K-Drama Flashback: Five Films of the Famous Five

In the past two decades, a diverse array of Korean actors have starred in successful Korean movies that have won praise and recognition for their disruptive innovations, exceptional portrayals of characters, high production values and superior filmmaking. This is a result of how popular Korean movies are becoming globally. The following listicle recaps five such movies that feature some of the leading actors in Korean cinema.

Gong Yoo in Silenced (2011)

The Crucible by Gong Ji-young was the inspiration for Hwang Dong-hyuk’s film Silenced, which relates the story of the tragic events at the Gwangju Inhwa School for the Deaf in the early 2000s wherein staff members routinely molested pupils with hearing disabilities. Gong Yoo portrays Kang In-ho, a newly hired art teacher who pledges to defend the children’s rights and bring attention to the misconduct occurring at the school. According to a Yonhap News article, the movie raised awareness about lenient court rulings and subsequently compelled lawmakers to pass legislation safeguarding the rights of more disadvantaged individuals. As a result, the government decided to reopen the case.

So Ji-sub in Always (2011)

While So Ji-sub’s portrayal admirably mines emotions in the melodramatic film Always, he also looks incredibly hot with a perfectly chiseled physique. The plot revolves around the romance between a lonesome, reclusive former boxer (So as Cheol-min) who now works as a parking lot attendant and a beautiful telemarketer (Han Hyo-joo as Ha Jung-hwa), who, though steadily losing her sight, never loses hope. Just as their romance is taking off and the man’s wounds from a terrible past are beginning to heal, an unexpected occurrence forces them apart. Always, directed by Song Il-gon, is an awesome representation of unconditional love and has received multiple honors and glowing reviews.

Song Joong-ki in A Werewolf Boy (2012)

Featuring one of Song Joong-ki‘s best performances to date, A Werewolf Boy is a heart-rending achievement with a humane story skilfully handled by filmmaker Jo Sung-hee. In order to ensure her well-being, a pretty young girl (Park Bo-young) is brought to a rural estate, where she befriends and tries to tame a feral boy (Song Joong-ki) she finds there. However, the beast inside of him is constantly on the brink of erupting, and the girl soon learns that he is no ordinary boy. This is a tender and enthralling love story between the two, highlighting how unwavering love is patient, compassionate and giving, while also addressing untainted love in the middle of conspiracies.

Kim Soo-hyun in Secretly Greatly (2013)

With the release of this film, Kim Soo-hyun – the hero of Secretly Greatly – topped the charts by starring as Lieutenant Won Ryu-hwan, disguised as the simpleton fool Bang Dong-gu. He is, in fact, a top-tier North Korean sleeper agent who is ambitious, bilingual and remarkably good at reading people. It’s a part that helped Kim gain public prominence and win significant awards. He received the Best New Actor (Film) Award for the part at both the 50th Grand Bell Awards and the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. As for the film itself, it became a global success, setting a precedent for director Jang Seol-soo’s adept approach to action-comedy-drama.

Lee Min-ho in Gangnam Blues (2015)

This movie opens in the 1970s, a time of socio-political unrest and violence, while the Gangnam area experienced a real estate boom. When they become implicated in a scheme and tensions rise among governmental agencies and organized criminals, the bond between two close friends is called into question. Gangnam Blues, an impressively conceived and extensively shot Korean production, garnered a significant amount of praise from a wide range of critics.

Apparently, Lee Min-ho‘s breakthrough performance in the TV series Boys Over Flowers was a little too cheesy and hackneyed for director Yoo Ha to want to cast him in the lead role initially. He also thought Lee was too attractive. However, after being persuaded by his wife, Yoo concluded that the actor, who had a “flower boy” image before evolving into a junk dealer, may have a massive effect. That’s exactly what happened with the release of Gangnam Blues.