The South Korean film industry received a major spotlight after Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite won big at the Academy Awards. Just a few years before that, the zombie horror film Train to Busan became an international phenomenon, earning fans around the globe. These were but a snapshot of the mastery of South Korean filmmakers. For years, Korean cinema has maintained an international following — especially for genre films like action, thriller, rom-coms, and horror.
While all of these genres are alive and thriving in the modern Korean film scene, there is arguably one genre that South Korea does better than most: action-comedy. South Korean action-comedy movies are an absolute gold mine of entertainment that never seems to let up, presenting audiences with hilarious and exciting gems for the past two decades. It has something to offer for everyone — whether you want a healthy dose of tasteful comedy mixed in with serious action, or a slapstick comedy masquerading as an action film. Here are a few South Korean action-comedy movies that are to die for.
Updated on September 16th, 2023, by Amira Abdel-Fadil: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
16 Going by the Book (2007)
This film is an exciting gem within the vast universe of Korean cinema, Going by the Book stands out as a shining beacon in the action-comedy genre. The directorial prowess of Ra Hee-chan shapes the plot, which centers around a humble, rule-obeying officer, Jung Do-man (Jung Jae-young), who turns into a bank robber for an instructional drill designed to boost police proficiency. The humor-drenched twist occurs when Do-man begins taking his newly adopted persona a bit too seriously.
Expertly woven into the narrative of the movie are elements of slapstick comedy and adrenaline-fueled action. The movie owes a large slice of its acclaim to the stunning performances of Jung Jae-young and Son Byong-ho. As a team, their chemistry makes them a compelling on-screen pair, especially with their skilled acting intertwining comedy and action into a thoroughly enjoyable spectacle.
15 The Thieves (2012)
Drenched in a world of high-risk thievery and treachery, The Thieves is a Korean action-comedy film that takes audiences on a roller coaster ride. The storyline centers on a diverse group of thieves, each possessing unique skills, who plot a high-stakes robbery of a diamond that is at a Macau casino. Engrossing action scenes define the film, destined to captivate the audience. High-octane heist scenes that demonstrate meticulous planning and execution, along with heart-pounding chase sequences, deliver a raw surge of adrenaline.
Humor effortlessly mingles with the action, offering a refreshing change of pace and an additional entertainment layer. From clever quips to expertly timed physical comedy, the humorous aspects enhance a narrative that's as amusing as it's action-driven. Internationally and domestically, The Thieves experienced astounding success. Praise was showered on the film for its flawless fusion of action and comedy, vibrant characters, and masterfully designed heist scenes, making it one of the highest-grossing Korean films during its release period.
14 Confidential Assignment (2017)
Thrilling in nature, Confidential Assignment is a 2017 Korean action-comedy film, offering a dynamic blend of high-octane excitement and hearty humor. The narrative is built around an unlikely collaboration between North Korean detective Im Cheol-ryung (Hyun Bin) and South Korean policeman Kang Jin-tae (Yoo Hae-jin), forced to become partners and work together in pursuit of a notorious North Korean felon.
With a unique interplay of action and comedy, Confidential Assignment successfully maintains viewer interest, providing audiences with laughter while keeping everyone on the edge of their seat with suspense. The peculiar alliance between the protagonists instigates countless comical situations, thereby infusing the storyline with humorous scenes and instances that beautifully offset the high-stakes action. Impressive performances are delivered by Hyun Bin and Yoo Hae-jin, their on-screen rapport and comedy timing significantly amplify the movie's charm. Critical accolades and commercial triumph marked the film's reception. It received acclaim for its well-balanced plot, captivating performances, and deftly choreographed action.
13 The Dude in Me (2019)
The Dude in Me is a fitting representation of the genre cocktails that South Korean filmmakers routinely dish out to entertain their audience. The movie starts when a timid high school student and a mafia leader magically switch bodies after a shared accident.
What follows is a series of gratuitous bully backfires at school and comedic attempts to maintain power within the mafia organization. To top it off, the mafia leader also discovers that he has a secret daughter who is studying in the same class as the student he swapped bodies with. All in all, the movie is a fun, light-hearted mix of action, fantasy, crime, and teen comedy.
12 Hitman: Agent Jun (2020)
Hitman: Agent Jun follows the life of a lethal government assassin who fakes his death to live his dream life of being a manhwa artist. And that’s just the beginning of the movie. It's this sort of beautiful silliness, executed to perfection, that sets South Korean cinema apart from the rest.
Hitman: Agent Jun is led by Kwon Sang-woo, who shines in his dual role as a struggling manhwa artist and a former spy assassin. While the movie carries its moments of impressive fight action, it leans heavily towards slapstick humor — more so than other titles on this list.
11 Accidental Detective (2015)
Korean action comedies often take place in the realm of cops and criminals, pitting together assorted characters for a hilarious mixture. Accidental Detective is an investigative thriller starring Kwon Sang-Woo as a crime-solving enthusiast and Sung Dong-Il as a weathered detective with a no-nonsense attitude.
When a mutual friend of theirs is falsely arrested for murder, Dong-Il’s character begrudgingly accepts the help of the amateur investigator to get to the bottom of the mystery.
