The Penthouse: War in Life is a South Korean television series that premiered on October 26th, 2020. The series falls under the genre of Suspense and Drama and tells the story of wealthy families living in Hera Palace and their children at Cheong-ah Arts School. Shim Su-Ryeon (Lee Ji-ah) is a beautiful, rich woman with a tragic history.
She is married to prosperous businessman Joo Dan-tae (Uhm Ki-Joon). The show shows the battle for real estate and educational resources between an unreachable queen, a ‘Prima Donna’ who devours everything, and a woman who is advancing for the top class in a 100-floor penthouse. They have enormous, difficult-to-satisfy greed.
The series has three seasons and stars Kim So-yeon, Eun-Kyung Shin, Uhm Ki-Joon, Tae-gyu Bong, and many others. The first season premiered on October 26th, 2020, and ended on January 5th, 2021. The second season premiered on February 19th, 2021, and ended on April 2nd, 2021. The third season premiered on June 4th, 2021, and ended on September 10th, 2021. Each episode of the series is approximately 70 minutes long, and there are a total of 77 episodes across three seasons.
The Penthouse: War in Life is an intense and exaggerated ‘Makjang’ (soap opera) that is one of the most dramatic shows you’ll get to watch. This show is surprising, insane, and highly addictive because of the nasty characters and their strange behavior. Despite the hatred it will cause you to feel, you will certainly become addicted to it. The Penthouse: War in Life’s rapid evolution is its greatest asset.
Here are some dramas that are similar to The Penthouse- War In Life that you might enjoy.
1. Graceful Family (2019)
Graceful Family follows the story of Mo Seok-hee (Im Soo-Hyang), the only daughter of the MC Group, a large Chaebol (conglomerate). Her grandpa founded the Chaebol and is its largest stakeholder; her father, Mo Cheol-hee, is its leader. Seok-hee was compelled to immigrate to the United States by her father 15 years ago when she was just a young adolescent following the murder of her mother. Seok-hee has developed into a stunning, educated woman with a strong personality 15 years later. She presents a stern, haughty exterior while concealing her tenderness and grief at the loss of her mother.
Seok-hee returns to South Korea after her father is arrested for murder. She teams up with Heo Yoon-do (Lee Jang-woo), a lawyer from a humble background, to clear her father’s name. Together, they delve into the murky affairs of the MC Group and those that surround it.
Graceful Family is a suspenseful and thrilling drama that focuses on the negative aspects of riches and power. It is a story about Family, revenge, and the search for the truth.
- Director: Han Chul-Soo
- Cast: Im Soo-hyang, Lee Jang-woo, Bae Jong-ok
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
2. High Class (2021)
High Class is a drama about a group of women who are all mothers of students at an elite school. The plot follows the lives of these ladies as they negotiate the competitive world of private school. The women are all from different backgrounds, but they are all united in their goal to provide their children with the greatest education possible. However, their rivalry soon turns deadly when one of the women is murdered.
High Class is a suspenseful drama that explores the dark side of private education. The drama is well-acted and well-directed, and it is sure to keep viewers entertained.
- Director: Choi Byung Gil
- Cast: Jo Yeo Jeong, Kim Ji Soo, Park Se Jin, Ha Yeon Soo, Kim Seo Hyung, Kim Young Min, Lee Sang Yeob, Park Byung Eun
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: TVING
3. Mine (2021)
Mine is a drama about two ladies striving to discover who they truly are in a society where success and status are valued more than anything else. The plot centers on the lives of two wealthy men’s wives, Seo Hi-soo (Lee Bo-young) and Kim Yu-jin (Kim Seo-hyung). After giving up her acting career, Seo Hi-soo is attempting to find her place in the world. A chaebol heiress named Kim Yu-jin is attempting to rebel against the expectations of her Family.
