In a dazzling display of cinematic ambition and genre spanning storytelling, South Korea has officially submitted 19 feature films for the International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, which will be held in 2026, as chosen by the Korea Film Council. The lineup includes compelling tension filled thrillers to fantasy adaptations, demonstrating Korea’s remarkable creative range. With titles like The Killers, Mimang, Hi-Five, and the recent sensation Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, these films underscores the country’s creative flair and ever growing global influence.
With recent pop culture hits along with more introspective fare showcases the broad appeal that Korean films hold on a worldwide scale. Building on past milestones, which includes the board acclaim for Parasite and the shortlist inclusion for Burning, these entries for the 98th Academy Oscars position Korea for greater awards momentum.
Reflecting on the country’s confidence and creative energy, here are some of the major Korean films submitted for Oscars
1. The Killers
A taut and adrenaline fueled thriller that balances slick action along with unexpected emotional depth, The Killers is among the major entries at the Oscars this year. Cementing South Korea’s flair for high octane storytelling wrapped in stylistic panache, The Killers is a standout pick that is likely aimed at making a bold global impression.
2. Mimang
An evocative title that literally translates to “Membrane of a Petal”, Mimang evokes a dreamlike tone of poetry. A film that boasts of lush cinematography, bordering on magical realism, alongside intricate emotional layering that invites audiences into a visually sumptuous and introspective journey, Mimang is a truly standout pick from the list.
3. Hi-Five
A film that portrays a surprising blend of kinetic fun and heartfelt connection, Hi-Five mixes slice-of-life charm with unexpected depth. Under the film’s lighthearted surface vibes, it explores compelling themes of community and unlikely friendship. A crowd pleasing indie inclusion through and through, Hi-Five brings about a sense of sincerity and warmth.
4. Omniscient Reader: The Prophet
A high concept fantasy adaptation of Korea's web novel phenomenon, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is a title that instantly draws in fans while promising a visually arresting spectacle at the same time. A film that perfectly balances the complexity of meta narratives with a mass appeal, this pick is a genre bending Oscar buzz and viral popularity in one package.
5. No Other Choice
From the visionary director of Oldboy and Decision to Leave, No Other Choice is a biting satire that turns workplace despair into a dark comedy. A story about an axe-wielding salaryman who fights tooth and nail to reclaim his job, this Korean entry to the Oscars is one that blends social critique with Park Chan-wook’s trademark stylized intensity.
6. The Old Woman with the Knife
A mastery in genre blending and emotional depth, The Old Woman with the Knife is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a seemingly ordinary elderly woman who conceals a dark and violent past behind her quiet demeanor and frail appearance. Portraying meticulous direction along with an unforgettable central performance, this film is a haunting and humanising tale that slices through social conventions, defying stereotypes with both elegance and fury.
7. Harbin
A South Korean historical spy thriller, Harbin is among Korea's major entries for the Oscars. With an exceptional cinematography, this film is thought provoking that examines the real life legacy of Ahn Jung-geun and the assassination of Ito Hirobumi in the early 20th century Korean independence efforts. Harbin portrays a gripping storyline, exploring themes surounding independence, scarifice and the human cost of war.
8. The Ugly
A haunting psychological thriller drama that reveals the mask of societal obsession with appearances, this film portrays everything that we lose in the pursuit of achieving perfection. Based on Yeon’s 2018 graphic novel by the same name, this film portrays a haunting tale of memory and moral ambiguity.
9. Dark Nuns
A cinematic nod to the 1970s horror, Dark Nuns is a blend of Catholic rituals and Korean shamanism. A bold and emotionally intense film, Dark Nuns with female leads elevate what could be a familiar territory into something much more eerie yet beautiful, as well as thematically rich.
10. Love in the Big City
Set against the neon-glow of Seoul, Love in the Big City is an emotionally daring romantic drama that is far from the obvious aspects of a traditional romance, navigating themes of vulnerability, identity, and emotional honesty in a prejudiced modern metropolis.
Other than some of these major entries, the other films that been shortlisted include About Family, Yadang: The Snitch, Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning, Secret: Untold Melody, Spring Night, When This Summer is Over, A Normal Family, Somebody, and My Daughter is a Zombie.
With each title perfectly balancing bold aesthetics and auteur vision, along with emotional clarity and narrative hooks, Korea’s entries to the Oscars are precisely the kind that attract both festival acclaim and Academy attention. Rooted in Korean culture, yet addressing a range of themes including power, loss, connection, and destiny that transcend borders, these films portray some of Korea’s boldest genre offerings.