Suspenseful plots that keep you on the edge of your seat? Or a romance comedy with a dash of thrill? There’s a ton of Korean thriller dramas that will suit your taste!
We’ve rounded up the best Korean thriller dramas you can’t miss. From dark thrillers, fantasy thrillers, to romcom thrillers, it’s the list to solve your thrill cravings!
12 Best Korean Thriller Dramas
Want shows that spike your adrenaline? Here are the 12 best Korean thriller dramas you should watch now:
- Juvenile Justice (2022)
- Mouse (2021)
- You are My Spring (2021)
- Extracurricular (2020)
- Save Me (2017)
- Beyond Evil (2021)
- Signal (2016)
- Bad and Crazy (2021-2022)
- When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
- Nobody Knows (2020)
- 365: Repeat the Year (2020)
- D.P. (2021)
1. Juvenile Justice (2022)
Shim Eun Seok (Kim Hye Soo) is an elite yet cold judge who despises juvenile offenders. Things become complicated when she gets assigned to a local juvenile court.
This show’s only for the brave souls. It’s a legal thriller that tackles difficult issues about juvenile offenders. With juvenile crimes rising everywhere, it gets so disturbing because it’s so real. And it will take you to the depths of the offenders’ minds.
You’ll be left with tears, anger, questions, and headaches.
2. Mouse (2021)
A psychopathic serial killer terrorizes the entire nation with ruthless murders. Police officer Jung Ba Reum (Lee Seung Gi) finds himself face to face with the killer. Then his life changes forever.
We dare you to find out who’s the killer. Because this show is just mindblowing. It has a gripping plot with superb acting from the cast. Trust us, you’ll find yourself feeling a bit of humanity even for the crazed murderer. If you want a show that disturbs your morals, this is it.
3. You are My Spring (2021)
Kang Da Jeong (Seo Hyun Jin) is a five-star hotel manager with a troubled past. She recently moved to the same building as Joo Young Do (Kim Dong Wook), a psychiatrist who heals people’s emotional wounds. A local murder case entangles their fate.
Who knows that a show with murder mystery can be so healing? This drama is equal parts romance and thriller. But the best part is the heartwarming love packed in beautiful dialogue. The show is meaningful. And it will heal you.
Read More: Best Korean Romance Comedy Dramas
4. Extracurricular (2020)
High school student Oh Ji Soo runs a sex trafficking business to support his needs. Things start to get messy when his classmates, Seo Min Hee (Jung Da Bin) and Bae Gyu Ri (Park Ju Hyun) learn his secret and join in his crime.
This teen thriller is another show that will question your morals. Instead of hating on the kids doing crimes, it will make you question what’s right or wrong. There’s thought-provoking commentary on social issues that can leave a high school kid with no choice but to do dirty work.
5. Save Me (2017)
Im Sang Mi’s (Seo Ye Ji) family was ruined by a religious cult. With her parents brainwashed by this dark and murderous cult, she’s unable to escape from its clutch. But when she meets three men and whispers, “Save me,” the cult’s secrets begin to unfold.
Warning: this show might not be for everyone. But if you want something to destroy you, try Save Me. The brutal reality of how cults get to people is enough to psychologically damage you. You may want to debrief yourself after finishing this.
Read More: Best Korean Horror Dramas
6. Beyond Evil (2021)
Han Joo Won (Yeo Jin Goo) is a talented junior detective assigned to work with demoted police officer Lee Dong Shik (Shin Ha Kyun). They work together to catch a serial killer tied to the murder of Dong Shik’s sister from 20 years ago.
This drama is a league of its own. It’s no wonder that it garnered seven Baeksang nominations and easily set the bar for dramas in 2021. It’s so unpredictable yet tightly-written. At the end of 16 episodes, you’ll be amazed how well the writer tied everything together.
P.S: You may have to pause between episodes to savor how good the show is!
7. Signal (2016)
Police lieutenant Park Hae Young (Lee Je Hoon) uses a time-traveling walkie-talkie to communicate with Lee Jae Han (Cho Jin Woong), a detective from 15 years ago. Together, they solve cases from their own time periods.
The show is a masterpiece. It’s no surprise that it became one of the highest rated cable shows in Korea. If you’re interested in criminal dramas, the cases in Signal are also loosely-based in real-life crimes. But they can make you cry, so be warned!
8. Bad and Crazy (2021-2022)
“Bad” cop Suyeol (Lee Dong Wook) is ambitious and corrupt. He meets his moral opposite with K (Wi Ha Joon), a righteous guy with a “crazy” sense of justice. Through K, Suyeol discovers that he can be a good cop, too.
A star-studded show with two well-loved Kdrama actors! The entire show is an endless drop of shocking twists. Watch out for helmet guy’s identity – we bet you wouldn’t expect it!
Read More: The 10 Best Korean Gangster Movies
9. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
Oh Dong Baek (Gong Hyo Jin) is a single mother who moved to a small town. She’s the usual subject of gossip in her neighborhood. But local policeman Hwang Yong Shik (Kang Ha Neul) is madly in love with her. They find love and family, all while a serial killer is out to get Dong Baek.
This drama has romance and comedy packed nicely with its thriller plot. The dark parts contrast nicely with the warm scenes. You’ll end up rooting for Dong Baek, too!
10. Nobody Knows (2020)
Detective Cha Young Jin (Kim Seo Hyung) is determined to catch the murderer of her friend from 19 years ago. When the teenage son of her neighbor falls off their roof, she learns that the killer is still on the loose.
Nobody Knows is an underrated gem that stands out. There’s tons of brutal crimes here. But the emotions and relationships pack a very human side to the show. If you love slow burn dark thrillers, this is it!
11. 365: Repeat of the Year (2020)
Ten people living hellish lives get the chance to go back in time by one year. But the consequences might make them wish they shouldn’t have.
2020 is a good year for Korean thriller dramas, and 365 is another proof! The drama is a sci-fi crime thriller with a great storyline. It’ll teach you not to mess with fate! The ending will be stuck in your mind for days.
12. D.P. (2021)
Soldier An Jun Ho (Jung Hae In) works with the D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) Team. It’s a special unit that catches military deserters.
Read More: Why Do Koreans Have To Go To The Military
The chase thriller is six episodes of adventure. But aside from the adrenaline rush, it also lets us in on the harsh realities of military life. From hazing to bullying, it’s a disturbing eye-opener to why soldiers escape the military.
P.S: Season 2 is coming soon!
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Kdramaland has a powerful arsenal of Korean thriller dramas. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find an unforgettable and well-made thriller drama for you! Put the tv on, because this is one thrilling binge watch for sure!
For more k-drama suggestion, feel to also read these articles:
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.
Thank you Mark, I’m glad you like it!