- Director: Lee Na-Jung
- Cast: Lee Bo-young as Seo Hi-soo, Kim Seo-Hyung as Kim Yu-jin, Lee Hyun-Wook as Han Soo-ho, Ok Ja-yeon as Lee Hye-jin
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
4. The Road
The Road, The Tragedy of One, is a 2022 drama that explores the lives and secrets of top-class families. The narrative centers on the lives of four families who reside in a posh apartment block. Even though the families appear to be flawless, they all have sinister secrets. The secrets start to surface when one of the families experiences a tragedy, forcing the other families to face the truth about themselves.
The show explores the issues of corruption, avarice, and power. The essence of justice and the purpose of life are other issues raised. The Road: The Tragedy of One is a sophisticated and gripping drama that will keep viewers interested all the way through.
- Director: Kim No-won
- Cast: Ji Jin-hee as Baek Soo-hyun, Yoon Se-ah as Seo Eun-soo, Kim Hye-eun as Cha Seo-young, Kim Sung-soo as Sim Seok-hoon
- Number of episodes: 12
- Where to watch: Viki
5. SKY Castle (2018-2019)
It is a satirical drama where four wealthy women and their families are followed as they struggle to enroll their kids in elite universities. The setting for the story takes place in an elite neighborhood where the parents are totally focused on their kids’ education. Even if it involves cheating or breaking the law, the mothers will do everything it takes to make sure that their kids attend the top schools.
- Director: Jo Hyun-tak
- Cast: Yum Jung-ah as Han Seo-jin, Lee Tae-ran as Noh Seung-hye, Yoon Se-ah as Kang Ye-seo, Oh Na-ra as Oh Soo-jin, Kim Seo-hyung as Lee Soo-im
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Netflix
Also Read: 35 K-Dramas Like Doctor Cha To Watch
6. Graceful Friends (2019)
A thriller that takes place in the wake of a murder case in a town inhabited mainly by couples who are in their 40s. The plot follows the lives of the town’s people as they strive to figure out who murdered their buddy. The suspects are all people who knew the victim, and they all have secrets that they are hiding.
The series explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, and revenge. It is a suspenseful and gripping thriller that will keep the audience wondering until the very end.
- Director: Kim Kyu-tae
- Cast: Yoo Jun-sang as Ahn Goong-chul, Song Yoon-ah as Nam Jung-hae, Bae Soo-bin as Seo Joon-young, Han Eun-jung as Seo Eun-soo, Kim Sung-oh as Jo Kyung-chul, Kim Hye-eun as Yoon Ji-soo, Jung Suk-yong as Kim Young-chul, Lee In-hye as Kim Hye-sook, Kim Won-hae as Park Dong-hyun, Kim Ji-young as Lee Mi-kyung
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
7. The World Of The Married (2020)
A drama about a woman who seeks revenge on her husband and his mistress after discovering their affair. The story follows the lives of Ji Sun-woo (Kim Hee-ae) and Lee Tae-oh (Park Hae-Joon), a married couple who appear to have a perfect life. Their lives, however, are drastically altered when Ji Sun-woo discovers that her husband is having an affair. Ji Sun-woo vows to get revenge on her husband and his mistress, and she will stop at nothing to destroy them.
The series explores the themes of betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness. It is a suspenseful and gripping drama that will captivate audience members to the very end.
- Director: Mo Wan-il
- Cast: Kim Hee-ae as Ji Sun-woo, Park Hae-joon as Lee Tae-oh, Han So-hee as Yeo Da-kyung
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
8. The Lady in Dignity (2017)
A drama about a woman who comes to a small town and shakes things up. The plot chronicles the lives of the town’s citizens, who are all used to living a quiet and peaceful life. However, their lives are flipped upside down when a new woman enters their life, Park Bok-ja (Kim Hee-sun), arrives in town. Park Bok-ja is a wealthy and powerful woman who doesn’t hesitate to express her opinion. She immediately establishes herself as a serious force., and she soon shakes up the status quo in the town.
The Lady in Dignity is a suspenseful and gripping drama that will keep viewers hooked until the very end. It is a story about power, revenge, and the dark side of human nature.
