Summary
- Korean horror movies stand out due to their blend of psychological horror, cultural depth, and exploration of revenge and supernatural themes.
- Actors in Korean horror must express extreme emotions and dive fully into the horror narrative, bringing haunted characters to life.
- Performances by actors like Choi Min-sik, Kwak Do-won, and Gong Yoo bring depth and intensity to their roles, enhancing the genre.
Currently, the interest that most moviegoers around the world have in Korean horror movies is undeniable. The reason behind this may lie in the special blend of psychological horror, depth, and cultural background that elevates their genre. They generally explore themes of revenge, supernatural occurrences, and insanity. These actors bring characters to life in ways that can only be described as haunting and unforgettable, featuring tortured souls consumed by revenge but also everyday people pitted against unimaginable horrors.
This genre of horror demands that actors in Korean horror express extreme emotions, often follow a complicated character development arc, and dive fully into the horror narrative. Through their roles as the relentless detective from the long-awaited I Saw the Devil remake, the desperate survivor, and the grieving father from the unreleased The Wailing remake, such actors have already been tested enough by the toughest emotions: fear, empathy, and suspense.
Related What Korean Horror Movies Do Differently (& Better) Than U.S. Releases
Korean horror films reveal more about humanity and its reaction to evil, staying away from tropes of unnecessary violence and shock value.
10 Choi Min-sik As Kyung-chul
I Saw the Devil (2010)
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The role of Kyung-chul, played by Choi Min-sik in the film I Saw the Devil, was a performance that would make one’s hair stand on end. A psychological serial killer, Choi brings alive something akin to pure evil with a phenomenal degree of precision. Intense and unnerving, it draws viewers into the mind of a sadistic killer who takes pleasure in giving pain. His acting brings finesse to the sadistic nature of the character, which makes Kyung-chul one of the most memorable villains in Korean cinema.
He had prepared for the role, according to reports, by reading various actual criminal cases and psychological profiles to portray his character’s unnerving tendencies.
That he can inspire fear and loathing as Kyung-chul in the performance is a credit to Choi Min-sik. His acting brought depth where there was just revenge fodder — upgrading the film into something more: psychological horror. Hauntingly present, even after the movie’s over, Kyung-chul is menacing, which proves no other actor is quite like Choi Min-sik.
I Saw the Devil RThrillerHorror Where to Watch
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I Saw The Devil is a South Korean thriller directed by Kim Jee-woon. The narrative follows a secret agent who embarks on a relentless and personal quest for vengeance after his fiancée is brutally murdered by a psychopathic serial killer. The film stars Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik, and is renowned for its intense and gritty portrayal of the cat-and-mouse game between the two central characters.
Director Kim Jee-woon Release Date August 12, 2010 Studio(s) Softbank Ventures , Peppermint&company , Siz Entertainment , Finecut , Michigan Venture Capital , CJ Entertainment , Showbox Writers Park Hoon-jung , Kim Jee-woon Cast Lee Byung-hun , Choi Min-sik , Jeon Kuk-hwan , Cheon Ho-jin , Oh San-ha Main Genre Thriller Expand
9 Kwak Do-won As Jong-goo
The Wailing (2016)
In The Wailing, Kwak Do-won turns in an unforgettable performance as Jong-goo, a bumbling police officer turned desperate father. Heart-wrenching moments are in the transformation of Jong-goo from a skeptical police officer to a man ready to do anything to save his daughter, as the village he resides in is gripped by a mysterious epidemic. He has grasped the character’sfear, confusion, and determination so sincerely that one cannot help feeling his angst.
Kwak Do-won’s portrayal of Jong-goo serves as a master class in acting out a myriad of emotions. His character portrays desperation, and finally, his decision to fight the threat of the supernatural gives this film its emotional core and the twists The Wailing is known for. The range of Kwak to move from comic relief to a figure of tragic heroism is one of the greatest strengths of the movie, which makes Jong-goo’s journey compelling and poignant.
The Wailing Where to Watch
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The arrival of a mysterious stranger in a quiet village coincides with a wave of vicious murders, causing panic and distrust among the residents. While investigating the suspect, a policeman realizes that his daughter may have been a victim of the attack.
Director Na Hong-jin Release Date June 3, 2016 Cast Jun Kunimura , Hwang Jung-min , Kwak Do-won Runtime 2h 36m
8 Gong Yoo As Seok-woo
Train to Busan (2016)
In the film Train to Busan, Gong Yoo as Seok-woo offers an exciting and touching performance: a workaholic dad attempting to make amends with his daughter on a train when a zombie outbreak occurs. He gave character depth to this workaholic father, from selfish to unselfish, in this work. His performance anchored the film, thus making the journey of Seok-woo, one of redemption and sacrifice, incredibly moving.
