Taekwondo Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: Taekwondo
| Movie | Taekwondo |
| Release Year | 1998 |
| Director | Moon Seung-wook |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 92 minutes (1h 32m) |
| Language | KO |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Taekwondo (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Taekwondo are led by Ahn Sung-ki . The supporting cast, including Paweł Burczyk and Ewa Gawryluk , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Taekwondo stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Taekwondo has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Taekwondo
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, Taekwondo is a Drama film directed by Moon Seung-wook, written by Wojciech Zimiński. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ahn Sung-ki as Kim.
Ending Explained: Taekwondo
Taekwondo Ending Explained: South Korean Kim lives alone in Warsaw, Poland, where he teaches taekwondo. Directed by Moon Seung-wook, this 1998 drama film stars Ahn Sung-ki (Kim), alongside Paweł Burczyk as Michał, Ewa Gawryluk as Jola, Bartosz Opania as Young Pole. Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Taekwondo?
South Korean Kim lives alone in Warsaw, Poland, where he teaches taekwondo. His wife and daughter live in Berlin, just six hours away by train, but he's been traveling around Europe for 10 years and hesitates to even send a birthday card to his daughter. One day, he finds the bag of a woman, Yola (Eva Gabriluk), who has been pickpocketed, and the two become close. Another chance encounter with a delinquent young man, Mihau (Pavogiu Bourcik), brings them together, and they become an important part of Kim's life. Through Yola, Kim reconnects with lost feelings of love, and the always-flirtatious and unruly Mihau reminds him of his own restless youth...
Moon Seung-wook's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ahn Sung-ki (Kim)'s journey. His wife and daughter live in Berlin, just six hours away by train, but he's been traveling around Europe for 10 years and hesitates to even send a birthday card to his daughter.
How Does Ahn Sung-ki (Kim)'s Story End?
- Ahn Sung-ki: Ahn Sung-ki's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Moon Seung-wook delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 32m runtime.
- Paweł Burczyk (Michał): Paweł Burczyk's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ewa Gawryluk (Jola): Ewa Gawryluk's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Taekwondo Mean?
The ending of Taekwondo ties together the narrative threads involving Ahn Sung-ki. Moon Seung-wook chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
Taekwondo Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Taekwondo Based on a True Story?
No, Taekwondo is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Moon Seung-wook and starring Ahn Sung-ki may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Taekwondo?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ahn Sung-ki or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Taekwondo Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Taekwondo age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Taekwondo (1998) is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Directed by Moon Seung-wook, the film runs for 92 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Taekwondo is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taekwondo worth watching?
Taekwondo is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Taekwondo parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Taekwondo identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Taekwondo (1998)?
The runtime of Taekwondo (1998) is 92 minutes (approximately 1h 32m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
