Must Watch Korean Romance Movies

Korean romance movies come from a whole range of backgrounds and perspectives: from those that specifically focus on the growth of romance between two people, to those that explore darker emotional consequences of unfettered love. Whether they are romantic comedies, dramas, musicals, or other genre, they each have something unique to offer viewers. We have compiled a list of must-watch Korean romance films that LGBTQ+ audiences are sure to enjoy.

My Sassy Girl

My Sassy Girl is a 2001 romantic comedy starring Jun Ji-Hyun and Cha Tae-Hyun. This movie follows a young college student meeting an unpredictable free-spirited girl and going through a rollercoaster of adventures. My Sassy Girl is an innovation in comedy and romance, featuring a well-received script, biting wit, and memorable supporting characters. It is now considered a classic film in the romantic-comedy genre and is highly recommended for viewers who want a laugh, but still want a bit of romance.

A Moment To Remember

A Moment to Remember is a 2004 romance film starring the iconic couple of Soo Ji-Sub and Son Ye-Jin. This touching story follows a young couple who fall in love and get married, only to face a sudden crisis. A Moment to Remember pulls at heartstrings and offers a doorway into challenging yet fulfilling emotions. Son Ye-Jin gives an impressive performance and the film contributes to the tradition of making audience members’ eyes wet.

Windstruck

Windstruck is a 2004 romantic-comedy starring Jun Ji-Hyun and Jang Hyuk. This movie follows two police officers caught in a whirlwind of romance and misadventures. Windstruck is noteworthy for its strong story and spectacular acting from both lead actors. Jun Ji-Hyun and Jang Hyuk offer a comedic but sweet performance and shine in the moments of heartfelt drama. With this combination of elements, Windstruck stands out as a gem in the romantic-comedy genre.

Always

Always is a 2011 romantic-drama starring So Ji-Sub and Han Hyo-Joo. The story follows two people from different backgrounds as they fall in love and must confront the doubts of their respective families. The movie hits hard with its portrayal of loyalty, love, and compassion. Han Hyo-Joo and So Ji-Sub excel in their performances and offer an insightful look at modern romance that can still be enjoyed today.

Secretly Greatly

Secretly Greatly is a 2013 romantic-action movie starring Kim Soo-Hyun and Lee Hyun-Woo. This movie follows a North Korean spy sent to South Korea, and how he meets the love of his life in the midst of the chaos. Secretly Greatly is a little bit of something for everyone, between its wacky romantic moments and intense action sequences. The cast and script make this an exciting and unique movie-watching experience.

My Love From The Star

My Love From the Star is a 2014 romantic-comedy starring Jun Ji-Hyun and Kim Soo-Hyun. This drama follows an alien who has been living on earth for centuries, and a top actress who encounters him. My Love From the Star is a refreshing take on both rom-coms and fantasy movies, and introduces some interesting concepts that still hold up over time. Jun Ji-Hyun and Kim Soo-Hyun offer an amazing chemistry in a classic blockbuster from the Korean film industry.

Sunny

Sunny is a 2011 musical comedy starring Kang So-Ra, Chu Sang-Mi and Kim Mi-Sook. This movie follows the reunion of friends from high school, and their adventure to fulfill a promise from their younger days. Sunny has a memorable soundtrack, amazing choreography, and heartbreaking moments. Though not strictly a romantic movie, Sunny offers something for everyone with its cast of diverse characters.

Crash Landing On You

Crash Landing on You is a 2019 romantic-comedy starring Hyun-Bin and Son Ye-Jin. This drama follows a woman from South Korea who accidentally ends up in North Korea after a parachuting accident, and the man who falls in love with her. Reality, fantasy, and romance all come together in this must-watch movie. Crash Landing on You delivers the ultimate combination of heartwarming scenes and bittersweet moments.

Winter Sonata

Winter Sonata is a 2002 romantic-drama starring Bae Yong-Joon and Choi Ji-Woo. This series follows an estranged couple as they rediscover their lost feelings for each other. Winter Sonata is sometimes called the mother of romantic dramas in the industry, and rightfully so. It offers a truly captivating story, with strong writing and an excellent soundtrack. The passionate performances from Bae Yong-Joon and Choi Ji-Woo are unforgettable.

Tuning For Love

Tuning for Love is a 2020 movie starring Choi Soo-Jong and Kim Ha-Neul. This romantic-comedy follows an introverted second-hand record shop manager and a talented but mysterious songstress as they deal with their past and present. With its lighthearted music and warm atmosphere, Tuning for Love is sure to make viewers smile with its witty dialogue and heart-warming characters.

