowy mountain backdrops, The Himalayas emphasizes the strength of brotherly love and the spirit of perseverance.

21. QnA Recommendations for Korean Movies Based on True Stories

Q1: Who is the real character behind the movie 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 true inspiration behind the movie 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 portrays 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 movies based on true stories that KLovers can watch. Not only do they provide sad and tragic tales, but some of these recommendations also offer stories that are filled with emotion and even traumatic experiences. Follow the latest celebrity news only on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

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