Han Ji Eun exudes charisma as a CEO in 'When the Stars Gossip'
Korean cinema has been making waves in recent years, with a number of critically acclaimed Korean movies and actors gaining international recognition. And in February 2023, the Korean movie industry is set to release some of the hottest movies of the year, featuring some of the most talented actors in the business. From action-packed thrillers to heart-warming dramas, this guide will give you a sneak peek into the most anticipated Korean movie releases of the month, and introduce you to some of the talented actors bringing these stories to life on the big screen. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Korean movies or a newcomer to the scene, these films are sure to impress and leave a lasting impression. So, get ready to mark your calendars and discover your next favorite flick!
1. Unlocked
Na Mi (Chun Woo Hee) leads an ordinary life as a marketer at a start-up company. One day, she loses her phone which is picked up by Jun Young (Yim Si Wan). He then approaches Na Mi, threatens her, and commits crimes using her smartphone. Na Mi now struggles to escape from the clutches of the criminal.
Apart from Yim Si Wan and Chun Woo Hee, the crime thriller also stars Kim Hee Won, Kim Ye Won, Park Ho San, and Jeon Jin Oh, among others.
The Korean movie will officially release on February 17 on Netflix.
2. Next Sohee
Starring Kim Shi Eun and Bae Doo Na, Next Sohee tells the story of a high school girl So Hee (Kim Shi Eun), who dies a tragic death following her externship at a call center. To get to the truth of the matter, a female detective Yoo Jin (Bae Doo Na) investigates the incident only to find shocking facts.
Next Sohee was the first Korean closing film of the 'International Critics' Week' section of the 75th Cannes International Film Festival which was held on May 25.
The Korean movie is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the story of the teenage girl So Hee (Kim Shi Eun), her struggles in the call center, and the devastating incident that befell her. The second part focuses on Detective Yoo Jin (Bae Doo Na), where she goes in-depth into the matter of So Hee's death.
The story has deeply affected not only the audience but also the actresses Kim Shi Eun and Bae Doo Na.
Rookie actress Kim Shi Eun commented, "After reading the script, I thought it would be great if this movie came out to the world. It was so good that I just can't explain it. But when I heard the director say 'true story', I really felt like I was out of breath. I wondered how this could have really happened. In particular, the format was too burdensome. It's divided into parts 1 and 2, and I had to be mostly responsible for part 1 from the beginning to the middle. I just thought, 'I shouldn't be a nuisance to the director and senior Doona'.
She further added, "I’m not the type to physically exert that much effort, but from the middle of filming onwards, it was actually very difficult. I'm very blunt. Once, while going down to the filming set in Jeonju, I was so surprised that my breath stopped for a second like a panic attack. There was a time when I took a break and controlled it by writing down my emotions on a notepad on my cell phone. Since I was having such a hard time, the director noticed that and said, 'You don't have to live as Sohee normally. He advised me that I only need to become Sohee on set'. I was really holding back tears ( laughs )".
Bae Doona commented, "I think the movie came out well without forcing any emotions, just as I felt when I saw the script. The feeling came from the moment I took the project. When I went to the set on a day when there was no filming, I saw what kind of atmosphere the call center set was in, and I thought the movie would come out well".
The movie is lauded for its heart-wrenching storyline, spectacular performances, and engaging narrative that leaves you deeply affected.
Theatrically released on February 8, over 40,000 Cinemagoers watched it in its first days of release. Next Sohee is one drama thriller Bae Doo Na fans wouldn't want to miss.
3. Count
Shi Heon (Jin Seon Kyu) is a former boxer and a gold medalist in the 1988 Olympics. Now, ten years later, he leads an ordinary life as a physical education teacher at a high school. Then comes a student named Yoon Woo (Sung Yoo Bin).
Yoon Woo is a rising boxer and a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring. But, despite having such extraordinary talent, he loses a match due to match-fixing. Shi Heon hears about the matter and - as a former boxer and physical education teacher - decides to help Yoon Woo become a boxing star.
But little did he and Yoon Woo know of the challenges waiting for them.
Count is scheduled to release on February 22. Check out the movie's trailer here.
4. When Our Love Remains As Scent
Kim Chang Soo (Yoon Shi Yoon) is not very fortunate when it comes to love and work. One day, he gets his hands on a magical perfume that makes people fall in love with him. Cho Ah Ra (Seol In Ah) has everything but no luck in dating. She finds herself unexpectedly attracted to Chang Soo, and this gives way to a cute love story.
The Korean movie was theatrically released on February 8. Check out the trailer of When Our Love Remains As Scent here.
Maybe We Broke Up follows the story of a couple - Ah Young (Jung Eun Chae) and Jun Ho (Lee Dong Hwi) - who live together and have been best friends since college. Ah Young does her best to make ends meet and feels that Jun Ho is wasting his time attempting to crack an exam to become a public officer.
Due to a clash of opinions, the couple decides to break up and go their own ways. Soon, they each find themselves in new relationships. But even after moving on, Ah Young and Jun Ho have lingering feelings towards each other.
The movie hit South Korean theatres on February 8. Check out the trailer here.
6. The Assassin
The Assassin follows the story of a celebrated swordsman Yi Nan (Shin Hyun Joon) facing an irreversible fate.
Apart from Shin Hyun Joon, the historical action-drama also stars Lee Moon Shik, Kim Min Kyung, Hong Eun Ki, Park Jae Hoon, and Lee Jung Min, among others.
The Assassin is written and directed by Kwak Jeong Deok (well-known for his work in the Korean movie Ashfall).
The movie will officially release on February 22.
