Korean literature has long served as a powerful source for its thriving movie and drama industry, offering deeply layered stories that transition beautifully to the screen. Many bestselling Korean novels have been successfully adapted into films; some even become box office hits and critical favourites. These adaptations often showcase emotionally complex characters, gripping plots, and socio-political depth.
Let’s dive into some of the films based on Korean novels:
Silenced
Based on the thrilling novel ‘The Crucible’ by Gong Ji-young, ‘Silenced’ is based on real events at a school for hearing-impaired children where systemic abuse was uncovered. The novel and the film ignited national outrage, eventually leading to changes in Korean law.
Kim Ji Young, Born 1982
A cultural phenomenon, this film is based on the million-selling novel ‘Kim Ji-young, Born 1982’ by Cho Nam-joo. The movie explores gender discrimination faced by women and mothers through the life of Kim Ji-young. It struck a chord with women across generations and became a box office hit.
The Fortress
Adapted from the novel ‘Namhansanseong’ by Kim Hoon, ‘The Fortress’ is a historical movie set during the Qing invasion of 1636, when King Injo sought refuge in the fortress located in Namhansanseong. This adaptation beautifully captures political tension and philosophical debate under siege.
My Brilliant Life
Adapted from ‘My Palpitating Life’ by Kim Ae-ran, ‘My Brilliant Life’ is a touching story about a teenage boy with progeria and his young parents. Heartwarming yet bittersweet, it explores youth, love, and mortality.
My Sassy Girl
Based on ‘My Sassy Girl’ by Kim Ho-sik, originally a series of blog posts turned into a fictional novel, this beloved rom-com became a cultural touchstone, known for its unique characters and emotional resonance.
Vegetarian
‘Vegetarian’ is the movie adaptation of the acclaimed novel of the same name by Han Kang, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. It explores a woman’s decision to stop eating meat and the mental unraveling that follows. Like the novel, it's a visceral meditation on control, identity, and trauma.
Scars
‘Scars’ is based on the middle story, ‘Age Bucheo,’ from the novel ‘Nae YeoJaui Yeolmae’ by Han Kang. The story follows a secret love and scars unfold between perfectionist news anchor Sang Hyup and children’s book illustrator Sung Hee.
Our Twisted Hero
Based on the short novel ‘Our Twisted Hero’ by Yi Mun-yol, this movie tells the story of a new student facing an old-fashioned hierarchical bullying system in a Korean Middle school. When he rebelled against the system, teachers, parents, and even those oppressed by it opposed him.
Troll Factory
‘Troll Factory’ is a 2024 movie adaptation of the novel of the same name by Chang Kang-myoung. It dives into the dark world of online disinformation and media manipulation. Its relevance to today’s digital age makes it a chilling watch.
Love in the Big City
The popular novel ’Love in the Big City’ by Sang Young-park is being adapted into a film of the same name. It follows two young adults who become roommates and best friends, navigating love, identity, and hardship in the vibrant city of Seoul.
The Last Princess
‘The Last Princess’ is the film adaptation of the best-selling novel by Kwon Bi-young, ‘Princess Deokhye.’ It is a moving historical movie that recounts the tragic life of the last princess of the Korean Empire, torn between duty and longing during Japan’s colonisation of Korea.
Memoir of a Murderer
Based on the bestselling novel by Kim Young-ha, ‘Memoir of a Murderer’ is a psychological thriller that follows a retired serial killer with Alzheimer’s disease, offering chilling twists and a unique narrative perspective.
Which film adaptation of a Korean novel impressed you the most? Comment below!
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