10 Korean Romantic Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day
1. 3-Iron (2004) by Kim Ki Duk
This was one of the first Korean movies I watched and I got really inspired by the poetic of the narrative and the cinematography. The movie is very minimalist, not much dialogues and maybe at times a little slow; but actually every scene in the movie is an important piece in the relationship’s development of the main characters. This movie is nothing like the romance movies you have watched before and it totally worth the try. The story mainly focus in the happiness of the few moments you share with your soul mate. It is the simple happiness to find that special one who can completely understand you.
2. My Sassy Girl (2001) by Kwak Jae Yong
This movie is a must watch if you are a fan of Korean cinema. The narrative has an inherent style of Dorama, a perfect mix between romance, drama and comedy. The characters are non-typical stereotypes thus the love story is very unique and special, but it will never make you feel bored. This movie is one of the most popular Korean romance in the world and of course because every scene makes your heart beat just like a teenager in love. The story actually is based on a true story posted on internet which later on became a best seller and so on a very successful film. After watching this film you will wish to have a romance like them.
3. Architecture 101 (2012) by Lee Yong Joo
This one, considered one of the most romantic Korean movie cannot be out of this list. Such a beautiful cinematography, music and performance must be watched. But the movie is not just beautiful, the narrative is so sincere that more than one spectator will feel totally identify with the characters or the story. I love this movie because I feel is completely honest in portraying the Korean behavior according to relationships, it has so many pure feelings good and bad that it makes you feel you are just listening your friend’s love story. The movie conveys a reunion with the first love and it is set in the 90’s. Just make sure you have tissues when you watch this movie.
4. Watcha Wearin? (2012) by Byun Sung Hyun
This movie is a romantic comedy which differs with the innocent love story (we are used to see in Korean television). In fact the story focuses in the sexual attraction the protagonist have for each other. I feel is a very interesting proposal because presents the fact that romance and relationships are not always like a fairytale and maybe the person we think is the right one, probably is not. A very mature perspective of what is a relationship nowadays. It can sound little rude for Valentine ’s Day but actually the actors’ performance make it so funny that you will completely enjoy it. A good movie to make fun of the sexual development in a couple.
5. My Little Bride (2004) by Kim Ho Joon
A very cute and innocent romance developed in an arranged marriage. The female protagonist portrays the innocence of a teenager who is just discovering romantic feelings, while the male protagonist is already an adult who protects his wife’s purity. An inspiring story of pure love and respect. You will die for so much cuteness!
6. Just Friends? (2009) by Kim Jho Gwang Soo
This is a short film of 29 minutes that portrays a love that for some people can be different but yet strong and beautiful. The relationship of two boys who pretend to be just friends. It probably tries to expose the reality of some gay couples in Korea and the difficulties they have to face in freely love whoever they want. But wait! This is not a sad story, the director well-managed every detail to make you fall in love with them. It will be probably one of the cutest story you ever watched. Do not skip it!
7. I’m a Cyborg but that’s OK (2006) by Park Chan Wook
A lovely movie from one of the best film director in Korea. An amazing cinematography that immerse you in the fantastic world (in the mind) of a patient in a mental hospital. A story full of tenderness and maybe craziness as well. A magic love story that proves that love sometimes is about to share your own (mind) magic world with someone special who will never judge you. The characters have so much appealing that I bet you will sigh in every fantastic scene. An adorable and very atypical romance that you cannot miss.
8. The Beauty Inside (2015) by Baek Jong Yeol
The perfect movie for the contemporary Korean trend of plastic surgery. This is a perfect story with beautiful scenes and shots but most important with a pure essence of romance and a meaningful message. I did know that Korean cinema is very special (mostly in thriller productions) but this romance film worth to be known in the world. A conceptual visual narrative that express by itself that loves come in different shapes, ages, genders, nationalities, ways, etc. It is a hypnotizing movie with a dramatic plot that will totally catch you from the start until the end.
9. Always (2011) by Song Il Gon
This is one of that romantic movies that squeeze your heart so strong that gets hard to recover. The main romance is leaded by destiny which cross the life of two very different people who surely need each other. The constant dark and cold tones in the scenes makes you feel a deep sadness in their love story. At times tragic but lovely as well. The kind of love that makes you think that there is always someone for each there outside… somewhere. You better prepare yourself for tears.
10. Cyrano Agency (2010) by Kim Hyun Suk
Very popular movie among Koreans, and surely because dating agencies are a trend in Korea when is about love and relationships. Love is hard and there is not a manual with instructions to face it, but there are date agencies to help you out. This romance-comedy movie will take some laughs out of you. And make you think how stupid we can be when we are in love, but also how difficult it can be.
The selection is personal and considered among the movies I watched so far, I am sure there are plenty of Korean romance movies waiting for me there. If you have any personal recommendation I am glad to listen about. Now here the list of movies totally accord with the romantic season. Have a look and enjoy them!
