South Korean cinema trends in horror and sci-fi

Recent reviews highlight the current landscape of South Korean horror and science fiction cinema. The film ‘Zona Zero’ (Colony), directed by Yeon Sang-ho, follows a group led by researcher Se-Jeong attempting to survive a bioterrorist attack in a Seoul convention center. The plot involves a modified virus that transforms victims into violent zombies, though critics have noted the film follows a predictable formula similar to the director’s previous works.

In contrast, Na Hong-jin’s new film, ‘Hope: O Primeiro Impacto’ (2026), is noted for blending visual brutality with space-based science fiction. The film continues the South Korean tradition of combining intense violence with social commentary and dark humor, drawing comparisons to the stylistic approaches seen in works by directors such as Bong Joon Ho and Kim Jee-woon.