Korean thriller shows have taken the world by storm in recent years, andNetflix has been at the forefront of bringing these gripping dramas to global audiences.With their intricate plot lines, stunning visuals, and incredible performances, Korean thrillers have captivated viewers with their ability to keep us on the edge of our seats. Whether you’re a fan of suspense, mystery, or psychological drama, there’s something for everyone in this collection of the best Korean thriller shows on Netflix. From the gritty world of crime to the twisted psyche of serial killers, these shows will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you wanting more.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the bestk-dramas on Netflix, thebest romantic k-dramas, or thebest showsandmovies on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated May 2024 to include Signal.
‘Signal’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% IMDb: 8.5/10
A series that bends time,Signaltells the tale of a detective from 1989 and a cold case profiler from 2015 who team up to solve crimes that span their nearly three-decade distance and communicate through a seemingly magic walkie-talkie. By providing both nuanced character development and a thoroughly thrilling central mystery,Signalticks all the boxes for fans of both crime and sci-fi shows. Able to hold your attention despite its complex plot, this series is both an eye-catching televisual marvel and a deeply gripping tale, highlighted by a set of captivating central performances from the likes ofLee JehoonandKim Hye-su. -Jake Hodges
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‘Song of the Bandits’ (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Song of the Bandits
Set during the 1920s Japanese occupation, this Korean drama follows a group of exiles who fight to save their homeland when all seems lost. A story of hope in the face of fear,Song of the Banditsfeels epic from minute one, with directorHwang Jun-hyeokpulling out all the stops to bring an eye-catching sense of scope to the small screen. A tale with both heart and soul,Song of the Banditscomfortably excels as both an informative period piece and a dramatic Western, with its pace neatly building as tension rises and explodes into impressive action sequences. Heartfelt and powerful, this multi-genre experience is not to be missed.- Jake Hodges
‘Mask Girl’ (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.3/10
An office worker who is insecure about her looks becomes a masked internet personality by night until a chain of ill-fated events overtakes her life.
Based onMae-miandHee-se’s Naver webtoon of the same name, theMask Girl, also known as Kim Mo-mi, finds herself, following a particularly poor period of self-depreciation and insecurity about her own looks, obtaining internet stardom after donning the titular mask. After craving fame as a child, the reality of her dream becomes much more sinister than she could have ever believed, with her life spiraling out of control following her newfound celebrity status. Played by three brilliantly talented different actors,Lee Han-byeol,Nana, andGo Hyun-jung, Kim Mo-mi’s journey is documented in detail throughout the series, with the tension of her unraveling life locking viewers in its vice-like grip.Kim Young-hoon’s weaving plot brings shocks and twists at every turn, with the tight script clearly acting as a perfect playground for the immensely talented ensemble cast.
‘The Lies Within’ (2019)
IMDb: 7.1/10
The Lies Within
The Lies Withinis a South Korean crime thriller with beautiful cinematography and a twisty tale of conspiracy and political sabotage. The story follows Jo Tae-Sik (Lee Min-Ki), a detective beaten down by the job who takes on a case investigating the mysterious death of a local lawmaker. During his investigation, he teams up with the lawmaker’s daughter, Kim Seo-Hui (Lee Yoo-Young), who has infiltrated the National Assembly to uncover the truth about her father’s murder while looking for her missing husband. The sixteen-episode thrill ride is filled with intrigue and explores with chemistry between the two leads, making you want to binge the series at a break-neck pace. –Tauri Miller
‘Sweet Home’ (2020 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Sweet Home
Hyun, a loner high school student who lost his entire family in a terrible accident, is forced to leave his home and has to face a new reality where monsters are trying to wipe out all of humanity. Now he must fight against all odds to try and race against the clock to save what is left of the human race before it’s too late.
Based on a popular webtoon of the same name,Sweet Homerevolves around a reclusive high school student, Cha Hyun-soo (Song Kang), who moves into a new apartment complex after the tragic death of his family. However, he soon finds himself trapped inside the building with his neighbors as a mysterious epidemic turns people into monstrous creatures. As they struggle to survive, the residents must confront their inner demons and come to terms with their past traumas.
‘A Model Family’ (2020)
IMDb: 6.6/10
A Model Family
A Model Familyis a South Korean crime drama about Dong-ha (Jung Woo), a desperate family man who steals money from a car accident to help pay hospital bills. However, it turns out the money belongs to a brutal cartel that forces him to be a courier to pay back the money. The series uses the plight of Dong-Ha and mirrors it with the family struggles of the main antagonist Gwang-cheol (Park Hee-soon) to create a compelling story about the ways that money can dominate and destroy lives while pulling people from the things that really matter. It’s a captivating story on par with popular series likeBreaking BadandOzark. –Tauri Miller
‘Unlock My Boss’ (2022 - 2023)
IMDb: 7.3/10
Unlock My Boss
Based on the webtoon fromPark Seong-hyun,Unlock My Bossis a cute South Korean comedy.Jong-Hyeop Chaestars as a young unemployed man whose life changes when he picks up a strange smartphone containing the trapped spirit of the president of an IT company (Park Sung-woong). Together, with assistance from another young woman (Eun-Su Seo), the trio set out to better their lives while seeking out the truth behind the murder of the man in the phone. Blending humor and mystery with a slight supernatural element,Unlock My Bossis a fun 12 episodes.– Yael Tygiel
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.5/10
All Of Us Are Dead
A high school becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak. Trapped students must fight their way out or turn into one of the rabid infected.
High school just got a lot more frightening, especially when zombies are lurking around every corner.All Of Us Are Deadis set in a high school where a mysterious epidemic turns its students into flesh-eating zombies. The story follows a group of students who find themselves trapped inside the school as the situation rapidly deteriorates. As they fight for survival and try to find a way out, they are forced to confront their fears, secrets, and relationships. With its fast-paced action, suspenseful plot, and well-crafted characters, the show offers a fresh take on the zombie genre, blending horror and drama with elements of coming-of-age stories.
‘Squid Game’ (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Squid Game
Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits with deadly high stakes: a survival game that has a whopping 45.6 billion-won prize at stake.
Having taken the world by storm since its release in 2021, alongwith prestigious accolades such as the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, it’s practically a sin to not includeSquid Gamein the list. The show follows a group of financially struggling individuals who participate in a mysterious survival game, where they compete in a series of childhood games for a chance to win a huge cash prize. However, the stakes are high, as the players soon realize that losing the games means facing deadly consequences. As the game progresses, the players are forced to make difficult moral choices and confront their demons to survive. With its gripping storyline, intense action, and complex characters, Squid Game has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing attention to issues of inequality, class conflict, and the human condition.
‘Voice’ (2017 - 2021)
IMDb: 7.6/10
A classic in the world of Korean television thrillers,Voicecenters around the employees of the 112 emergency call center in Seoul. The story follows Kang Kwon-joo (Lee Ha-na), a voice profiler who has perfect pitch hearing, and Detective Do Kang-woo (Lee Jin-wook), a former member of the violent crimes unit. Together, they work to solve high-profile cases and track down criminals using their unique skills and expertise. With each episode presenting a new crime and a different set of challenges, the show keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot and fast-paced action. The show is known for its intricate storytelling, well-developed characters, and high production values, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and thrillers.
