4 Must-Watch Korean Films Coming in August 2025

August 2025 features 4 major Korean film releases across comedy, romance and horror genres
Standouts include a zombie family comedy and a K-pop idol's acting debut in horror
The lineup demonstrates Korea's growing influence on global cinema trends

August 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary month for Korean cinema, with a stellar lineup of films that showcase the industry’s incredible range and creativity. From heartwarming family comedies to spine-tingling horror and nostalgic coming-of-age stories, these releases promise to captivate audiences with their fresh storytelling, stellar performances, and unique twists on beloved genres. Whether you're a longtime fan of Korean films or new to the scene, this month offers something for everyone—blending humor, emotion, and thrills in ways only Korean cinema can.

The global appeal of Korean entertainment continues to soar, and this August’s lineup is no exception. With record-breaking box office performances, highly anticipated debuts, and thought-provoking narratives, these films highlight why Korea remains at the forefront of cinematic innovation. From the zombie comedy dominating theaters to a Red Velvet member’s thrilling acting debut, each film brings something special to the table, ensuring that audiences worldwide will be talking about them long after the credits roll.

My Daughter Is a Zombie

Release Date (International): August 8, 2025

What happens when a father discovers his teenage daughter has turned into a zombie? My Daughter Is a Zombie answers that question with a hilarious, heartwarming twist. Directed by Pil Gam-seong (Hostage) and based on a popular webtoon, the film follows Jeong-hwan (Jo Jung-seok), an animal trainer who refuses to give up on his infected daughter, Su-ah (Choi Yu-ri). Instead of surrendering her to authorities, he hides her in the countryside and trains her to act human—cue absurd yet touching scenes of teaching her table manners and stopping her from biting strangers.

This isn’t just another zombie flick—it’s a cultural phenomenon, outperforming Hollywood heavyweights like Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning with near-perfect audience scores (91% on CGV’s Egg Index). The film’s genius lies in its perfect balance of slapstick comedy and genuine emotion, offering a fresh take on the undead genre while exploring the lengths a parent will go for their child.

Pretty Crazy

Release Date: August 15, 2025

If Pretty Crazy proves one thing, it’s that love can be downright bizarre. This offbeat romantic comedy stars Yoona (SNSD) as Jeong Seon-ji, a woman with a dark secret: every night at 2 AM, she undergoes a strange transformation. Her only witness? Gil-goo (Ahn Bo-hyun), her unemployed neighbor, who gets dragged into her surreal midnight escapades. What starts as awkward encounters soon evolves into a chaotic yet endearing relationship, blending romance, horror, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Originally, Kim Seon-ho was cast as Gil-goo, but Ahn Bo-hyun’s portrayal brings a perfect mix of charm and comedic timing. Yoona, known for her versatility, delivers a standout performance as the enigmatic Seon-ji, balancing fragility and strength. The film’s midnight rendezvous concept adds a unique twist, turning ordinary moments into absurdly entertaining set pieces.

Love Untangled

Release Date (Netflix): August 29, 2025

Set in 1998 Busan, Love Untangled is a nostalgic rom-com about Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo), a spirited but insecure teenager convinced her curly hair is the reason she's unlucky in love. Determined to change her fate, she embarks on a mission to straighten her hair before confessing to her crush—only to have her plans hilariously derailed when she crosses paths with Yoon-seok (Gong Myoung), a thoughtful transfer student who challenges her self-doubt. The film beautifully blends humor, romance, and poignant commentary on beauty standards, making it both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

At its core, Love Untangled is a coming-of-age story about self-acceptance, set against the backdrop of late '90s Korea. Director Namkoong Sun masterfully captures the awkwardness and earnestness of first love, while also tackling societal pressures with sensitivity. The film’s nostalgic aesthetic—complete with retro fashion and a killer soundtrack—adds to its charm, transporting viewers back to a simpler time before social media dictated beauty ideals.

The Ghost Game

Release Date: August 2025

Red Velvet’s Yeri makes her thrilling film debut in The Ghost Game, a supernatural horror flick about a group of high schoolers who play a deadly spirit-summoning ritual. When their game unleashes a vengeful entity, they must uncover the truth behind the ghost’s wrath—or face fatal consequences. Yeri stars as Ja-young, the class president whose leadership is tested as her friends fall victim to the curse.

Premiering first at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, the film has already generated buzz for its eerie atmosphere and gripping suspense. With a mix of jump scares and psychological tension, The Ghost Game is a standout entry in Korea’s thriving horror genre.

August 2025 is a testament to Korean cinema’s unmatched versatility. From My Daughter Is a Zombie’s record-breaking success to The Ghost Game’s chilling scares and Love Untangled’s heartfelt nostalgia, these films showcase the industry’s ability to reinvent genres, spark conversations, and connect with audiences worldwide. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, tears, or thrills, this lineup delivers it all—proving once again why Korean storytelling continues to dominate the global stage.

As these films hit screens, one thing is clear: Korean cinema isn’t just thriving—it’s evolving, pushing boundaries, and setting new standards. Don’t miss these gems; each one is a reminder of why Korea remains a powerhouse in world entertainment.

Source: Daum, Soompi, IMDb