K-Drama Movie Gems to Watch Free on Pluto TV (Part 2 of 2)

The list below is 5 Korean movies I have already watched or are on my watchlist. The “H” means the film is historical.

1. Castaway on the Moon (2009)
2. I Saw the Devil (2010)
3. Swordbrothers: The Showdown (2011)-H
4. Nameless Gangster (2012)
5. Perfect Number (2012)

♦ 1) Castaway on the Moon (2009)

Kim Seung-Keun (played by Jung Jae-Young) goes to a bridge over the Han River because he is contemplating suicide. He jumps but instead of dying he ends up stranded on a deserted island in the middle of Seoul. Looks like it just wasn't his day to die. Once he gets adjusted to his new life, he decides living a solitary life is not so bad, even though he still wrote out a message in the sand “HELP”, just in case.

Kim Jung-Yeon (played by Jung Ryeo-Won) also lives a solitary life and never leaves her apartment. Her hobby is taking photos of the moon. But one night she happened to see “HELP” written in the sand and a figure of a man walking on the shore of the deserted island.

It's a very unusual way for two solitary people to connect.

♦ 2) I Saw the Devil (2010)

This K-drama is a gripping and suspenseful thriller. So-Hyun (played by Lee Byung-Hun, “Concrete Utopia”, “Mr. Sunshine”) is an agent for the NIS (National Intelligence Service). When his fiancée is murdered by a serial killer, he uses his KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) as a secret agent to relentlessly pursue the killer. If he catches the murderer alive, the right thing to do is turn him over to law enforcement for trial and conviction. However, since he is a covert agent, he might blur the lines between right and wrong, and misuse his “license to kill”.

♦ 3) Swordbrothers: The Showdown (2011)

This is a Korean historical period drama, and the setting is Manchuria, China, 1619. Heon-myung (played by Park Hee-soon, “The Bequeathed”), Do-young (played by Jin Goo, “Shadow Detective”), and Du-soo (played by Ko Chang-seok) are three swordsmen from Joseon who are forced to come to China by the Ming Dynasty. They tried to take refuge in a tavern but found themselves cornered by Manchu forces.

Do you love intense sword-fighting scenes in historical K-dramas? Then you'll love this movie.

♦ 4) Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012)

Set in the 1980s, this gritty crime drama follows a corrupt customs officer who rises to power in the criminal underworld. Choi Ik-Hyun (played by Choi Min-Sik, “In Our Prime”) is caught accepting bribes. He wasn't the only dirty officer, but he is the one who took the blame. One night, while still being employed as a customs officer, he discovers a stash of illegal drugs in a warehouse. Since he had to leave his honest job where he was dishonest, he made up his mind to become completely dishonest. It turns out he's related to a crime boss, Choi Hyung-Bae (played by Ha Jung-Woo, “Narco Saints”), so they become partners in crime and take over the Busan underworld.

♦ 5) Perfect Number (2012)

This film is a mystery thriller. Suk-Go (played by Ryoo Seung-Bum, “The Berlin File”) is a math genius. That's the highlight of his life. He's good with numbers, but not much else, and lives as a recluse. Hwa-Sun (played by Lee Yo-Won, “The Great Queen Seondeok”) is his neighbor. He makes no effort to establish any kind of neighborly bond. She moved there because she was trying to escape her abusive, violent boyfriend, only he found her.

Suk-Go hears sounds coming from his neighbor's house, which are obviously the noises made when people are having a violent fight. Hwa-Sun manages to kill her ex-boyfriend. Suk-Go knocked on the door to ask if there was a problem, and when he entered the house, he saw the dead body.

Hwa-Sun does not try to stop him from calling the police, but she asks him if he would listen to her side of the story before making the call. Suk-Go decides to help her cover up what happened.

Hwa-Sun accepts his help, but later she starts wondering, “What's his angle”? She starts adding things up in her mind. Why did he help her? Does he have dark secrets? Is he a psycho who is worse than her ex-boyfriend? I mean … she didn't even know him, and he volunteered to. Things don't seem to quite add up. It's not just math!

This movie is based on the 2005 novel "Yogisha X no Kenshin" ("The Devotion of Suspect X").