- Director: Kim Yoon-cheol
- Cast: Kim Hee-sun as Park Bok-ja, Kim Sun-ah as Woo Ah-jin, Jung Sang-Hoon as Lee Tae-joo, Lee Tae-im as Lee Yeon-soo, Lee Ki-woo as Park Gun-woo
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Netflix
9. Flower of Evil(2020)
In Flower of Evil, identity, love, and treachery are explored in a gripping and swoon-worthy romantic thriller. You will be kept in suspense throughout the entire series since it is well-written and performed. Following a character who seems to be the ideal father and spouse, Baek Hee-sung (Lee Joon-gi) care for his wife, Cha Ji-won (Moon Chae-won), and their small daughter in a kind, loving, and loyal manner.
Hee-sung is concealing a terrible past secret, though. The police are pursuing him for a string of murders, and he is not who he claims to be. Ji-won becomes concerned about her husband’s possible involvement as she looks into the killings. Although Hee-sung makes an effort to keep his secret from her, the truth slowly comes to light. As they get closer, they have to face the harsh truth of Hee-sung’s past.
- Director: Kim Cheol-kyu
- Cast: Lee Joon-gi as Baek Hee-sung, Moon Chae-won as Cha Ji-won, Jang Hee-jin as Kim Moo-jin, Seo Hyun-woo as Do Hyun-soo
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
Also Read: 44 K-Dramas Like Tempted That You Should Not Miss
10. My Mister (2018)
My Mister is a drama about a young woman trying to make ends meet and a middle-aged man going through a midlife crisis. The story revolves around these two characters as they assist one another in overcoming their individual challenges. The drama My Mister explores the importance of human connection in a beautiful and challenging way. Finding hope, healing, and your place in the world are all themes that are explored in this story.
- Director: Kim Won-Seok
- Cast: IU as Lee Ji-an, Lee Sun-kyun as Park Dong-hoon, Park Ho-san as Jo Kyung-seok, Oh Dal-su as Oh Choong-sik
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
11. My Name (2021)
A drama about a lady who joins a gang to kill her father in retaliation. The story tracks the woman as she infiltrates the organization and rises through the ranks. She quickly learns that the organization is more dangerous than she had imagined, and she needs to find a way out before it’s too late. The themes of vengeance, treachery, and atonement are explored in the fast-moving, action-packed drama ‘My Name. ‘The series is excellently produced and performed. You’ll remain engrossed the entire time.
- Director: Kim Jin-min
- Cast: Han So-hee as Yoon Ji-woo, Park Hee-soon as Choi Mu-jin, Ahn Bo-Hyun as Jeon Pil-do
- Number of episodes: 8
- Where to watch: Netflix
12. Eve (2022)
Eve is a drama centered on a lady seeking retribution from her husband for destroying their Family. In the drama, the lady seduces her husband before using him to sabotage his business. She rapidly discovers that exacting revenge is more difficult than she had thought, and she must now make a safe getaway.
- Director: Park Bong-seop
- Cast:Seo Ye-ji as Lee Ra-el, Park Byung-eun as Kang Yoon-kyum, Yoo Sun as Han So-ra, Lee Sang-yeob as Seo Eun-pyeong
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
13. Save Me (2017)
A drama centered on a group of individuals who are imprisoned by a cult. The story follows the people as they try to escape the cult and save themselves. However, the cult is more powerful than they thought, and they must find a way to fight back if they want to survive.
- Director: Kim Sung-su
- Writer: Jung Shin-gyu, Jung Yi-do
- Cast: Ok Taec-yeon, Seo Yea-ji, Jo Sung-ha, Woo Do-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, Kim Min-kyuk, Kim Ki-doo
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
14. The Glory (2022)
A drama about a woman who seeks revenge on the people who bullied her in high school. The story follows the woman as she becomes a successful businesswoman and uses her power to destroy the people who hurt her. However, she soon realizes that revenge is not as easy as she thought, and She needs to figure out a means to carry on with her life.
The Glory is a dark and suspenseful drama that explores the themes of revenge, trauma, and redemption. It is a well-made and thought-provoking series that will undoubtedly keep viewers interested till the very end.
