3 Great Films Related to Vengeance by South Korean Director Park Chan-wook

In the hot summer, chilling with thriller movies is the best. Check out the globally acclaimed Vengeance Trilogy by South Korea’s beloved director, Park Chan-wook.

1. Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (복수는 나의 것)

• Year of Release : 2002
• Cast : Song Kang ho, Shin Ha-kyun, Bae Doona

Ryu (played by Shin Ha-kyun) is a congenitally deaf man whose only family is his sister (played by Im Ji-eun). She suffers from kidney failure and is diagnosed with a terminal condition unless she undergoes a kidney transplant. However, due to their incompatible blood types, Ryu cannot donate his kidney. In desperation, he contacts organ traffickers, giving up his kidney and his entire savings of 10 million won to obtain a kidney for his sister. But it turns out to be a scam. A cycle of violence ensues, with increasingly brutal acts of vengeance.

2. Old Boy (올드보이)

• Year of Release : 2003
• Cast : Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung

Oh Dae-su (played by Choi Min-sik), a man who loves drinking and talking loudly, is an ordinary salaryman with a wife and young daughter. One day, while returning home drunk, he is kidnapped by an unknown person and confined in a private prison cell. The cell, which resembles a cheap hotel room, becomes his home. For a year, he eats only Chinese dumplings and spends his days in the confined space of about 26 square meters (8 pyeong). During this time, he hears the news that his wife has been murdered. Furthermore, Oh Dae-su learns that he is being accused as the murderer of his wife, leading him to attempt suicide. However, even death itself is not acceptable to him. What will become of this man’s fate?

3. Lady Vengeance (친절한 금자씨)

• Year of Release : 2005
• Cast : Lee Young-ae, Choi Min-sik

Geum-ja (played by Lee Young-ae), who possesses striking beauty that instantly captures the attention of those around her, commits a crime at the age of twenty and is sent to prison. Her stunning looks make her a media sensation even at the moment of her arrest. During her 13 years in prison, she leads a more diligent and exemplary life than anyone else. The nickname “Kind-Hearted Geum-ja” is one that even those in prison gave her, acknowledging her reputation. She assists those around her diligently and completes her sentence without incident. Upon her release, Geum-ja unveils the revenge plan she has meticulously prepared over the years. The target of her revenge is Mr. Baek (played by Choi Min-sik), the man who turned her into a criminal. What happened between them 13 years ago, and why is she seeking revenge? What will be the outcome of this revenge?

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