Best Mahjong Scenes in Korean TV/Movies

While mahjong scenes can be rare, there are still some Korean-produced films and shows that do feature it. It is a game that has long interested audiences worldwide thanks to its mix of strategy, suspense, and cultural depth. While the game itself is traditionally associated with Chinese culture, its presence is also recognized in Korea, especially among those who watch movies and TV. Whether the game is used as a storytelling device or a symbol or just as part of plot scenes, mahjong scenes usually offer cultural richness and narrative weight. Next, we will go through some of the best Korean films and shows that feature mahjong scenes.

"Tazza: The Hidden Card"

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For our list's first item, we have a film that was released in 2014 as a sequel to "Tazza: The High Rollers". This film, called "Tazza: The Hidden Card", dives deep into the world of gambling, scams, and personal revenge. While the whole Tazza franchise is mostly centered around hwatu, which is a Korean name for a type of playing card game, The Hidden Card also includes a memorable mahjong scene that stands out thanks to the game's unique, culturally rich atmosphere. The mahjong scene in question is fast-paced and complex at the same time. This is because it combines the mechanics of the game with the psychological warfare of players.

While the film is a Korean production, it still attracted audiences worldwide, which helped spark global interest in mahjong. Many viewers who were unfamiliar with the rules found themselves exploring Mahjong online, where they were able to learn the basics, practice strategies, and even try the game themselves. These digital platforms, combined with films and shows like "Tazza: The Hidden Card", have attracted many players to the game.

"Empress Ki"

Now that we have introduced a film, we can dive into the world of Korean TV shows. "Empress Ki" is a historical drama series that, according to statistics, has over 47,000 watchers. While the series itself focuses on a mix of politics, romance, and war during the Goryeo and Yuan dynasties, it still features a few scenes that include Mahjong. In these scenes, the game becomes a visual tool that showcases how the characters face moral dilemmas or power struggles, often within the palace walls.

While the show does feature mahjong, it doesn't focus on the gameplay itself; the mahjong scenes usually reflect the characters' inner conflict and societal constraints. Because of this, watching noblewomen or court officials play mahjong isn't just about the moves-it's about them performing roles, managing alliances, and sometimes even delivering subtle threats or judgments through or during the game. These scenes offer great insights into the coded language of palace life.

"My Love from the Star"

"My Love from the Star", which was released in 2013, is one of the most popular Korean dramas. After the release, it quickly got a lot of attention and became a global hit. This series also features mahjong scenes, though they appear more in a social context than as part of the gameplay itself. In one of the scenes with female lead Cheon Song-i and some upper-class acquaintances, the game acts as a backdrop to social posturing and passive-aggressive jabs. This scene is a great example of how the series doesn't focus on the game itself, but rather on the dynamics and relationships between characters.

In the series, mahjong becomes a kind of performance, where plays reflect skill and social grace. Additionally, the game is also used to contrast Song-i's behavior with the more calculated personas around her. While the mahjong scenes are brief, they still add an extra layer of texture to the show.

"Secret Love Affair"

For our list's last item, we have "Secret Love Affair", which is an intense and artful drama that was directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Jeong Seong-joo. It focuses on a passionate but forbidden relationship between a piano prodigy and an older woman. While this may sound weird, the series is somber and emotionally charged, which is why even the smallest scenes carry symbolic weight. Just like the other series, this one also only features mahjong in brief scenes. In these scenes, the game still stands out, since it works well as a link between the key themes of the series.

In one of the scenes, older and influential women are sitting around a mahjong table. They use the game as a space to reinforce their status and judge one another. These kinds of scenes use the symbolic and cultural richness of the atmosphere of mahjong and create moments that resonate with viewers long after watching.