Calling all K-drama enthusiasts who crave heart-pounding suspense, mind-bending mysteries, and plots that leave you teetering on the edge of your couch! If you're on the prowl for your next binge-worthy K-drama crime thriller, your search ends here.
We've put together a list with your K-drama addiction in mind. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey into the realms of crime and justice as we unveil a line-up of series that will keep you riveted from the first episode to the heart-stopping finale.
Strangers From Hell
Directed By: Lee Chang-Hee
Written By: Kim Yong-Ki (based on webcomic), Jung Yi-Do
Total Episodes: 10
Released Date: August 31, 2019
PLOT
A young man in his twenties named Yoon Jong-Woo (played by Im Si-Wan) has spent his entire life in a quaint town. However, a job opportunity leads him to relocate to a modest apartment in Seoul, where the amenities are communal. Unsettled by the eerie atmosphere of his new home and its peculiar occupants, Yoon Jong-Woo finds himself out of his comfort zone.
Voice
Directed By: Kim Hong-Sun
Written By: Ma Jin-Won
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: January 14, 2017
PLOT
Moo Jin-Hyuk, portrayed by Jang Hyuk, was once a distinguished detective known for cracking major cases. However, the brutal murder of his wife by a ruthless serial killer leaves him devastated. Consumed guilty for failing to protect her, he secretly hunts for her assassin. On the other hand, Kang Kwon-Joo, played by Lee Ha-Na, emerges top of her class from the police academy. She starts her career at the emergency 112 call centre, but tragedy strikes when her father, a police sergeant, rushes to a murder scene and is killed in the process. She hears the tragic incident over the phone. Shaken, Kwon-Joo moves to the U.S. for further studies, returning to Korea as a specialized voice profiler. Bound by their shared goal, Detective Jin-Hyuk and Kang Kwon-Joo collaborate to solve mysteries, especially intent on capturing the serial killer behind the demise of their loved ones.
Signal
Director: Kim Won-Suk
Screenwriter: Kim Eun-Hee
Broadcaster: tvN
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Dated: January 22, 2016
PLOT
Hae-Young, played by Lee Je-Hoon, is both a police lieutenant and a criminal profiler. However, due to a traumatic event in his past, he holds deep mistrust for the police. In 2000, a fellow elementary school student, Yoon-Jung, was abducted and subsequently found deceased. On the day of her abduction, Hae-Young witnessed a woman taking Yoon-Jung, yet the police released a description of a male suspect. Hae-Young approached the police with his information, but they disregarded his statement. The case remains unsolved to the present day.
Beyond Evil
Director: Sim Na-Yeon
Screenwriter: Kim Soo-Jin
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: February 19, 2021
PLOT
Lee Dong-Sik, portrayed by Shin Ha-Kyun, was formerly a proficient detective. Now, he serves at the Manyang Police Substation in a tranquil city, handling mundane tasks and leading a relatively calm life. This serenity is disrupted when Detective Han Joo-Won, played by Yeo Jin-Goo, is transferred to the same substation. Not only is Han Joo-Won Lee Dong-Sik’s superior but he is also designated as his partner. Coming from an esteemed lineage with his father poised to be the next leader of the National Police Agency, Han Joo-Won is an elite detective. But beneath this facade, he harbours a concealed truth.
Tunnel
Directors: Shin Yong-Hwi, Nam Ki-Hoon
Screenwriter: Lee Eun-Mi
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: March 25, 2017
PLOT
Set initially in 1986, Detective Park Gwang-Ho, played by Choi Jin-Hyuk, is on a relentless quest to apprehend a serial murderer. During a chase, he finds himself in a tunnel and upon emerging, discovers he has been transported to the year 2017. Much to his shock, the same killer, whose spree began three decades earlier, has restarted the reign of terror.
In this unfamiliar time, Detective Park Gwang-Ho teams up with Detective Kim Sun-Jae, portrayed by Yoon Hyun-Min, and Criminal Psychology Professor Shin Jae-Yi, played by Lee Yoo-Young. Together, they embark on a mission to finally bring the elusive killer to justice.
