If you’ve already run through all the romantic Korean dramas on your list, you may want to turn your attention to another genre that’ll have your heart racing in a different way – thrillers. With intricate storylines, talented actors, and meticulous attention to detail, Korean thriller dramas have become a favourite worldwide, offering viewers a captivating escape to another world.
Packed with suspense, plot twists, and surprises, these thrillers keep audiences on the edge of their seats. From murder mysteries to psychological thrillers, these are the adrenaline-inducing K-dramas to add to your watchlist.
Beyond Evil
“Beyond Evil” follows two detectives, Lee Dong-sik (Shin Ha-kyun) and Han Joo-won (Yeo Jin-goo), who have been assigned to the sleepy town of Manyang, which also has a history of horrific serial murders 20 years ago and they’re now starting again. The two are bent on doing anything to catch the killer, including breaking the law.
Available to stream: Disney+, Netflix, Viki, WeTV, Prime Video
Strangers From Hell
“Strangers From Hell” follows a young writer, Yoon Jong-woo (Yim Si-wan) who moves to a seemingly cheap and convenient apartment building. However, the residents turn out to be a collection of bizarre and creepy individuals with dark motives. As he becomes increasingly isolated and fears for his safety, questions regarding reality and paranoia begin to surface.
Available to stream: Apple TV, Prime Video
Nine Puzzles
“Nine Puzzles” follows Yoon E-na (Kim Da-mi), a skilled profiler who, as a teenager, was the sole witness in a now-cold murder case. A decade later, she finds herself working on a fresh string of serial murders alongside detective Kim Han-saem (Son Suk-ku), who harbours doubts about her past. When a new series of killings begins, the two must navigate their fraught personal history to unmask a killer whose motivations seem to trace back to the original case.
Available to stream: Disney+, Hulu
Save Me
“Save Me” follows Im Sang Mi (Seo Yea-ji), a high school student whose family moves to a rural county. Her family faces a series of misfortunes leading to an ominous cult preying on her mourning parents, manipulating them into relocating her family into their church despite Sang Mi’s instincts warning her against it. Sang Mi and her former classmates gradually uncover the cult’s sinister nature.
Available to stream: Apple TV, iQIYI, Prime Video
Stranger
“Stranger” follows criminal prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo) teaming up with police detective Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) for an investigation. As the pair look into a grisly murder, they discover the case involves deep corruption within the prosecutors’ office and an unscrupulous business conglomerate (or chaebol).
Available to stream: Disney+, Netflix, iQIYI, Prime Video
Mouse
“Mouse” follows a ruthless and crazed serial killer who is on the loose, and has the nation gripped with fear. Rookie cop Jung Ba-reum (Lee Seung-gi), has a face-to-face encounter with him, and it drives him, together with his partner Go Moo-chi (Lee Hee-jun), to unearth the truth behind the killer’s psychopathic behaviour.
Available to stream: Apple TV, WeTV, Viki, iQIYI, Prime Video
The Art of Sarah
“The Art of Sarah” centres on Sarah Kim (Shin Hye-sun), a mysterious character that cannot be found anywhere despite being a well-known figure that embodies luxury and the head of Asia’s branch of a well-known company. As a policeman investigates her death, he realises that “Sarah Kim” has different names, jobs, ages, and background, leading to the question: who is the real Sarah Kim?
Available to stream: Netflix
Kingdom
“Kingdom” takes place during Korea’s Joseon era as Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) begins to investigate rumours surrounding the king’s mysterious illness. His search reveals far more than hidden palace secrets as he discovers a fast-spreading plague ravaging his nation, one that resurrects the dead as ravenous monsters.
Available to stream: Netflix