From being an aloof, distracted father to a hero who will go all out for his daughter, the character arc of Seok-woo himself has changed — a metamorphosis. This subtlety act by Gong Yoo added more depth to a horror movie about fatherhood. He proves his worth as an actor in this role, bringing humanness and intensity into the performance.
Train to Busan tHorrorAction Where to Watch
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Directed by Yeon Sang-ho and starring Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, Kim Su-an, Ahn So-hee, Choi Woo-shik, and Kim Eui-sung, the 2016 South Korean zombie movie Train To Busan revolves around a father’s quest to protect his daughter aboard a high-speed train filled with zombies. Its success launched a franchise composed of the animated prequel movie Seoul Station, the heist-themed sequel Peninsula, and the English-language adaptation The Last Train to New York.
Director Yeon Sang-ho Release Date July 1, 2016 Writers Yeon Sang-ho Cast Gong Yoo Runtime 118minutes
7 Bae Doona As Seo-hee
The Host (2006)
In the movie The Host, Bae Doona confirms her acting prowess in the role of Seo-hee, an expert archer who gets caught up in a monster attack and faces a really brave and resilient performance. She captures the bravery of Seo-hee in the face of unimaginable danger. This sheds a compelling light on the storyline of the film.
Seo-hee’s character shows not only physical but also mental strength. It is the way Bae Doona conveys these two facets credibly that makes her performance outstanding. The determination with which she wants to save her family at all costs forms a strand in the plot of the film, and Bae does this in a manner where it would strike the right chords in an audience member’s heart.
The Host (2006) RDramaHorrorSci-Fi
The Host is a South Korean monster film directed by Bong Joon-ho. Released in 2006, the film centers on a family’s quest to rescue their daughter from a creature that emerges from the Han River. Notable for its blend of horror, drama, and dark humor, the movie stars Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, and Go Ah-sung.
Director Bong Joon-ho Release Date July 27, 2006 Writers Bong Joon-ho , Ha Joon-won , Baek Chul-hyun Cast Song Kang-ho , Byun Hee-bong , Park Hae-il , Bae Doona , Go Ah-sung Runtime 119 Minutes
Related How A Korean Horror Movie Tried To Copy The Shining (& Failed)
Shudder’s latest Korean horror movie Lingering took influence from Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, but its efforts ultimately paled in comparison.
6 Ha Jung-woo As Hyun-soo
The Terror Live (2013)
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Ha Jung-woo’s performance in The Terror Live is a tight-wire tension act. As Hyun-soo, a disgraced news anchor who is allowed to redeem himself when he receives a live call from a terrorist, Ha infuses the role with intensity and urgency. His portrayal of his inner mental and emotional turmoil keeps audiences at the edge of their seats throughout the live transmission.
Almost the entire movie was shot in real time. Ha Jung-woo thus had to sustain his intensity for a very long period while filming.
The real-time format of the film put a lot of pressure on the lead actor, but Ha Jung-woo was up for it. It is amazing how he maintains this intensity right until the movie’s end, making the plight of Hyun-soo riveting and credible. Indeed, Ha’s performance was the real key to making this film work, having turned what might seem at first glance like a restricted setting into an absorbing thriller.
5 Kim Yoon-seok As Jung-ho
The Chaser (2008)
Kim Yoon-seok’s performance as Jung-ho in The Chaser is powerful. He plays a former, disgraced detective turned pimp who becomes quite the man on a mission when he learns that one of his girls has gone missing. His portrayal brought out a sense of grit and intensity in the relentless pursuit of finding the killer by Jung-ho.
Jung-ho is morally ambiguous, and Kim Yoon-seok, playing the role of the investigator, navigates subtle lines between his quest for justice and his inner persona. He evoked raw and trenchant realism that found the audience in his corner despite his flaws. Added to all this, the high octane levels in chase scenes and moments of vulnerability show Kim’s great range as an actor.
The Chaser (2008)
The Chaser is a South Korean crime thriller directed by Na Hong-jin. The film follows a disgraced ex-detective turned pimp who embarks on a desperate search after several of his prostitutes go missing. His investigation leads to a dangerous confrontation with a sadistic serial killer. Featuring Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jung-woo in lead roles, The Chaser has been noted for its gripping narrative and intense performances.
Director Na Hong-jin Release Date September 20, 2008 Writers Na Hong-jin , Shinho Lee , Hong Won-chan Cast Kim Yoon-seok , Ha Jung-woo , Seo Young-hee , Kim You-jung , Jeong In-gi , Park Hyo-ju , Jo Deok-jae , Choi Jung-woo
4 Park Hae-il As Nam-il
Memories of Murder (2003)
In the film Memories of Murder, Park Hae-il makes a strong impression as Nam-il. The actor brings into the film a young detective who is to be faced with his very first serious case: a serial killer. It captures the development of his character from inexperienced and frustrated to determined and resilient. His performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of human fallibility and justice.