- Director: Ahn Gil-ho
- Cast: Song Hye-Kyo as Moon Dong-eun, Lee Do-Hyun as Jin-ah, Lim Ji-yeon as Jin-ah’s mother, Yeom Hye-ran as Moon Dong-Eun’s mother, Park Sung-hoon as Moon Dong-Eun’s husband, Jung Sung-il as Moon Dong-Eun’s father
- Number of episodes: 8
- Where to watch: Netflix
15. Time (2018)
A drama about a man who can see how long people have left to live. The narrative follows the man as he attempts to save the life of a woman he is in love with. However, he soon realizes that his ability is not as powerful as he thought, and he needs to figure out how to alter and change the future.
- Director: Jang Joon-ho
- Writer: Choi Ho-chul
- Cast: Kim Jung-hyun, Seohyun, Kim Jun-han, Hwang Seung-eon, Kim Hee-jung, Lee Do-hyun
- Number of episodes: 32
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
Also Read: 30 K-Dramas Like Our Blues To Watch
16. Innocence (2020)
The drama centered on a guy who received a life term in prison after being wrongfully found guilty of murder. The narrative follows the man as he works to clear his record and leave jail. He quickly learns that the odds are against him, and if he wants to be free, he must find a method to fight back.
Innocence is a powerful and moving film that explores the themes of justice and redemption. Wonderfully shot, and the ensemble gives outstanding performances. If you’re looking for a film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it, then you must watch Innocence.
- Director: Park Sang-hyun
- Cast: Shin Hye-sun as Ahn Jung-in, Bae Jong-ok as Ahn Jung-sook, Heo Joon-ho as Park Jin-woo
- Number of episodes: 1
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
17. Weak Hero Class 1(2022)
A drama about a high schooler who experiences bullying from several gangsters. The story follows the student as he learns martial arts and fights back against the bullies. However, he soon realizes that fighting is not the answer, and he must find a way to resolve the conflict peacefully.
- Director: Yoo Soo-min
- Cast: Park Ji-hoon as Yeon Shi-eun, Choi Hyun-Wook as Goo Seo-jun, Hong Kyung as Oh Ji-yoon
- Number of episodes: 8
- Where to watch: Viki
18. Taxi Driver (2021)
A drama about a group of vigilantes who take the law into their own hands. The narrative follows the team as they assist those who have been victimized by the system. However, they soon realize that their actions are not without consequences, and they must find a way to avoid the law as much as they can.
The series has been praised for its timely message about social justice and its well-choreographed action sequences. The violent violence and occasionally extravagant storyline have also drawn criticism. However, overall, Taxi Driver is a well-made and entertaining series that is sure to please fans of action dramas.
- Director: Park Joon-woo
- Cast: Lee Je-hoon as Kim Do-gi, Esom as Kang Ha-na, Kim Eui-sung as Choi Kyung-chul, Pyo Ye-jin as Go Eun
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
19. Prison Playbook (2017)
A drama about a baseball player who is sentenced to prison for assault. The story follows the player as he adjusts to life in prison and tries to find a way to survive. However, he soon realizes that prison is not what he expected, and he must find a way to adapt if he wants to make it out alive.
- Director: Shin Won-ho
- Cast: Park Hae-soo as Kim Je-hyeok, Jung Kyung-ho as Lee Joon-ho, Krystal Jung as Yoo Ji-ho, Oh Choong-hwan as Han Yang-Cheol, Kim Sung-kyun as Oh Ji-ho, Lee Kyu-hyung as Lee Kyu-tae, Jung Hae-in as Noh Ik-soo, Yoon Kyun-sang as Yang Ik-june, Kim Kyung-nam as Geum Dong-shik, Kim Byung-chul as Jo Kyung-pil, Choi Moo-sung as Jo Han-soo
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
20. The Devil Judge (2021)
A drama about a judge who presides over a televised courtroom. The judge is known for his harsh sentences, and he is often accused of being a sadist. However, he claims that he is only doing what is necessary to punish the guilty and protect the innocent.
The Devil Judge is a complex and thought-provoking series that explores themes of justice, revenge, and the nature of good and evil. It is a must-watch for fans of legal dramas and thrillers.
