Here are the top 5 most successful Korean films of 2015. Please note this is not a ‘best of 2015’ list, it is based purely on revenue generated at the box office. Also, Ode to My Father has not been included as it was released in 2014.

5) Inside Men

Featuring superstar Lee Byung-hun, Inside Men became a startling sleeper hit in Korean cinemas upon release in November. Based on Yoon Tae-Ho’s popular webtoon, the film explores the alarmingly dangerous relationship between the media and politicians attempting to consolidate power, and the gangsters they employ to do their dirty work. When one such gangster is betrayed he sets out for revenge, while a prosecutor begins to investigate the relationships of all involved.

“A powerful and thrilling tale of deception amongst the social elite in contemporary Korea”

4) Northern Limit Line

Northern Limit Line explores the skirmish that occurred along the maritime border near Yeonpyeong Island in 2002. As most of the nation were reveling in World Cup fever, the incident, in which several naval officers died, received little attention in the press and in the wider public domain. Director Kim Hak-soon has worked for years to bring his story to the big screen, even using crowdfunding websites to help generate the preliminary budget. The result is an extremely patriotic film that became highly regarded in right wing circles. Click here to read the review.

“An unadulterated exercise in propaganda, Northern Limit Line deserves recognition for its crowdfunded origins”

3) The Throne

Arguably the most hotly anticipated Korean film of the year, period drama The Throne was selected to be the nation’s official entry for the Oscars before it had even been released in cinemas. Set during the Joseon dynasty, the film depicts the renowned story of King Yeongjo who locked his son, Prince Sado, in a rice chest until he suffocated and died. With the fraught relationship between the generations striking a chord with Korean audiences, The Throne became the most successful period drama of the year.

“Stunning production and costume design features throughout this resonating period drama”

2) Assassination

The follow-up to director Choi Dong-hoon’s crime caper The Thieves, Assassination arrived amidst a wave of hype to become one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. Featuring an all-star cast with Jeon Ji-hyeon in the central role, the film explores Korea’s fraught history under Japanese rule during the 1930s as a trio of liberation fighters attempt to assassinate a key official. The gorgeous production values within the film show how far the industry has come in such a short space of time. Click here to read the review.

“The film’s reported $16 million budget is clearly visible in every frame as Assassination is truly a visual treat.”

1) Veteran

Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s comedy-action film was widely anticipated, but positive word of mouth helped to see Veteran exceed all expectations to become the most successful production of the year. It’s not hard to see why as lead actors Hwang Jung-min and Yoo Ah-in are in top charismatic form as they face off against each other, while the story involving chaebol (conglomerate) corruption struck a chord with audiences. The bone-crunching fight in the film’s climax is worth the entry price alone. Click here to read the review.

“Veteran is a revitalizing, pulse-pounding action/thriller from director Ryoo Seung-wan.”

For more Korean film news and reviews celebrating 2015 and previewing the exciting projects emerging in 2016, head on over to hangukyeonghwa.com.