As a fan of Korean cinema, it’s no secret that the country has some of the most gripping and suspenseful movies in the genre. 


From serial killers on the loose to corruption in high places, Korean thrillers pack a punch while keeping audiences glued to their seats. Here's a list of the best Korean thriller movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat.



1. Memories of Murder (2003) 


This crime thriller, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is based on the true story of South Korea’s first serial killer. Set in a small rural town in the 1980s, a local detective teams up with a big-city cop to solve a series of murders that are terrorizing the area.



2. Oldboy (2003)


Directed by the acclaimed director Park Chan-wook, Oldboy is a revenge thriller that tells the story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years without knowing why. Upon his sudden release, he sets out to uncover the truth behind his captivity and to seek revenge on those responsible.



3. The Chaser (2008)


This fast-paced thriller follows a former detective turned pimp who discovers that his girls are being kidnapped and killed by a serial killer. The clock is ticking as he tries to track down the killer before his latest victim becomes his own estranged ex-girlfriend.



4. The Handmaiden (2016)


Directed by Park Chan-wook, this critically acclaimed thriller is set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s. A con artist posing as a handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress attempts to seduce her and swindle her out of her inheritance but, as with many Korean thrillers, nothing is quite as it seems.



5. A Hard Day (2014)


This action-packed thriller follows a detective who, after covering up a hit-and-run accident, finds himself being blackmailed by the victim’s family. As if this weren’t enough, a mysterious caller threatens to expose him if he doesn’t do what he’s told.


In conclusion, as Korean cinema continues to attract worldwide attention, we can expect more and more thrilling stories to come out of the country. With a perfect mix of terror, suspense, and plot twists, the best Korean thrillers keep us guessing until the very end. 


Watch them if you dare!