10 Veteran (2015)
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The veteran tells the story of a hard-boiled police detective and his attempts to bring an evil young heir of a major conglomerate to justice for murdering an innocent truck driver. Stakes are raised high as the two inflexible characters come head-to-head with each other in a battle that threatens everyone around them.
The movie became massively popular in South Korea and also won a slew of awards. The brilliant writing takes the cop chase movie format to the next level, and a series of elaborate action set pieces also serve to elevate the experience.
9 Luck Key (2016)
Luck Key is a classic recommendation in the South Korean action-comedy genre. The movie follows the life of a professional hitman who experiences amnesia after a slip at the bathhouse. As he seeks to come to terms with life without an identity, he finds himself cast in a television show and becoming a hit actor — all thanks to his skills as a professional assassin.
Luck Key will have you in stitches with its many absurd scenarios, and lead actor Yoo Hae-jin adds a whole other layer of perfection to the movie with his performance.
8 Mission: Possible (2021)
Mission: Possible is a recent hit release from South Korea with a typical misunderstanding at the center of the plot. Lee Sun-bin stars in the movie as a Chinese police officer who is sent on a special mission to South Korea in connection with an illegal shipment of firearms.
She is meant to coordinate with a Korean special agent and ends up with a deadbeat private investigator played by Woo Soo-han, who has no qualms about faking his identity if he can earn a few bucks for it. Mission: Possible includes a healthy dose of investigative thriller that will keep you hooked throughout the ride.
7 Extreme Job (2019)
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Extreme Job was a runaway hit in the comedy genre, becoming the second highest-grossing South Korean movie of all time (via Screen Daily). The movie tells the story of a discredited police squad that makes a last-ditch effort to revive their careers by staking out a building affiliated with a drug ring.
To stay undetected, they purchased a chicken restaurant opposite the building, only for the restaurant to blow up in popularity after they came up with a hit chicken recipe. The team is made up of standout characters played by the likes of Lee Dong-hwi, Lee Hanee, Jin Seon-kyu, and the comedy icon Ryu Seung-ryong.
6 Midnight Runners (2017)
Within a few years of its release, Midnight Runners has already gained the status of a modern classic because of its inimitable comedic style. The movie stars Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul, popular Korean actors, as two police recruits who stumble across a kidnapping during a night out. Awkward and innocent, the duo finds themselves investigating the kidnapping only to discover bigger forces at play.
Despite the utter brilliance of its comedic writing, Midnight Runners isn’t afraid to dive deep during the grim moments. The movie offers unadulterated, hard-boiled action along with many solemn moments. The utter brilliance of this film is in how perfectly these discrete genre elements fit into each other.
5 The Good The Bad The Weird (2008)
Set in 1940 in Manchuria post World War II, three unusual men enter a rivalry in the pursuit of a treasure. However, they are also being chased by the Japanese army and Chinese Bandits who are seeking the same treasure. Who will outlast the other? Will any of them get their hands on it? In this eccentric South Korean western, filmed in the desert, the action and fun are at an all-time high in this motion picture.
There are gunfights, knife fights, cars, motorbikes, and horses, so you can imagine the variety of action sequences that ooze out of this film. The lead actors also keep you on the edge of your seat as they each try to steal the show from one another and flex their treasure-seeking skills.
4 The Pirates (2014)
The Pirates blends fantasy, action, and comedy to bring a refreshing premise on screen. The film follows the competition between a group of pirates and a group of bandits who are trying to catch a whale that swallowed a royal stamp.
The action-packed thrill ride has beautifully choreographed action sequences, especially the pirates' scenes that are coupled with stunning backdrops that are brought out by the stunning cinematography. It feels like a fusion between the story of Moby Dick, and The Pirates of The Caribbean.
3 The Show Must Go On (2007)
The Show Must Go On follows a father and a husband who is also a gangster when it comes to his professional life. When he gets faced with his wife's and daughter's dismay regarding his partial identity, he decides to move to a calmer side of the country hoping to leave his old shenanigans behind. However, individuals from his past derail his honorable plan, and now his relationship with his family is at stake.
The motion picture poignantly portrays the emotions that surface when one is faced with a heavy inner conflict and the struggle to be the person you want for your family. The film mostly hits the sweet spot with its ability to have a light-hearted take on a dark subject in a way that doesn't take away from its impact. It also has a great climax.
2 Two Guys (2004)
Two Guys is an underrated comedy action movie where a loan shark and a cab driver who is a swindler come across a suitcase that changes the course of their lives.
They steal it, and now the mafia it belongs to is after them. If you want a laugh, then this is your go-to. The fight scenes and dialogues here are hilarious and the main actors have a happy-go-lucky attitude.
1 My Wife is a Gangster (2001)
My Wife is a Gangster tells the story of a badass woman who is skilled at defeating gangsters. With an unconventional lifestyle and days that are unpredictable, it is her sister's dying wish that she get married to build a more peaceful and stable lifestyle. Willing to do anything for her dying sister, she gets married upon her request, yet, she knows nothing about how to be in a romantic relationship.
On top of that, she keeps being the leader of a gangster group in secret. Can this marriage survive, and what will she do when her sister wants her to have a baby? Stylish, full of hilarious situations, and likable characters, My Wife is a Gangster is pure entertainment if you don't take it too seriously.