Korean crime shows on Netflix have taken the world by storm, as it has been at the forefront of delivering nail-biting dramas to global audiences. These shows are like a box of surprises, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and leaving them hungry for more. With their plot twists that hit you like a bolt from the blue, stunning visuals that are a feast for the eyes, and performances that knock it out of the park, these Korean crime shows are a breath of fresh air.
From the dark underbelly of crime to the twisted minds of characters, these shows will have you hooked from the get-go and leave you begging for another episode. Here are the Best Korean Crime Shows on Netflix Right Now.
Best Korean Crime Shows on Netflix Right Now
Bloodhounds (2023)
Directed by Jason Kim, “Bloodhounds” is about two young boxers, Kim Gun-woo and Hong Woo-jin, who team up with a kind-hearted moneylender, Kim Myeong-gil, to take down a cruel loan shark who targets vulnerable people. As the story unfolds, they face challenges and encounter a scam ring. With each episode, they plan their moves, confront their enemies, and overcome obstacles. Along the way, they find unexpected allies, train hard, and seek revenge. Motivated by their love for their families, Gun-woo and Woo-jin are determined to bring down the formidable Kim Myeong-gil once and for all.
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Narco-Saints (2022)
Directed by Yoon Jong-bin and created by Kwon Sung-hui, ordinary entrepreneur Kang Ingu joins a secret government mission to capture a Korean drug lord in South America. Inspired by true events, Ingu navigates a dangerous turf war while exploring a business venture. With alliances formed and influence expanded in prison, he strategizes to outsmart adversaries. Twists and conflicts arise as Ingu’s determination intensifies, leading to a gripping airport showdown during the crackdown on the criminal empire.
The Uncanny Counter (2020)
It starts when a group of employees at a noodle shop leads a double life as demon hunters. Using their unique abilities, they track down malevolent spirits that prey on humans. The story follows So Mun, who experiences strange changes after being struck by a burst of light on his birthday. As he discovers the truth behind his transformation, Mun is drawn into the world of the Counters. Together, they face potent demons, confront personal traumas, and uncover shocking secrets while striving to protect humanity from supernatural threats.
Sweet Home (2023)
Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, Sweet Home, its story starts when The world is in a mess as humans transform into savage monsters, threatening the existence of humanity itself. A group of survivors led by Hyun-su fights to stay alive and hold onto their humanity. As the line between monster and human blurs, they face increasingly high stakes. With Lee Eung-bok, Hong So-ri, Jang Young-woo, Kim Hyeong-min, Park So-hyeon, and Park So-jeong by their side, the survivors navigate treacherous situations, shocking discoveries, and conflicts as they struggle to survive in this post-apocalyptic world.
Mask Girl (2023)
Based on the popular Naver webtoon by Mae-mi and Hee-se, “The Mask Girl” introduces us to Kim Mo-mi, a young woman struggling with self-doubt and insecurities about her appearance. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes an internet sensation after wearing a mysterious mask. What initially seems like a dream come true soon becomes a nightmare as Mo-mi’s rise to fame brings unforeseen consequences, and her life begins to unravel. Portrayed by the talented trio of Lee Han-bye, Nana, and Go Hyun-Jung, Mo-mi’s journey is expertly crafted by writer Kim Young-hoon, keeping viewers captivated with its gripping plot, shocking twists, and a stellar ensemble cast.
The Lies Within (2019)
“The Lies Within” is a South Korean crime thriller with beautiful cinematography and a twisty tale of conspiracy and political sabotage. The story follows Kim Seo-hee, played by Lee Yoo-young. Her husband disappears after being elected as a member of the National Assembly. Seo-hee teams up with detective Jo Tae-sik, portrayed by Lee Min-ki, to find out the truth. As they investigate, they uncover political corruption, secret organizations, and hidden agendas. They face challenges in a dangerous world where trust is rare, and betrayal is common. Throughout the series, the characters reveal secrets and face personal dilemmas while fighting for justice and searching for the truth.
