The next Hallyu wave? 10 films that show the best of Korean animation
2. 'The King of Pigs' (2011)
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this intense psychological drama explores the dark underbelly of school bullying and class disparity. Two former classmates reunite after years apart, triggering harrowing memories of their traumatic school days. The film delves into the psyche of the oppressed and the oppressors, revealing how past abuses can manifest into present-day violence and moral ambiguity. 3. 'Sky Blue' (2003)
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, humanity is divided between the elite inhabitants of the ecological city Ecoban and the labourers of the wastelands. When a rebellion brews, a love triangle unfolds amidst the chaos, challenging notions of loyalty, survival and environmental responsibility. The Korean animation, directed by Kim Moon-saeng, features stunning visuals and intricate world-building that offer a compelling commentary on societal structures and ecological degradation. 4. 'My Beautiful Girl, Mari' (2002)
Nam-woo, a lonely boy in a seaside village, discovers a magical marble that transports him to a dreamlike world where he meets the ethereal Mari. As he navigates the challenges of adolescence, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, offering a poignant exploration of loss, friendship and the bittersweet nature of growing up. 5. 'Seoul Station' (2016)
A prequel to Train to Busan , this animated horror-thriller by director Yeon Sang-ho follows the outbreak of a zombie epidemic in Seoul. As the city descends into chaos, a runaway girl, her estranged father and her boyfriend struggle to reunite amidst the carnage. Beyond the gore, the film offers a scathing critique of social neglect and the marginalisation of the homeless. 6. 'Green Days: Dinosaur and I' (2011)
This coming-of-age tale directed by Ahn Jae-hoon and Han Hye-jin is set in the 1970s and follows Yi-rang, a high school girl grappling with self-doubt and the pressures of adolescence. Through her interactions with a new transfer student and a budding athlete, she learns about love, ambition and the courage to pursue one's dreams. The film's hand-drawn animation evokes a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. 7. 'Yumi's Cells: The Movie' (2024)
Based on the popular webtoon, Lee Sang-yeob's film delves into the inner workings of Yumi's mind, personifying her emotions and thoughts as individual cells. As Yumi quits her job to pursue writing, her cells navigate challenges like anxiety, love and creativity, offering a humorous and insightful look into personal growth and self-discovery. 8. 'The Satellite Girl and Milk Cow' (2014)
In this whimsical fantasy directed by Chang Hyung-yun, a satellite named Il-ho transforms into a girl after hearing the melancholic song of Kyung-chun, a heartbroken musician turned into a milk cow by dark magic. Together, they evade a menacing incinerator and a wizard trapped in a toilet paper roll, embarking on a surreal journey of love and transformation. 9. 'Yobi, the Five-Tailed Fox' (2007)
Yobi, a mystical fox spirit, lives in seclusion with stranded aliens. When one alien is captured, Yobi ventures into the human world, disguising herself as a student. As she forms bonds and confronts a fox hunter, Yobi faces choices about identity, sacrifice and the essence of humanity.
See more: 8 fantasy K-drama characters we love: goblins, fox spirits, mermaids 10. 'Lost in Starlight' (2025)
Han Ji-won directed Netflix's first Korean original animated film, which is perhaps the pinnacle of Korean animation. It tells the poignant story of Nan-young, an astronaut embarking on a Mars mission, and Jay, her Earth-bound lover. As they navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship across galaxies, the film explores themes of love, longing and the sacrifices made for ambition. With stunning visuals of futuristic Seoul and space, it's a testament to the emotional depth of animated storytelling.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
7 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Fists and flying kicks: 10 K-drama martial arts shows to stream now
2. 'The K2' (2016) A former mercenary turned bodyguard, Kim Je-ha (Ji Chang-wook) becomes embroiled in the dark underbelly of Korean politics when he's hired to protect the illegitimate daughter of a presidential candidate. Ji Chang-wook delivers heart-stopping action sequences, blending Krav Maga-style close combat with cinematic flair. You'll want to replay the staircase fight scene. It's a masterclass in choreographed chaos. 3. 'Fight for My Way' (2017) Go Dong-man (Park Seo-joon) was once a promising taekwondo champ, but now he sells pest control. It's not the usual premise for a martial arts K-drama, but wait for it. Dong-man's desire to prove himself simmers beneath his laid-back exterior. When he returns to the MMA ring, he's forced to confront his past and fight for a future that's entirely his. Park Seo-joon plays Dong-man with a perfect mix of charm and bruised pride, making this coming-of-age martial arts K-drama both grounded and empowering. See more: From Bit to Big Time: The K-drama roles that launched Korea's biggest stars 4. 'Arthdal Chronicles' (2019) Set in a fictional prehistoric land, Arthdal Chronicles follows Eun-seom (Song Joong-ki), a half-human warrior destined to challenge a corrupt empire. While not strictly a martial arts drama, the hand-to-hand combat scenes and military training sequences are intense, with Song Joong-ki showcasing agility and sword skills in elaborate battle choreography that leans into the epic. Who knew tribal warfare could be so fascinating? 5. 'My Name' (2021) After witnessing her father's murder, Ji-woo (Han So-hee) infiltrates a crime syndicate—and later, the police force—to seek vengeance. Han So-hee undergoes a complete physical transformation here, channelling rage and training into relentless fight sequences. From basement brawls to bathroom beatdowns, the choreography here, unlike other martial arts K-drama shows on this list, is savage, realistic and fuelled by grief. 6. 'Six Flying Dragons' (2015) This martial arts K-drama is where political intrigue meets blade-heavy combat brilliance. It's a riveting prequel to Tree with Deep Roots , which features Lee Bang-won (Yoo Ah-in), a real-life historical figure and future king, whose rise is marked by rebellion and, yes, lethal swordsmanship. From philosophical duels to full-scale battle choreography, this series redefines what martial arts looks like in a period drama. It's equal parts poetic, precise and unflinchingly brutal. 