Watch Free on Pluto TV: 5 K-Drama Movie Gems | https://t.co/gmI236IWvl https://t.co/vsiZIGKQrr

— Joie de Vivre Magazine (aka My Fox Nooze) (@FoxMarks_ATX) February 23, 2024

K-Drama Movies to Watch Free on Pluto TV (Part 1 of 2)

The list below is 5 Korean movies that are streaming free with ads on Pluto TV. The “H” means the film is historical. In the previous list published via PopGeeks, the movie gems were released between 2009 and 2012. The films on the list below were released between 2013 and 2021.

1. Killer Toon (2013)
2. The Sound of a Flower (2015)-H
3. The Swordsman (2020)-H
4. Beasts Clawing at Straws (2020)
5. Escape from Mogadishu (2021)

♦ 1) Killer Toon (2013)

A webtoon artist who becomes entangled in a series of gruesome murders because the real-life crimes resemble her fictional work. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers dark secrets and a chilling connection between her creations and reality.  This film is categorized as Horror, Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense.

• Detective Lee Ki-Cheol (played by Uhm Ki-Joon, “The Escape of the Seven”, “I Am Not a Robot”)
• Webcomic Writer Ji-Yoon (played by Lee Si-Young)

PAYNUX Movie. “Killer Toon 2013 Full Movie Trailer - Murder Tragedy Based on Comic Story.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 10, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChUrNinYNq8.

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♦ 2) The Sound of a Flower (2015)

This historical period drama is based on a true story, set in 1867 Korea. Jin Chae-seon is a Korean pansori singer. She disguises herself as a man in order to compete in “Naksungyeon”, a national competition of pansori performers. This historical figure is believed to be the first female master of a male-dominated genre. Born in the 1840s, she became a master of performing Simcheongga and Chunhyangga.

• “Pansori is a traditional Korean performance that combines singing, drumming, and body language to tell a story.” Learn more: [Visual History of Korea] ‘Pansori’ -- Musical storytelling across societal barriers | The Korea Herald

• Chae-Sun (played by Bae Suzy, “Doona”)
• Shin Jae-Hyo (played by Ryu Seung-Ryong)

CJEntertainmentUSA. “The Sound of a Flower Official Teaser Trailer W/ English Subtitles [HD].” YouTube Video. YouTube, October 30, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL_CP1sw9L4.


♦ 3) The Swordsman (2020)

After a king of Joseon was dethroned, the country's best swordsman, who had served him faithfully, vanished. His wish is to live quietly with his daughter away from the palace intrigue, corruption, and constant conspiracies. But his wish was not granted. There is a conflict between Qing and Ming Dynasty has thrown Joseon into chaos, and his daughter is kidnapped. He must pick up his sword once again to go save his daughter.  This film is categorized as Action and Historical Fiction.

• Tae Yool (played by Jang Hyuk, “My Country: The New Age”)
• Tae Yool’s daughter Tae Ok (played by Kim Hyun-Soo)

Well Go USA Entertainment. “THE SWORDSMAN Official Trailer | Directed by Choi Jae-Hoon | Starring Jang Hyuk and Kim Hyeon-Soo.” YouTube Video. YouTube, December 16, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMuBuL982iQ.

♦ 4) Beasts Clawing at Straws (2020)

A bag of money gets lost and the lives of several characters interconnect and intersect. The more greedy and desperate they become to find the money, the more they are willing to take extreme measures.  This film is categorized as Black Comedy, Crime, Thriller, and Neo-noir.

• Joong-Man (played by Bae Sung-Woo)
• Tae-Young (played by Jung Woo-Sung)
• Yeon-Hee (played by Jeon Do-Yeon, “Crash Course in Romance”)
• Mi-Ran (played by Shin Hyun-Bin)
• Jin-Tae (played by Jung Ga-Ram)

Artsploitation Films. “Beasts Clawing at Straws | Official Trailer.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 28, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQFyCvDgL7Q.
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♦ 5) Escape from Mogadishu (2021)

Based on true events. South and North Korean diplomats must escape from war-torn Somalia in 1991. The divisions of north versus south and political ideologies don't matter. In the midst of chaos and conflict, it's just humans working together to overcome adversity. Survival is what counts.  This film is categorized as Action and Historical, and has won 20+ awards, including Best Film and Most Popular Film.

