Where to Stream the Best of South Korea’s Film Renaissance
South Korea’s cinema has experienced a remarkable renaissance over the past two decades, captivating global audiences with its blend of gritty storytelling, visual spectacle, and thought-provoking narratives. The rise of South Korean films is not just limited to the astounding success of Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite,” which bagged the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes and swept the Oscars with historic wins. The country has been producing cinematic gems that deserve worldwide recognition.
For film aficionados looking to dive into this wave of South Korean cinematic brilliance, streaming services are the gateway to experiencing these masterpieces from the comfort of home. Here are several platforms where you can stream the best of South Korea’s film renaissance:
1. Netflix – Netflix has invested heavily in South Korean content, offering a variety of films like “Okja,” also directed by Bong Joon-ho, and Yeon Sang-ho’s “Train to Busan.” The platform continues to expand its library with historical dramas such as “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” and acclaimed thrillers like “Oldboy.”Amazon Prime Video – Though their South Korean film selection isn’t as extensive as Netflix’s, Amazon Prime Video still hosts a number of significant films. Titles include Lee Chang-dong’s psychological drama “Burning” and the action-packed zombie film “Peninsula,” the sequel to “Train to Busan.”
2. Hulu – Hulu may offer fewer Korean films compared to Netflix and Amazon Prime, but they still provide some quality picks including “I Saw The Devil,” a relentless tale of revenge.
3. MUBI – For the cinema purists who are eager for curatorial content with an artistic flair, MUBI is the go-to service. It periodically features South Korean indie films and auteur-driven content that might not be found on more mainstream platforms.
4. Criterion Channel – Known for its collection of classic and contemporary films, Criterion Channel offers South Korean movies that have significant artistic and cultural value like “Secret Sunshine” and “Poetry.”
5. Viki – This streaming service specializes in Asian content, it has an extensive library of South Korean films across genres catering precisely to fans of Asian cinema.
6, Kocowa – Kocowa is a streaming service in North America that operates in partnership with major South Korean television networks. It mainly focuses on K-dramas but occasionally offers movie selections as well.
7. OnDemandKorea – Primarily focused on television content, OnDemandKorea also occasionally streams movies.
For those wanting to explore beyond these services or without subscriptions, YouTube occasionally offers legally uploaded South Korean films either for free or via rental services.
In conclusion, whether you wish to enjoy pulse-pounding thrillers, heartfelt dramas or innovative horror stories, these streaming services offer convenient access to some of the best cinematic work coming out of South Korea today. So dive in, explore the rich textures and narratives that have made South Korea an important hub for world cinema.