The Misconception of Korean Zombie Films as Revolutionizers in the Horror Genre

Despite the widespread belief that Korean zombie films have brought about a revolutionary change in the horror genre, particularly within the sub-genre of the zombies, this notion is largely unfounded. When critically analyzing a few notable Korean zombie films such as Train to Busan, Alive, and Kingdom, it becomes evident that they often fall into familiar tropes and narratives rather than breaking new ground. This article explores the extent to which these films have revolutionized the zombie sub-genre and whether they represent a truly innovative and distinctive chapter in the horror genre.

The Case for Train to Busan

Perhaps the most debated among these films, Train to Busan, stands out for its commercial and critical success. While it is true that the film is a product of a unique perspective—coming from a Korean director and star-studded cast—its narrative elements and thematic elements are not significantly divergent from mainstream zombie movies. Adapted from a webtoon, the film certainly delivers on its premise and thrills with its action and suspense, effectively utilizing Korean visuals and cultural context. However, its primary selling point is its entertainment value, rather than groundbreaking innovation.

Uniqueness in Alive

Alive introduces a novel element through the incorporation of social media in its narrative. This innovative use of digital communication within the zombie outbreak scenario is certainly noteworthy. Yet, it remains within the familiar parameters of the trapped-survivor genre, providing little more than a fresh twist. The emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas it presents are also not entirely new to the genre as similar stories have been told in various other films and media.

The Period Perspective of Kingdom

Kingdom introduces a compelling historical setting with samurai and zombies, which has a certain charm. However, this period piece does not significantly challenge or redefine the narrative structures of the zombie sub-genre. Other period zombie movies, such as those set during WWII with Nazi zombies, or the blind zombie trilogy, have already explored similar themes. The inclusion of samurai in a zombie narrative, while intriguing, does not represent a significant departure from what has been done before.

The Evolution of Zombie Horror

While Train to Busan, Alive, and Kingdom are indeed commendable additions to the zombie horror filmography, their impact on the genre extends somewhat beyond the realm of revolution. Instead, they belong to a broader category of movies that prioritize complex storytelling and character development over mere shock value. Films such as The Girl with All the Gifts, The Cured, Maggie, and Cargo are contemporaries that share similar strengths. These films have emphasized the nuances of human nature, the ethical dilemmas, and the social dynamics that emerge in a zombie-infested world. Their success lies in their ability to delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of the characters, rather than offering a fresh horror premise.

The Netflix Impact

A notable aspect of Korean zombie films and television series is their influence on Netflix. It's not just the Train to Busan prequel or Kingdom that has reshaped the streaming landscape. The introduction of Korean content on Netflix has opened up a new market, paving the way for other Asian filmmakers and their unique perspectives to be shared with a global audience. This has led to the creation of a dedicated section for Korean and Asian content on the platform, expanding the genre's reach and audience.

Conclusion

In summary, while Korean zombie films like Train to Busan, Alive, and Kingdom have their merits, they do not represent a transformative revolution in the zombie sub-genre. Instead, they are part of a broader evolution that includes contemporary zombie films emphasizing human drama, ethical dilemmas, and complex narratives. The real revolution lies in the ability of these films to engage with deeper themes and emotions, distinguishing themselves through their humanistic quality rather than innovation in zombie-specific mechanics. The impact of these films, therefore, is more in their ability to enrich the genre and offer a wider range of perspectives rather than in revolutionizing its core structure.