With April coming to a close, it’s that time again to see what the Hallyu Wave has for us for the coming month. Korean films releasing in May 2025 are ready to send us on an emotional rollercoaster — love, heartbreak, mystery and hope. With all the different and intriguing stories that we are about to see, there is no doubt that the movie-going public is in for a series of treats. Let’s explore five Korean movies releasing in May 2025 that have begun to pique our interest.
Korean Films Releasing in May 2025
Sanbok Road (산복도로)
Under the direction of Kim See-woo, Sanbok Road is a film that seems like it will tug on our hearts with all it’s got by being real about everything. Set in the 1980s in Ami-dong, Busan’s hardscrabble village, five friends have nothing but bare fists and grand dreams. With Lee Ho-won as Jjang Gu, Ha Kyung as Pal Bok, Kim Won-hae as Ko Seong-jae, Ahn Nae-sang as Kook Jong-su and Do Ji-won as Park Mi-ja, the cast seem to be able to deliver this heartfelt story to life.
What interests me about Sanbok Road is the juxtaposition of hope and hardship. These kids are battling not only other opponents but their own, dreaming of one day becoming world champions in boxing. Many of them go very different ways — one into the dark world of gangs. Just imagining how their lives intersect and spiral is enough to give me goose bumps! It will be intriguing to see how the director portrays their joy, sorrow, and dreams in Ami-dong, a dilapidated neighbourhood, the muddy streets of which are built over old tombstones.
Virus (바이러스)
Imagine a universe in which falling in love isn’t merely lovely, it is a life-and-death situation. That’s the crazy and exciting idea behind Virus, directed by Kang Yi-kwan. This movie combines mystery, romance and comedy with a twist. Bae Doo-na as Ok Taek-seon, who is a host of the virus, and Kim Yoon-seok as Lee Gyun, a researcher seeking a cure, headline the story. We’ll also have Chang Ki-ha, Kim Yeon-u, and Son Suk-ku as Nam Soo-pil.
With confirmation that Virus is set to release on May 7, 2025, this is making for one hell of a high-stakes thrill ride. I really want to see what’s next in how love is emerging in this new world, from the simple fact of having nothing left to fight for but love, desire, and hope. Do the characters find true love under stress, or does fear rule the day? This interesting concept has put Virus on my watch list.
Midnight Sun (한밤중의 태양)
Inspired by the Hong Kong story C’est La Vie, Mon Cheri, Midnight Sun will gift us with a lovely, tug-at-your-heartstrings romance. Music and drama lend a hand in this film, about Jung Ji-so as Mi Sol, a girl with a rare illness that confines her indoors during the daytime, and Cha Hak-yeon as Min Joon, the boy she silently loves. It is scheduled for release on May 28, 2025.
I’m very excited about Midnight Sun because it should offer a tender, emotional romance. To see Mi Sol finally leave home after dark and serenade Min Joon is magical. But the fact that I know she’s hiding a big secret about her health adds a level of tragicness and makes me all the more curious about how their relationship is going to play out.
No Parking (주차금지)
If you’re in the mood for some excitement and crime, yet resent the cool setup of No Parking. The film features Ryu Hyun-kyung as Yeon Hee, a woman who is the subject of a horrifying murder plot following a minor altercation with her neighbour over a parking space. We’ll also watch Cha Sun-woo as Dong Hyeon and Kim Roi-ha as Ho Joon, standing right beside her. This movie will be released in theatres on May 21, 2025.
The notion that this very ordinary, everyday problem is turned into something quite terrifying is really thrilling about No Parking. And the sense of paranoid instability is enough to keep us on our seats, wondering whom, if anyone, to trust. I’m interested in seeing what Yeon Hee will do when her peaceful life is disrupted/destroyed overnight.
What Does That Nature Say to You (그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니)
Written and directed by the famous Hong Sang-soo, What Does That Nature Say to You looks like a peaceful and thoughtful movie. It stars Ha Seong-guk, Kwon Hae-hyo, Cho Yun-hee, Kang So-yi, Park Mi-so and others. The movie had already premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival and is now finally hitting the theatres on May 14, 2025.
The story of a young poet in the company of his girlfriend’s family on a long day spent in conversations, feeding and reflection. It sounds simple, but, knowing Hong Sang-soo’s work, I suspect the movie will peacefully probe major wayward feelings. I’m excited to watch this movie, and I hope when it’s released, you will find it a beautiful reflection of life, love and the small things we often take for granted.
Let us know in the comments below which of these movies you are planning to watch in May 2025?
Also Read: 8 Upcoming Kdramas to Look Forward to in May 2025: Tastefully Yours, Good Boy and More