Mouse
Director: Choi Joon-Bae
Screenwriter: Choi Ran
Number of Episodes: 20
Released Date: March 3 to May 19, 2021
PLOT
Jung Ba-Reum, portrayed by Lee Seung-Gi, is a fledgling police officer stationed at a local substation. He is a beacon of integrity and has a strong sense of justice. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he confronts a malevolent psychopathic killer, whose heinous crimes instil fear across the nation. This encounter profoundly alters the course of Jung Ba-Reum's life.
Kingdom
Directors: Kim Sung-Hoon, Park Yoo-Young
Screenwriters: Kim Eun-Hee (Both webcomic & series), Yang Kyung-Il (original cartoon)
Number of Episodes: 6
Release Date: January 25, 2019
PLOT
In the aftermath of the King's sudden illness, a shroud of mystery envelops the palace for 10 days. Queen Jo, played by Kim Hye-Jun, and her influential father, Chief State Councilor Jo Hak-Joo, portrayed by Ryoo Seung-Ryong, exercise their power by ensuring no one, not even Crown Prince Lee Chang (acted by Ju Ji-Hoon), the King's very own son, gains access to the ailing King. During this period, under Jo Hak-Joo's tight grip, rumours began circulating that the King might have met his demise.
The Guest
Director: Kim Hong-Sun
Screenwriters: Seo Jae-Won, Kwon So-Ra
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: September 12, 2018
PLOT
The series delves into the chilling realm of mysterious supernatural forces responsible for a series of peculiar crimes. At the heart of this battle between good and evil stand three unlikely allies. The psychic Yoon Hwa-Pyung, portrayed by Kim Dong-Wook, hails from a lineage of shamans. Guided by his unique abilities, he seeks out those ensnared by malevolent spirits, endeavouring to rid them of such dark influences.
Sweet Home
Director: Lee Eung-Bok
Screenwriters: Based on the webcomic by Kim Kan-Bi and Hwang Young-Chan, adapted by Heung So-Ri, Kim Hyung-Min, and Park So-Ri.
Number of Episodes: 10
Released Date: December 18, 2020
Language: Korean
Origin: South Korea
PLOT
In a world suddenly plagued by a horrifying and unexplained phenomenon, people are turning into grotesque monsters, unleashing chaos everywhere. At the centre of this terror is Cha Hyun-Su, played by Song Kang. Once a reclusive high school student who avoided interaction even with his own family, Hyun-Su is now faced with an unimaginable reality. Tragedy struck when his entire family, except him, perished in a car accident. Left to fend for himself, he relocates to a small apartment.
Tell me what you saw
Directors: Lee Joon-Hyeong, Kim Sang-Hoon
Writers: Ko Young-Jae, Han Ki-Hyun
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: February 1, 2020
PLOT
The world of criminal profiling and policing is rife with danger and mystery. At its forefront once stood Oh Hyun-Jae, portrayed by Jang Hyuk, a supremely talented criminal profiler. Renowned for his uncanny ability to solve intricate cases, his life takes a tragic turn when his fiancé falls victim to a fatal explosion orchestrated by a ruthless serial killer. Devastated by the loss, Hyun-Jae chooses a life of isolation, disappearing from the public eye. He becomes a recluse, tormented by the past and by the serial killer he couldn't apprehend.
The Flower of Evil
Director: Kim Cheol-Kyu
Writer: Yoo Jung-Hee
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: July 29, 2020
PLOT
In a world where appearances can be deceiving, Cha Ji-Won, portrayed by Moon Chae-Won, serves as a diligent detective, dedicated to unearthing the truth behind mysteries. Her life, though, holds a mystery of its own, for she is blissfully unaware of the shadowy past of the man she's married to. Baek Hee-Sung, played by Lee Joon-Gi, appears to be the epitome of an ideal husband and father. Beneath this façade, however, lurks a man with a sinister history. Adopting a new identity, he has successfully concealed his dark past from everyone, including his unsuspecting wife.
