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.

♦

Korean Movies With Hitchcock Titles: "Vertigo"

In a previous blog post, I shared entertainment trivia about "Spellbound", a Korean movie with the same name as a Hitchcock film. In this post, I will discuss "Vertigo".

♦ Vertigo (2019)

Main Characters:

• Seo-Young (played by Chun Woo-Hee)

• Lee Jin-Soo (played by Yoo Teo)

• Kwon-Woo (played by Jeong Jae-Kwang)

STORYLINE:

All the women at the office fantasize about Lee Jin-Soo, but none of them have ever gotten to first base with him. So they settle for talking about him during their lunch break. The conversation makes Seo-Young feel uncomfortable, so she excuses herself from the lunch group. They don't know why she reacted that way, but they dismiss it and continue talking. Her co-workers did not know that Seo-Young was having a secret affair with her manager, Lee Jin-So. She thought she could have a wonderful life with Lee Jin-So. Except … all of a sudden he ghosted her and she didn't understand why. As if a failed relationship wasn't bad enough, she went to the doctor because of certain physical ailments and learned that she suffered from Vertigo.

Lee Jin-So was fired because the company's CCTV video showed him having sex with one of the employees. But that employee was not Seo-Young, so she didn't get fired. Seo-Young was a little baffled but she didn't dare ask for more information about the manager's termination. Another manager approached her and told her that he had seen the video of her with Lee Jin-So but didn't tell anyone. Then he tried to secure sexual favors from her, in return for keeping it a secret. When she refused, he physically assaulted her.

Seo-Young did not know it but she had a secret admirer, Kwon-Woo, who worked as a contract window cleaner. It so happened that Kwon-Woo was cleaning windows and saw what was happening to her. He banged on the glass panes, making loud noises. When the manager realized that someone had witnessed his behavior he left immediately. Seo-Young was grateful for Kwon-Woo's help. But the incident left her distraught and depressed. She wanted to die! But Kwon-Woo really wanted her to live. Could he convince her that life was worth living?

• GENRE: Secret Romance, Workplace or Office Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6 out of 10 stars

• MyDrama List: 7.1 out of 10 stars

• Letterboxd: 3.2 out of 5 stars

♦♦ Vertigo (1958): (Psychological drama, Thriller and Suspense) James Stewart plays a retired San Francisco police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson. After a traumatic incident on the job, he developed acrophobia (a fear of heights). An old friend confides in him that his wife, Madeleine Elster played by Kim Novak, has begun to act strangely. He hires “Scottie” to follow his wife around, but the detective becomes obsessed with her. His covert investigation reveals a disturbing truth about her identity.

Korean Movies With Hitchcock Titles: "Spellbound"

Alfred Hitchcock earned his reputation as the master of psychological thriller and suspense. While searching for Korean dramas to watch, I stumbled upon 2 films that had the same title as a Hitchcock movie which made me curious. 

However, it seems the only similarity between the Hitchcock movies and the Korean movies is the title. Even so, these K-dramas were interesting to watch. There is a little bit of entertainment trivia about the Hitchcock movies, for contrast and comparison.

♦ Spellbound (2011)

(Also known by the title “Chilling Romance”)

Main Characters:

• Ma Jo-Goo (played by Lee Min-Ki)

• Kang Yeo-Ri (played by Son Ye-Jin)

STORYLINE:

Ma Jo-Goo is a talented street magician but his act is going nowhere. While performing for the audience, he noticed a mysterious woman in the crowd. When he finished his show he followed and caught up with her. Her dark and mysterious look had inspired him and he wanted her to be a part of his show. She agreed to work for him and his magic act became a success. It was called Jo-Goo Ma's Horror Illusion. After work, Jo-Goo likes to treat his workers to dinner and drinks, but Kang Yeo-Ri always refuses. She was loaded with excuses. But never told anyone her real reason. The truth was much more frightening.

Kang Yeo-Ri had a secret and that was why she lived alone, could never have a boyfriend, and pretended to be happy. One night her boss insisted she join them for dinner. She had one too many drinks and did something that embarrassed her boss. Strangely though, after that night at the company dinner, Ma Jo-Goo was drawn to her. As he got closer, he learned her secret and it terrified him. However, even though he was scared, he still wanted to be with her. Who says you can't be in love AND be scared to death to be with person you love?

• GENRE: Romantic, Comedy, Horror

• IMDb Rating: 6.8 out of 10 stars

• MyDrama List: 8 out of 10 stars

♦♦ Hitchcock's Spellbound (1945): (Psychological drama, Thriller, and Suspense) Ingrid Bergman plays Dr. Constance Petersen, a psychiatrist who wants to treat her new patient, John Ballantine, played by Gregory Peck. He is suffering from amnesia. When her mental health treatment indicates that he may know details about a murder, she gets help from a fellow psychiatrist. His memory loss is the result of a trauma and the doctors work together to unlock the memories buried in the patient's subconscious mind. The film combines elements of, exploring themes of identity, memory, and mental health, all while incorporating a complex plot twist and a dramatic climax.

Five (5) Popcorn-Worthy 'BAD' Korean Dramas

Check out this list of Korean dramas with the word “Bad” or “Bad” in the titles, available on popular streaming platforms in the USA.

Pass the popcorn, please!

