Korea's long Chuseok holiday is approaching and it's the perfect time to visit the local theater or flick through streaming services to catch up with the latest films and series. From thrilling action films to heartwarming family dramas, here are some films and shows to enjoy during the holiday season.

I, the Executioner (15)
Action / 118 mins. / Korean / Sept. 13

The veteran detective is back for another case.

Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s hit action film “Veteran” (2015) returns with a sequel, which adds a new face to the crew.


Veteran detective Seo Do-cheol, played by actor Hwang Jung-min, continues to chase villains, tracking a serial killer who taunts law enforcement and plunges the country into chaos. However, as his team gets deeper into the case, it takes a completely different turn. Will they be able to catch the criminal, or something else?

The new sequel returns with familiar faces, including Hwang as Do-cheol, Oh Dal-su as Captain Oh and Jang Yoon-ju as Detective Bong, alongside Jung Hae-in, a new addition to the cast playing Park Sun-woo, an idealistic rookie officer brought in to help tackle the escalating threat.

The film had its premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival’s Midnight Screening in May and was recently invited to the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.

Its prequel, "Veteran," premiered in August 2015, and attracted over 13 million moviegoers during its release, ranking No. 7 on Korea’s all-time box office list based on audience numbers.

It Ends With Us (15)
Romance, drama / 130 mins. / English / Sept. 13

“Fifteen seconds. That’s all it takes to completely change everything about a person.”

Adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2016 romance novel of the same name, the film follows the story of Lily Bloom who embarks on a new life in Boston after overcoming her traumatic childhood. There, she meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid and falls in love. However, everything changes as she encounters a dangerous side to Ryle after reuniting with her first love, Atlas Corrigan. What choice will she make for her future?

Directed by Justin Baldoni, who also plays Ryle in the film, the film features “Gossip Girl” (2007-12) actor Blake Lively, playing Lily, and Brandon Sklenar, playing Atlas.

The film initially premiered in North America in August, becoming the only romance film to enter the top 10 of North America’s box office in 2024 so far.

“It Ends With Us” will be available only in Lotte Cinema theaters in Korea.

Ozi: Voice of the Forest (ALL)
Animation / 87 mins. / English / Sept. 13

Mother Earth is getting destroyed, and an orangutan influencer is here to save the world, maybe?

Produced by Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio and the crew of animation “Sing” (2016) and “The Incredibles“ (2004), the animated adventure film revolves around Ozi, an orphan orangutan and the world's first orangutan influencer, who uses her platform to save her forest and home from deforestation.

The film was directed by Tim Harper and voiced by notable figures, such as “The Acolyte” actor Amandla Stenberg, “Jurassic Park” (1993) actor Laura Dern, Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan and TV personality RuPaul.

The film conveys the message of protecting the Earth in a fun, entertaining and easy way for both children and adults to enjoy during the holidays. It will only be available at Lotte Cinema theaters.

Blesser (12)
Drama / 105 mins. / Korean / Sept. 11

When it comes to family, things may seem difficult — but anything can be overcome.

For Sang-yeon, a successful reporter, everything went the way she wanted until she had children. After a long wait, she finally gives birth to twins. However, later, she finds out that the younger sibling, Ji-woo, has been diagnosed with autism. From that moment, everything changes, with the film following the journey of Sang-yeon and her autistic son.

Directed by Lee Sang-cheol, the film is an adaptation of Ryu Seung-yeon’s 2018 essay, which is an autobiographical story about raising a child with a disability. The film features actor Kim Jae-hwa, who plays the mother of the disabled child.

The film was invited to various film festivals, including the 28th Busan International Film Festival and the seventh Malaysia Film Festival.

While there is plenty to see in theaters, not everyone may be in the mood to leave the house this Chuseok. So, here's a list of some Korean streaming content to keep you entertained without stepping out of the house.

Officer Black Belt (15)
Action / 109 mins / Korean / Sept. 13 / Netflix

Heroes are not always far away.

The new Netflix film “Officer Black Belt” centers on Jung-do, a talented martial artist who teams up with a probation officer to fight and prevent crime as a martial arts officer. The film follow the two tracking down criminals to protect their neighborhood.

Directed by Kim Joo-hwan, the film features actor Kim Woo-bin, who plays Jung-do, and Kim Sung-kyun, who plays probation officer Sun-min.

The film shines a light on the lives of martial arts officers and probation officers, jobs that aren't very familiar to the public.

Culinary Class Wars (12)
Reality competition / 12 episodes / Korean / Sept. 17 / Netflix

Whose food will be more delicious, a fine dining chef's or a local diner owner's?

Netflix cooking competition series “Culinary Class Wars” pits 100 contestants against each other from different culinary backgrounds, ranging from cooks of local diners to chefs of fine dining establishments.

Produced by Kim Hak-min and Kim Eun-ji, the show has restaurateur Paik Jong-won and fine dining chef Sung Anh serving as judges.

Paik is well-known as the owner of Theborn Korea, home to many franchise restaurant chains. Anh, in contrast, owns Mosu, the sole Korean restaurant with three Michelin stars.

Seoul Busters (15)
Comedy, crime / 20 episodes / Korean / Sept. 11 / Disney+

Try not to break your teeth from all the laughter!

Disney+ crime comedy series “Seoul Busters” is set to release on Sept. 11, promising to deliver laughter to its viewers. One cast member even thought they may have cracked their teeth while trying to hold back their laughter when shooting.

Directed by Ahn Jong-yeon, who was behind the SBS TV series “Racket Boys” (2021), the show follows the journey of Korea’s lowest-performing violent crime police unit, joined by a new elite leader that transforms them into the ultimate team.

The series features actors Kim Dong-wook, who plays the new elite leader Dongbang Yu-bin, as well as Park Ji-hwan as Moo Joong-ryeok, Seo Hyun-woo as Jung Jung-hwan, Park Se-wan as Seo Min-seo and Lee Seung-woo as Jang Tan-sik.

Will the cops be able to transform themselves into the ultimate team?


BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]