Wars are inevitable. These are obnoxious happenings that no one finds worthy of taking place. But other than that, wars are also a hell lot of fascinating and are one of the significant content-giving phenomena in the entertainment industry. Now, we all have been fans of those amazing Korean dramas that are the epitome of romance and make the butterflies in our stomachs all jiggle up. But these rom coms are not the only thing about the Korean way of entertainment that could make your eyes shine out wide; it also has a vast collection of Korean war dramas and movies to unleash the sentiments in you to the fullest.
War films are indeed capable of getting you all teary-eyed and could definitely be your worst nightmare as an overly sensitive individual. Separation, Violence, Deaths, Tragedies, you name them, you find them in war movies. It is a fantastic genre of a rollercoaster ride of emotions with brilliant scenes and a strong message.
So please sit back and surround yourself with a box of tissues and a giant tub of your favorite ice cream as we present you the 12 greatest Korean war series that will make you cry; we warned you!
12 Greatest Korean War Dramas that will make you cry:
1. Ode to My Father
- Directed by: Yoon Je-kyoon
- Written by: Park Su-jin
- Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Yunjin Kim
- Genre: War, Drama
- Release date: 17 December 2014
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
About Ode to My Father:
Ode to my father is an exquisite Korean drama that hits you right on the spot. It is sweet and overwhelmingly depicts the aftermath of the lives of people affected by the Korean war and their journey to present-day life. Focusing on a promise, A young yet responsible Duk-soo can do anything to protect his loved ones, even if it involves letting him embark on the dangerous gamble of the Vietnam war.
As his father died, he had only one thing left in this world, i.e., to protect and find his younger sister at all costs. This beautiful Korean movie had all the elements to make you jack a tear, thus making it one of the greatest films to be ever made in South Korea.
2. Descendants of the Sun
- Directed by: Lee Eung-bok, Baek Sang-hoon
- Written by: Kim Eun-sook
- Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won
- Genre: Drama, Action, Romance
- No. of episodes: 16 + 3 special episodes
- Release: 24 February –22 April 2016
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
About Descendants of the Sun:
Descendants of the sun is a thrilling and taking Korean drama on war which is also no less than a love story. The captain of a Korean special unit catches a thief, her fate assembles, and she falls in love with someone she is not supposed to be.
As the plot unfolds, the viewers get to witness many emotional moments, eventually leading the drama to a happy ending. With a compelling cast and an engaging storyline, this k drama has all the action, romance, and drama that would keep you hooked till the end.
3. Mr. Sunshine
- Directed by: Lee Eung-bok
- Written by: Kim Eun-sook
- Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, Byun Yo-han
- Genre: Historical Drama
- No. of Episodes: 24
- Release: 7 July –30 September 2018
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
About Mr. Sunshine:
Mr. Sunshine is a work of art, which is a dramatic representation of historical events which could leave any drama freak in awe. The story is about a young boy traveling to America after boarding an American warship prior to the United States expedition to Joseon (South Korea), dating back to 1871. The boy returns as a marine soldier and falls in love with an aristocrat.
This Korean drama portrays people’s measures for Korea’s independence excellently, along with depictions of numerous historical figures and events, making it a must-watch for some fun-filled adventure to take you back in the fateful times.
4. Legend of the Patriots
- Directed by: Kim Sang-hwi
- Written by: Lee Eun-sang, Kim Pil-jin
- Cast: Choi Soo-jong , Lee Tae-ran, Lee Deok-hwa , Kim Roi-ha
- Genre: Drama
- No. of episodes: 20
- Release: 19 June – 22 August 2010
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
About Legend of the Patriots:
Legend of the Patriots is a wonderful remake of a 1975 movie made in South Korea that features 11 soldiers and their lives revolving around the Korean War.
According to the director, the movie is not just about the different mindsets of North Korea and South Korea; it is definitely something beyond that. It is about people’s struggle, their misery, and suffering during the war and is a tribute to them. The show definitely has its moments that could make you cry.
5. Road No. 1
- Directed by: Lee Jang-soo, Kim Jin-min
- Written by: Han Ji-hoon
- Cast: So Ji-sub, Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Kye-sang
- Genre: War, Drama
- No. of episodes: 20
- Release: 23 July –26 August 2010
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
About Road No. 1:
The show is about survival, uncertainty, and trust. A Korean soldier’s dilemma and his prolonged flourished feelings for his love for a young woman have serious consequences, a war for which he could never be prepared.
Set in the times of the pre-Korean war, the Korean drama is filled with intense moments as North Korean Soldiers are now setting food for the beginning of an end. What would become of the soldier and his lady love now engaged to someone else? You could only unleash the thrill by watching out.
