"Chief Detective 1958" Observes Slight Drop in Domestic Viewership
2022 went by in a blink. It was a year when things were finally getting back to normal. The entertainment world also started recovering from the huge blows Covid gave it. Theatres were finally open, and the long-waited releases eventually saw the light of day.
But, despite being in recovery mode, 2022 has not failed to give us fantastic flicks, some even breaking records of those that came before them.
This is no exception for Korean cinema either. Apart from K-dramas, the South-Korean entertainment industry also gave the world some dynamic flicks, thereby setting the benchmark in the filmland. And here is the list that recalls some of the best Korean movies of 2022.
1. The Roundup
4 years after the Garibong district incident, Detective Ma Seok Do (Ma Dong Seok)
and Captain Jeon Il Man (Choi Gwi Hwa) set out on a new mission to catch a diabolical criminal who has been killing Koreans and numerous foreigners for money in Vietnam. But what they thought would be another typical police-criminal chase turns out to be a complicated mission as they follow the bloody trail of the vicious killer.
A sequel to "The Outlaws", "Roundup" is a dynamic action flick that doesn't shy away from brutal bone-crushing fights while also managing to invoke a giggle or two amidst the increasing tension.
Watch on Amazon Prime and Viki.
Depicting the events of the Battle of Hansando in 1592, “Hansan: The Rising Dragon” is a historical movie that tells the tale of how Korean forces fought foreign enemies under the command of beast admiral Yi Sun Sin (Park Hae Il).
If not anything else, “Hansan: The Rising Dragon” definitely deserves a watch for its epic war strategies (like building a fortress at sea) and praise-worthy special effects. Fun fact: The movie is the most-watched film in Korean cinema history.
Watch on Amazon Prime.
3. Confidential Assessment 2: International
A vicious North Korean criminal escapes from the clutches of FBI officials. On his trial are Im Cheol Ryong (Hyun Bin), Kang Jin Tae (Yoo Hae Jin), and an FBI agent Jack (Daniel Henney). The seasoned detectives from the three countries carry out a joint investigation to pursue the nefarious North Korean crime organisation leader Jang Myeong Jun (Jin Seon Kyu).
“Confidential Assignment 2: International” is a movie that has pretty much everything - from crackling comedy to well-coordinated action sequences to an intriguing plot - to leave you satisfied.
The movie is currently not streaming on OTT platforms.
4. Hunt
When top-secret intel - that puts national security at risk - is leaked, KCIA Foreign Unit Chief Park Pyong Ho (Lee Jung Jae) and Domestic Unit Chief Kim Jung Do (Jung Woo Sung) are assigned a mission to find the mole in the agency. What's the catch? If they fail to capture the spy, the suspicion of betrayal will land on them.
Concocted by compiling various real-life events, "Hunt" is an espionage thriller with gritty action and a fast-paced plot that leaves no room for boredom till the end of the movie.
Watch on Amazon Prime.
5. The Witch: Part 2. The Other One
Surviving a bloody raid and escaping a secret research laboratory, a girl flees from the clutches of evil forces who use her for their own purposes. She meets a pair of civilians who realise she is no ordinary girl. But soon, she finds deadly assassins on her tail who have no plans of sparing her and the people surrounding her.
Along with stunning cinematography and epic performances, "The Witch: Part 2. The Other One" will grip action-movie lovers with its gore, blood, and gruesome fights.
Watch on Amazon Prime.
6. The Owl
Famous for his exceptional acupuncture skills, Kyung Soo (Ryu Joon Yeol) is invited to the king's palace as an acupuncturist in recognition of his talent. Though blind during the day, he can faintly see in the dark. One night, he witnesses the Crown Prince's (Kim Sung Cheol) demise. And as he attempts to reveal the truth, he unfurls startling truths and appalling conspiracies that put his life in jeopardy.
"The Owl" is a stunning drama thriller with big reveals and a never-ending thrill that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The movie was well received in Korean theatres as it topped the box office for 3 consecutive weeks.
The movie is currently not streaming on OTT platforms.
When it comes to the attention of veteran police detective Gu In Ho (Song Kang Ho) that a terrorist attack is being planned on a flight filled with innocent passengers, he begins his investigation only to find that the threat is indeed true. Despite his best attempts, he fails to prevent the attack on the Korean flight 501 that is headed for Hawaii.
On the flight, a terrorist releases a deadly virus putting the lives of those aboard in peril. Now, those aboard and those on the ground must find a way to survive this unprecedented attack.