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A Model Family (2020)
“A Model Family” is a South Korean crime drama that follows the story of Dong-ha (Jung Woo), a desperate family man who steals money from a car accident to help pay hospital bills. However, he soon realizes that the money belongs to a brutal cartel, which forces him to work as a courier to pay back the stolen money. The series intertwines Dong-Ha’s struggles with those of the main antagonist, Gwang-cheol (Park Hee-soon), creating a compelling story about the overwhelming influence of money and its ability to destroy lives, often diverting people from what truly matters. This captivating narrative is reminiscent of popular series like Breaking Bad and Ozark.
Unlock My Boss (2022)
“Unlock My Boss” is a delightful South Korean comedy series based on Park Seong-hyun’s webtoon. Jong-Hyeop Chae takes on the lead role as a young man struggling with unemployment. His life takes an unexpected turn when he comes across a peculiar smartphone that houses the spirit of the president of an IT company, played by Park Sung-Woong. Alongside a young woman named Eun-Su Seo, the trio undertakes a journey to improve their lives and uncover the truth behind a murder connected to the phone. With a mix of humor, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, “Unlock My Boss” offers 12 episodes of pure enjoyment.
All Of Us Are Dead (2022)
In the midst of chaos, Hyosan High School becomes the epicenter of a terrifying zombie virus outbreak. The once-ordinary students are now faced with a life-or-death battle as they try to escape the clutches of the ravenous infected. Among them are long-time friends Nam On-Jo, portrayed by Park Ji-Hu, and Lee Cheong-San, played by Yoon Chan-Young. Trapped in a classroom, they must fight off the flesh-eating zombies that surround them. Meanwhile, the Korean military races against time to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further.
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Vagabond (2019)
In the action-packed Korean drama “Vagabond,” Cha Dal-geon and NIS agent Go Hae-ri team up to uncover the truth behind a plane crash that claims the lives of many. They face challenges, unexpected allies, and enemies as they race against time to expose the hidden forces behind the incident. This leads to a climactic finale where the truth is finally revealed.
Squid Game (2021)
Squid Game, the global sensation of 2021, has captivated audiences worldwide and earned prestigious recognition, including the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. It starts with a group of individuals facing financial struggles finds themselves drawn into a mysterious survival game.
They compete in childhood games with the hope of winning a life-changing cash prize. However, the stakes are perilously high, as losing the games means facing deadly consequences. As the game progresses, the players are forced to make difficult moral choices and confront their inner demons in order to survive. Squid Game’s gripping storyline, intense action, and complex characters have made it a cultural phenomenon, shedding light on issues of inequality, class conflict, and the complexities of human nature.
Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (2022)
Starring Yoo Ji-tae, Kim Yunjin, Park Hae-soo this is a thrilling series as, a group of thieves takes over the mint of a unified Korea, holding hostages inside. The police assemble a task force to stop them and uncover the mastermind behind the heist. As the events unfold, tensions rise among the thieves, dissent surfaces, and a gunshot shakes up the situation. The hostages devise an escape plan, while the police interrogate a thief and negotiate for their release. With time running out, the thieves must execute their plan amidst protests and a looming confrontation with the police.
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Happiness (2021)
In the gripping series, residents of a high-rise building fight for survival as a deadly disease spreads, turning the infected into bloodthirsty zombies. Jung Yi-hyun investigates a murder with peculiar bite marks, while Yoon Sae-bom seeks help to achieve her dream of homeownership. As the outbreak escalates, tensions rise among the residents, alliances form, and secrets are revealed. Amidst the chaos, Sae-bom and Yi-hyun must navigate treacherous situations and make difficult choices to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Vigilante
Based on the webcomic of the same name, we follow the story of Kim Ji-yong, a talented student at the police academy who leads a double life. After discovering that his mother’s murderer received a lenient punishment and continues to commit crimes, Ji-yong takes matters into his own hands. He becomes a silent vigilante, targeting criminals who escape the consequences of the law. Assisted by Jo Kang-ok, who believes in Ji-yong’s actions, they work together to bring justice to the streets. Meanwhile, Jo Heon leads the police investigation team assigned to apprehend the mysterious vigilante, and reporter Choi Mi-ryeo closely follows and broadcasts Vigilante’s actions to the public.
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