Stranger
Director: Ahn Gil-Ho
Writer: Lee Soo-Yeon
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: June 10, 2017
Runtime: Sat. & Sun. 21:00
PLOT
In a society where corruption is rampant and trust is a luxury, Hwang Si-Mok, played by Cho Seung-Woo, stands as an anomaly. Having undergone a unique brain surgery in his youth, Si-Mok is left devoid of the very emotions that often cloud human judgment. This absence of emotions makes him an ideal prosecutor – one who is immune to temptations, biases, or the emotional turmoil that can impede justice. His demeanour, though, is distant and frigid, causing him to navigate his life in solitude.
The plot takes a turn when, in a dramatic sequence of events, a dead body is hurled in front of Si-Mok. This leads him to cross paths with the astute and determined Police Lieutenant Han Yeo-Jin, portrayed by Bae Doo-Na. Together, the duo forms an unlikely partnership. Drawing from their respective strengths and shared desire for justice, they embark on a mission to purge the prosecutor's office of its deep-rooted corruption. As they delve deeper into the quagmire of crime and corruption, they also find themselves entangled in a chilling serial murder case.
"Stranger" is a riveting tale of justice, partnership, and the pursuit of truth in a world filled with deceit and darkness.
Memorist
Director(s): Kim Whee, So Jae-Hyun
Writer(s): Jae Hoo (based on the webcomic), Ahn Do-Ha, Hwang Ha-Na
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: March 11, 2020
PLOT
In a world where memories are private, Dong Baek has an extraordinary ability that sets him apart – he can read memories. This unique power manifested during his high school years and, understanding the potential it held, Dong Baek decided to leverage it to bring justice to the world. As he unveils his uncanny ability, Dong Baek chooses a career path in line with his skills, becoming a detective. His memory-reading gift proves invaluable in the field, propelling him forward with a relentless drive to apprehend criminals. With each touch, he dives into the recesses of a person's mind, unravelling secrets and uncovering truths. This makes him a formidable force against those who operate in the shadows.
Nobody Knows
Director: Lee Jung-Heum
Writer: Kim Eun-Hyang
Broadcaster: SBS
Number of Episodes: 16
Released Date: March 2, 2020
PLOT
For Detective Cha Young-Jin (played by Kim Seo-Hyung), the past is a haunting memory that she can't shake off. Nineteen years ago, she lost her close friend to a heartless serial killer. The harrowing incident left an indelible mark on her, filling her with a combination of guilt and trauma. She blames herself for not being able to save her friend from the clutches of evil.
Defendant
Director: Jo Young-Gwang
Writer: Choi Soo-Jin
Number of Episodes: 18
Released Date: January 23, 2017
PLOT
Imagine waking up one day to find yourself incarcerated, with no recollection of what landed you there. This is the terrifying reality Park Jung-Woo (the protagonist) faces. A dedicated prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Park Jung-Woo is recognized for his strong sense of justice.
Black
Director: Kim Hong-Sun
Writer: Choi Ran
Number of Episodes: 18
Released Date: October 14, 2017
PLOT
In the enthralling world of "Black," two entities come together in a unique pairing, revealing the thin line between life and death, and making every second count in a fight against fate. Our protagonist, Black, isn't your average detective. He's possessed by none other than the Grim Reaper himself, giving him a perspective on life, death, and justice that few others possess. With this possession comes challenges, as he struggles with the Reaper's intentions and his own human sensibilities.
Final Verdict: A K-Drama Crime Spree Worth the Binge
As the curtain falls on our list of top Korean crime thriller K-Dramas, one thing is clear: the world of K-Drama isn't just about romance and melodrama. It's a thrilling ride into the dark and intricate labyrinths of crime, mystery, and suspense. These series not only showcase brilliant storytelling and impeccable acting but also reflect the depth and diversity of Korean television. So, next time you're in the mood for heart-pounding suspense and intricate plot twists, remember this list and dive right in. Brace yourself for an edge-of-the-seat experience that will leave you craving more. Until then, happy watching and let the thrill consume you!
Source: AsianWiki
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