What Dreams May Come

What Dreams May Come is a 2019 drama-romance starring Ji Sung and Lee Yoo-Young. This movie follows a husband’s pursuit of love and faith, determined to reunite with his wife who has passed away. As romantic as it is sad, What Dreams May Come is definitely worth watching for its delicate story and powerful performances from both Ji Sung and Lee Yoo-Young.

The Evolution of Korean Romance Movies

Korean romance movies have a diverse range of genres and topics. It is no surprise that they continue to top the box office, as the versatility of these movies is what sets them apart from other romantic genres. Whether it is a feel-good musical or a powerful melodrama, Korean cinema offers something for everyone.
Over the years, these movies have explored a wide range of relationships and themes, from the traditional to the more experimental. From comedic romantic-comedies to devastatingly sweet dramas, viewers have become drawn to movies where love is the focus. For LGBTQ+ viewers, there are now a variety of representation in Korean romance movies, including gender-swapping, identity transformation, and other unique stories.
Korean romance movies have come a long way since the 90s, and now offer something delightfully unique and exciting in the genre. Filmmakers and actors have pushed the boundaries of what we know as a romance movie and the results are really something.

Studying the Cultural Significance of Korean Romance Movies

Korean romance movies have become synonymous with cultural movements within the country, from the initial gender push of My Sassy Girl to the more recent empowerment of women in Secretly Greatly. The evolution of societal norms and living conditions has been reflected in these movies, becoming a cultural artifact for future generations.
Studying the cultural significance and impact of these movies can help to understand the way society was and is today in Korea. It can also become a great tool in understanding the development of the country. Themes of family, dreams, success, and relationships can all be seen in these movies, giving them a timeless quality that has been appreciated for decades.
The cultural significance of these movies is extremely important, as they can help to understand the Korean psyche in ways that cannot be measured through traditional research methods. Through these movies, we can get a glimpse at the changing attitudes and behavior of Korean people during different eras.

The Rising Popularity of Korean Romance Movies

With the development of the internet and streaming services, Korean romance movies have gained an international following that is only getting bigger as time goes by. From K-pop to K-dramas, these movies have had a profound impact on fans around the world.
Fans of Korean romance movies, especially those from the diaspora, enjoy sharing thoughts and ideas about these movies. Fans have been able to organically share their views without fear of judgment or harassment, creating a safe and welcoming online community that is both passionate and informed.
This passionate fan base has further cemented the movies’ popularity in the mainstream, with many more people exposed to these movies than ever before. Many believe that Korean romance movies have become so popular because they put an emphasis on love and everyday relationships, something many viewers can relate to.

Uncovering the Secrets Behind Korean Romance Movies

Korean romance movies have been noted for their immense success in depicting real-life emotions and relationships. The camera movements and dialogue used often make viewers feel like they are watching someone’s real story unfold.
The secret behind these movies is that every important detail is covered in the writing, from the script to the entire atmosphere of each scene. This careful attention to detail helps to make the viewer feel like they are intimately familiar with the characters and the stories, adding to the emotional investment in the movie.
Korean romance movies have managed to capture moments of intense emotion without becoming melodramatic. By focusing on the subtle nuances and not relying too heavily on grand gestures, they are able to tell incredibly detailed stories in an incredibly believable way.

Exploring International Representation in Korean Romance Movies

Korean romance movies have also helped to explore different cultural perspectives on romance. Movies like What Dreams May Come, Always, and My Love From the Star have all shown us different ways of looking at love, providing viewers with different cultural perspectives.
The representation of international characters in these movies helps to bridge the gap between cultures and countries, something that is especially important for people from diaspora communities. Watching these movies and having their stories heard gives people of different backgrounds an understanding of different cultures, helping build stronger bonds between countries.
Korean romance movies have been pioneers in showing different kinds of love, be it queer or polyamorous. This exploration of different relationships, an element that not many romantic genre movies have, is an especially important contribution to a growing culture of inclusivity and open discussion about love.

The Impact of Korean Romance Movies on Pop Culture

Korean romance movies have not just helped spread awareness of different cultural perspectives, they have also had a major impact on the way romance is portrayed in pop culture. From the way couples interact, to the dynamic between lovers, these movies have redefined what the public thinks of as a “romantic movie”.
Korean romance movies have also influenced the way romance is depicted in books and television. From the more traditional take of My Sassy Girl, to the more contemporary representation of Crash Landing on You, these movies have had a profound influence on what audiences expect from these genres.
These movies have helped create a more positive representation of romance, by exploring different types of love, relationship dynamics, and the importance of communication. This has pushed the boundaries of what a romance movie can be, allowing greater representation and diversity in the genre.