• Han Shin-Sung, Ambassador, South Korean Embassy (played by Kim Yun-Seok)
• Kang Dae-Jin, Councilor, North Korean Embassy (played by Zo In-Sung)

Well Go USA Entertainment. “ESCAPE from MOGADISHU Official Trailer | Korean Action War Drama | Directed by Ryoo Seung-Wan.” YouTube Video. YouTube, July 13, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvNFzwKtSy0.
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Watch Free on Pluto TV: 5 Korean Movies Released 2013-2021 | https://t.co/gmI236IWvl https://t.co/hJj0uXHu6E pic.twitter.com/2uEPMglrhe

— Joie de Vivre Magazine (aka My Fox Nooze) (@FoxMarks_ATX) February 23, 2024

Six (6) Historical Period Mystery K-Drama Films and Series

K-drama lovers are always delighted when historical period dramas weave a mystery into the storyline. Check out this watch list.

(1) DetectiveK Series (2011, 2015, and 2018)

• Plot Summary: Set in the Joseon era, these films follow a quirky detective and his sidekick solving bizarre cases. Sherlock Holmes meets a Korean period drama.

(2) TheFace Reader (2013)

• Plot Summary: A man with the ability to “read faces”, i.e., he uses the age-old art of physiognomy to discern a person’s character and fate by studying their facial features, gets entangled in ruthless palace intrigue and corrupt political schemes.

(3) TheTale of Nokdu (2019)

• Plot Summary: Assassins show up at a man's home, but they don't succeed. He realizes one of the group is a female and chases after her. She disappears into a widow's village. He disguises himself as a woman to infiltrate the village and uncover why assassins were sent to his home, and discovers a web of secrets, including his true identity.

(4) Secret Royal Inspector & Joy (2021)

• Plot Summary: A reluctant secret royal inspector teams up with a divorcee who has a natural ability to solve crimes, and together they uncover corruption.

(5) JoseonAttorney (2023)

• Plot Summary: A lawyer uses the law to seek justice for his family, uncovering deeper conspiracies. Sharp and layered with courtroom drama. His assistant is a princess.

(6) The King's Case Note (2017)

• Plot Summary: The king is not just an ordinary monarch of Joseon. He's very clever, educates himself in a wide range of subjects, and is relentless in his pursuit of justice and truth. He has the perfect assistant, a chronicler or historian who has a photographic memory. He only has to see something once, and he can recall every detail.

♦

11 K-Dramas To Watch If You Like These Series | Rotten Tomatoes

18 Korean Law Dramas To Watch That Will Make You Scream ‘Objection!’ At The Opposing Attorney | Middle Class

Original source

Neo-Noir Korean Drama {Review]: Decision to Leave (2022)

Neo-noir is a modern take on classic film noir, which thrived in the 1940s–1950s. South Korea began embracing neo-noir elements in cinema during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with films like Oldboy (2003) and Memories of Murder (2003) setting the tone.

Neo-noir K-dramas are highly popular among international audiences, especially fans of psychological thrillers and crime dramas. Their appeal lies in:

• Complex antiheroes and morally gray characters

• Stylized visuals with moody lighting and urban landscapes

• Themes of revenge, corruption, and existential dread

Directors like Park Chan-wook (“Decision to Leave”) helped elevate the genre globally.

• Me, Mashable. “‘A Bittersweet Life’, ‘The Handmaiden’, and More: Top South Korean Neo-Noir Movies That Will Keep You Hooked.” Mashable ME, 26 July 2023, .

• Shinnosuke_Lee. “Guide To Korean Action & Noir Dramas (45 Shows).” MyDramaList, 24 Mar. 2025.

Decision to Leave is actually a South Korean neo-noir romantic mystery film, not a K-Drama. It was directed by Park Chan-wook, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jeong Seo-kyeong. Here’s what you need to know:

• Based on OR Inspired by? The film is an original story, not based on any existing work.

• Release Date: Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2022, and was released theatrically in South Korea on June 29, 2022.

• Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Romance, Drama.

• Filming Locations: Primarily filmed in South Korea, including Busan.

• Where to Watch: Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

• Main Characters:

  • Tang Wei as Song Seo-rae

  • Park Hae-il as Detective Jang Hae-jun

  • Lee Jung-hyun as Jung-an

  • Go Kyung-pyo as Soo-wan.