- Director: Choi Jung-gyu
- Cast: Ji Sung as Kang Yo-han, Kim Min-jung as Jung Sun-ah, Park Jin-young as Kim Ga-on, Park Gyu-young as Yoon Soo-hyun
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
Also Read: 30 K-Dramas Like Fated to Love You
21. Through The Darkness(2022)
Through the Darkness is a television series starring Kim Nam-Gil, Jin Seon-kyu, and Kim So-jin. It is based on the 2018 nonfiction book of the same name that Kwon Il-yong, Korea’s first criminal profiler, and journalist-turned-author Ko Na-Mu, co-wrote. The book emphasizes Kwon’s field experiences. The series follows the story of Song Ha-young (Kim Nam-Gil), a criminal profiler who struggles to determine the behavioral patterns of serial killers.
He is joined by Gook Young-soo (Jin Seon-kyu), a detective who is also struggling to come to terms with the Darkness of the human mind. Together, they work to solve some of the most heinous crimes in South Korea’s history.
- Director: Park Bo-Ram
- Cast: Kim Nam-gil as Song Ha-young, Jin Seon-kyu as Gook Young-soo, Kim So-jin as Yoon Tae-goo
- Number of episodes: 12
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
22. Beyond Evil (2021)
Beyond follows the story of two detectives looking into a string of killings in a tiny town. The detectives were once partners, but their past is murky. They begin to question if one of them is the murderer as they look into the killings. A psychological thriller with tension, Beyond Evil focuses on the dark sides of human nature. It is a must-watch for anyone who likes crime dramas and thrillers.
- Director: Sim Na-Yeon
- Cast: Shin Ha-kyun as Lee Dong-sik, Yeo Jin-goo as Han Joo-won, Choi Sung-won as Ahn Jong-gyu, Kim Ji-hoon as Do Hae-young, Nam Kyung-eun as Cha Young-jin, Park Ji-hwan as Lee Chang-jin, Oh Jung-se as Kang Mu-won
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
23. Innocent Defendant (2017)
The series follows the story of Park Jung-woo (Ji Sung), a prosecutor who wakes up in a hospital. He is diagnosed with amnesia and is falsely accused of murdering his wife and child. Jung-woo must find a way to clear his name and prove his Innocence while also uncovering the truth behind the conspiracy that framed him.
Innocent Defendant is a suspenseful and thrilling drama that will keep you tensed until the very end. If you are a fan of crime dramas and thrillers, you should not miss it.
- Director: Jo Young Kwang and Jung Dong Yoon
- Cast: Ji Sung as Park Jung-woo, Um Ki-joon as Choi Tae-ju, Kwon Yu-ri as Seo Soo-yeon, Oh Chang-seok as Lee Joon-gi, Uhm Hyun-kyung as Oh Ji-young
- Number of episodes: 18
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
24. Mouse (2021)
A drama about a police officer who is partnered with a criminal profiler. The two of them look into a string of homicides. They are committed by people who have a rare mental disorder that makes them appear to be completely normal.
Innocent Defendant is a suspenseful and thrilling drama that will keep you guessing until the very end. It is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and thrillers.
- Director: Jo Young Kwang and Jung Dong Yoon
- Cast: Ji Sung as Park Jung-woo, Um Ki-joon as Choi Tae-ju, Kwon Yu-ri as Seo Soo-yeon, Oh Chang-seok as Lee Joon-gi, Uhm Hyun-kyung as Oh Ji-young
- Number of episodes: 18
- Where to watch: Viki
25. Vagabond (2019)
Vagabond is a mystery, action, and adventure-filled drama. The series’ central character, Cha Dal-geon, is a stuntman who gets caught up in a fatal plane crash and discovers a widespread corruption conspiracy as a result.
- Director: Yu In-Sik
- Cast: Lee Seung-gi as Cha Dal-gun, Bae Suzy as Go Hae-ri, Shin Sung-rok as Ki Tae-woong
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
26. VIP (2019)
Similar to The Penthouse- War In Life, VIP is a drama about a group of wealthy people who are members of a VIP shopping club. The members of the club are all hiding secrets, and when one of the members is murdered, the secrets start to come out.
