6 Great Korean Movie Prequels and Sequels You May Not Have Seen

Forget Hollywood! South Korea's film industry is churning out hidden gems, and sometimes, the best finds come in unexpected packages: sequels and prequels.

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Need high-octane action or a thrilling mystery? This list dives into six lesser-known Korean sequels and prequels that will surprise and entertain you, from revenge stories to continuations of cult classics.

Get ready to expand your K-film horizons!

"Hansan: Rising Dragon"

"Hansan: Rising Dragon" isn't shy about its ambitions. This South Korean historical epic throws viewers headfirst into a massive naval battle - a huge action sequence which, along with several others in the film, is impressive, especially considering the modest budget.

The film excels in its three-act structure. The first act sets the stage for the clash, highlighting the desperate situation of the Korean navy facing a vastly superior Japanese force. The second act builds tension as internal conflicts and espionage threaten to cripple Korean plans. Finally, the climax explodes with a visually stunning battle that shows off the film's superb CGI, fight choreography, and cinematography.

Simply put, "Hansan: Rising Dragon" is a feast for the eyes. If you're looking for a pure spectacle and a masterclass in low-budget filmmaking, check out this Korean epic.

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"Hansan: Rising Dragon" is directed by Kim Han-min, and features Park Hae-il, Ahn Sung-ki, Byun Yo-han, Son Hyun-joo, Kim Sung-kyu, Kim Sung-kyun. Release date in Korea: 2022/07/27.

 

"The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful"

"The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful" is a wild, action-packed prequel to "The Divine Move", which is filled with over-the-top gambling and revenge.

Kwon Sang-woo plays a vengeful Go master seeking justice against his enemy. Now, you might be thinking "but the game Go doesn't involve gambling!" - and you'd be right: after all, you're not going to find it in an online casino. However, Sang-woo uses it to make crazy, high-risk bets to make for a chaotic storyline.

The film entertains with stylish visuals, breakneck pacing, and minimal dialogue. It's a fun ride that prioritizes action over character development – perfect if you just want to chill out for two hours and leave your brain elsewhere.

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"The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful" is directed by Khan Lee, and features Kwon Sang-woo, Kim Hee-won, Kim Sung-kyun, Heo Sung-tae, Woo Do-hwan, Jung In-kyum. Release date in Korea: 2019/11/07.

 

"The Witch : Part 2. The Other One"

Following up the recent "The Witch : Part 1. The Subversion" came the sequel, "The Witch : Part 2. The Other One". This Korean action thriller boasts impressive box office numbers as many of the original's fans returned for a second helping.

The story centers on a mysterious girl with extraordinary powers, hunted by a menacing gang. Packed full of action scenes, there's barely a dull moment as we witness the pursuit in full terrifying detail.

The film carries on to a surprising conclusion that you may not see coming, and it does lend itself to a possible third movie. While the potential Part 3 exists, there are some critics skeptical about whether the plot has enough substance to carry on for another two-plus hours.

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"The Witch : Part 2. The Other One" is directed by Park Hoon-jung, and features Shin Si-a, Park Eun-bin, Seo Eun-soo, Jin Goo, Sung Yoo-bin, Jo Min-soo. Release date in Korea: 2022/06/15.

 

"Confidential Assignment 2: International"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxt999QKxH0

"Confidential Assignment 2: International" reunites the mismatched team from the 2016 Korean action-comedy for another adventure. This sequel delivers laughs, exciting action sequences, and a chance to catch up with beloved characters.

The film brings back the buddy-cop chemistry between the North Korean agent (Hyun Bin) and the South Korean detective (Yoo Hae-jin). This time, they're joined by an American agent (Daniel Henney), who brings his own dynamic to the setting. The plot follows a similar formula to the first film, but it works. The familiar comedic beats from Yoo Hae-jin land perfectly, and the action sequences, while not the most innovative, are still thrilling and engaging.

"Confidential Assignment 2: International" is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both fans of the first film and newcomers. If you're looking for a lighthearted action-comedy with a dash of international intrigue, this sequel delivers.

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"Confidential Assignment 2: International" is directed by Lee Seok-hoon, and features Hyun Bin, Yoo Hae-jin, Lim Yoona, Daniel Henney, Jin Sun-kyu, Jang Young-nam. Release date in Korea: 2022/09/07.

 

"My Wife is a Gangster 3"

This South Korean action-comedy flips the script on gangster stereotypes. Forget the usual tough-guy bravado; here, the real badass is Im Ah-ryeong (Shu Qi), a Triad princess hiding out in Korea.

The humor comes from the clash of cultures between Aryong and her minder, Han Gi-cheol, a goofy low-level gangster. They don't speak the same language, leading to hilarious misunderstandings. But the real joke's on Gi-cheol – Aryong is a deadly martial artist who hides her skills under a cool exterior.

The film shines when showing off Shu Qi's "Applied Badassery". She's a force to be reckoned with, disarming opponents with ease and ruthlessly throwing knives.

The film also explores gender dynamics in a refreshing way. The translator, Yeon-hee, first fears Aryong but eventually finds her strength inspiring. There's even a hint of a budding romance between Aryong and Gi-cheol, though the film prioritizes action and humor over a love story.

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"My Wife is a Gangster 3" is directed by Jo Jin-kyoo, and features Shu Qi, Lee Beom-soo, Hyun Young, Oh Ji-ho, Jo Hee-bong, Ken Lo. Release date in Korea: 2006/12/28.

 

"The Roundup"

Calling all fans of "The Outlaws"! "The Roundup" reunites the original's cast and creative team (except for the director) to deliver another action-packed crowd-pleaser.

Ma Dong-seok takes up his role as the lovable-but-brute detective Ma Seok-do. This time, he's sent to Vietnam to retrieve a fugitive, only to discover a sadistic kidnapper targeting wealthy Koreans.

The film blends intense violence with laugh-out-loud humor. Despite the brutality (think villains meeting their demise via machetes!), the film never feels mean-spirited. The fight choreography is top-notch, making every punch and kick believable.

Ma remains the heart of the film. He's a hilarious force of nature, a bull-in-a-china-shop who somehow gets the job done. While the supporting cast gets their moments to shine, Ma's charisma takes centerstage

New director Lee Sang-yong picks up the reins well here, delivering a film with grit, polish, impressive stunts, and witty characters. Despite production challenges, the final product is polished and entertaining.

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"The Roundup" is directed by Lee Sang-yong, and features Ma Dong-seok, Son Sukku, Choi Gwi-hwa, Park Ji-hwan, Heo Dong-won, Ha Jun. Release date in Korea: 2022/05/18.