Plot Summary:

Detective Jang Hae-jun, a dedicated investigator suffering from insomnia, is assigned to a case involving the mysterious death of a retired immigration officer, Ki Do-soo, found at the base of a mountain he frequently climbed. As Hae-jun delves into the case, he meets Song Seo-rae, the deceased’s enigmatic widow. Though Seo-rae’s lack of grief and suspicious injuries make her a prime suspect, Hae-jun finds himself drawn to her in ways that compromise his judgment.

As the investigation unfolds, Hae-jun becomes obsessed with Seo-rae, watching her from afar and engaging in intimate conversations that blur the lines between detective and suspect. His growing infatuation leads him to cover up evidence, despite realizing that Seo-rae may have orchestrated her husband's death. Their relationship is a delicate dance of trust, deception, and longing, culminating in a tragic separation.

A year later, Hae-jun, now struggling with depression, encounters Seo-rae again—this time married to a wealthy businessman. When her new husband is found dead, Hae-jun is once again drawn into her orbit, suspecting her involvement. As he pieces together the truth, Seo-rae makes a final, haunting decision, leaving Hae-jun devastated and forever searching for answers.

♦♦

(NOTE: The content above is AI-Generated.)

Check out my Kdrama review – original content published via PopGeeks.com: Decision to Leave ~ Am I Attracted to a Murderer?

10 Must-Watch Korean Films Released in 2024

2024 was a very good year for Korean dramas, both series and movies. A lot of movies are still on my watch list because they are not yet available to the US audience. It be like that sometimes. LOL. Have you watched any of these films?

(1) Harbin

A dramatization of the real-life story of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan, in 1909.

Main Characters:

• An Jung-Geun (played by Hyun Bin)

TRAILER:  Well Go USA Entertainment. “HARBIN.” YouTube, Video, 10 Dec. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEFkjyj10ec.

♦

(2) Hidden Face

The fiancée of an orchestra conductor disappears but left behind a video message. His fiancée was a cellist in the orchestra and she is replaced by another woman. As he searches for her, he becomes involved with the new cellist. Rather than solving the mystery of his fiancée's disappearance, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of secrets, desires, and deception with the other woman. But what about his fiancée?

Main Characters:

• Seong-Jin (played by Song Seung-Heon)

• Soo-Yeon (played by Cho Yeo-Jeong)

• Mi-Joo (played by Park Ji-Hyun)

TRAILER:  @bjust_81. “?Hidden Face Trailer Song Seung Heon on Theater November 20th ?.” YouTube, Video, 23 Oct. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU5Fa8Nh-yc.

♦

(3) I, the Executioner

A serial killer is on the loose and a veteran detective in the Violent Crimes Unit is assisted by a rookie detective who has just joined the team. The serial killer fancies himself a vigilante who is simply ensuring that justice is served. The media has nick-named him “Haechi” (a mythical creature who maintains law and order). This movie is a sequel to “Veteran” (2015).

Main Characters:

• Detective Seo Do-Cheol (played by Hwang Jung-Min)

• Rookie Park Sun-Woo (played by Jung Hae-In)

TRAILER:  Warner Bros Singapore. “I, The Executioner.” YouTube, Video, 30 Sept. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Caj3acppTA4.

♦

(4) Handsome Guys (a remake of 2010 Canadian film "Tucker and Dale vs Evil")

Don't you just love it when the life you have always dreamed of finally becomes reality? Two guys, carpenters by vocation, who always wanted to live a quiet and simple life in the country moved to their new home. But as soon as they get to town they are mistaken for being kidnappers. It's bad enough when your good intentions are mistaken for evil. It's even worse when you awaken an evil spirit ~ a goat demon ~ that was trapped in the basement of your dream house. Oh! It's just a demonic spirit capable of destroying the world. Thousands of years ago there was one carpenter who was known for casting out demons. A couple of carpenters living in the countryside ought to be able to handle a goat demon ~ easy, peasy.

Main Characters:

• Jae-Pil (played by Lee Sung-Min)

• Sang-Koo (played by Lee Hee-Jun)

TRAILER:  KDTeaser tv. “Handsome Guys (2024).” YouTube, Video, 27 May 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgBTn9I-Ljw.