7. 'The King's Face' (2014) Prince Gwanghae (Seo In-guk) is a royal born with an unlucky face and remarkable instincts. The drama blends face-reading mysticism with palace scheming and, interestingly enough, intense martial training. Here, sword fighting isn't just for defence; it's an art form. Expect showdowns in moonlit courtyards and emotionally charged duels between crown contenders. 8. 'Kingdom' (2019–2020) Not your typical historical drama, Kingdom has Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) slicing his way through an undead outbreak with the elegance of a seasoned swordsman. Between dodging political enemies and flesh-eating ghouls, Lee Chang proves that sword fighting is a survival tool as well as a royal birthright. The series is visually lush and choreographically sharp, with every swing having high stakes. Don't miss: 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North': 9 details you shouldn't miss 9. 'The Slave Hunters' / 'Chuno' (2010) Looking for gritty manhunts with acrobatic sword-and-fist showdowns? Lee Dae-gil (Jang Hyuk) is a slave hunter with a tragic past and lightning-fast reflexes. Chuno is famous for its dynamic fight scenes: hand-to-hand combat, knife fights and high-stakes sword duels that use real martial arts techniques, enhanced by dusty chase sequences and muscular performances. Think martial arts, but with emotional baggage and wild ponytails. 10. 'Iljimae' (2008) Lee Joon-gi dazzles as Iljimae , a masked vigilante who leaps across rooftops and slices through injustice with balletic grace. Inspired by classic martial arts tales, the drama, which feels like Robin Hood learns wuxia, leans heavily on sword techniques, stealth training and hand-to-hand combat that would make any martial arts hero proud. Bonus: Lee Joon-gi performed many of his stunts.
Tatler Asia
29-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
10 most unforgettable K-drama chefs who turned up the heat
From Michelin-grade mise en scène to brooding bad boys in aprons, these K-drama chefs are serving romance, revenge and really good ramyeon In the sacred world of Korean dramas, few professions are as cinematic—or as emotionally fraught—as that of the chef. Equal parts artist, alchemist and (let's be honest) wildly attractive brooder, the K-drama chef is more than a culinary cliché. They wield knives with the intensity of a melodrama lead and plate their heartbreak with edible poetry. Whether they're flipping omelettes with flair, serving banchan alongside unresolved trauma or just using cooking as a love language, these K-drama chefs know how to stir both the pot and our emotions. Here are the most unforgettable K-drama chefs who prove that love—like jjajangmyeon—tastes better when it's slightly messy. Also read: K-dramas to leave you hungry: 14 best food-centric Korean series
Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Why K-dramas always look like dream holidays
Love in translation Above 'Doctor Stranger' (2014) took us around Budapest, Hungary. (Photo: IMDB) But it's not just for show. When characters leave Korea, something shifts. Emotional stakes rise. Time slows. Suddenly, every cobblestone street becomes a confessional. Abroad, our protagonists find themselves, sometimes literally. Whether it's Hyun Bin soul-searching in Switzerland or Kim Tae-ri riding a bike through 1990s Paris in Twenty-Five Twenty-One , international scenes often serve as narrative inflection points apart from pegs for dream holidays. K-dramas often use overseas settings as a narrative escape hatch, allowing characters to break free from the rigid structures of Korean society. In a foreign country, they can reinvent themselves, unburdened by family expectations, workplace hierarchies or nosy neighbours. It's a clean emotional slate, one that's as liberating for the characters as it is enchanting for viewers. Korea's cultural soft power Above 'Queen of Tears' (2024) made people's dream holidays revolve around Germany. (Photo: Netflix) There's also the not-so-secret diplomatic agenda. The Korean Wave—Hallyu—is no longer confined to music charts and Netflix queues. International shoots act as cinematic emissaries, exporting Korean stories through global landscapes. In some cases, it's a win-win: countries like the Philippines, Spain and Thailand benefit from the tourism bump, while K-dramas expand their cachet as sophisticated global entertainment. Filming abroad acts as a quiet flex. It's an assertion that Korean pop culture belongs on the global stage. It's not just K-dramas anymore; it's K-culture going cosmopolitan. See more: Korean drama travel inspiration: 14 popular filming sites to visit Fantasy, but relatable Above 'Memories of the Alhambra' (2018) was technically in some kind of simulated reality, but when it wasn't, it was set in Spain. (Photo: IMDB) There's also the matter of emotional resonance. In a K-drama, Paris isn't just Paris—it's a symbol of first love, loneliness or a kind of aspirational sadness best expressed under grey skies and oversized scarves. These places become emotional proxies, transforming architecture into feeling. Memories of the Alhambra , set largely in Spain, used its setting not just as a backdrop but as a metaphysical extension of its video-game-inspired plot. In The King: Eternal Monarch , the characters literally cross dimensions, which is fitting, considering the show filmed everywhere from Busan to Brandenburg. And for fans watching in São Paulo or Stockholm, these foreign settings make Korean content feel closer to home. The jet-set future Above 'Encounter' (2018) included Havana, Cuba, as one of its filming locations (Photo: IMDB) Of course, not every drama needs a plane ticket. But as K-content continues to dominate global screens, the trend is unlikely to slow. Overseas filming has become an emotional tool, a branding strategy and, occasionally, a plot device that justifies a random flashback in Vienna. So the next time a character is brooding on a bridge in Budapest or sharing a gelato in Florence, remember: it's not just about where they are. It's about who they're becoming, one passport stamp at a time. And if they influence your dream holidays, then that's a bonus. In the world of K-dramas, love doesn't just transcend class, time and logic—it transcends borders.
