If you’ve just finished binge-watching The Frog and are eagerly hunting for more Korean crime thrillers, you’re in the right place!
Go Min Si, Kim Yoon Seok, and EXO’s Chanyeol starrer crime thriller The Frog is now reigning over Netflix. In Mo wan-il’s The Frog, a mysterious woman (Go Min-si) shows up at a vacation rental deep in the country asking for lodging for the night. When a murder occurs in her room, the vacation rental owner (Kim Yoon-seok) must decide his level of complicity in the crime.
Meanwhile, at a country motel elsewhere, a horrific homicide threatens a couple’s livelihood. The crime thriller series explores the two investigations, their similarities, and the effect they have on the small towns in which they occur.
If you’re in the mood for more mind-bending Korean mysteries, we’ve got some great recommendations for you.
12 Popular Korean Crime Thrillers
A Killer Paradox (2024)
This gripping korean crime thriller is an adaptation of the webcomic SalinjaㅇNangam. The story follows Lee Tang, a university student, whose life spirals after a fatal altercation with a criminal. His newfound ability to identify corrupt individuals sets him on a dark path of vigilante justice. As Tang systematically eliminates wrongdoers, the suspense deepens with detective Nan-gam and ex-detective Song Chon closing in. The mix of supernatural elements and psychological tension make this a must-watch for fans of crime Kdrama.
Stranger (2017)
Often regarded as one of the best crime Korean dramas, Stranger is a taut legal thriller that delves into political corruption and murder. Prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo), who is devoid of emotions due to a childhood surgery, partners with detective Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) to solve a series of linked homicides. The show’s intricate plotting and dynamic lead performances have made it a staple of Korean crime series enthusiasts.
Mask Girl (2023)
Blurring the lines between psychological drama and crime, Mask Girl follows an insecure office worker, Kim Mo-mi, who moonlights as a masked internet personality. When her secret life leads to a murder, a chilling narrative of obsession and deception unfolds. This crime thriller Kdrama is lauded for its unflinching portrayal of societal pressures and identity struggles.
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The Bequeathed (2024)
In this supernatural Korean crime drama, a Yoon Seo-Ha (Kim Hyun-Joo) inherits her estranged family’s haunted house, only to uncover a series of murders tied to the property. Blending horror with detective work, this Korean crime thriller offers a fresh take on the genre. The layered narrative weaves suspense and tragedy, keeping viewers hooked until the final twist.
Somebody (2022)
Set against the backdrop of modern technology, Somebody revolves around a popular dating app that becomes a murder weapon. Kim Sum, the app’s developer, is dragged into a police investigation after her platform is linked to a series of violent crimes. With its eerie tone and thought-provoking commentary on human connection, this Korean crime thriller stands out for its unique premise.
My Name (2021)
One of the most action-packed entries among Korean crime series, My Name follows Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee), who infiltrates a criminal gang to avenge her father’s death. Balancing her double life as a police officer and gang member, Ji-woo uncovers shocking truths in this fast-paced and gritty crime drama Korean. Its visceral fight sequences and emotional depth have made it a fan favorite.
Vagabond (2019)
After his nephew dies in a plane crash, stuntman Cha Dal-gun (Lee Seung-gi) embarks on a mission for justice. What starts as a personal quest turns into something much larger, as he uncovers a massive conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power. Partnering with National Intelligence Service agent Go Hae-ri (Bae Suzy), the duo is thrust into a high-stakes battle against dangerous enemies. The high-stakes action and intricate storytelling make Vagabond a quintessential Korean crime thriller.
Extracurricular (2020)
Oh Ji-soo (Kim Dong-hee) is a model high school student by day, but by night, he runs an illegal business to save money for college. When a classmate stumbles into his operation, they both get pulled deeper into the criminal underworld, and things quickly spiral out of control. This unconventional crime k drama is a gripping commentary on youth and societal pressures.
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Flower of Evil (2020)
On the surface, Baek Hee-sung (Lee Joon-gi) is the perfect husband and father, but he harbors a terrifying secret—his true identity is linked to a series of brutal murders. His wife, Cha Ji-won (Moon Chae-won), a detective, begins to suspect the truth, and their seemingly perfect life starts to unravel. This Kdrama crime thriller is celebrated for its intense performances and emotional depth.
The Glory (2022)
Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) was brutally bullied in high school, and years later, she returns with a meticulously planned scheme for revenge. As she executes her plan, the show oscillates between her traumatic past and the present, unraveling the full extent of her suffering and determination. With its compelling narrative and intricate planning, this crime thriller Kdrama showcases the psychological toll of vengeance and the quest for justice.
Signal (2016)
Signal brilliantly combines crime-solving with time travel, creating an exciting and emotional drama. A mysterious walkie-talkie allows a criminal profiler from 2015 to communicate with a detective from 1989. Together, they work on solving cold cases that have haunted the police force for years. The concept is fresh and engaging, and the show’s execution is flawless, with suspenseful plotlines that connect the past and present in unexpected ways.
Inspector Koo (2021)
Inspector Koo is a darkly comedic and thrilling Korean crime drama that follows Koo Kyung-yi (Lee Young-ae), a brilliant yet eccentric private detective and insurance investigator. Her mundane, reclusive life takes a sharp turn when a young and cunning serial killer (Kim Hye-jun) begins terrorizing Seoul. The series delivers an unpredictable and gripping cat-and-mouse chase between the two formidable women, blending humor, suspense, and psychological depth.
From revenge-driven plots to modern-day fears about technology, these series are perfect for anyone looking to dive into thrilling, thought-provoking storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Comment your favorite from this list below!
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