Theatrically released on August 3, 2022, "Emergency Declaration" is a dynamic disaster-action movie with nerve-wracking thrill, tissue-worthy scenes, and praise-worthy dramatisation. So, buckle up your seatbelts for an exciting ride and unlimited thrill.
Watch on Viki and Amazon Prime.
8. 6/45
After winning a lottery that holds the prize of 5.7 billion won, Chun Woo (Go Kyung Pyo) - a Korean military sergeant - is over the moon for the bright future that awaits him. But his ecstasy is short-lived when his lottery ticket is blown away by the wind and crosses the demarcation line, eventually landing in North Korea. There, a North Korean soldier Yong Ho (Lee Yi Kyung) discovers the ticket and claims ownership of the prize.
"6/45" is a refreshing comedy guaranteed to entertain you with lovable characters and a unique storyline - that does not delve too much into inter-Korean relations.
The movie is currently not streaming on OTT platforms.
9. Alienoid
In the Goryeo dynasty, Taoists attempt to obtain a mysterious Divine Blade coveted by many. The sword is desperately sought by dosa (Korean tao magician), Mu Reuk (Ryu Joon Yeol), and Yi An (Kim Tae Ri) - 'The Girl Who Shoots Thunder' - as well as sorcerers who go by the names Madam Black (Yeom Jung Ah) and Mr. Blue (Jo Woo Jin), and the masked Ja Jang (Kim Eui Sung).
Meanwhile, in 2022, aliens arrive on Earth, and soon a time door opens between the present-day world and the ancient Goryeo dynasty, through which chaos ensues.
"Alienoid" is a thriller flick that blends various genres, from action to sci-fi to comedy, along with a touch of romance. After the first part ended with a cliffhanger, the fans are eagerly anticipating the sequel's release.
Watch on Amazon Prime.
Choi Min Jae (Choi Woo Shik) is an upright police detective who is considered the epitome of righteousness. After being recognised for his talents and sense of duty, the police department's Internal Affairs unit recruits and tasks him to investigate Park Kang Yoon (Jo Jin Woong) secretly by joining his team.
Kang Yoon is the leader of the anti-narcotics task force and a veteran cop who believes that the end justifies the means and does not hesitate to incorporate illegal methods in catching criminals. And rumour has it that he is a corrupt cop.
Will Min Jae unearth Kang Yoon's corrupt deeds?
"The Policeman's Lineage" is a riveting classic crime flick with a fast-paced plot and unpredictable twists that increase suspense with every passing scene.
Watch on Viki and Amazon Prime.
11. Broker
Sang Hyun (Song Kang Ho) owns a laundry shop and is a volunteer at the nearby church. He and his friend Dong Soo (Kang Dong Won) - who works at the church - often steal abandoned babies dropped at the church in the baby box and find new parents for them.
But one day, So Young (IU) returns after dropping her baby and encounters Sang Hyun. She then decides to embark on the journey to find the potential parents for her baby.
"Broker" is a heart-warming Korean movie that will inspire emotions in you with the ensemble's solid performances and cleverly written script.
The movie is currently not streaming on OTT platforms.
12. Seoul Vibe
Set in 1988 at the time of the Seoul Summer Olympics, "Seoul Vibe" is a story about how an intrepid team of drivers and mechanics of Sanggye Supreme Team get involved in a slush fund investigation.
From messy car chases to remarkable action sequences to whimsically amusing comedy. "Seoul Vibe" is a perfect movie to disengage yourself from a bad day.
Watch on Netflix.
After failing to win the election for the Seoul mayor, Ju Sang Suk (Ra Mi Ran) - nicknamed 'mouth of truth' because of her inability to lie - plans a return to politics. Will she achieve what she desires? Or will her unique disposition stand in the way of her dreams?
A sequel to "Honest Candidate", "Honest Candidate 2" is a classic comedy with a dose of political drama that is deftly carried out by endearing characters.
The movie is currently not streaming on OTT platforms.
14. Ditto
During a total lunar eclipse, two university students - Kim Yong (Yeo Jin Goo) from the department of mechanical engineering and Kim Mu Nee (Jo Yi Hyun) from the department of sociology - who are separated by a time span of more than twenty years, magically communicate with each other through an antique radio. From then on, they connect every night and share their feelings about love and friendship.
A remake of the same-named movie, "Ditto" is a moving love story with a love triangle trope and splendid performances from the ensemble that will touch your heart.
The movie is currently not streaming on OTT platforms.
