5 Must-Watch Korean Movies for Your Lunar New Year Holiday 2025
- As January 27, 2026, many are looking for ways to enjoy the Lunar New Year holiday.
- Released on July 30, 2025, Zombie Daughter has garnered attention as a potential family-friendly choice for the holiday.
- The story follows Jeong-hwan, a zookeeper, whose teenage daughter, Su-ah, becomes infected with a zombie virus.
As , many are looking for ways to enjoy the Lunar New Year holiday. While 2025 saw a somewhat quieter year for theatrical releases in South Korea, several films resonated with audiences and offer compelling options for home viewing during the extended break. Here’s a look at five Korean films released last year that are worth considering for a binge-watching session.
1. Zombie Daughter
Released on , Zombie Daughter has garnered attention as a potential family-friendly choice for the holiday. Despite the potentially provocative subject matter of zombies, the film is described as a comedy human drama centered on the relationship between a father and daughter. The cast includes Jo Jung-seok, Lee Jeong-eun, Jo Yeo-jeong, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Choi Yu-ri.
The story follows Jeong-hwan, a zookeeper, whose teenage daughter, Su-ah, becomes infected with a zombie virus. The film explores his unwavering dedication to protecting her even as the world views her as a threat. Jo Jung-seok’s portrayal of an ordinary father facing an extraordinary crisis is highlighted, alongside strong performances from the supporting cast. The film’s blend of humor, survival, and familial love is intended to appeal to audiences of all ages.
“My daughter is a zombie. The last and only zombie left in this world,”
is a key line from the film, encapsulating the central premise. The plot introduction details a training regimen for a zombie daughter, described as “fiercer than a beast and more sensitive than puberty,” adding a unique comedic element to the narrative.
2. Hitman 2
Hitman 2, released on , is a sequel to the popular 2015 film Hitman. The film revisits the story of Jun, a former National Intelligence Service assassin now living as a webtoon writer, who is drawn back into a dangerous situation. The original cast – Kwon Sang-woo, Jung Jun-ho, Hwang Woo-seul-hye, and Lee Yi-kyung – reprise their roles, joined by Kim Seong-oh.
The film is characterized as a comical and fast-paced entertainment option, well-suited for the relaxed atmosphere of the holiday. The plot centers around a terrorist attack mirroring Jun’s webtoon, leading authorities to suspect him as the perpetrator. The question of whether Jun is a prophet or a terrorist drives the narrative.
3. High Five
Released on , High Five is described as a Korean-style superhero comedy. The film tells the story of ordinary individuals who develop superpowers after receiving organ transplants and subsequently form a team. The cast includes Lee Jae-in, Ahn Jae-hong, Yoo Ah-in, Ra Mi-ran, Kim Hee-won, Oh Jeong-se, and Park Jin-young.
The film blends action, comedy, and fantasy elements, focusing on the interplay between characters with diverse abilities and personalities. The plot introduction details how five individuals, each receiving a different organ transplant, gain unique superpowers and must learn to work together, despite their differences.
4. Opposition Party
For those seeking a different genre, Opposition Party, released on , offers a crime action experience. The film topped the box office charts in 2025 and explores themes of power, interests, and the choices characters make within a complex system. The cast includes Yoo Hae-jin, Kang Ha-neul, and Park Hae-joon.
The film’s narrative focuses on the psychological warfare between characters and maintains a high level of tension throughout. The story revolves around a drug investigation and the intertwined fates of a broker, an ambitious prosecutor, and a determined detective.
5. There is No Choice
There is No Choice, released on , is presented as a more serious and thought-provoking option. A collaboration between director Park Chan-wook and actors Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, the film is a crime story that delves into human desires and anxieties. Park Hee-soon, Lee Seong-min, and Yeom Hye-ran also feature in the cast.
The film centers on a family head who loses his job and faces a difficult decision. The plot introduction details his struggle to maintain his lifestyle and the desperate measures he takes to find employment, ultimately leading him to consider extreme actions.
These five films, released in 2025, offer a range of genres and stories to suit different tastes, providing options for entertainment and reflection during the Lunar New Year holiday.