South Korean cinema has made significant progress over the past year, not only in commercial films but also in artistic expression that delves deeply into psychology and boldness in the present era. In the journey of breaking boundaries, many actors have accepted the risks to embody roles filled with intense emotions, challenging the societal standards often portrayed in 18+ films. Whether it’s about international glamor or creating a breakthrough in professionalism, it cannot escape the paradox of the industry – from the mundane to the strikingly provocative.
1. Kim Min Hee – The Handmaiden (2016)
No one can ignore the unique talent and personality of Kim Min Hee. However, her bold choice in The Handmaiden – directed by Park Chan Wook – catapulted her to international fame, while also placing her at the center of controversy back in her home country.
In her role as the maid Sook Hee, Kim Min Hee portrayed passionate and complex intimate scenes alongside actress Kim Tae Ri. The daring scenes not only stunned audiences but also forced the Korean public to grapple with the portrayal of sexuality and intimacy on screen.
Despite the controversies, Kim Min Hee received significant recognition internationally, contributing to elevating Korean cinema on a global scale. Nevertheless, after her involvement with director Hong Sang Soo – her extramarital love interest – her career in South Korea seemed to dwindle.
2. Jo Yeo Jeong – The Servant (2010) & Obsessed (2014)
Jo Yeo Jeong initially gained attention for her delicate appearance, often cast in traditional roles. However, everything changed when she took on the lead role in The Servant – a bold reinterpretation of the Korean folktale “Chunhyangjeon”.
The film featured prolonged intimate scenes, showcasing a new perspective on the desires and complexities of love. Jo Yeo Jeong not only broke away from her usual image but also captivated audiences with her portrayal of a character that seemed to leave nothing concealed. Subsequently, her role in Obsessed opposite Song Seung Heon further solidified her reputation for playing “fiery” characters.
Despite facing significant criticism, Jo Yeo Jeong has proven her acting prowess. A highlight of her career came when she won the Best Actress award at the 2019 Blue Dragon Film Awards for her performance in Parasite.
3. Lee Eun Woo – Moebius (2013)
When discussing shocking performances, it’s hard to overlook Lee Eun Woo in Moebius – a film that was banned in South Korea from its very first screening. Directed by Kim Ki Duk, this work delves deep into themes of self-destruction and psychological distress, showcasing elements rarely seen in Korean cinema.
Lee Eun Woo took on multiple roles: the mother, lover, and a victim of heinous acts. Throughout the film, she maintained an emotional intensity, illustrating the character’s traumatic experiences and the horrifying acts of violence, including self-harm and forced intimacy. Audiences were not only shocked but also left contemplating the film’s profound themes.
Nonetheless, Lee Eun Woo received accolades at various international film festivals, where audiences were intrigued by the dramatic and deeply unsettling nature of the film.
4. Jeon Do Yeon – Untold Scandal (2003) & The Housemaid (2010)
Jeon Do Yeon – a symbol of high-caliber acting in South Korea – has made audacious choices throughout her career. In Untold Scandal, she played a noblewoman embroiled in a forbidden love affair, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions and seduction. The film is marked by many scandalous scenes, artfully shot yet leaving audiences in awe.
This boldness continued to rise in The Housemaid, where Jeon played a maid caught in a love triangle with a wealthy man. The intimate scenes, manipulation, and tragic outcomes of her character left viewers both sympathetic and questioning the film’s portrayal of “over-dramatization”.
Despite the ongoing debates, Jeon Do Yeon remains a prominent figure. She was the first Korean actress to win the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 (for Secret Sunshine), solidifying her status as a global icon in Korean cinema.
5. Kim Ok Bin – Thirst (2009)
In Thirst – a vampire film rich in themes of desire and philosophical discourse – Kim Ok Bin plays a woman trapped in a suffocating marriage, who transforms into a creature thirsting for blood while grappling with her own insatiable desires. Her performance has been described as haunting, raw, and intensely powerful.
The intimate scenes between her and Song Kang Ho are unapologetically explicit, further enhancing the film’s surreal atmosphere, creating a strong psychological impact. Kim’s ability to convey the character’s emotional turmoil while navigating complex actions has made her performance stand out, though it also left audiences grappling with the movie’s intense themes.
Ultimately, this role helped Kim Ok Bin establish herself as a “queen of the independent film scene,” becoming a familiar face at international film festivals.