♦

(5) Land of Happiness

The backdrop for this film is South Korea's political turmoil in 1979. In real history, during that year President Park Chung-hee was assassinated. On December 12, 1979, Major General Chun Doo-hwan led a military coup, declared martial law and took control of the country (“12.12: The Day”). “This period was characterized by political repression, human rights abuses, and the suppression of pro-democracy movements.” (REF: South Korea marks 45 years since 1979 coup and military dictatorship | CNA) According to the real historical record, Kim Jae-gyu, the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), shot the president and he as convicted and executed. In this film, a secretary is implicated in the President's assassination and a lawyer, who must defend the accused, is not sure if there can be a fair trial amidst predetermined military justice.

Main Characters:

• Lawyer Jung In-Hoo (played by Cho Jung-Seok)

• Accused Secretary Park Tae-Joo (played by Lee Sun-Kyun)

TRAILER:  Kdrama Princess. “LAND OF HAPPINESS Movie Trailer 1-2(2024) New Korean Movie Jo Jung Suk, Lee Sun Kyun & Yoo Jae Myung.” YouTube, Video, 21 July 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOq8jL2D4Yw.

♦

(6) Pilot

A pilot who is an ace pilot that the Red Baron would be proud of, somehow managed to lose his job. He wasn't just fired. He was blacklisted and couldn't get a job with any airline. But there's no reason to let his flying skills go to waste. He takes his sister's identity, applies for a pilot job using her name, and gets hired. Who's gonna know? Flying high again! Genius!

Main Characters:

• Han Jung-Woo (played by Cho Jung-Seok)

TRAILER:  Lotte Entertainment (International). “Pilot.” YouTube, Video, 1 Aug. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsNwUw7Dhwg.

♦

(7) The Plot

A contract killer gets paid to commit murders, cleverly disguising the deaths as accidental. He's a highly skilled professional and never leaves any evidence behind. This particular “job” involves an influential figure in politics that everybody is watching. It will be dangerous and difficult, but not impossible. He has teammates who work with him and is confident he can get the job done. No fuss. No mess. Besides … nothing has ever gone wrong before with his murder-for-hire contracts. Why should this one be any different? Uh oh. You know what they say? Never say NEVER.

Main Characters:

• Young-Il (played by Gang Dong-Won)

• Jackie (played by Lee Mi-Sook)

• Wol-Cheon (played by Lee Hyun-Wook)

• Jeom-Man (played by Tang Joon-Sang)

TRAILER:  KDTeaser tv. “The Plot (2024) .” YouTube, Video, 16 May 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MsTEDdyi0E.

♦

(8) Escape

A North Korean soldier tries to defect and make it across the DMZ border. But an officer in North Korea's State Security Department tries to stop him. To paraphrase the script:

• NK Officer: “Get real, soldier! You know escape is not allowed.”

• NK Soldier: “Yeah. That's why I didn't ask permission.”

Main Characters:

• Im Kyu-Nam (played by Lee Je-Hoon)

• Ri Hyun-Sang (played by Koo Kyo-Hwan)

• Sun Woo-Min (played by Song Kang)

TRAILER:  Well Go USA Entertainment. “ESCAPE.” YouTube, Video, 5 June 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mPzDILlt5g.

♦

(9) Walker

A teenager is faced with a difficult decision. He endures school bullying by day and domestic violence at home. His father is violent and his mother leaves because she can't take it anymore. He wants to stay with his father but he has to choose which parent to live with. It should be an easy choice. Why isn't it?

Main Characters:

• Jeong Hoon (played by Ahn Ji-Ho)

• Jeong Moo Jin (played by Ahn Nae-Sang)

• Lee So Yeon (played by Yun Yoo-Sun)

TRAILER:  EonTalk. “Walker (2024) 검은 소년 Movie Trailer 2.” YouTube, Video, 29 Jan. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhN3zGW_IZQ.

♦

(10) You Will Die in 6 Hours

A young woman walking down the street is approached by a strange young man who tells her that she will die in 6 hours. He knows this because he can see the future. On the plus side: At least he doesn't know it because he plans to kill her! (O.o)

Main Characters:

• Joon-Woo (played by Jaehyun)

• Jeong-Yoon (played by Park Ju-Hyun)

• Detective Ki-Hoon (played by Kwak Si-Yang)

TRAILER:  GSCinemas. “You Will Die In 6 Hours.” YouTube, Video, 25 Oct. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8G6DoWE2fA.

♦