Parasite fan? Here are 8 more Oscar-worthy Korean movies to watch

Those who enjoyed the duality in Parasite would enjoy something similar offered by Burning, which is adapted from a short story by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. Portrayed using the class and characteristically divided dynamic between its three central characters, the psychological thriller has even been said to convey an abstract tension unofficially compared to The Shining.

The story begins and unfolds after a chance encounter between an unprivileged and aspiring young novelist Lee Jong-su and his childhood neighbour Shin Hae-mi, and the sudden appearance of Ben, a confident and lavish man (you might recognise him as The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun).

Watch the trailer here.

Like Parasite, this film has proved to be quite a hot topic upon its release – in fact, it became the highest-grossing Korean film in Singapore, and made over S$120million in the global box office.

As the title suggests, the story world is encapsulated in a train on the way to Busan, as a zombie outbreak threatens to eliminate them all. The film features an ensemble of characters from all walks of life, as you would expect in reality. This includes a father-daugher pair, an expecting couple to a selfish corporate executive.

Whether you’re a zombie fan or not, the movie is definitely worth your time for its emotional core, on top of its gripping action. A sequel, titled Train To Busan 2: Peninsula, is set to be released in August 2020.

Watch the trailer here.

Horror movie buffs may scowl at the mention of The Uninvited (2009), but the American film is actually a remake of South Korea’s 2003 A Tale of Two Sisters. Unlike the reproduction, it has broken records in the horror genre by being the highest-grossing Korean horror film and the first to make it American theatres.

It follows a teenage girl who moves in to her family’s home after being discharged from a mental institution, with disturbing family secrets to ensue.

Watch the trailer here.

It’s in human interest to learn about the human psyche, which is why many of us love films that tease us like cats with feather toys. You can expect that from The Handmaiden, which is narrated by two characters, namely Japanese heiress Lady Hideko and pickpocket Sook-hee.

There’s much to unwrap from this psychological thriller that plays with conflicting accounts around a con operation, entwined with a beautiful historical setting and lots of steamy romance. This is the one to go for if you’d like a ride on an uneventful weekend at home.

Watch the trailer here.

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Many Hollywood blockbusters are jam-packed with action, but they’re not the only ones capable of thrilling car chases and large-scale fight scenes.

One of the best action movies that have done South Korean cinema proud is Veteran, which features a young millionaire (Yoo Ah-in) caught up in a high-profile case repeatedly slipping through the grasps of a skilled detective (Hwang Jung-min). The villain has even been praised to be so smart that you can’t help but be impressed. It’s got a bit of a Catch Me If You Can (2002) vibe with more deviousness, wealth and in general, kickass.

Watch the trailer here.

As picky about your directors as your hairstylist? Explore Bong Joon-ho’s directorial journey with his best past films, many of which have received much critical acclaim for their own unique flair. Mother would probably be a good one to steep your foot into, as it carries the same dark comedy you can find in Parasite.

Many would find the face of Kim Hye-ja familiar, who has played multiple motherly roles in multiple K-dramas. Likewise, this time she stars as the widowed mother of Do-joon, who is intellectually disabled. As he’s charged for the murder of a girl, his mother would go to great lengths to find out the truth and protect him – and at any cost.

If you’ve developed a penchant for Bong Joon-ho’s eye, this one will blow your mind with its suspenseful, moody and sometimes eerie tones.

Watch the trailer here.

Dig deep into your mind, and you will likely find faint memories of this movie over a decade ago. The Host, which received a lot of media attention after its release, shows Gang-du (played by Song Kang-ho, who was Kim Ki-taek in Parasite) trying to save his daughter after a monster emerging from the Han River takes her.

The nightmarish creature will kill many over the course of the film, all while the government places a quarantine order over those who have come into contact with the monster under the belief that it is host to a deadly virus.

The Host is also known for its ability to seamlessly weave its frightening theme with Bong Joon-ho’s signature sense of comic relief.

Watch the trailer here.

Okja only goes to show the scope of which Bong Joon-ho is capable of in his career. Released by Netflix in June 2017, the eclectic film tells the story of a girl named Mija, who owns a massive pig with her grandfather in South Korea. Upon finding out Okja will be sent to NYC for being the “best super pig”, Mija runs away and embarks on an adventure to save her.

The ensemble cast includes a diverse range of South Korean and Hollywood actors and actresses, including Ahn Seo-hyun, Choi Woo-shik (who is also in Train to Busan and Parasite), Steven Yeun and Lily Collins.

Watch the trailer here.

This article first appeared in The Singapore Women’s Weekly. 

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