VIP is a suspenseful and well-acted drama that explores the dark side of human nature. It is a must-watch for fans of mystery, suspense, and relationship dramas.
- Director: Lee Jung-Lim
- Writer: Hae Won
- Cast: Jang Na-ra, Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Chung-ah, Kwak Sun-young, Pyo Ye-jin, Shin Jae-ha
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: 35 Dramas Like Cheese In The Trap That You Should Watch
27. The Innocent Man (2012)
The drama tells the story of Kang Ma-ru (Song Joong-ki), a medical student who is wrongfully convicted of raping his girlfriend, Han Jae-hee (Park Si-Yeon). He is sentenced to 10 years in prison, where he meets Seo Eun-gi (Moon Chae-won), a woman who is also wrongfully convicted of murder. Ma-ru and Eun-gi fall in love, and they help each other to survive in prison.
After ten years, Ma-ru is released from prison. He is determined to find the real rapist and clear his name. He also wants to get revenge on Jae-hee, who he believes betrayed him. Ma-ru’s quest for revenge leads him to a dark and dangerous path, but he is determined to see it through to the end.
The Innocent Man is a well-made drama with a strong cast. Song Joong-ki gives a powerful performance as Kang Ma-ru, and Moon Chae-won is also good as Seo Eun-gi. The supporting cast is also excellent, and they all help to bring the story to life. The drama is well-paced and suspenseful, and it keeps you guessing until the very end. If you are a fan of melodramas, then you should check out The Innocent Man.
- Director: Kim Jin-won
- Writer: Lee Kyung-hee
- Cast: Song Joong-ki, Moon Chae-won, Park Si-Yeon
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
28. Whisper (2017)
The drama tells the story of Shin Young-Joo (Lee Bo-young), a detective who is investigating a corruption scandal at the nation’s most prominent law firm, Taebaek. She is partnered with Lee Dong-Joon (Lee Sang-Yoon), a righteous judge who is also investigating the scandal. Together, they must uncover the truth about the corruption and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Whisper is a suspenseful and thought-provoking drama that explores the themes of corruption, justice, and redemption. The drama has been praised for its strong acting, gripping storyline, and timely message.
- Director: Lee Myung-woo
- Cast: Lee Bo-young as Shin Young-joo, Lee Sang-Yoon as Lee Dong-joon, Kwon Yul as Kang Il-soo, Park Se-young as Kim Seon-mi
- Number of episodes: 17
- Where to watch: Viki
29. Stranger (2017-2020)
A drama about a prosecutor and a police officer who work together to investigate a series of murders. The prosecutor and the police officer have different approaches to law enforcement, but they must put their differences aside if they want to catch the killer.
A prosecutor named Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo) has hypersensitivity to specific sound frequencies. He lost his ability to feel empathy after having corrective surgery, and he is socially awkward. He meets Police Lieutenant Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) while looking into a murder, and she helps him with the investigation. As they start to solve the murder mystery, they discover that those involved in a massive corruption plot between the prosecutor’s office and a private chaebol (conglomerate) are always standing in the way of their progress.
- Director: Ahn Gil-ho
- Writer: Lee Soo-Yeon
- Cast: Cho Seung-woo, Bae Doona, Lee Joon-hyuk, Yoo Jae-Myung, Oh Dal-soo, Kim Sang-ho, Jeon Hye-jin, and Kim Byung-Chul
- Number of episodes: 32
- Where to watch: Netflix
30. Partners for Justice (2018)
A drama about a prosecutor and a forensic pathologist who work together to solve crimes. The prosecutor and the forensic pathologist have different backgrounds and skills, but they must work together if they want to catch the criminals.
Baek Beom (Jung Jae-young) is a forensic pathologist who is brilliant at his job but has a prickly personality. Eun Sol (Jeong Yu-mi) is a rookie prosecutor who is passionate about justice but lacks experience. To solve a string of killings, they are compelled to cooperate and to find the murderer, and they must put aside their differences and grow closer together.
