Several Korean films have achieved international praise, including ‘Old Boy’ and ‘Train to Busan.’ Filmmakers like Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook deserve credit for introducing the world to some of the most beautiful works of art. Even the most casual moviegoers are starting to trawl through large lists of other intriguing Korean films because the Korean drama ‘Parasite’ is currently the favourite for the Oscars. Even Nevertheless, most outside viewers are unfamiliar with erotica, which is one of the most important genres in Korean cinema.
Korean erotic thrillers are alluring and exhilarating in equal measure, as they entice you with their sexual appeal before teaching you a lesson or two about how sex can be deadly (to say the least). In the realm of cinema, there have been countless memorable moments of intimacy, and we already compiled a list of the best of the twenty-first century. However, in this article, we will compile a list of the greatest Korean sex scenes of all time.
A Frozen Flower (2008)
The sensual period drama ‘A Frozen River’ is partially based on the life of Gongmin of Goryeo and is set during the Goryeo Dynasty. The film is not historically accurate for the most part, but it does a fantastic job of bringing an entire era of Korean history to life through vivid cinematography and a fantastic ensemble of characters. Even the film’s sex scenes accomplish their objective admirably. Despite the fact that almost all of them are fairly explicit, they are only used in the storyline to depict the characters’ rising and fading emotions. So, whether you’re looking for a classic that will transport you to another universe or merely an R-rated film with some daring nudity, ‘A Frozen River’ is a must-see.
B.E.D (2012)
What can you expect from a film that actually spells “BED” out for you? ‘B.E.D.’ is an erotic thriller that revolves around the lives of three people named B, E, and D, as the title suggests. B has a very scandalous existence, and it all “begins and ends on the bed” for him. E is a married woman who is involved with B in an extramarital relationship. Finally, D is a career-driven woman who is also B’s devoted wife.
Several sequences in the film feature full-frontal nudity and graphic “implied” sex. It contains significantly more sex scenes than one might imagine, and there isn’t a single sequence in the picture that stands out from the others. It may not offer much in terms of plot, but you can ignore that and focus solely on the film’s exhilarating scandalous scenes.
Lies (1999)
‘Lies,’ another divisive Korean film, is about a sadomasochistic relationship between a guy in his 30s and a young 18-year-old schoolgirl. Many various films (particularly in Hollywood) have not shied away from depicting BDSM in a variety of ways. While most moviegoers are aware with the ’50 Shades’ series, it pales in comparison to ‘Lies.’ The entire premise of ‘Lies’ is so contentious that the novelist who inspired the film was sentenced to prison for publishing something so odd. Everything is fair as long as the filmmakers are able to realize their vision; nonetheless, as artistic as they may appear, the ‘Lies’ sex scenes come off as porn.
Natalie (2010)
It’s no wonder that ‘Natalie’ includes some of the most revolutionary and realistic sex scenes in Korean cinema, as the title relates to a famous nude sculpture by sculptor Jun-hyuk. The film’s opening sequence is shockingly vulgar, and it quickly becomes clear that you’re in for an erotic thriller. Overall, most viewers did not enjoy ‘Natalie,’ although its sexual provocation compensates for the lack of mystery to a large extent.
Obsessed (2014)
The premise of ‘Obsessed’ is identical to that of ‘The Aftermath,’ a Hollywood film. A South Korean colonel falls in love with the widow of his captain, who is well-known for his valor during the war. Soon, he has her attention, and the two begin a passionate and scandalous romance.
When the Captain’s relationship with his wife begins to deteriorate and she begins to spend more time with the colonel, one of the most unforgettable sequences in the film occurs. One day, the two of them are locked inside a car while it is raining outside, providing the ideal environment for the start of their affair. They start making out and having sex in the front seat of the car before they even realize it.
With ‘Thirst,’ director Park Chan-wook creates a unique blend of horror, culture, and taboo. It centres around the illicit love relationship between Jong-du, who is intellectually challenged, and Gong-ju, who has severe palsy. This seemingly genuine bond develops as a result of sexual abuse and serves as a reflection of the two wards’ respective families’ carelessness. All of the twisted sexual connections depicted in ‘Thirst’ serve as allegories to the dark side of Korean society in certain respects.
The Housemaid (2010)
‘The Housemaid’ follows Eun-yi, a poor Korean lady forced to serve as a domestic servant at Hoon Goh’s opulent mansion. While she is employed there, she quickly finds that Hoon’s word is taken very seriously by everyone who works for him. As a result, she becomes a victim of his seduction and agrees to it, despite the fact that he has a pregnant wife. She is forced to confront the dire consequences of her actions in the events that follow.
The film’s most important sex scene is the one that signals the start of their slanderous relationship. When Hoon enters Eun’s room with a bottle of wine, she immediately recognizes his true intentions. She is initially hesitant and uncomfortable with the act as he begins to seduce her. But, in the end, she succumbs to the temptation as well. This sequence does not go all the way with its depiction of sex, but it does lay the way for the film’s overall plot.
The Isle (2000)
‘The Isle,’ directed by Kim Ki-Duk, has received critical acclaim for its gruesome yet aesthetic sequences. The film takes place near a lonely lake that attracts numerous anglers from far away. Hee-jin, a young lass, makes her own bait and sleeps with these fisherman to make ends meet. Another of those fisherman, Hyun-shik, commits suicide and is rescued by Hee-jin, but when he tries to approach her, she rejects him. He then attempts suicide by ingesting fish hooks, but Hee-jin saves him once more and even heals him back to health. Hee-jin becomes increasingly obsessive as their love progresses, and he begins to kill anyone who threatens their relationship in any way.
‘The Isle’ persistently displays edgy and frightening sex scenes against the backdrop of a watery setting. It’s the kind of movie that gets under your skin and remains there for a long time, but it’s not for the faint of heart. There is one sex scene in which a couple makes love in the privacy of their own house, and it appears to be rather tempting at first. However, a horrific twist occurs when an intruder enters their home and murders them. The film’s final sequence appears to be so terrifyingly irrational that it contradicts everything we know about genital anatomy.
The Scarlet Letter (2004)
‘The Scarlet Letter’ is a well-known Korean drama that has impacted a number of subsequent suspense thrillers. But, more than anything else, the film’s “tinge” of sexuality sparked a lot of debate. Soon after the film’s release, there were rumors that one of the film’s sequences was so explicit that one of the principal actresses, Lee Eun-Ju, committed suicide shortly after finishing the project. This action takes place in the trunk of a car and is not in the least bit titillating. Instead, it’s a gruesome depiction of human frailty.
The Taste of Money (2012)
A massive mansion on the outskirts of Seoul houses one of South Korea’s wealthiest families. The family’s patriarch is a successful businessman, but his wife is in charge of their home’s internal affairs. Baek also has a personal secretary who deals with the frequent criminal actions that endanger their firm, and he aims to one day be as wealthy as his employers. However, all it takes is one spark to knock out the power in this house, setting off a chain of falsehoods, slander, and deception.
‘The Taste of Money,’ like other political plays, not only employs sex scenes to thrill a viewer, but it also uses them as a plot element to reflect on the psyche of its protagonists and their distorted desire for power. There are a few sex scenes sprinkled throughout the film’s duration. However, there is one moment in particular that is both provocative and humorous. While aboard a plane, two of the film’s main protagonists experience a burst of sexual energy. They sneak into the washroom together before anyone notices and make love without even entirely undress. The rest of the world is struggling to join the Mile High Club, but ‘The Taste of Money’ makes it appear easy.
