Top 10 Heartwarming Korean Romance Films for Valentine’s Day It’s the month of love, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the finest offerings of Korean cinema.
In a world where love stories bridge borders, cultures, and languages, South Korean cinema stands as a powerful testament to the universal language of romance. Through intricate storytelling, rich characters, and poignant themes, Korean romance films offer a nuanced exploration of the depths of human connection.
From grand historical epics to intimate modern-day classics, immerse yourself in the passion, longing, and enchanting allure of Korean cinema’s mastery in storytelling. Grab your tissue boxes and delve into NME’s handpicked selection of essential films to elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration.
Here are 10 enchanting Korean films to add to your watchlist for Valentine’s Day, guaranteed to set the mood for romance.
- 20th Century Girl ( 2022 )
20th Century Girl takes viewers back to 1990s South Korea, following the journey of 17-year-old Bo-ra (Kim Yoo-jung) as she navigates the complexities of intimacy, tenderness, and loss in friendships and first loves. At its heart, the film offers a poignant exploration of the enduring moments and people that leave a lasting imprint on our lives, despite the passage of time.
As director Bang Woo-ri’s debut feature film, 20th Century Girl draws inspiration from her own coming-of-age experiences, infusing the narrative with authenticity and sincerity. Through heartfelt storytelling, the film beautifully captures the profound bonds of teenage friendships and the transformative impact of first love on one’s life journey.
- A Moment to Remember ( 2004 )
Directed by John H. Lee, A Moment to Remember is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and memory. Centered around Su-jin (Son Ye-jin) and Chul-soo (Jung Woo-sung), the film depicts their blossoming romance tragically interrupted by Su-jin’s early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
As Su-jin’s memory deteriorates, Chul-soo grapples with the heartbreak of watching his beloved forget him more each day. The film beautifully captures the raw emotions and challenges of facing an inevitable illness, highlighting the importance of treasuring every moment together as if it were their last.
- Always ( 2011 )
Set against the backdrop of a desolate construction site, Song Il-gon’s Always delicately weaves a tale of love and redemption amidst the harsh realities of urban decay. Cheol-min (So Ji-sub), a fallen boxing champion seeking absolution, crosses paths with Jung-hwa (Han Hyo-joo), a resilient parking attendant navigating life with visual impairment.
Despite their individual struggles – Cheol-min battling crippling guilt and Jung-hwa fighting for independence despite her disability – their connection ignites a glimmer of hope. “Always” stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and its relentless pursuit of purpose, showcasing the enduring strength of love even in the bleakest of circumstances.
- Ditto ( 2000 )
When Yoon So-eun (Kim Ha-neul) stumbles upon an old radio in her dormitory on campus, she begins experimenting with it, eventually discovering a frequency that enables her to communicate with a student named Ji-in (Yoo Ji-tae) from the same university. As they continue to keep in touch, they confide secrets and share details of their lives, forming a deep connection through their radio conversations.
But as the duo unravels a mysterious barrier keeping them physically apart, it only deepens their emotional bond. In “Ditto,” the narrative dives into the profound human experience of connection, illustrating how it transcends the boundaries of reality and fate.
- Love & Leashes ( 2022 )
Breaking new ground in South Korean romance cinema, Love & Leashes stars Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun and former U-KISS member Lee Jun-young, delving into the realms of courtship, adoration, and infatuation within the taboo world of sxual fetishes and unorthodox kinks.
While the film presents outwardly raunchy and sxy themes, it places significant emphasis on consent and mutual respect throughout. As the leading couple navigates through amusing and challenging circumstances, their partnership evolves, eliciting support from viewers despite its unconventional nature.
- Maundy Thursday ( 2006 )
In the confined walls of a prison cell, Maundy Thursday unfolds the unlikely bond between Yu-jeong (Lee Na-young), a young woman from a privileged background battling depression, and Yun-soo (Gang Dong-won), a death row inmate abandoned in childhood.
Brought together by a chance encounter orchestrated by Yu-jeong’s aunt, the pair gradually open up to each other during her weekly visits to Yun-soo. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, the film delicately explores themes of grief, trauma, and the universality of emotions that transcend social divides. As the specter of Yun-soo’s impending execution looms, Maundy Thursday evolves into a poignant and tragic tale.
- Oasis ( 2002 )
Love defies all odds in Oasis, where Jong-du (Sol Kyung-gu), an ex-convict with intellectual disabilities, forms an unexpected connection with Gong-ju (Moon So-ri), a young woman living with cerebral palsy.
Despite facing familial disapproval and societal prejudice, Jong-du and Gong-ju’s profound bond blossoms into a love story that challenges societal norms and celebrates the beauty of compassion and acceptance. The film fearlessly portrays the experiences of marginalized individuals navigating a world that often overlooks them, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and human connection.
- Romang ( 2019 )
Set against the poignant backdrop of a fading memory, Romang delves into the universal themes of love and loss amidst the serene countryside. The film centers on Lee Mae-ja (Jung Young-Sook) and Jo Nam-bong (Lee Soon-Jae), an elderly couple married for 45 years, both grappling with worsening dementia.
As their memories slip away, the couple endeavors to revive their connection by reminiscing about their most cherished moments together. Director Lee Chang-geun skillfully portrays the essence of existentialism, capturing the ebb and flow of the couple’s emotions as they confront the passage of time. Through the poignant performances of its actors, Romang paints a vivid portrait of resilience against the inevitability of aging and memory loss.
- Snow in Sea Breeze ( 2015 )
Sun-mi (Lee Young-ah) navigates life with hematopoietic dysplasia, a chronic illness akin to early-stage leukemia, while honing her skills as a talented perfumer with a keen sense of smell. Using scents and spices to heal others’ inner wounds, she crosses paths with Sang-woo (Park Hae-jin), whose scent reminds her of her father.
In Snow In Sea Breeze, the notion of fate bringing the right people together at the wrong time is explored as Sang-woo and Sun-mi confront their own personal struggles. Despite its initial under-the-radar release, this tragic romance film has emerged as a hidden gem in the realm of Korean cinema, captivating audiences with its poignant storytelling and emotional depth.
- Will You Be There? ( 2016 )
Esteemed surgeon Soo-hyun (Kim Yoon-seok) is facing a terminal illness and harbors a deep desire to reunite with his lost love, who tragically perished in an accident three decades earlier. When a mysterious old man offers Soo-hyun 10 peculiar pills, he seizes the opportunity to travel back in time and meet his younger self (Byun Yo-han).
Together, they endeavor to alter the course of Soo-hyun’s life, preventing the tragedies that await him. Along the way, they confront the complexities of relationships with his girlfriend, daughter, and his younger self. Will You Be There? boldly explores the depths of kinship and love – encompassing familial, romantic, self-love, and platonic bonds all at once.