5 K-Movies That Are Going To Release In December 2023
As December unfolds, the South Korean cinematic landscape prepares to dazzle audiences with a compelling array of films spanning diverse genres and narratives. From fantastical tales of heavenly reunions in “Our Season” to the cross-cultural intricacies of love in “Look at Me, Touch Me, Kiss Me,” the lineup promises a cinematic journey unlike any other.
“A Letter from Kyoto” weaves a poignant family drama, while “Under Your Bed” delves into the intricacies of twisted love and loneliness. Closing the cinematic calendar with grandeur, “Noryang: Deadly Sea” emerges as the epic finale to Admiral Yi Sun-shin’s trilogy, offering a historical war action spectacle. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of these cinematic gems, exploring the emotions, stories, and craftsmanship that make December 2023 a month to remember in the world of South Korean cinema. Get ready for an immersive experience that transcends boundaries and captivates hearts.
1. Our Season
Directed by Yook Sang-hyo, “Our Season” is a captivating South Korean fantasy film set to grace the theaters on December 6, 2023. The storyline revolves around the miraculous reunion of a mother, Bok-ja, who has descended from the Heavens for a three-day vacation, and her daughter, Jin-joo, who yearns for her lost mother. The film, also known as “Hyu-ga” or “3 Days Vacation,” delves into the poignant moments created by this celestial break on Earth.
With an ensemble cast including Kim Hae-sook, Shin Min-a, Kang Ki-young, and Hwang Bo-ra, the movie promises a heartwarming exploration of the bond between a mother and daughter. The anticipation for its 105-minute runtime builds as audiences await the emotional resonance of this heavenly visitation.
2. Look at Me, Touch Me, Kiss Me
“Look at Me, Touch Me, Kiss Me” is a cross-cultural masterpiece directed by Kim Tae Shik. Originally a 2022 release, this Korean film is set to captivate South Korean audiences on December 6, 2023. The movie weaves together three distinct love stories unfolding in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Seoul.
From the intricate dynamics between a telemarketer and a cart rink owner to the complex history shared by a pub owner and a mysterious woman, and the unique tale of a forklift operator and a kiss-for-sale business manager, the film explores the multifaceted nature of relationships. As an omnibus co-production involving Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea, the movie promises a delightful 1 hour and 54 minutes of comedy and connection.
3. A Letter from Kyoto
Directed by Kim Min-ju, “A Letter from Kyoto” is a South Korean family drama that took the cinematic stage in 2022 and continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling. Released on December 6, 2023, the film follows the lives of three sisters with distinct personalities and their mother, Hwa-ja, who has raised them alone in Busan after the passing of her husband.
The narrative gains momentum as the second daughter, Hye-young, returns to Busan, discovering a mysterious Japanese letter that unravels her mother’s enigmatic past. Lauded for its endearing portrayal and empathetic storytelling, the movie stands out for its minimalistic yet impactful approach, exploring sensitive subjects with dignity and featuring compelling female characters.
4. Under Your Bed
Directed by Sabu, “Under Your Bed” emerges as a psychological drama, adapting Ohishi Kei’s Japanese novel of the same title. This South Korean movie, slated for release in December 2023, introduces us to Ji-hoon, a lonely man whose sense of aliveness revolves around Ye-eun at college. The plot unfolds as a whirlwind of twisted and destructive love, with Lee Ji-hoon, Lee Yoon-woo, and Soo-Hang Shin delivering powerful performances. Clocking in at 1 hour and 39 minutes, the film intricately reveals the protagonist’s memories, piece by piece, showcasing its prowess as both a character-driven piece and a psychological exploration.
5. Noryang: Deadly Sea
In a grand finale to the trilogy by director Kim Han-min, “Noryang: Deadly Sea” is an upcoming South Korean war action film poised to hit theaters on December 20, 2023. The movie serves as the culmination of the trilogy, portraying the historical Battle of Noryang that transpired on December 16, 1598, marking the conclusion of the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598).
With Kim Yun-seok embodying the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-shin, the film promises an immersive experience, depicting the last major battle of this pivotal period in history. Supported by Baek Yoon-sik as a Japanese general and Huh Joon-ho as a Ming Dynasty Chinese general, “Noryang: Deadly Sea” is produced by Big Stone Pictures and distributed by Lotte Entertainment, setting the stage for a riveting cinematic journey.
December 2023 holds a rich tapestry of South Korean cinema, offering diverse narratives ranging from celestial reunions and cross-cultural love stories to familial secrets, twisted romances, and historical war epics. Each film promises a unique blend of storytelling, emotion, and cinematic craftsmanship, providing audiences with a cinematic feast that spans fantasy, comedy, drama, psychological exploration, and historical action. As the release dates draw near, anticipation builds for these films to grace the screens and leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Korean cinema.
