Continuing from Part 1, Part 2 of the 15 Most Controversial 18+ Korean Films of the 21st Century takes us deeper into stories that challenge social norms, blur moral boundaries, and provoke with their unfiltered portrayal of lust, control, and emotional destruction.
6. Obsessed (2014) – Director: Kim Dae Woo
Set in post-war Korea, Obsessed tells the story of a soldier (Song Seung Heon) who falls into a dangerously obsessive affair with his superior’s wife (Lim Ji Yeon).
The film is infamous for its explicit sex scenes and disturbing emotional undertones, exploring themes of forbidden desire and betrayal. Song Seung Heon’s transformation from romantic lead to tormented anti-hero shocked fans.
7. The Servant (2010) – Director: Kim Dae Woo
A bold retelling of the classic folktale Chunhyangjeon, this film injects intense eroticism into a traditional love story. The steamy scenes aren’t just for show, they reflect class dynamics, manipulation, and the lust for possession in a feudal society. The Servant delivers both sensuality and social critique.
8. Scarlet Innocence (2014) – Director: Yim Pil Sung
A university professor falls for a young student, only to face a devastating revenge. Scarlet Innocence is a dark tragedy of obsession, sensuality, and payback. With raw performances, especially from actress Esom, the film raises difficult questions about guilt, power, and emotional decay.
9. Thirst (2009) – Director: Park Chan Wook
Park Chan-wook’s acclaimed film Thirst is a haunting exploration of desire and sin through the story of a priest, Sang Hyun (played by Song Kang Ho), who becomes a vampire after a failed medical experiment. He soon falls into a dangerous and seductive relationship with Tae Ju (Kim Ok Bin), the wife of his friend.
The film is known for its bold portrayal of sensuality and its controversial blend of spiritual and religious themes. Despite criticism for its explicit content and moral ambiguity, Thirst has been praised by critics for its artistic direction and unique storytelling.
10. Love Lesson (2013) – Director: Ko Kyeong Ah
A fading composer (Kim Sun Young) seduces a high school student (Byun Joon Suk) under the guise of teaching music. Love Lesson explores the taboo of age-gap relationships and the fine line between affection and exploitation. Its unfiltered sex scenes drew criticism, but others praised the film’s emotional depth and artistic portrayal of loneliness and forbidden desire.
These films aren’t just controversial for their nudity or sexual themes, they are bold explorations of human psychology, societal pressure, and the darkness within. Love, lust, and vengeance take center stage, reinforcing Korean cinema’s reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging conventional storytelling.
