8 Korean Dramas and Films That Raise Social Issues with Epic and Meaningful Themes

Korean Drama

kapanlagi 1 day ago

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South Korea is not only known for its glamorous entertainment industry and captivating romance stories. The Ginseng country consistently presents quality works that highlight social issues through Korean dramas and films that address social issues very beautifully.

Amid the dominance of the Korean Wave, which is synonymous with love stories and light comedies, some South Korean directors and screenwriters dare to take a different approach. They create works that raise audience awareness about social realities that are often overlooked and too good to miss.

Let's take a look at recommendations for Korean dramas and films that address social issues that KLovers can watch. Come on, let's check it out KLovers!

MOVE TO HEAVEN (2021). Starring Tang Jun-sang, Lee Je-hoon, and Hong Seung-hee. It tells the story of Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger's syndrome who works with his uncle as a trauma cleaner. They clean the homes of deceased individuals and deliver the belongings to their families. Each episode reveals profound stories about life and death, while highlighting issues of loneliness and social stigma. For those who want to watch, it is available on the Netflix streaming app.

SKY CASTLE (2018) Starring Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, and Yoon Se-ah. It tells the story of the rivalry among four wealthy families in the elite Sky Castle complex who are obsessed with getting their children into the best university medical schools. This drama reveals the dark side of the Korean education system and the psychological impact on children from their parents' excessive ambitions. For those who want to watch, it is available on the Netflix, iQIYI, VIU, WeTV streaming apps.

MISAENG (2014) Starring Im Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, and Kang So-ra. It follows the journey of Jang Geu-rae, a former professional Go player who struggles to adapt as an intern at a large company. This drama depicts the harsh realities of the Korean work environment, a rigid hierarchical system, and the struggles of young people searching for identity. For those who want to watch, it is available on the streaming apps Netflix and iQIYI.

IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY (2020) Starring Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, and Oh Jung-se. It tells the story of the relationship between a psychiatric nurse and an antisocial children's book author. They help each other heal from past traumas while exploring themes of mental health and self-acceptance. For those who want to watch, it is available on the streaming app Netflix.

PARASITE (2019) Starring Song Kang-ho, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam. This film tells the story of the poor Ki-taek family who cunningly infiltrates the life of the wealthy Park family. Through a shocking plot, the film critiques social inequality and class exploitation in modern society. For those who want to watch, you can do so through the streaming apps Netflix and iQIYI.

SILENCED (2011) Starring Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, and Kim Hyun-soo. Based on a true story, this film reveals a case of abuse at a school for the deaf in Gwangju. A new teacher struggles to uncover the truth and fight against a corrupt system, showing the institutional failure to protect the vulnerable. For those who want to watch, you can do so through the streaming apps Netflix and iQIYI.

CART (2014) Starring Yeom Jung-ah, Moon Jung-hee, and Kim Young-ae. It tells the story of contract supermarket employees, mostly women, fighting against unilateral layoffs. This film depicts the solidarity of female workers and critiques the exploitation of contract labor. For those who want to watch, you can do so through the streaming app Vidio.

HOPE (2013) stars Sol Kyung-gu, Uhm Ji-won, and Lee Re. This film tells the story of a family's struggle to recover from the trauma of their daughter, who became a victim of sexual violence. It sensitively portrays the recovery process and critiques the legal system that is not supportive of victims. For those who want to watch, you can do so through the Netflix streaming app. Those are some Korean dramas and films that address social issues that KLovers can watch. There are still many more recommendations for Korean dramas and films that KLovers can discover by reading articles on kapanlagi.com. Because, if not now, when?