 ♦ (1) Bad Guys (2014)

Watch Bad Guys (2014) Online for Free | The Roku Channel | Roku

Main Characters:

• Oh Goo-Tak (played by Kim Sang-Joong)

• Park Woong-Cheol (played by Ma Dong-Seok)

• Lee Jung-Moon (played by Park Hae-Jin)

• Jung Tae-Soo (played by Jo Dong-Hyuk)

• Yoo Mi-Young (played by Gang Ye-Won)

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Police Procedural

PLOT: Who better to fight bad guys than bad guys? In the classic American war movie “The Dirty Dozen”, the military decides to send a dozen criminals into enemy territory to fight for their country. They had particular skill sets that were useful and the military just needed to train them to be soldiers. This Korean drama has a similar storyline. A police detective lost his daughter to a murderer. He was suspended from his job for using excessive force to apprehend suspects. But then he was called back to work because one of his superiors also lost his son to a murderer. Violent crimes are on the rise, so the police detective forms a crime team made up of criminals to catch criminals. One is a contract killer and the other is a serial killer. Their work will result in reduced sentences and possibly their freedom. But will this really work?  

WATCH TRAILER

♦ (2) Bad Guys: Vile City (2017)

(NOTE: This is “Bad Guys 2.)

Available on Apple TV+

Main Characters:

• Woo Je-Moon (played by Park Joong-Hoon)

• Jo Young-Kook (played by Kim Hong-Fa)

• Heo Il-Hoo (played by Joo Jin-Mo)

• Jang Sung-Cheol (played by Yang Ik-June)

• No Jin-Pyeong (played by Kim Moo-Yul)

• Han Gang-Joo (played by Ji Soo)

Genre: Mystery, Action, Crime, Thriller, Police Procedural, Political

PLOT: The bad guys keep fighting the bad guys in this Korean drama series sequel. It has the same theme as Season 1. This time a crusading prosecutor and a detective work together and go after a crime lord. The investigative team includes a serial killer, an assassin and a mobster with a personal vendetta. The crime lord has managed to evade capture because there are those on “the inside” who work for him. Battling organized crime is hard enough but it's extra hard when you have to fight institutional corruption. But no matter, because for the team, it's just another day at work.

WATCH TRAILER

♦ (3) The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos (2019)

(NOTE: This is a movie. The series “Bad Guys”, released in 2014 is the prequel.)

Available on Apple TV+

Main Characters:

• No Sang-Sik (played by Jo Young-Jin)

• Detective So Oh Goo-Tak (played by Kim Sang-Joong)

• Park Woong-Cheol (played by Ma Dong-Seok)

• Kwak No-Soon (played by Kim A-Joong)

• Ko Yoo-Sung (played by Jang Ki-Yong)

Genre: Crime and Action

PLOT: While prisoners are being transported, the vehicle is attacked by ruthless assassins, in order to free a former Korean gang boss, who works with the yakuza. A crime investigative unit is tasked with capturing the escaped prisoners, especially the former gang boss. The unit includes certain criminals who are promised reduced sentences if they succeed. Some in law enforcement are aligned with the yakuza leader and they interfere with the mission and even betray their fellow officers. But the crime investigation team never wavers. They know what their mission is and they aim to catch the escaped prisoners and put them back behind bars.

WATCH TRALER

♦ (4) Bad and Crazy (2021-2022)

Netflix USA started streaming the series on November 28, 2022.

Main Characters:

• Ryu Soo-Yeol (played by Lee Dong-Wook)

• Alternate Personality named K (played by Wi Ha-Joon)

Genre: Police Procedural, Legal Drama, Medical Drama, Action, Comedy

PLOT: A young man has a split personality. He suffers from multiple personality disorder, also referred to as dissociative identity disorder (DID). It's not that he's “bad” or “crazy”. He just wants career advancement in the law enforcement agency he works for and figures the best way to get a promotion is to overlook or cover up crimes that have been committed. All he has to do is neatly wrap things up, close the cases, and file them away. However, his alternate personality known as “K” pricks his ethical and moral conscience and makes him do the right thing. In other words, his alter ego is a justice-seeking HERO!

WATCH TRAILER

♦ (5) Bad Prosecutor (2022)

Viki viewers rated this series 9.5 out of 10 stars

Main Characters:

• Jin Jung (played by Do Kyung-Soo)

• Shin A-Ra (played by Lee Se-Hee)

• Oh Do-Hwan (played by Ha-Joon)

Genre: Legal Drama, Action

PLOT: A young boy who witnesses many things that were unjust decides that when he grows up he will wield a sword of justice just like the swordfighters in video games. However, as an adult, he realized the fight against injustice was rigged by people with wealth and power, in their favor. The “sword of justice” he planned to use would not be effective in eliminating crime and corruption. He was hired as a prosecutor and assigned to the Central District Prosecutors' Office Criminal Division 3. Some of the prosecutors he worked with were as corrupt as the bad guys on the outside. They abused their positions of public trust and covered up crimes. Going by the book was not only time-consuming, but those standard processes and procedures usually did not work. Because his work methods were different from his fellow prosecutors and he didn't follow the “rules”, the young man was labeled a “bad prosecutor”. Since he knew that some prosecutors had ways to erase dirty deeds, he simply developed ways to work around them so that justice could be served.

WATCH TRAILER