Isn’t it boring to binge-watch swoon-worthy romantic storylines all the time? Well, get ready to shake things up with K-dramas that dare to be different. From spine-chilling horror tales to heart-pumping action, these shows prove that there’s more to Korean television than just romance.
Whether one is in the mood for a mind-bending psychological thriller like Mouse or a heartwarming family drama like Reply 1988. These K-dramas will take you on a wild ride that won’t be forgotten soon. Get comfy and prepare to enter a new world of K-drama that is anything but ordinary!
10 Taxi Driver (2021)
Kim Do-gi is a former Special Forces officer who works as a taxi driver for Rainbow Taxi Company. However, the taxi company is not an ordinary taxi service. It also provides a unique service to its clients by avenging the victims of injustices who cannot find just through legal systems. Kim Do-gi is aided by a group of talented individuals, including a hacker, a former police officer, and a lawyer, who help him in his quest to deliver justice to the victims.
Overall, it is a well-crafted and thrilling drama that tackles important themes like justice, revenge, and redemption in an entertaining way. This show is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas or anyone who loves this genre.
9 The World of the Married (2020)
This drama revolves around the story of a successful doctor named Ji Sun-woo, who has everything in life, including a happy family and a flourishing career. However, her seemingly perfect life is turned upside down. She discovers that her husband, Lee Tae-ho, is having an affair with another woman.
As Ji Sun-woo uncovers more secrets and lies about her husband, her life starts to spiral out of control, and finds herself fighting to keep her family and her sanity intact. The show also features multidimensional characters, who are flawed and realistic, making them relatable to the viewers. The series is known for its intense storyline, exceptional acting performances, and stunning cinematography. The World of the Married is an emotional rollercoaster that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its gripping plot.
8 Move to Heaven (2021)
Following the story of a young man named Geu-ru, who has Asperger’s syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects his social interactions and communication skills. Geu-ru’s father, who used to run a trauma cleaning business, passes away, leaving him under the care of his estranged uncle, Sang-gu. Sang-gu, who is a former convict and has a troubled past, reluctantly takes on the responsibility of raising Geu-ru and taking over the family business. It involves cleaning up the homes of people who have passed away and organizing their belonging for their loved ones.
The series sheds light on the often-overlooked work of trauma cleaning and the importance of empathy toward those who have suffered a loss. The heartwarming and touching storyline, tugs at the hearts of the viewers, making them feel all sorts of emotions.
7 Sweet Home (2020)
Based on the webtoon of the same name, Sweet Home is a horror thriller series that follows the story of Cha Hyun-su, a high school student. He moves into a rundown apartment complex after the tragic death of his family. Soon, a mysterious virus starts to spread through the complex, causing residents to turn into monsters with supernatural powers. With no way out and no help from the outside world, the remaining survivors band together to fight for their lives and find a way to stop the virus from spreading.
The show features intense action, as the characters fight for survival against monstrous creatures. With season two on the way, the viewers are extremely excited to get on the rollercoaster ride once again.
6 Hospital Playlist (2020)
Directed by Shin Won-ho, the story follows the lives of five doctors who have been friends since they entered medical school together. The series takes place in a hospital, where the main characters work as doctors and perform surgeries. Throughout the series, focus on the personal and professional lives of the main characters is portrayed, who are all unique in their own ways. Each episode features the daily lives of the doctors, including their interaction with patients, and their personal struggles.
5 Mouse (2021)
A series of gruesome murders takes place in a small town. Jeong Ba-reum, a kind-hearted police officer, investigates the murders with his fellow officers. With the investigation progressing, Jung Bae-rum starts to realize that the killer might be closer to him than he thought.
As the series unfolds, he discovers a dark secret from his own past. Themes like nature vs nurture, identity, and the consequences of scientific experimentation are explored. The dark and suspenseful atmosphere, with graphic depictions of violence, gets the audience on the edge of their seats.
4 The Penthouse (2020)
The Penthouse displays the lives of wealthy families who reside in a luxurious apartment complex called Hera Palace. The plot primarily revolves around three women: Shim Su-ryeon, Cheon Seo-jin, and Oh Yoon-hee. They are all the mothers of students at the prestigious Cheong-ah Arts School.
The intense competition with conflicts as they fight for power and status in society is nail-biting for the viewers. Often resorting to extreme measures to secure their positions, like murder. The drama has gained popularity all over South Korea for its intense plot twists and cliffhangers.
3 The Glory (2022)
Starring the award-winning Song Hye-Kyo as Moon Dong-eun, The Glory is a no-kill revenge-thriller that shows a dark side to school bullying and what happens to the victims after. As a result of the torture, Dong-eun drops out of high school and dedicates herself to seeking revenge upon her tormentors, no matter what it takes.
The depiction of bullying and revenge is realistic enough to make the audience shiver in fear. With the gripping, unnerving plot which offers catharsis to its viewers, The Glory jumped up the popularity bar both nationally and internationally.
2 Reply 1988 (2015)
In the neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong reside five friends whose lives are depicted along with their families. The show is set in the year 1988 and explores the daily struggles, joys, and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate their adolescence to adulthood. Known for its heartwarming storytelling and nostalgic portrayal of life in Korea during that era grabs the undivided attention of the spectators. Shows like this are never tiring to binge-watch, be it for the first time or the second.
1 Kingdom (2019)
Set in the Joseon Dynasty era, the story follows the Crown Prince Lee Change, who investigates a mysterious plague that is spreading throughout the country. This plague turns the people into violent and bloodthirsty zombies. The Crown Prince becomes embroiled in a political power struggle with the Haewon Cho clan. They are trying to conceal the spread of the disease and maintain their control over the throne.
The drama features intense action and suspense as the Crown Prince fights to protect his people from the zombies. The stunning visuals and blend of genres make it a must-watch for K-drama fans.
