Korean cinema has long been revered for its captivating storytelling and mastery of the mystery and crime genre. From gritty thrillers to mind-bending mysteries, Korean filmmakers have produced some of the most gripping and unforgettable films over the years.

For fans of crime and mystery and those seeking an adrenaline rush, here are seven must-see Korean movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

New World (2013)

In the ruthless world of organized crime, an undercover cop finds himself torn between loyalty to his superiors and the bonds he forms with his criminal colleagues. Directed by Park Hoon Jung, the film takes you on a ride filled with deceit, betrayal, and power struggles within the criminal underworld.

I Saw The Devil (2010)

Kim Soo Hyun, a hardworking NIS agent in Korea, seeks vengeance against Jang Kyung Chul, the ruthless killer who murdered his wife. Driven by grief and anger, Soo Hyun sets out on a relentless and rageful path where achieving his goal forces him to confront the darkness within himself.

Mother (2009)

Directed by Bong Joon Ho, the film offers a gripping tale of maternal love and desperation. When a mentally challenged young man is accused of murder, his mother embarks on a harrowing quest to prove his innocence. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, we see the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

The Chaser (2008)

A heart-pounding thriller that will have you biting your nails. A former detective turned pimp races against time to find his missing prostitutes before they become the next victims of a ruthless serial killer. With twists and turns at every corner, the film delivers non-stop suspense until the very end.

Lady Vengeance (2005)

After serving time for a crime she didn't commit, a woman seeks vengeance against the real culprit with a meticulously plotted plan that challenges the boundaries of justice. The film is the third and final installment in Park Chan Wook’s Vengeance Trilogy, following ‘Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance’ and ‘Oldboy.’ 

Memories of Murder (2003)

Inspired by a real-life tragedy, the film depicts the investigation into the murders of ten women in a small village near Seoul between 1986 and 1991. It follows two inexperienced local detectives, Park Doo Man, and Cho Yong Koo, along with a Seoul-based detective, Seo Tae Yoon, as they struggle to solve the case, which initially leads to dead ends.

Oldboy (2003)

Get ready for a twisted tale of revenge and redemption. After being abducted and thrown in a mysterious prison for 15 years, the man is strangely released following a weird phone call. Upon release, he sets out to uncover the truth behind his captivity and seek vengeance against his captors. It is going to be a race against time.

Which would be your favorite crime, mystery film? Feel free to also share the ones not mentioned here.