20 Best Korean Movies about Gangster

While South Korea is most recognized for its dramatic filmography, it also boasts a huge number of thrilling action movies. In particular, the gangster theme stands out. Are you a fan of this genre? If so, Korean cinema offers a selection that is on par with Hollywood in terms of quality.

Moreover, these films don't just rely on action-packed scenes; they are also praised for their strong storylines. If you're already familiar with Korean movies, you'll know that the film industry in Korea is highly evolved, assuring you of the quality of these productions.

If this genre piques your interest, we have compiled a list of best Korean gangster movies for you to explore. This compilation can serve as your guide, helping you explore the exciting world of Korean action cinema.

1. Night in Paradise

Park Tae Goo (Uhm Tae Goo) gets a chance to join up with a rival gang of criminals, yet he declines their offer. Tragedy strikes when his brother and nephew become victims of a fatal accident. Overcome by grief, Tae Goo quickly jumps to the conclusion that their tragic deaths are a consequence of his refusal to join the rival gang.

Fuelled by rage and a thirst for revenge, Tae Goo wipes out the same mafia gang that had attempted to recruit him. Following this act of vengeance, Tae Goo runs away to Jeju before embarking on a journey to Russia. During this period of avoidance, he finds company in Kuto (Lee Gi Young) and Kim Jae Yeon (Jeon Yeo Been).

However, Tae Goo's troubles are far from over. The remaining mafia gang members under the leadership of Ma Sang Gil (Cha Seung Won) have started a never-ending hunt for Tae Goo, tracking him all the way to Jeju. The question remains: Will Tae Goo be able to avoid this threat to his life?

2. The Man From Nowhere

This film offers more than mere thrills; it delivers a moving story about a timid man Cha Tae Sik (Won Bin) who confronts ruthless criminals to save Jung So Mi (Kim Sae Ron), a girl who means little to him.

The protagonist is an introverted individual who leads a solitary life, running a pawn shop from the comfort of his home, with his only companion being a girl from the neighborhood.

However, their peaceful life is shattered when So Mi is kidnapped by a group of criminals with evil intentions to trade his organs on the black market. In the face of this dire situation, Tae Sik is determined to confront the gangsters and save the innocent child.

3. A Bittersweet Life

Best known for his roles in action movies, Lee Byung Hun is the lead in this movie, showcasing his incredible acting skills that have also earned him important roles in Hollywood productions such as RED 2 and G.I. Joe.

In this captivating story, Lee Byung Hun plays Sun Woo, a character who works for a gangster. Sun Woo lives a solitary life, often plagued by feelings of loneliness. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is assigned to keep an eye on his boss's young girlfriend Hee Soo (Shin Min Ah).

This new responsibility triggers a range of complex emotions in Sun Woo, pushing him into a transformative phase of his life. He finds himself fiercely dedicated to protecting Hee Soo, even at the cost of his own life.

Balancing violence with a hint of romance, the movie offers the right mix of excitement. With Lee Byung Hun's outstanding performance, this movie will definitely be a worthwhile choice to occupy your leisure time.

4. A Dirty Carnival

A Dirty Carnival is a compelling Korean gangster film featuring Jo In Sung and Namgoong Min. The narrative centers around a gangster named Byung Doo (Jo In Sung), who earns the trust of his superior, President Hwang, and is assigned the responsibility of managing their newly established casino.

Byung Doo then reconnects with an old friend, Min Ho (Namgoong Min), who has plans to create a movie revolving around the life of gangsters. The two friends reunite over a casual meeting at a café, where Byung Doo extends an invitation to Min Ho to join his group. Byung Doo decides to teach Min Ho everything he knows about the gangster world.

Within a short time, Byung Doo's reputation among the gangsters begins to rise. But Min Ho feels more uneasy as he gets deeper into this underground world. He finally chooses to stop being part of the gang. Following Min Ho's departure, Byung Doo's once-flourishing gangster career is in danger.

