Top 10 South Korean Box Office Movies of 2022: A Year of Spectacular Cinema
The South Korean film industry has consistently demonstrated its prowess in storytelling, creativity, and cinematic excellence. With each passing year, Korean filmmakers continue to captivate audiences around the world with their diverse range of narratives and exceptional filmmaking techniques.
The year 2022 was no exception, as several remarkable movies hit the big screen and became box office successes. In this article, we present the top 10 South Korean box office movies of 2022 that left an indelible mark on both local and international audiences.
1. The Roundup
In the heart-pounding thriller film, Ma Seok-do takes center stage as he embarks on a mission to a foreign country to extradite a suspect. Little does he know that this seemingly routine task will lead him down a dark and treacherous path, unveiling a chilling series of murder cases committed by a relentless killer who has targeted tourists for years. As the plot unfolds, Ma Seok-do's determination to deliver justice intensifies, and audiences are taken on a suspenseful journey that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
2. Confidential Assignment 2: International
Prepare for another adrenaline-pumping action-packed ride as "Confidential Assignment 2: International" hits the screens in 2022. Building upon the success of its predecessor, this highly anticipated sequel takes audiences on a thrilling journey that spans continents and puts the skills and camaraderie of international law enforcement to the test. Get ready to join forces with familiar faces and encounter new allies and adversaries in this high-stakes pursuit of justice.
3. Hunt
Following President Park's assassination in 1980 and the assignment of two high-ranking security personnel to track the infiltrator, Hunt is a fast-paced spy film with a focus on 1980s National Security Planning.
Lee Jung-jae directs Hunt for the first time, starring Lee and Jung Woo-sung. It was invited to a number of prestigious international film festivals, where critics and viewers praised it. The moments of action are thrilling, and the setting is ideal for a period piece. With a stellar cast, plot, production values, and camerawork, Hunt is also a great political intrigue.
4. The Night Owl
Taking place in the Korean kingdom of Joseon, in 1645 and briefly in 1649, the dramatic film “The Night Owl” features an all-Korean cast of characters representing the working-class and middle-class. A partially blind acupuncturist, who goes to work for the empire’s royal family, witnesses the murder of the prince who was the empire’s direct heir, and the acupuncturist finds himself in a battle with the king, who wants to abide by the official cause of death as malaria..
“The Night Owl” will appeal primarily to people who are interested in watching “slow burn” movies that combine murder mysteries with political intrigue that’s partially based on real-life historical figures.
5. Hero
An Jung-Geun, also known as Jung Sung-Hwa, is a fighter for Korean independence. Seol-Hee (Kim Go-Eun) was Queen Myeongseong's court lady. However, after the Japanese killed Queen Myeongseong, Seol-Hee joined the Korean independence movement. She transforms into a geisha and earns the respect of Hirobumi Ito, the Japanese Resident-General of Korea. Seol-Hee goes with him when he goes to Manchuria. An Jung-Geun, a Korean independence fighter, learns from Seoul-Hee about Hirobumi Ito's travel plans. For the sake of the Korean independence movement, An Jung-Geun decides to kill Hirobumi Ito.
The film is based on the musical "Youngwoong." On October 26, 2009, the musical premiered for the first time. Both in the original musical and in the film adaptation, Jung Sung-Hwa portrays An Jung-Geun. Seol-Hee, the main female character, is fictitious; however, An Jung-Geun and Hirobumi Ito were real people, and An Jung-Geun killed Hirobumi Ito on October 26, 1909.
6. The Witch: Part 2 - The Other One
A young lady (Shin Shi-A) is the last one standing of a crushed mystery research center. People are pursuing her with the intention of capturing her for their own purposes. After participating in auditions with 1,408 other people, actress Shin Shi-A was selected to play the lead female character.
7. Carter
The film, directed by Jung Byung-gil, takes place during a deadly epidemic brought on by a virus that spread through the Korean Demilitarized Zone and turns its victims into vicious zombies. Joo Won plays a man who wakes up in a Seoul hotel room without remembering who he is or why he is there in the opening scene. A female voice in his ear that only he can hear informs him that he must follow her instructions if he is to survive. Carter is his name.
Joo Won flawlessly executes a terrifying whirlwind of brutal mayhem and fight scenes that follow. He deserves extra credit for his exceptional athletic prowess. I believe Carter has created a gripping action thriller, despite some criticism for its graphic violence.
8. Decision to Leave
In Park Chan-wook's masterpiece Decision to Leave, detective Jang Hae-jun (Park Hae-il) falls for Song Seo-rae (Tang Wei), the enticing widow of the deceased while investigating his death in the mountains. As he investigates the murder case more thoroughly, Jang becomes entangled in lust and betrayal.
The megahit, which is also the eighth-highest-grossing Korean film of 2022, has received a lot of praise. It is a true illustration of the extraordinary storytelling ability of director Park. Throughout the narrative, he cleverly incorporates romance, excitement, treachery, and desire. If you haven't already, watch this movie, and if you have, watch it again. Decision to Leave's excellent acting and cinematography elevate the Korean noir-thriller genre significantly.
9. 6/45
The Korean military has a sergeant named Cheon-Woo (Ko Gyung-Pyo). He is in a troop that is very close to the DMZ. He comes across his lottery ticket one day, which won the first prize of 5.7 billion dollars. He is beyond thrilled, but his lottery ticket crossed the DMZ and ended up in North Korea. Cheon-Woo crosses the DMZ at night to locate his lottery ticket. He meets Lee Yi-Kyung's North Korean soldier Yong-Ho. The North Korean soldier maintains that he now owns the winning ticket, not Cheon-Woo's.
10. Alienoid
Using VFX and CGI, writer-director Choi Dong-hoon has created a breathtaking spectacle with meticulous craftsmanship. In Alienoid, humans in the present-day are on the hunt for an alien prisoner who has been imprisoned within a human body as gurus in the late Goryeo era attempt to acquire a legendary sacred weapon. When a doorway that can travel through time opens, the parties come face to face.
Despite the fact that its plot threads are intertwined throughout a variety of eras, the Korean blockbuster is incredibly creative.
Conclusion
The year 2022 witnessed a remarkable lineup of South Korean movies that captivated audiences and showcased the rich storytelling and filmmaking talent of the industry. From gripping action flicks to thought-provoking dramas, the top 10 box office hits left an indelible mark on viewers. These films not only entertained but also touched hearts, challenged perceptions, and ignited conversations. As the South Korean film industry continues to flourish, audiences eagerly anticipate the next wave of cinematic brilliance from this extraordinary country.