- Director: No Do-cheol
- Writer: Min Ji-eun and Won Young-sil
- Cast: Jung Jae-young, Jeong Yu-mi, Oh Man-seok, Kim Young-woong, Go Gyu-pil, Ahn Suk-hwan, and Young-kyu Song
- Number of episodes: 32 (season 1) + 16 (season 2)
- Where to watch: Viki
31. Strangers from Hell (2019)
Im Si-wan plays Yoon Jong-woo, a young man who relocates to Seoul after obtaining an internship with a business. While looking for a shelter, he discovers Eden Studio, a forebodingly cheap dorm, and opts to remain there because he is strapped for cash. He chooses to put up with it until he has enough money to move away, despite his displeasure with the location’s poor quality and its bizarre occupants, particularly Seo Moon Jo (Lee Dong-Wook), his next-door neighbor. He soon becomes aware that he is in danger as strange things start to happen to him and his immediate surroundings.
- Director: Lee Chang-hee
- Cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Dong-Wook, Kim Ji-Eun, Park Jong-hwan, Lee Hyun-Wook
- Number of episodes: 10
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
32. Law School (2021)
A drama about a group of law students who are involved in a murder case. The students must use their legal knowledge and skills to solve the case and clear their names.
- Director: Kim Seok-yoon
- Writer: Seo In
- Cast: Kim Myung-min, Kim Bum, Ryu Hye-young, Lee Jung-eun, Go Yoon-jung, Jin Kyung, Lee David, and Lee Soo-kyung
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Netflix
33. Reborn Rich (2022)
Reborn Rich is a series about a man who is reborn into a wealthy family after being framed for embezzlement and murdered. He uses his new life to help the people who were hurt by his old life and to take revenge on the people who framed him.
Yoon Hyun-woo (Song Joong-ki) is a loyal employee of the Soonyang Group. He is framed for embezzlement by his boss, Jin Yang-chul (Lee Sung-min), and is murdered. However, he is reborn as Jin Do-Joon, the youngest son of the Soonyang Group.
Hyun-woo uses his new life to help the people who were hurt by his old life. He also takes revenge on Yang-Chul and the other people who framed him.
Reborn Rich is a fast-paced and suspenseful drama with a satisfying ending. It is a must-watch for fans of fantasy, revenge, and Song Joong-ki.
- Director: Jung Dae-yoon
- Writer: San Gyeong, Kim Tae-hee
- Cast: Song Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min, Shin Hyun-been
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
34. Juvenile Justice (2022)
A drama about a judge who is assigned to a juvenile court. The judge must deal with the cases of troubled teenagers, and she must learn to see the world from their perspective. Shim Eun-seok (Kim Hye-soo) is a judge who is appointed to the Yeonhwa Juvenile Court. She is known for her strict and uncompromising attitude and has no patience for juvenile offenders.
However, she soon realizes that the world of juvenile justice is not as simple as she thought it was. She must learn to see the world from the perspective of the teenagers she is judging and find a way to balance her desire for justice with her compassion for the children who have made mistakes.
Juvenile Justice is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores the complex issues of juvenile justice. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the law, social justice, or the human condition.
- Director: Hong Jong-chan
- Writer: Kim Min-Seok
- Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Mu-yeol, Lee Sung-min
- Number of episodes: 10
- Where to watch: Netflix
Also Read: 39 Best Romantic Comedy K-Dramas Ever
35. Big Mouth (2022)
Big Mouth is another drama similar to The Penthouse- War In Life. It is a drama about a lawyer who is framed for murder. The lawyer must clear his name and find the real killer, all while dealing with the stress of being a single father.
Park Chang-ho (Lee Jong-suk) is a third-rate lawyer with a 10% winning rate. He is renowned for having a large mouth and the capacity to diffuse any conflict. He is later accused of killing a wealthy businessman. He is required to defend himself in court, and he must make use of all of his abilities to do so.
Chang-ho is also a single father to a young daughter, Go Mi-ho (Im Yoon-ah). He is forced to find a way to protect his daughter from the dangers that surround him.
