Korean Movies 2024 continued to push boundaries, offering audiences a mix of thrilling blockbusters, emotional dramas, and bold new stories that captured attention both at home and abroad.
The year 2024 proved to be another landmark moment for Korean cinema. With films ranging from high-stakes thrillers to deeply human dramas, Korean Movies 2024 showcased the industry’s remarkable versatility.
Directors experimented with fresh narratives, while established stars delivered unforgettable performances that resonated with audiences worldwide. In case you missed it, here are the top five Korean movies of 2024 that you should watch.
5. ‘Hijack 1971’ – A High-Stakes Flight into History
Among the standout Korean movies 2024, “Hijack 1971” recreates a tense chapter in aviation history. The story follows Tae In (Ha Jung Woo), a former Air Force pilot who now works as a commercial co-pilot.
When his plane is seized midair by Yong Dae, a desperate young man carrying deep scars from his past, Tae In must find a way to protect the passengers while navigating the hijacker’s demands.
The film doesn’t just deliver pulse-pounding suspense; it also digs into themes of discrimination, political division, and desperation in post-war Korea. With powerful performances and gripping realism, “Hijack 1971” stands out as one of the most intense thrillers in Korean cinema in 2024, blending action with human drama that lingers long after the credits roll.
4. ‘I, the Executioner’ – Relentless Pursuit of Justice
A sequel to the smash hit “Veteran” (2015), “I, the Executioner” elevated the action-crime genre in Korean movies in 2024. This time, rookie detective Park Sun Woo (Jung Hae In) joins forces with the seasoned Seo Do Cheol (Hwang Jung Min) to hunt down a brutal serial killer terrorizing the nation.
As the investigation unfolds, the killer taunts authorities by releasing videos that reveal the next victims, sending shockwaves across the country. The film’s strength lies not only in its adrenaline-fueled action but also in its layered storytelling, showing the personal and professional toll of law enforcement.
With gritty performances, high-stakes suspense, and a socially resonant narrative, “I, the Executioner” cemented its place as one of the must-watch Korean movies 2024 for fans of crime thrillers.
3. ‘Harbin’ – A Heroic Tale of Resistance
In the historical epic “Harbin,” Korean movies 2024 revisited the story of independence activist An Jung-geun, brought to life by superstar Hyun Bin. Set in 1909, the film dramatizes his mission to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, a key figure in Japan’s colonial control over Korea.
Blending rich cinematography with thrilling action sequences, “Harbin” not only entertains but also educates audiences about one of Korea’s most revered figures.
The film captures both the courage and the sacrifice behind An’s mission, while also sparking comparisons to earlier works like “Hero” (2022). For viewers seeking both action and historical resonance, “Harbin” stands tall as one of the defining Korean movies 2024.
2. ‘The Roundup: Punishment’ – Action, Humor, and Box Office Glory
The unstoppable Ma Dong-seok returned to dominate screens in “The Roundup: Punishment,” the fourth installment of the franchise. It was one of the highest-grossing Korean movies of 2024. This chapter follows Detective Ma Seok-do as he investigates a web of online gambling and money laundering tied to Korean gangs operating in the Philippines.
Fans of the series were not disappointed. The movie delivered the hard-hitting fight scenes, comedic banter, and larger-than-life action that have become its trademark.
Its global box office success, pulling in over $83 million, proved the franchise’s continued appeal. For audiences craving a mix of laughs and bone-crunching action, “The Roundup: Punishment” is a must-watch in Korean movies of 2024.
1. ‘Exhuma’ – Horror, Tradition, and Unforgettable Chills
Claiming the top spot among Korean movies 2024, “Exhuma” mesmerized audiences with its chilling blend of supernatural horror and cultural tradition. The story follows a group of shamans, who are hired to lift a deadly ancestral curse afflicting a wealthy Korean American family.
What makes “Exhuma” exceptional is its immersive atmosphere, steeped in eerie rituals, unsettling visuals, and authentic depictions of Korean shamanism. Without revealing its most shocking twists, the film also incorporates thoughtful commentary on colonial history, enriching its scares with cultural depth.
With critical acclaim at international festivals like Berlinale and box office dominance at home, “Exhuma” not only terrified audiences but also cemented its legacy as the most successful Korean movie of 2024.