In such a scenario, Nam-il’s character arc becomes pivotal for the story. Subtle shades in the performance by Park Hae-il ensure that all aspects of his journey are brought credibly to the forefront. Frustration, determination, and eventually, the disillusionment of Nam-il is done so subtly that it makes the story of this character relatable and impactful. He stands out in a film full of memorable roles.
Memories of Murder Not RatedCrimeDramaMysteryThriller Where to Watch
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Memories of Murder is a South Korean crime drama directed by Bong Joon-ho. Set in the 1980s, the film follows two detectives as they attempt to solve a series of brutal murders in a rural town. With performances by Song Kang-ho and Kim Sang-kyung, the film explores themes of desperation and inefficiency within the justice system as the detectives struggle against mounting pressure and their own limitations.
Director Bong Joon Ho Release Date May 2, 2003 Writers Bong Joon Ho , Kwang-rim Kim , Sung-bo Shim Cast Kang-ho Song , Sang-kyung Kim , Roe-ha Kim , Jae-ho Song , Hie-bong Byeon , Seo-hie Ko Runtime 132 Minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
3 Kim Ok-bin As Tae-ju
Thirst (2009)
Kim Ok-bin is astonishing as Tae-ju in Thirst. As the wife of a sickly man who has become a vampire, Kim explores a woman deeply torn between her newfound power and moral conflict. That performance was sensual and haunting, securing Tae-ju’s place as one of the most unforgettable creations in Korean horror movies.
Kim Ok-bin trained her body rigorously for the role, even learning martial arts to do stuntperson work herself.
The main merit of the film belongs to Kim Ok-bin, who shapesTae-ju’s evolution froma meek homemaker into a formidable, morally ambiguous character in a deep way. She can express the interior struggle of the character and finally give in to her dark side, which makes the movie interesting. Provocative and thought-provoking, Kim’s performance makes Thirst one of the most remarkable representatives of the vampire genre.
Thirst RDramaFantasyHorror Director Park Chan-wook Release Date April 30, 2009 Writers Émile Zola , Park Chan-wook , Chung Seo-kyung Cast Song Kang-ho , Kim Ok-bin , Kim Hae-sook , Shin Ha-kyun Runtime 134 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
2 Lee Byung-hun As Sun-woo
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
The performance that Lee Byung-hun gave as Sun-woo in A Bittersweet Life is a real tour de force. As an enforcer who has been appointed to display “tough love” but does so with a questioning attitude toward life choices, Lee Sunderbac infuses his character with a nuanced portrait of a man in search of merit, which stands as redemption. The ability to express both the physical strength and the emotional fragility of Sun-woo makes his journey both riveting and tragic.
Thus, in the film, we have a narrative focused on the inner turmoil of Sun-woo and the subsequent quest for redemption. Lee Byung-hun makes sure we feel each moment of that journey. He makes his performance intense yet subtle enough to balance it out, so he assumes the character very powerfully yet so relatable. The role of Lee in A Bittersweet Life proved to be a guarantee of his versatility in acting.
A Bittersweet Life (2005) CrimeActionDrama
A Bittersweet Life is a South Korean action crime drama directed by Kim Jee-woon. The film follows Sun-woo, an enforcer played by Lee Byung-hun, who faces dire consequences after defying the orders of his boss in the criminal underworld. Set against a backdrop of betrayal and violence, the story delves into themes of loyalty, revenge, and the complexities of moral choices.
Director Kim Jee-woon Release Date April 1, 2005 Writers Kim Jee-woon Cast Lee Byung-hun , Kim Yeong-cheol , Shin Min-a , Kim Roi-ha , Hwang Jung-min , Lee Ki-young , Oh Dal-su , Kim Hae-gon Runtime 120 Minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
1 Kim Hye-soo As Hye-jung
The Thieves (2012)
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The performance of Kim Hye-soo as Hye-jung was way out among the other prominent characters in The Thieves. For a talented, ruthless thief, Kim gave the much-needed charm and character depth. Her rendition of Hye-jung as intelligent and full of resources makes the heist movie thrilling; she becomes highly memorable and interactive.
Kim Hye-soo did most of the difficult stunts, which involved wire work, by herself so that her role as a master thief seemed more plausible.
Hye-jung’s character is like the binding force of the group, and Kim Hye-soo makes that very believable and engaging. She maneuvers quite well as the character reveals the strategic thinking and emotional depths of her persona, adding depth to the film. Kim’s characterization of Hye-jung in The Thieves is one of the standouts of the work, showing her talent and versatility.
The Thieves ActionCrime Where to Watch
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*Availability in US Director Dong-hun Choi Release Date July 25, 2012 Cast Gianna Jun , Hae-suk Kim , Hye-su Kim , Soo Hyun Kim , Yun-seok Kim , Angelica Lee Runtime 136 minutes Main Genre Action