5. The Outlaws

Thematically, this movie may appear quite predictable at first, revolving around the familiar narrative of gangsters who want to get more power and the law enforcement officers who work hard to stop them.

So, what sets this movie apart? The film attracts audiences with its intense action sequences. It also has a lot of violent scenes that are done so well that you can enjoy them without feeling like they are pointless or overdone.

The plot focuses on Jang Chen (Yoon Kye Sang), a gangster hailing from China, who arrives in Korea with the intent of collecting debts from the local gangsters. However, this mission quickly turns into a violent attempt to kill Korean gangster groups and their leaders, as Jang Chen develops ambitions of taking control of the Korean underworld.

Tasked with the mission of catching Jang Chen and his crew is Ma Soek Do (Ma Dong Seok), a dedicated law enforcement officer. Will Ma Soek Do be able to catch the cruel and sneaky Jang Chen? Experience the film for yourself, but be warned: there are some intense and bloody scenes.

6. Real

Marking Kim Soo Hyun's return from his military service, Real (2017) stirred up a fair amount of controversy. Directed by Lee Sa Rang, the film faced criticism for its perceived vulgarity and its discordance with South Korean societal norms. Furthermore, an intimate scene featuring Kim Soo Hyun and Choi Jin Ri became a sensation, sparking shockwaves across social media platforms.

The film unfolds the tale of Jang Tae Yeong (Kim Soo Hyun), a notorious gangster who also owns a large-scale casino. The intriguing twist is that this character struggles with a split personality disorder that increasingly overwhelms him, leading him to seek professional help from a doctor named Choi Jin Ki (Lee Sung Min).

However, instead of improving his condition, this therapeutic process ignites an intense internal conflict between the two distinct personalities residing within Jang Tae Yeong.

7. Nameless Gangster

This film is set in Busan in the 1980s and 1990s, just around the time the government started a war on corruption and crime in 1990.

The film features Ha Jung Woo, a name that resonates with fans of Korean movies as a guarantee of quality. In this narrative, he played the role of the leader of a gangster group known as Hyung Bae.

Another character, Ik Yun, works at the customs office. He and his colleagues are corrupt officials. During an internal investigation, Ik Yun is asked to take the blame to protect the reputation of the agency. He agrees, on the condition that he's allowed to sell the heroin he stumbled upon during his service.

This arrangement leads Ik Yun to cross paths with Hyung Bae, who, he discovers, belongs to the same clan as him. This gangster film masterfully intertwines elements of crime and drama. With just the right balance of both, it's a film you wouldn't want to miss.

8. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil

The interesting title of this film hints at the connection of three disparate groups. They serve as the movie's central characters, with the storyline revolving around a police pursuit of a serial killer.

The series of events begins when Jang Do Su (Ma Dong Seok), a powerful criminal, is assaulted by a mysterious man. And of course, Jang Do Su is defeated.

News of his attack and defeat spreads quickly, bruising his ego as a gang leader. In a bid to exact revenge, he forms an unusual partnership with Detective Jung Tae Sok (Kim Mu Yeol).

Both of them are pursuing the same target, a mysterious serial killer whose identity remains wrapped in mystery. What unfolds during this intense manhunt? Discover the suspenseful narrative by watching the film!

9. Deliver Us From Evil

A former agent of the National Intelligence Agency, In Nam (Hwang Jung Min), undertakes his final assignment as a hitman. His last target is a Japanese mob boss named Koraeda (Kyousuke Toyohara).

Upon accomplishing his mission and eliminating Koraeda, In Nam plans to retire. However, his retirement plans are interrupted when Ray (Lee Jung Jae), Koraeda's younger brother and a prominent gangster leader, vows to avenge his brother's death.

Meanwhile, in Thailand, In Nam's only daughter, Yoo Min, is abducted and his wife is brutally murdered. Upon learning of In Nam's location, Ray immediately sets off for Thailand, driven by a single-minded mission: to kill In Nam.

In the face of these terrible circumstances, In Nam is tasked with the dual challenge of rescuing his daughter and avoiding Ray's relentless pursuit of revenge. Will he succeed in overcoming these obstacles and survive?

