From Heartwarming to Thrilling, Here are 8 Recommended Korean Prison Films and Dramas - Infused with Meaningful Life Lessons

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Silma Salsabilla

In the entertainment world, Korean film and drama industry has packaged stories about life in prison several times. From prisoners to guards, prison always brings its own unique colors. The other side of prison life can also be seen through the portrayal in dramas and films.

Various genres in Korean films and dramas are able to depict prison life in various ways. From terrifying conflicts to heartwarming stories with a touch of tears, prison films and dramas are surely infused with meaningful life lessons.

Here are some recommended Korean prison films and dramas for you, KLovers. They are full of meaningful lessons!

1. 2037

2037 / Photo Credit: IMDb

The Korean movie 2037 tells the story of a rape victim girl who ends up behind bars, KLovers. The story begins when Yoon Young (Hong Ye Ji) is raped by a man who is her mother's boss at her workplace. 

Yoon Young's hatred and disgust combine, and she attacks her rapist after he threatens to do the same to Yoon Young's mother. The rapist dies on the spot, but Yoon Young is dragged to jail for the murder she committed.

Her life becomes very gloomy. Her dreams seem to fade instantly. Moreover, she has to leave her mother alone. Yoon Young, who used to be cheerful, becomes a quiet person. However, she becomes friends with five people in prison. You can watch Yoon Young's new life behind bars through the Viki channel. It will make you cry a lot!

2. THE PRISON

THE PRISON / Credit Foto: IMDb

Another prison movie is THE PRISON, KLovers. This movie tells the story of a former detective named Song Yoo Gun (Kim Rae Won) who becomes a prisoner on charges of corruption, destruction of evidence while on duty, and hit-and-run. In prison, he becomes an explosive figure and attacks other inmates.

He then gets involved with a prisoner who has a lot of influence in the prison. Jug Ik Ho invites Song Yoo Gun to join his syndicate, which carries out other criminal activities. Song Yoo Gun accepts the invitation, but he has other intentions to uncover the truth about a case that happened to his family by seeking Jug Ik Ho's help. You can watch it on VIU or Netflix.

3. THE MERCILESS

THE MERCILESS / Credit Foto: IMDb

THE MERCILESS is one of the recommended Korean prison movies that you must watch, KLovers. This film tells the story of a leader of prisoners who has full power over other inmates named Jae Ho, with a police officer who is forced to disguise himself as a prisoner named Hyun Soo to catch a mafia boss. This mafia boss is Jae Ho's boss who is still roaming around in the outside world.

While disguised as a prisoner, Hyun Soo tries to make a friendship bond with Jae Ho. Slowly but surely, the friendship becomes genuine. So, what happens next? Does Hyun Soo continue to take advantage of Jae Ho? You can watch it on Netflix, KLovers!

4. MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7

MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 / Credit Foto: IMDb

The movie MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 is one of the most popular Korean films, even remade in other countries, KLovers. This tearjerker film tells the story of a father and son's life, with the father suffering from Down syndrome.

One day, the father was accused of violence against another child and was eventually imprisoned. However, this was just a misunderstanding. Ye Sung (Kal So Won), who lived alone, then sneaked into the prison to meet his father. The struggles of other inmates helped Ye Sung meet his father. They lived together in prison.

Unfortunately, the trial results pinned Ye Sung's father as the perpetrator and no longer a suspect. So, what happens next in the story of this father and son? You can watch this story of ups and downs in prison on NETFLIX, KLovers.

5. BIG MOUTH

BIG MOUTH / Credit Foto: IMDb

There are also many Korean dramas that tell stories about prisons, KLovers. The drama BIG MOUTH tells the story of a lawyer who is framed by an unknown person to enter prison. Then, the lawyer named Park Chang Ho (Lee Jong Suk) is accused of being Big Mouth, a notorious criminal who has been sought after in Korea.

Initially, he refused the accusation. However, Kang Ho realized that his status as Big Mouth could make him the most feared person in prison. Life in prison became more tense when several people were mysteriously killed. On the other hand, some exemplary inmates suddenly fell ill.

Until one day, the real Big Mouth emerged. However, this did not make the situation better. Instead, the situation became more intense. Moreover, Kang Ho's wife outside the prison always searched for evidence of the truth, until she finally got into a serious problem. You can watch the Korean drama BIG MOUTH through Disney+ Hotstar.

6. ONE ORDINARY DAY

ONE ORDINARY DAY / Credit Foto: IMDb

The Korean drama ONE ORDINARY DAY tells the story of a college student who is accused of murder, KLovers. Kim Hyun Soo (Kim Soo Hyun) is constantly pressured by a prosecutor who insists on making him a suspect. Even, no lawyer wants to be on Kim Hyun Soo's side. Except for Shin Jong Ha, a third-class lawyer who almost failed the lawyer exam.

Nevertheless, Shin Jong Ha and Kim Hyun Soo continue to strive for justice. Then, how is Kim Hyun Soo's life in prison? Did he manage to get justice? You can watch this drama in full on VIU, KLovers.

7. DOCTOR PRISONER

DOCTOR PRISONER / Credit Foto: IMDb

DOCTOR PRISONER is one of the recommended K-dramas about prison, KLovers. This drama tells the story of a surgeon who is accused of malpractice in an accident. His career is ruined and he is fired.

However, he eventually works as a doctor in prison with a hidden intention. He wants to gather strong connections while working in prison to take revenge on those involved in his previous false accusation. You can watch this drama through the VIU streaming channel, KLovers. 

8. PRISON PLAYBOOK

PRISON PLAYBOOK / Credit Foto: IMDb

The K-drama PRISON PLAYBOOK is also recommended, KLovers. PRISON PLAYBOOK tells the story of life in prison with prisoners and guards as important characters in the story. This prison comedy drama begins with a baseball athlete who is imprisoned for trying to protect his younger brother from sexual harassment.

In prison, he is in the same place as various other inmates who have unique characters. His interactions with other inmates and guards are very entertaining. You can learn about crime and wisdom in this drama. You can watch it on the VIU and Disney+ Hotstar channels, KLovers.

(kpl/slm)