Big Mouth is a fast-paced and suspenseful drama with a satisfying ending. It is a must-watch for fans of legal thrillers, mystery, and Lee Jong-suk.
- Director: Oh Choong-hwan, Bae Hyun-jin
- Writer: Ha Ram
- Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Im Yoon-ah, Kim Joo-hun, Kwak Dong-yeon, Yang Kyung-won, Sun Hwa-han, Oh Eui-sik, Ja-Yeon Ok, Lee Yoo-joon, Kim Dong-won
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Disney+
36. The Last Empress (2018-2019)
The drama tells the story of Oh Sunny (Jang Na-ra), a musical actress who marries the Emperor of the Korean Empire. While looking for true love and happiness, she becomes engaged in the palace power struggle and a mysterious murder that triggers events that threaten the monarchy itself. To expose the atrocities committed by the Imperial family, she collaborates with Na Wang-sik (Choi Jin-hyuk), a bodyguard for the Family. To exact revenge on the person who killed his mother, Na Wang-sik began working in the palace.
- Director: Joo Dong-min
- Writer: Kim Sun-ok
- Cast: Jang Na-ra, Choi Jin-hyuk, Shin Sung-rok, Lee Elijah, and Shin Eun-kyung
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
37. Mask (2015)
Mask tells the story of Byun Ji-sook (Soo Ae), a woman who is disfigured in a car accident. She uses a mask to hide her disfigurement, and she assumes the identity of Seo Eun-ha, a wealthy heiress. She falls in love with Choi Min-woo (Ju Ji-hoon), the son of a chaebol chairman. Min-woo is also hiding a secret: he is the illegitimate son of the chairman, and he is not the heir to the company.
- Director: Boo Sung-Chul
- Writer: Choi Ho-chul
- Cast: Soo Ae, Ju Ji-hoon, Yeon Jung-hoon, Yoo In-young
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
38. Bridal Mask (2012)
Bridal Mask tells the story of Lee Kang-to (Joo Won), a Korean police officer who is recruited by the Japanese to help them quash the Korean rebellion. However, Kang-to is secretly a member of a secret society that is dedicated to overthrowing the Japanese occupation. He disguises himself as a woman named Gaksital and uses his skills as a martial artist to fight for justice.
- Director: Yoon Sung-sik and Cha Young-hoon
- Writer: Huh Young-man (manhwa), Yoo Hyun-mi
- Cast: Joo Won, Jin Se-Yeon, Park Ki-Woong, Han Chae-ah
- Number of episodes: 28
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
39. Tell Me What You Saw (2015)
Tell Me What You Saw tells the story of Oh Hyun-Jae (Jang Hyuk), a former profiler who lost his fiancée in a serial murder case. He is now a recluse and lives in a small village. Cha Soo-young (Choi Soo-young) is a young police officer who can see ghosts. She is recruited by Oh Hyun-Jae to help him solve a series of murders that are linked to the serial killer who killed his fiancée.
- Director: Lee Joon-Hyeon
- Writer: Ko Yeong-Jae
- Cast: Jang Hyuk, Choi Soo-young, Jin Seo-yeon, Jang Hyun-sung
- Number of episodes: 16
- Where to watch: Viki
40. City Hunter (2011)
City Hunter tells the story of Lee Yoon-sung (Lee Min-ho), a man who was trained as a government assassin. He returns to Korea to avenge the death of his father, who was killed by corrupt politicians. He uses his skills to fight corruption and protect the innocent.
The drama was praised for its action sequences, its suspenseful plot, and its star-studded cast. It was also criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of violence and its over-the-top action sequences.
- Director: Jin Hyeok
- Writer: Tsukasa Hojo (manga), Hwang Eun-Kyung, Choi Soo-Jin
- Cast: Lee Min-ho, Park Min-young, Lee Joon-hyuk, Kim Sang-Joong, Kim Sang-ho, Hwang Sun-hee, Goo Hara, Chun Ho-jin, and Lee Kwang-soo
- Number of episodes: 20
- Where to watch: Viki
Also Read: 25 Sports Korean Dramas That Should Be In Your Watchlist!
