While K-dramas have long been dominated by themes of romance, historical tales, and family sagas, South Korea has recently become a hub for gripping crime shows that have mesmerized viewers worldwide. These Korean crime dramas span murder mysteries, spy thrillers, dark comedies, and more, presenting a spectrum of intense stories interwoven with political intrigue, corruption, and flawed heroes.
If you’re eager to experience how these shows elevate detective work and suspense, here are five captivating Korean crime dramas on Netflix that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Must-Watch Korean crime dramas
1. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area
This adrenaline-packed series, a remake of the Spanish phenomenon La Casa de Papel, is set in a near future where North and South Korea are on the brink of peaceful reunification, including plans to print a unified currency. But where there’s money, there’s bound to be a heist. A team of thieves from both sides of the border, led by the brilliant strategist known as the Professor, plots to steal the cash directly from the newly established United Korea Mint. Dressed in matching red jumpsuits and masks, the group infiltrates the building, takes hostages, and keeps viewers on edge throughout the 12-episode run.
2. Beyond Evil
In this chilling psychological thriller, two detectives — one a seasoned veteran (Shin Ha-Kyun) and the other a young hotshot (Yeo Jin-goo) — reluctantly join forces to catch a serial killer terrorizing a quiet Korean town. As suspicions turn inward and everyone, including each other, becomes a suspect, the detectives uncover the town’s dark secrets. You’ll need to stay sharp with a plot full of twists and subplots, as the series constantly keeps you guessing. *Beyond Evil* has drawn comparisons to Korean classics like *Memories of Murder* and bagged several awards, including Best Drama and Best Screenplay at the 2021 Baeksang Arts Awards. Notably, the show is one of three crime dramas directed by women that found success in 2021.
3. My Name
Driven by revenge after witnessing her father’s murder, Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) dedicates herself to taking down the culprit. Under the mentorship of Choi Mu-jin (Park Hee-soon), a powerful crime boss and her father’s close friend, she becomes a skilled fighter and eventually infiltrates the police force as a mole. Now a rookie detective, Ji-woo balances her quest for vengeance with her duty to help Mu-jin evade capture. *My Name* quickly climbed Netflix’s global Top 10 after its release, earning praise for its gritty action scenes and strong performances, especially from Han So-hee. With just eight episodes, it’s an ideal weekend binge.
4. Inspector Koo
For something lighter yet equally thrilling, try *Inspector Koo*, South Korea’s answer to *Killing Eve*. The iconic Lee Young-ae stars as Koo Kyung-yi, a former police officer turned reclusive gamer who takes on work as an insurance investigator after her husband’s death. Her sharp instincts lead her to suspect that a series of accidental deaths are, in fact, the work of a serial killer. *Inspector Koo* defies genre conventions, blending comedy, drama, and suspense with quirky characters and a unique visual style reminiscent of webtoons. Long-time K-drama fans will appreciate seeing Lee in a radically different role, shedding her usual polished image for an eccentric, unkempt character with a love for video games and a knack for solving crimes.
5. The Good Detective
Despite proclaiming his innocence, Lee Dae-chul (Jo Jae-yoon) is convicted of a double murder and sentenced to death. Five years later, when his daughter goes missing and is presumed dead, Detective Kang Do-chang (Son Hyun-joo) reopens Dae-chul’s case. Teaming up with his sharp-witted partner, Oh Ji-hyeok (Jang Seung-jo), and determined reporter Jin Seo-kyung (Lee Elijah), the trio works to uncover the truth and save Dae-chul from execution. Along the way, they expose widespread corruption at the highest levels of power.
The Good Detective earned high ratings and was renewed for a second season, praised for its realistic characters, well-paced storyline, and a perfect mix of intensity and humor.
Conclusion
These Korean crime dramas are proof that the genre is thriving, offering fresh and exciting narratives that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Whether you’re drawn to high-stakes heists, psychological thrillers, or dark comedies, these shows will keep you entertained with their intricate plots, dynamic characters, and suspenseful twists. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these captivating dramas take you on a thrilling journey into the world of Korean crime stories.
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