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