While K-dramas may dominate the global stage, Korean films hold their own unique power, weaving stories that stir deep emotions and linger long after the credits roll. They often delve into loss, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit, with many inspired by true events, making them all the more heartbreaking and relatable.
If you’re ready for a good cry, here are Korean films that will shatter your heart.
Silenced
‘Silenced,’ a crime drama film that is inspired from the novel ‘The Crucible’ itself based on real cases of mass sexual abuse at Gwangju Inhwa School for the deaf. Gong Yoo’s powerful performance highlights systemic injustice and the desperate fight for truth. This film isn’t just heartbreaking it sparked real-life legal reform in South Korea.
Hope
Based on the infamous 2008 Cho Doo-soon case, ‘Hope’ tells the story of an eight-year-old girl who survives a brutal sexual and physical assault and her family’s struggle to help her heal. The tender father-daughter bond, coupled with the pain of innocence lost, makes this one of the most emotionally devastating Korean films.
Next Sohee
‘Next Sohee’ follows a high school student who becomes a trainee at a call center, only to face exploitation and overwhelming pressure that lead to her tragic death. Loosely based on the real-life suicide of a girl in a similar training program, this award-winning film received critical acclaim and a seven-minute standing ovation at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
Han Gong Ju
Quiet, haunting, and deeply personal, ‘Han Gong Ju’ follows a teenage girl who tries to rebuild her life after a traumatic incident. It was inspired by the infamous 2004 ‘Miryang gang rape case.’ The film’s minimalist storytelling and raw portrayal of shame and survival leave a lingering ache long after the credits roll.
Spirit’s Homecoming
Set in 1943 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, this film tells the story of young Korean girls forced into sexual slavery as comfort women by the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces. ‘Spirit’s Homecoming’ is both a painful reminder of history and a tribute to resilience, beautifully blending tragedy with dignity.
Hearty Paws
‘Heart is…’ also known as ‘Hearty Paws’ tells the story of a boy and his loyal dog. Abandoned by their mother, Chan-yi and his little sister depend on each other for survival. On her sixth birthday, he gives her a puppy, but when an accident takes her life, his grief turns into anger at the very dog that had been their truest companion all along.
The Last Princess
This historical melodrama stars Son Ye Jin as Princess Deokhye, the last princess of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, who was taken to Japan against her will. The story of her longing for home, struggles with identity, and years of isolation make ‘The Last Princess’ a tragic portrait of displacement. Prepare yourself for tears; this film is an emotional storm.
My First Client
‘My First Client’ is a legal thriller film that reveals the dark truth behind child abuse. A rookie lawyer meets 10-year-old Da Bin as his first client, who reports abuse by her stepmother. Later, he receives the devastating news that she has killed her younger brother. It explores betrayal, guilt, and the consequences of neglect, making it both painful and thought-provoking.
Ode to My Father
Spanning decades, this epic film depicts South Korea’s modern history through the eyes of an ordinary man. When the Korean War tears his family apart, a young boy vows to protect them, a promise that defines the next 60 years of his life. From war to migration and sacrifice to survival, ‘Ode to My Father’ is a tear-jerking experience for the viewers.
Miracle in Cell no. 7
Perhaps one of the most beloved tearjerkers in Korean cinema, this film tells the story of a developmentally disabled father wrongly imprisoned for murder and the daughter who never stopped loving him. Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, it’s impossible to finish ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ without tears.
Have you seen any of the movies mentioned above? Share your favorite in the comments below!
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