7 best Jung Woo Sung movies that are absolute no skip

From the intense drama of Scarlet Innocence to the compelling story of Musa, discover the must-watch Jung Woo Sung movies that show his range and talent!

Updated on Sep 02, 2024  |  10:40 PM IST |  81K
Official posters for Scarlet Innocence and Beasts Clawing at Straws; Image Courtesy: CJ ENM, Megabox M Plus
Official posters for Scarlet Innocence and Beasts Clawing at Straws; Image Courtesy: CJ ENM, Megabox M Plus

Jung Woo Sung's movies are a masterclass in cinematic versatility, showcasing his evolution from a rising star to a powerhouse of Korean cinema. From his breakthrough in the gritty gangster film Beat to his intense performances in epic blockbusters like Musa and Illang: The Wolf Brigade, Jung has captivated audiences with his dynamic roles.  

His ability to seamlessly navigate genres, from romance to thriller, makes his filmography a treasure trove for movie buffs. Here are seven must-watch Jung Woo Sung movies that capture his range and prowess, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience. 

Top 7 Jung Woo Sung to add to your watchlist

1. Beat

  • Cast: Jung Woo Sung, Ko So Young, Yoo Oh Sung, Im Chang Jung
  • IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
  • Release year: 1997
  • Genre: Action, crime


Beat is a raw and riveting tale of youthful rebellion and survival, directed by Kim Sung-su and written by Sam Shin. Jung Woo Sung stars as Min, a high school dropout thrust into the dangerous world of gangs, alongside Ko So Young as the turbulent Romy and Yoo Oh Sung as his friend Tae Soo. Based on a bestselling graphic novel, Beat vividly portrays the gritty realities of street life and the personal struggles that come with it. 

2. Musa

  • Cast: Ahn Sung Ki, Jung Woo Sung, Joo Jin Mo, Zhang Ziyi
  • IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
  • Release year: 2001
  • Genre: Epic action, drama
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Musa, also known as The Warrior and The Ultimate Warrior, is an epic South Korean action drama set in 1375. The film follows a desperate diplomatic mission from Goryeo, forced to traverse harsh deserts and fend off Mongol raiders after a failed negotiation. With breathtaking battle sequences, rich historical detail, and a gripping narrative, it stands as a monumental achievement in Korean cinema, seamlessly blending action and historical intrigue. 

3. Scarlet Innocence

  • Cast: Jung Woo Sung, Esom, Park So Young, Kim Hee Won
  • IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
  • Release year: 2014
  • Genre: Erotic, thriller


Scarlet Innocence, directed by Yim Pil Sung, is a poignant modern retelling of the classic Korean folktale Simcheongga. It follows literature professor Shim Hak Kyu (Jung Woo sung) as his scandalous affair with Deok Yi (Esom) spirals into a web of betrayal, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a small rural town, the film delves into themes of guilt and redemption, culminating in a dramatic and heart-wrenching conclusion. 

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4. Illang: The Wolf Brigade

  • Cast: Kang Dong Won, Han Hyo Joo, Jung Woo Sung, Kim Mu Yeol, Han Ye Ri, Choi Minho
  • IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
  • Release year: 2018
  • Genre: Science, fiction, action

Illang: The Wolf Brigade, directed by Kim Jee Woon, is a gripping adaptation of the Japanese animated film Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade. Set in a dystopian 2029 Korea on the brink of reunification, the film follows Special Unit soldier Lim Joong Kyung (Gang Dong Won) as he becomes entangled in a deadly web of political intrigue, betrayal, and inter-agency warfare. With stunning visuals and intense action sequences, the film delves deep into themes of loyalty, identity, and survival.

5. Beasts Clawing at Straws

  • Cast: Jeon Do Yeon, Jung Woo Sung, Bae Seong Woo, Jung Man Sik, Jin Kyung, Shin Hyun Been, Jung Garam, Youn Yuh Jung
  • IMDB Rating: 7/10
  • Release year: 2020
  • Genre: Neo-noir, black-comedy, thriller


Beasts Clawing at Straws, the debut feature by Kim Yong Hoon, is a darkly twisted crime thriller that weaves the lives of desperate characters entangled in greed and deception. Based on Keisuke Sone's novel, the film features an ensemble led by Jeon Do Yeon and Jung Woo Sung. As each character vies for a bag of money found in a sauna, their fates collide in a series of unpredictable, ruthless turns, revealing the depths people will go to survive. 

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6. Hunt

  • Cast: Lee Jung Jae, Jeon Hye Jin, Heo Sung Tae, Go Young Jung
  • IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
  • Release year: 2022
  • Genre: Espionage, action, thriller


Hunt, Lee Jung Jae's thrilling directorial debut, takes viewers deep into the shadows of 1980s South Korea, a time when political intrigue and espionage ran rampant. Starring Lee Jung Jae and Jung Woo Sung, the film pits two elite ANSP agents against each other in a deadly game to uncover a North Korean mole. As secrets unravel, their pursuit grows more perilous, leading to a gripping climax of betrayal, sacrifice, and survival. 

7. 12.12: The Day

  • Cast: Hwang Jung Min, Jung Woo Sung, Lee Sung Min, Park Hae Joon, Kim Sung Kyun
  • IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
  • Release year: 2023
  • Genre: Historical, drama


12.12: The Day, directed by Kim Sung Su, delves into the dramatic upheaval of South Korea's 1979 military coup. With a powerhouse cast led by Hwang Jung Min and Jung Woo Sung, the film captures the fierce clash between two military leaders amid the chaos of martial law. As Major General Chun Doo Gwang and Major General Lee Tae Shin battle for control, the film weaves a gripping narrative of power, betrayal, and the struggle for a nation’s future.

In conclusion, Jung Woo Sung movies offer a fascinating journey through a diverse range of genres, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility. From the gritty streets of Beat to the epic landscapes of Musa, his filmography is rich with memorable performances. Movies like Scarlet Innocence and Illang: The Wolf Brigade highlight his ability to captivate audiences with complex characters and intense narratives.  

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Each film on this list not only exemplifies Jung’s remarkable range but also solidifies his place as one of South Korea’s most esteemed actors. For any cinephile, these Jung Woo Sung movies are essential viewing.

ALSO READ: 7 best Korean movies on Amazon Prime to add to your weekend binge list: Midnight Runners, The Childe, and more

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About The Author

Saumya is a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, with a passion for digital storytelling and over a

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Credits: CJ ENM, Megabox M Plus
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