5 Highest Gross Earning Korean Movies Of All Time

Korean cinema has undoubtedly made a remarkable mark on the global film industry, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling, impeccable cinematography, and talented actors. In this article, we delve into the world of Korean cinema and explore the five highest-grossing Korean movies of all time. From epic historical dramas to heartwarming comedies, these films have not only broken box office records but have also left a lasting impact on viewers around the world. Join us on a cinematic journey as we celebrate the top-grossing Korean films that have achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim.

1. Parasite (2019) – $263 million:-

Parasite, released in 2019, stands as a monumental achievement in South Korean cinema. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, the film delves into the genres of thriller, drama, and dark comedy. Its box office success was staggering, grossing approximately $263 million worldwide.

The plot of Parasite revolves around the Kim family, struggling to make ends meet in a society marred by economic disparities. Their journey takes a treacherous turn as they infiltrate the lives of the affluent Park family by posing as skilled professionals. The film serves as a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as social class, inequality, and the repercussions of deception.

Awards and accolades showered upon Parasite are numerous, including the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. It made history by winning four Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2020, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. This was the first instance of a non-English language film clinching the coveted Best Picture Oscar.

Critical acclaim for Parasite is widespread. It garnered high praise for its masterful storytelling, impeccable direction, and remarkable performances. Review aggregator websites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb feature exceptionally high ratings for the film.

The cultural impact of Parasite is undeniable. It sparked fervent discussions worldwide about class inequality and became an emblem of South Korean cinema’s global ascendancy. Furthermore, it played a pivotal role in popularizing foreign-language films in international markets.

The ensemble cast of Parasite includes celebrated actors such as Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam, who contributed significantly to the film’s success.

2. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014) – $138.3 million:-

Released in 2014, *The Admiral: Roaring Currents* is a South Korean historical war film directed by Kim Han-min. It achieved notoriety for its epic portrayal of the Battle of Myeongnyang, a pivotal moment during the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1597 (Imjin War).

The film’s narrative orbits around the legendary Korean naval commander, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, played by Choi Min-sik. Admiral Yi’s heroic endeavors to defend Korea against a vastly superior Japanese fleet in the Battle of Myeongnyang serve as the crux of the story.

The Admiral: Roaring Currents emerged as a monumental success at the box office, amassing approximately $138.3 million worldwide. This milestone solidified its status as one of the highest-grossing South Korean films during its time of release.

The cast includes esteemed actors like Choi Min-sik, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Cho Jin-woong, who contributed to the film’s critical acclaim. It garnered numerous awards, including several Grand Bell Awards, the South Korean equivalent of the Oscars, in categories like Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor.

While the film is a work of historical fiction, it draws inspiration from real events and figures. Admiral Yi Sun-sin is an iconic figure in Korean history, revered for his ingenious naval tactics and unwavering commitment to defending his homeland.

The Admiral: Roaring Currents left a profound cultural impact in South Korea, renewing interest in the history of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Imjin War. It also gained international recognition, particularly among enthusiasts of historical epics and Korean cinema.

3. Extreme Job (2019) – $120 million:-

*Extreme Job*, a South Korean comedy film released in 2019, quickly rose to prominence and commercial success both in South Korea and beyond. Directed by Lee Byeong-heon, the movie seamlessly blends elements of comedy and action. Its global box office earnings reached approximately $120 million.

The film’s narrative revolves around a team of undercover narcotics detectives grappling with low arrest rates and a lack of recognition. In a quirky turn of events, they decide to open a chicken restaurant as a cover for their surveillance operation. Unexpectedly, their restaurant becomes a runaway hit, drawing in a substantial customer base and leading to comedic situations as they navigate the complexities of their dual identities.

Extreme Job boasts a talented ensemble cast, featuring actors like Ryu Seung-ryong, Lee Ha-nee, Jin Seon-kyu, Lee Dong-hwi, and Gong Myung, among others.

Reception for Extreme Job was overwhelmingly positive, with both critics and audiences lauding its humor and entertaining storyline. It ascended to the ranks of the highest-grossing films in South Korean cinema history, surpassing the $120 million mark in global box office earnings.

The film also received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying its status as a significant cinematic achievement within the comedy and action genres. Extreme Job remains a beloved and successful film, showcasing the comedic prowess of its cast and providing an enjoyable cinematic experience.

4. Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) – $109.4 million:-

Released in 2017, Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds is a South Korean fantasy drama film directed by Kim Yong-hwa. It draws its inspiration from a popular webcomic by Joo Ho-min. This visually captivating film found immense commercial success, grossing approximately $109.4 million worldwide and securing a spot among the highest-grossing South Korean films of its time.

The story unfolds around Kim Ja-hong, a firefighter portrayed by Cha Tae-hyun, whose unexpected demise leads him to the afterlife, escorted by three guardians. In the realms of the afterlife, Ja-hong undergoes a series of trials in the underworld to determine his ultimate fate.

The film delves into themes of redemption, justice, and the mysteries of the afterlife as Ja-hong’s guardians fervently defend him throughout these trials.

The film’s cast features notable names, including Cha Tae-hyun, Ha Jung-woo, Ju Ji-hoon, and Kim Hyang-gi, who deliver captivating performances.

Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds garnered acclaim for its impressive visual effects, immersive storytelling, and its unique exploration of Korean mythology and the afterlife. The film’s resounding success paved the way for a sequel, “Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days,” released in 2018.

The movie’s box office triumph and widespread appeal contributed significantly to its cultural significance in South Korea. It was met with praise from both audiences and critics, further fueling the growing international interest in Korean cinema.

5. The Roundup (2022) – $102 million:-

The Roundup (2022), directed by Lee Sang-yong and starring Ma Dong-seok, Son Suk-ku, and Choi Gwi-hwa, has emerged as a cinematic gem in the South Korean film industry. This high-octane crime action film captured audiences with its thrilling narrative and left a significant mark at the box office.

In The Roundup, viewers are taken on a gripping journey alongside Ma Seok-do, a dedicated detective tasked with extraditing a notorious gangster who has escaped from a South Korean prison. However, upon his arrival in Vietnam, Seok-do is confronted with a heart-wrenching dilemma: the gangster has kidnapped a young boy, using him as a human shield.

This unforeseen twist sets the stage for an adrenaline-pumping adventure as Seok-do teams up with a Vietnamese detective to rescue the boy and bring the gangster to justice.Released in South Korea on January 18, 2022, “The Roundup” swiftly conquered the box office, grossing over $102 million worldwide.

It claimed the title of the highest-grossing South Korean film of 2022, demonstrating its universal appeal and resonance with a global audience.The film’s creative team, including director Lee Sang-yong and writers Lee Sang-yong and Kim Sung-hoon, crafted a gripping narrative.

The outstanding performances of the cast, led by Ma Dong-seok, who portrays Ma Seok-do with charisma and depth, added to the film’s success. Son Suk-ku and Choi Gwi-hwa also contributed compelling performances.One of the standout features of The Roundup is its breathtaking action sequences, widely regarded as some of the finest ever seen in South Korean cinema.

These sequences elevate the film’s intensity, providing viewers with a visceral experience that keeps them on the edge of their seats. The precision and creativity in choreographing these scenes deserve special mention.Furthermore, The Roundup skillfully incorporates humor into its narrative, offering well-timed comedic moments that serve as a refreshing contrast to the film’s intense action sequences.

This blend of humor ensures that the audience remains engaged and emotionally invested throughout the film’s runtime.

The Roundup (2022) stands as a testament to the excellence of South Korean cinema in the crime action genre. With its heart-pounding action, exceptional performances, and effective humor, it appeals to a wide range of film enthusiasts.

This cinematic masterpiece is a must-see for anyone who craves riveting action sequences, strong character-driven storytelling, and a dash of humor. It not only achieved critical acclaim but also cemented its place as a box office sensation, reaffirming South Korea’s position on the global cinematic stage.

The mentioned films showcase a wide spectrum of genres, exemplifying the versatility of Korean cinema. “Parasite” is a notable dark comedy-drama that captivated audiences globally with its social commentary. “Extreme Job” stands out as an action comedy, blending humor with thrilling action sequences. On the other hand, “Along With the Gods” is a fantasy epic, immersing viewers in a mystical world of gods and afterlife trials. These movies have not only garnered critical acclaim but also enjoyed substantial commercial success, contributing significantly to elevating the reputation of Korean cinema on the international stage.