10. The King

Tae Soo (Jo In Sung) only had one goal in life: to become rich. Coming from a poor family, Tae Soo wants to become a successful prosecutor even if it requires using dishonest methods.

On one occasion, he was able to join forces with prosecutors in positions of power, whether by wealth or authority. Simultaneously, he collaborates with his closest friend, Choi Doo Il (Ryu Jun Yeol), a determined gangster who controls multiple territories.

Tae Soo finds himself on the edge of achieving his desired status, only to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. His downfall gets worse with the tragic news of Doo Il's death.

11. Believer

As a box office hit in South Korea, Believer (2018) successfully maintains a real tension throughout its duration. This film, a remake of Johnnie To's Hong Kong classic Drug War (2012), impresses not only with its compelling narrative but also with the exceptional performances of its cast.

Believer (2018) chronicles the journey of Won Ho (Cho Jin Woong), a detective from the Narcotics Unit, who is determined to catch a well-known figure known as Mr. Lee (Cha Seung Won).

Faced with numerous obstacles, Won Ho finds himself collaborating with a low-ranking drug dealer from Mr. Lee's network. It is through this odd partnership that Won Ho begins to unravel the true identity of Mr. Lee, the mastermind of the largest drug operation in South Korea.

12. The Drug King

With an impressive rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, this gangster film is certainly one to add to your watchlist. Directed by Woo Min Ho, the movie features well-known actors such as Song Kang Ho, Jo Jung Suk, and Bae Doona.

The Drug King (2018) has received a lot of praise for how realistic it feels. This is because the narrative is based on the real-life smuggling case of Lee Doo Sam in the 1970s.

The film unfolds the tale of Lee Doo Sam (Song Kang Ho), an affiliate of the Chilsung faction in Busan, from the province of Hwanghae. During the 1970s, he smuggled a range of goods, from diamonds to drugs, for export to Japan. Through these illicit activities, Lee Doo Sam quickly rises through the ranks of wealthy businesses.

13. The Divine Move

Gangsters use gambling as a substantial source of money, though they do so in a variety of ways depending on the culture. While American gangsters often resort to card games or casinos, their Korean counterparts adopt a different approach.

In this film, the gangsters profit from gambling on Baduk, a strategic board game involving two players that is similar to chess.

Tae Sok (Jung Woo Sung) is a proficient Baduk player who is pressured by his brother into manipulating an illicit Baduk game run by Sal Soo (Lee Beom Soo). However, they get caught.

After they were arrested, Tae Sok was brutally tortured while his brother died. Even Tae Sok is wrongfully accused of his brother's murder.

During his time in prison, he meticulously plans his revenge against the gangsters responsible for his brother's death. Will he be successful in his mission for revenge? Discover the answer by watching this film.

14. The Prison

As suggested by the title, this movie delves into life behind bars. Have you ever wondered about the existence within prison walls, where criminals of diverse backgrounds are confined together? What would happen if a cop was forced to become an inmate?

Song Yoo Gun (Kim Rae Won) is a distinguished police officer who, due to an unfortunate hit-and-run incident, finds himself imprisoned. Within these confines, he encounters Jung Ik Ho (Han Suk Kyu), the most influential gangster in the facility.

As conflicts develop, Ik Ho grows intrigued by Yoo Gun's capabilities, eventually extending an invitation for him to join his ranks.

Why would a law enforcement officer consider aligning with a notorious criminal? What motivates him to consider such a drastic action? Uncover the answers to these questions by immersing yourself in this thrilling film!

15. New World

This narrative unfolds an undercover police officer who infiltrates South Korea's most powerful crime syndicate. Lee Jang Sung (Lee Jung Jae), is a law enforcement officer who puts his life at risk to act as an undercover agent for Goldmoon International.

Initially, Chief Kang (Choi Min Sik) promises to get him out of the operation quickly, but this plan encounters an unexpected delay.

