Korean movies based on true stories or real-life events convey hope, courage, life lessons, and uplifting stories that will leave you feeling emotional and inspired. If you are an avid viewer of Korean movies based on real life, you may be wondering about the most inspiring ones. We’ve got you covered! Here are seven of the best inspirational Korean movies based on real-life figures and events that you must watch.
Best Inspirational Korean Movies Based on Real-Life Figures and Events
1. “Fighter in the Wind” (“바람의 파이터”) — 2004
- Director: Yang Yoon Ho
- Screenwriter: Yang Yoon Hoo, Kim Hyung Joo
- Genre: Historical, Action, Drama, Romance
- Cast: Yang Dong Geun, Hirayama Aya, Jung Tae Woo, Kato Masaya, Jung Do Hoon, Jung Chang Hyun
Set near the end of World War II, “Fighter in the Wind” follows the story of a Korean man named Choi Bae Dal (Yang Dong Geun). He came to Japan to become a fighter pilot in the Japanese Air Force. However, fate has other plans, as he must face the harsh reality of living in Japan at that time. Instead of giving up, he starts learning martial arts. Furthermore, he trains tirelessly to become an invincible martial artist in Japan.
The movie conveys a powerful reminder that sometimes, when a man doesn’t get what he wants, life leads him to what he truly needs to overcome any obstacle. Bae Dal’s journey in finding his true passion for martial arts and his determination to become the best is a truly inspiring tale of self-discovery and perseverance to become the best version of himself.
The real-life figure of Choi Bae Dal, a Korean-born martial artist, inspired this movie. He changed his name to Masutatsu Oyama, known as Sosai Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate.
2. “Marathon” / “Running Boy” (“말아톤”) — 2005
- Director: Jung Yoon Chul
- Screenwriter: Jung Yoon Chul, Yoon Ji Ho
- Genre: Drama, Sports
- Cast: Cho Seung Woo, Kim Mi Sook, Lee Gi Young, Ahn Nae Sang, Baek Sung Hyun, Kim Dong Young
Gyung Suk (Kim Min Sook) learns that his son Cho Won (Cho Seung Woo) has autism. Although she feels devastated, she believes that he has a special talent. She teams up with Son Jung Wook (Lee Gi Young), a former marathon champion who sees Cho Won’s potential as a runner. With intense training and endless support from her mother, coach, and those around him, Cho Won completes the Chuncheon International Marathon in less than 3 hours.
The real-life of Bae Hyeong-jin, an autistic marathon runner, inspired the movie. It shows the emotional struggles and determination of a mother who believes that her son has a special ability despite his intellectual disability. This movie also emphasizes that we are all the same and reminds us to embrace ours unique potential to shine.
3. “The Attorney” (“변호인”) — 2013
- Director: Yang Woo Seok
- Screenwriter: Yoon Hyun Ho, Lee Jung Hwa
- Genre: Law, Drama
- Cast: Song Kang Ho, Kwak Don Won, Im Si Wan, Oh Dal Soo, Kim Young Ae
Set in the early 1980s, when South Korea was still under a military dictatorship, the story follows Song Woo-seok (Song Kang-ho), a judge-turned-lawyer specializing in real estate and taxation. But when the military wrongfully detains and tortures his acquaintance’s son and several other young men, he steps forward as a human rights lawyer. This situation leads him to fight against a corrupt system.
Inspired by the true story of the Burim Case, which took place in 1981, this movie is interesting to watch as it tells a story about hope, speaks for justice, and embodies idealistic resistance. Additionally, although not explicitly stated, the depiction of the character Song Woo-seok, portrayed by Song Kang-ho, shares a resemblance to the real-life character Roh Moo-hyun, a human rights lawyer and democracy activist. Roh Moo-hyun served as the ninth president of South Korea from 2003 to 2008.
4. “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” (“명량”) — 2014
- Director: Kim Han Min
- Screenwriter: Kim Han Min, Jeon Cheol Hong
- Genre: Historical, Action, War, Drama
- Cast: Choi Min Shik, Ryu Seung Ryong, Jo Jin Woong, Jin Goo, Kim Myung Gon, Lee Jung Hyun, Kwon Yul, Park Bo Gum, Go Kyung Pyo
“The Admiral: Roaring Currents” is a great movie that will take you back to 1597, when the Joseon Dynasty faced a major threat from Japan. A brave Korean admiral, Yi Sun-sin, was appointed to lead the battle when Japan was poised to invade the Joseon Dynasty. Armed with his strategic skills and courage, he led 12 royal ships against over 330 Japanese ships in the battle called the Imjin War.
This Korean movie delivers a powerful message of courage and resilience. It highlights the bravery and leadership of Korean Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his troops’ unwavering determination to fight and resist for their homeland despite being outnumbered by their opponents.
5. “I Can Speak” (“아이 캔 스피크”) — 2017
- Director: Kim Hyun Seok
- Screenwriter: Yoo Seung Hee
- Genre: Life, Drama, Comedy
- Cast: Na Moon Hee, Lee Je Hoon, Yeom Hye Ran, Lee Sang Hee, Kim So Jin, Park Cheol Min
“I Can Speak“ is another Korean movie that is worth watching. It follows the story of a woman named Ok-boon (Na Moon-hee), who has been suffering and carrying a heavy burden of pain and sadness for decades. After 60 years of silence, she decides to open up and befriend a civil servant named Park Min-jae (Lee Je-hoon), from whom she learns English. When Min Jae learns more about Boon’s past, he discovers her real reason for learning English: Ok-boon is trying to seek an apology from Japan for the “comfort women” issue.
The story of this movie is powerful and moving. Although the title of the film may sound simple, it conveys a powerful message: speak up and seek justice.
This inspiring Korean film was based on the true story of women who testified before the US House of Representatives in 2007.
6. “Boston 1947” (“보스턴 1947”) — 2023
- Director: Kang Je Gyu
- Screenwriter: Kang Je Gyu, Lee Jung Hwa
- Genre: Drama, Sports
- Cast: Ha Jung Woo, Im Si Wan, Bae Sung Won, Kim Sang Ho
“Boston 1947” tells the story of marathon athletes Son Ki-jung (Ha Jung-woo) and Seo Yoon-bok (Yim Si-wan). Son Ki Jung won a gold medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. However, he could not dedicate his medal to his homeland, Korea, as he was not allowed to wear the Korean flag on his chest. Two years later, after Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation, he trained a young athlete named Seo Yoon-bok for the Olympics. Ki Jung was determined to make Yoon Bbok win a gold medal and carry the Korean flag on his chest to the finish line.
This uplifting Korean movie depicts the tenacity, optimism, unwavering spirit, unity, and strong demonstration of love for the Korean people on the global stage.
7. “Rebound” (“리바운드”) — 2023
- Director: Jang Hang Joon
- Screenwriter: Kim Eun Hee, Kwon Sung Hui
- Genre: Drama, Sports
- Cast: Ahn Jae Hong, Lee Shin Young, Jung Jin Woon, Kim Taek, Jung Gun Joo, Kim Min, Ahn Ji Ho
“Rebound” follows a new coach and six basketball players who are considered the weakest team in the league. However, they don’t let that stop them, as they defy all odds and head to the national tournament.
Based on the true story of Busan Jungang High School’s basketball team, which reached the national final competition in 2012, this Korean film highlights the power of determination, hope, perseverance, teamwork, and hard work.
Which Korean movie on the list is the best that you have watched? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Additionally, if you know other inspiring Korean films based on real figures or events, please share them in the comments, and let’s inspire each other!
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