Following the global phenomenon of “Squid Game,” viewers worldwide craved more Korean dramas packed with heart-pounding suspense and thrilling narratives. This curated list offers 13 exceptional Korean shows guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience, echoing the captivating elements of “Squid Game.”
1. Sweet Home (2020):
Release Date: December 18, 2020
Cast: Song Kang, Go Min Si, Lee Do Hyun, Park Gyu Young
Genre: Horror, action, fantasy
Season: 2
Where to watch: Netflix
Delve into a world of nightmarish twists in “Sweet Home,” a fantasy horror series. Witness ordinary people transform into monstrous beings, their inner demons taking physical form. Amidst this chaos, a determined teenager and his neighbors band together, fighting to preserve their humanity and survive in this new, horrifying reality.
2. Hellbound (2021):
Release Date: November 19, 2021
Cast: Yoo Ah In, Kim Hyun Joo, Kim Sung Cheol, Woo Jin Ah
Genre: Dark fantasy, drama, thriller
Season: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
If you crave dark fantasy with a touch of moral dilemma, “Hellbound” will not disappoint. Adapted from a webtoon, this series explores a world where seemingly divine beings appear, condemning individuals to hell. As a religious group capitalizes on this phenomenon, the series delves into complex questions of faith, justice, and humanity, mirroring the deeper themes explored in “Squid Game.”
3. All of Us Are Dead (2022):
Release Date: January 28, 2022
Cast: Lee Yoo Mi, Park Solomon, Choi Yi Hyun, Yoon Chan Young, Park Ji Hu
Genre: Horror, action, thriller
Season: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
This acclaimed series, a terrifying blend of horror, action, and thriller, throws viewers into a high school overrun by a sudden zombie outbreak. Students become warriors, fighting not only for their lives but also against their once-human friends turned into bloodthirsty monsters.
4. The Uncanny Counter (2020):
Release Date: November 28, 2020
Cast: Kim Seojeong, Jo Byeong Kyu, Yoo Jun Sang, Yeom Hye Ran, Kang Ki Young, Kim Hieora
Genre: Thriller, mystery, action, fantasy
Season: 2
Where to watch: Netflix
This unique fantasy series introduces viewers to a group of demon hunters who disguise themselves as ordinary noodle shop owners. These “Counters” combat demons, manifestations of human negativity, offering a fresh perspective on the battle between good and evil.
5. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (2022):
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Cast: Park Hae Soo, Jeon Jong Soo, Lee Joo Bin, Kim Ji Hoon, Lim Ji Yeon
Genre: Heist, Crime
Season: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
This Korean adaptation of the global hit “Money Heist” delivers a thrilling heist narrative. Witness a group of robbers, led by the enigmatic Professor, attempt an ambitious heist at a mint in a unified Korea, facing off against determined law enforcement officials.
6. Happiness (2021):
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Cast: Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik, Jo Woo Jin, Ye Won Mun
Genre: Action, drama, horror, thriller, mystery
Season: 1
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
Buckle up for another captivating zombie apocalypse story in “Happiness.” An infectious disease wreaks havoc, transforming the infected into flesh-eating monsters. Trapped in a high-rise building, residents must fight for survival against the growing threat and the escalating fear within the confined space.
7. Extracurricular (2020):
Release Date: April 29, 2020
Cast: Kim Dong Hee, Park Ju Hyun, Nam Yoon Su, Jung Da Bin
This gripping psychological thriller sheds light on the dark side of ambition. A seemingly perfect high school student leads a double life, engaging in serious crime to pay his tuition fees. As his classmates become suspicious, the series explores the dangerous consequences of his secret and the psychological complexities of a young man driven to desperate measures.
8. Kingdom (2019):
Release Date: January 25, 2019
Cast: Joo Ji Hoon, Bae Doona, Jun Ji Hyun
Genre: Horror, action, thriller, mystery
Season: 2
Where to watch: Netflix
Korean dramas excel in the zombie apocalypse genre, and “Kingdom” is a prime example. Set in the Joseon era, this series unfolds a thrilling tale of a kingdom battling a horrifying plague that transforms its victims into the undead. Amidst the chaos, a crown prince embarks on a mission to stop the outbreak and save his kingdom.
9. Vincenzo (2021):
Release Date: February 25, 2021
Cast: Song Joong Ki, Jeon Yeo Been, Ok Taecyeon
Genre: Crime thriller, action, suspense
Season: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
While not an exact replica of “Squid Game,” “Vincenzo” offers a thrilling action-packed journey. A Korean-Italian mafia lawyer returns to his homeland and confronts a corrupt conglomerate, seeking justice and vengeance. This series, featuring renowned actors like Song Joong Ki, is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
10. Dr. Brain (2021):
Release Date: November 4, 2021
Cast: Lee Sun Kyun, Lee Yoo Young, Park Hee Soon
Genre: Thriller, sci-fi, suspense, mystery
Season: 1
Where to watch: Apple TV
This Apple TV+ series, led by the late, phenomenal actor Lee Sun Kyun, delves into the chilling realm of scientific exploration and its ethical boundaries. A brilliant but obsessed doctor, grieving the loss of his family, attempts to unlock the secrets of human consciousness by retrieving memories from the deceased. However, this experimentation takes a horrifying turn, blurring the lines between reality and memory.
This action-packed drama follows a stuntman who uncovers a shocking national corruption scheme after a tragic plane crash. Similar to “Squid Game,” the series exposes the dark underbelly of powerful corporations and their willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for personal gain.
12. Bloodhounds (2023):
Release Date: June 9, 2023
Cast: Woo Do Hwan, Lee Sang Yi, Kim Sae Ron, Park Sung Woong
Genre: Crime, Action
Season: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
Explore themes of economic disparity and the exploitation of the vulnerable in “Bloodhounds.” This 2023 drama centers on two boxers who join forces to fight against a vicious loan shark, preying on those struggling financially. Actors Woo Do Hwan and Lee Sang Yi deliver powerful performances as the vengeful protagonists.
13. Dark Hole (2021):
Release Date: April 30, 2021
Cast: Kim Ok Vin, Lee Joon Hyuk, Oh Yoo Jin
Genre: Thriller, mystery, fantasy
Season: 1
Where to watch: Viki
This suspenseful series throws viewers into a world battling a mysterious black fog emanating from a sinkhole. This bizarre phenomenon transforms humans into monstrous creatures, forcing survivors to fight for their lives.
When it comes to producing thriller shows, South Korea grabs the best nods with a sea of Korean dramas and movies like Squid Game exploring the compelling genre of suspense mixed with horror, survival, action, and psychology.
Some other blood pumping Korean drama and movies are: Witch part 1 & 2, I Saw the Devil, Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, The Roundup 1-2-3, “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil”, The Man from Nowhere, Believer, Believer 2, Unstoppable etc.
So, as you wait for season 2 of Squid Game, tune in and watch these above Korean series like Squid Game, which are guaranteed to deliver a memorable experience.
To get our latest news/breaking news as instant notification in your device, please allow VvipTimes to send you notification. If you prefer less noise, you can simply follow us on Twitter(X).
Leave a Reply