Frustrated by this turn of events, Chief Kang uses threats, saying that if Ja Sung doesn't do what he wants, the crime organization will find out who he really is.

16. My Wife is a Gangster

The film's title might pique your curiosity. Diverging from the traditional gangster movie formula, this cinematic piece incorporates elements of romantic comedy within its narrative.

The protagonist Cha Eun Jin (Shin Eun Kyung) is a woman who holds the distinct position of a friend to the most powerful criminal. Needless to say, her lifestyle is far from that of the average woman.

One day, her brother, who is in the terminal stages of cancer, makes a heartfelt request for her to marry. He yearns to witness Eun Jin's wedding before his death. But for Eun Jin, the idea of getting married, is harder than getting rid of an enemy.

Despite the complexity of the situation, she finds herself unable to decline her brother's plea. Consequently, she sends her devoted friends on a search for a potential husband. Her choice ultimately settles on a modest man Kang Soo Il (Park Sang Myeon), a civil servant leading a simple life.

If you're intrigued to see how this unusual narrative unfolds, make sure to set aside some time to enjoy the movie!

17. Gangnam Blues

Calling all fans of Lee Min Ho! This film presents a side of the actor that is different from his usual roles in romantic dramas. Also known as Gangnam 1970, the movie features not just Lee Min Ho, who portrays Jong Dae, but also Kim Rae Won in the role of Yong Ki.

The two main characters are orphans who have grown up together and share a bond similar to siblings. However, as time passes, they part ways and embark on their own distinct life paths. Jong Dae becomes a member of a gang, while Yong Ki affiliates himself with a rival gangster group.

The narrative intensifies as the two gangs engage in a bitter conflict over territorial dominance. The crucial question that arises is: Which wins out—the ties of brothers or the allure of rivalry? To unravel the answer, be sure to watch the film.

18. Time to Hunt

South Korea found itself battling with a collapsed currency value and an increasing crime rate, in the aftermath of a severe economic downturn. Joon Seok (Lee Je Hoon) was shocked by how much society had changed since he had just gotten out of jail.

Convinced that he could no longer reside in Korea, Joon proposed to three of his friends Ki Hoon (Choi Woo Sik), Jang Ho (Ahn Jae Hong), and Sang Soo (Park Jung Min) that they leave the country. However, this plan required a considerable amount of money.

With the intention of executing one final heist, Joon came up with a plan to rob an illicit casino. With the help of his friends, they started their risky plan.

Regrettably, they appeared to have underestimated the power of the gangster who ran the casino. Now, Jun and his friends are on the run, avoiding the never-ending pursuit of a hitman hired by the gangster. Will they manage to escape?

19. A Better Tomorrow

A Better Tomorrow is a remake of the same-titled Hong Kong film originally directed by John Woo. Debuting at the 67th Venice International Film Festival, the movie gained substantial support from John Woo himself.

He even commented that this film possesses its own distinct personality, spirit, and innovative elements, which lend it a distinctive quality.

The narrative revolves around the complex brotherhood between Kim Hyuk (Joo Jin Mo) and Kim Chul (Kim Kang Woo), as they navigate the dangerous world of mob. Chul holds a grudge against Hyuk for leaving him isolated, a sentiment that intensifies upon discovering his brother's affiliation with the mafia and his status as a former convict.

20. Gangsters

It would hardly be a surprise to witness a gangster engaging in violent combat, even to the point of murder. But what happens when a person with such a bad reputation falls in love? This film zooms in on the life of Yong Gae, portrayed by Park Doo Shik, the most ruthless gangster in Musan.

One day, Yong Gae crosses paths with Su Yeon (Im Yi Ji), a woman who inevitably stirs his emotions. But at the same time, Yong Gae's boss starts to disrupt the business territory of Su Yeon's father. Caught in this situation, what steps will Yong Gae take for the woman he has come to love?

This collection of Korean gangster films promises to offer entertainment and is perfect for your consideration. If you have any additional recommendations, feel free to mention them in the comments section. Enjoy watching!