6. Seoul 1945
- Directed by: Yoon Chang-beom, Yoo Hyun-ki, Lee Jung-seob
- Written By: Jung Sung-hee, Lee Han-ho
- Cast: Ryu Soo-young, Han Eun-jung, So Yoo-jin, Kim Ho-jin, Park Sang-myun
- Genre: Period Drama
- No. Of Episode: 71
- Release: 7 January –10 September 2006
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Seoul 1945 Plot:
The period drama Seoul 1945 is all ready to make you cry with its terrific depictions of the real-life moments which took place in the 1950s’ amid the Korean war’s fateful times concluding with Japan’s occupation of the country. The story focuses its premise on the lives of four friends of different backgrounds surviving in these difficult times, and their beautiful tale of friendship is worth watching.
7. Ja Myung Go
- Directed by: Myoungwoo Lee
- Written by: Jung Sung-hee
- Cast: Jung Ryeo-won, Jung Kyung-ho, Park Min Young
- Genre: Romance, Historical Drama
- No. of Episodes: 39
- Release: 9 March – 21 July 2009
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
About Ja Myung Go:
This Korean drama takes you a way back into the past to the two millennium -old legend of two long-lost princesses, their rivalry, and what it cost which destroyed their entire kingdom. This legendary story is definitely a sad deal of emotions with war cries, the wrath of a throne, and, undoubtedly, death.
8. The Legend
- Directed by: Kim Jong-hak, Yoon Sang-ho
- Written by: Park Kyung-soo, Song Ji-na
- Cast: Bae Yong-joon, Lee Ji-ah, Moon So-ri, Choi Min-soo
- Genre: Fantasy, Period Drama, Romance
- No of Episodes: 24
- Release: 11 September – 5 December 2007
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
About The Legend:
A historical fantasy television drama with a complex storyline, the legend is a wonderful movie with elements of gods, curses, and the powerful Heart of Jujak. When his rival throws away his offspring for the sake of the precious artifact, the almighty Hwan-woong becomes the ultimate black joojak for the end of this world. Followed by reincarnation and other awestruck props to the series, the show becomes a treat to the eyes of all who want to drop a tear.
9. Jumong
- Directed by: Lee Joo-hwan
- Written by: Choi Wan-kyu
- Cast: Song Il-gook, Won Ki-joon, Han Hye-jin, Kim Seung-soo, Song Ji-hyo
- Genre: Drama
- No. of Episodes: 60
- Release: 15 May 2006 – 6 March 2007
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
About Jumong:
Being the highest-rated Korean drama in 2006, Jumong has got a lot to tell its viewers. The series is dedicated to the Jumong, considered the founder of the Korean kingdom. The movie excitedly tells a lot about Jumong, who laid the foundation for the Kokuyo dynasty.
All its episodes have a powerful story, progressing with a love triangle between Jumong, the woman he loves, and the man she is supposed to marry. His life journey is both motivating and heart-wrenching, making this Korean drama a must-watch.
10. Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War
- Directed by: Kang Je-gyu
- Written by: Kang Je-gyu
- Cast: Jang Dong-gun, Won Bin
- Genre: War, Action, Drama
- Release date: February 6, 2004
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
A war action film with a strong message and intense plot, Tae Guk Gi depicts the greater love between two brothers amidst the Korean War. The movie has a wonderful outtake on Korean history and has its narration set in modern times.
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War Plot:
Jin-Tae is a wonderful brother to Jin-Seok, but when the Korean war hits South Korea, these two can do nothing but enroll in the army. Drifted apart, the elder brother becomes something Jin-Seok could never have thought of. Watching this Korean drama will definitely make you cry.
11. My Way
- Directed by: Kang Je-gyu
- Written by: Kim Byung-in
- Cast: Jang Dong-gun, Joe Odagiri, Fan Bingbing
- Genre: War, Drama
- Release Date: 21 December 2011
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
My Way Plot:
Set in the World War II era, the movie draws its inspiration from the true story of a boy, Yang Kyoungjong, who America captured during the Normandy Landings. Two friends, Kim Jun-shik and Tatsuo Hasegawa, like to run, but their fondness turns into rivalry in Japanese-occupied Korea. Following events, they find themselves in the midst of a war fighting against the Soviets.
The movie is brilliantly executed with an ensemble cast that could make you bat an eye.
12. A Little Pond
- Directed by: Lee Saang-woo
- Written by: Lee Saang-woo
- Cast: Shin Myung-Cheol, Jeon Hye-jin, Park Chae Yeun
- Genre: War Drama
- Release Date: 15 April 2010
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
About A Little Pond:
A little pond is a historical war film that is definitely a gut-wrenching deal of true events. This Korean drama showcases the horrible massacre a small village in south Korea had to endure at the hands of American troops. In July 1950, the Korean victims of No Gun Ri had it worse after the evacuation of their homes as a result of the war.
Even though the movie comprises fictional characters, it showcases real horrors faced by those who suffered, making the entire movie a sad journey of heartfelt emotions. This movie could deprive you of sleep with the nerve-racking credits rolling in the end, capable of making you cry.
