What is the best way to spend the weekend? If you ask us, we would say a good mystery. Korean dramas have the best stories when it comes to horror or mystery. And if you are not already a K-drama fan, then you will be after watching every drama on this list. Read the full article as we will cover the 31 best mystery Korean drama series to watch. The best mysteries have a plot, exceptional story, character development, and of course, a serial killer. However, not all Korean mystery dramas are about serial killers. But the ones that are are amazingly extraordinary and must not be missed. In this article, we will focus on the best mystery Korean dramas and where you can watch them.
Before getting into the article, let’s give you a brief idea about what kind of drama are mystery dramas. So the dramas which cover the story where there are secrets and plots to be uncovered and many times the people involved are connected to the crime somehow. The main character’s job is to unveil the truth and find every last missing piece. If you need a reference, you might like to start with “Inspector Koo”. It is a story of a former investigator who gets entangled with a high school serial killer. You will find details about the drama in the article, so keep reading.
1. Save Me
The story is about a religious cult Goseonwon who influences many followers. Also, the main character Im Sang-mi shifts to this area in the suburbs with her family. Before this, she lived in Seoul, but her family had to move because of her father’s business failure. Under cover of a church, the cult performs many ominous activities like torture, violence, and murder. Also, many of their followers are deviated because of blind faith in the cult.
After Im Sang-mi’s brother commits suicide because of merciless bullying, her mother goes insane. Moreover, she is under the influence of the cult. Both her parents are brainwashed by the cult and move to Goseonwon despite Im Sang-mi’s repeated objection. Later, Im Sang-mi whispers in Sang-hwan’s ear, asking to save her. And Sang-hwan is determined to do so.
- Starring- Ok Taec-yeon, Seo Yea-Ji, Jo Sung-ha, Woo Do-hwan
- Director- Kim Sung-soo
- Series Duration- August 5, to September 24, 2017
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
2. Tell Me What You Saw
“Tell me what you saw” is a story about Oh Hyun-Jae, who is a genius profiler. Also, he has cracked many cold cases. But one day, his girlfriend dies in an explosion. It is the work of a serial killer. The case is handed over to the investigation team. And the leader of the team is Hwang Ha-young. He meets Cha Soo-young in the countryside. Moreover, Cha Soo-young has amazing detective skills and photographic memory. She works with Soo-young and Hyun-Jae to catch the serial killer.
- Starring- Jang Hyuk, Choi Soo-young
- Director- Kim Sang Hoon
- Series Duration- February 1, to March 22, 2020
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
3. Possessed
The drama is horror and mysterious. The “Possessed” story starts with a ghost who was executed as a human 20 years ago. The main lead Detective Kang Pil-sung and psychic medium Hong Seo-Jung work together to get rid of the unholy spirit.
- Starring- Song Sae-Byeok, Go Joon-hee, Yeon Jung-hoon, Jo Han-sun
- Director- Choi Do-hoon
- Series Duration- March 6, to April 25, 2019
- Watch on- Netflix
- No. of episodes- 16
4. Defendant
“Defendant” is an exceptional drama. And its story revolves around memory loss and crime. Park Jung-woo is a prosecutor. Also, he is very skilled and never loses a case. Moreover, he tampers the murder case against himself. This he does to save his kidnapped daughter from Cha Min-ho. But later, Park Jung-woo is seen in prison. He is charged with murder, but he does not remember anything. In the drama Park, Jung-woo struggles with getting his memory back and proving himself innocent.
- Starring- Ji Sung , Um Ki-joon, Kwon Yu-ri, Oh Chang-seok, Uhm Hyun-kyung
- Director- Jo Young-kwang and Jung Dong-yoon
- Series Duration- January 23, to March 21, 2017
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 18
5. Nobody Knows
The “Nobody Knows” drama revolves around a serial killer who killed Cha Young-jin’s friend. Cha Young-jin has not forgotten the incident and is focused on catching the killer. Later, it is seen that Cha Young-Jin makes an ally Lee Sun-woo. They join forces and works to protect the youth that is in danger. Also, they wonder how the youngster’s life has been if they were surrounded by trusted adults. Keep reading to complete the list of 31 best mystery Korean drama series to watch.
- Starring- Kim Seo-hyung, Kim Sae-ron, Ryu Deok-hwan, Park Hoon, Ahn Ji-ho
- Director- Lee Jeong-hem
- Series Duration- March 2, to April 21, 2020
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
6. Sky castle
This powerful series was released in the year 2018. It covers the story of elite families living in Sky castle. Also, all the wives work very hard for their husband’s success and status. All the husbands residing in Sky castle are either doctors or professors. Moreover, there is unhealthy competition among the children belonging to these families.
Han Seo-jin hires Kim Joo-Youn, a special tutor for her daughter. Kim Joo-Youn gives a guarantee of the student being admitted to Seoul National University. But later, Han Seo-jin discovers that the tutor is poisoning their children and leading them on the path of taking their own lives. When Kim Hye-na finds about Kim Joo-Youn’s secret, she is murdered by her.
- Starring- Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Seo-hyung
- Director- Jo Hyun-Tak
- Series Duration- November 23, 2018, to February 1, 2019
- Watch on- Netflix
- No. of episodes- 20+
7. Watcher
The story of the “Watcher” is very suspicious and engrailed with twists and turns. A murder was committed 15 years ago. But after 15 years, it is affecting the lives of three individuals. They have no answer why and how. When fate brings them together, they want to get answers to their questions. Kim Young Goon, Kim Young Goon, and Han Tae Joo have joined forces to solve the mystery. Will they be able to find the answers? Watch “Watcher” drama to find the answer.
- Starring- Han Suk-kyu, Seo Kang-joon, Kim Hyun-joo
- Director- Ahn Gil-ho
- Series Duration- July 6, to August 25, 2019
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
8. Vagabond
Cha Dal-gun is a stuntman and has a dream to become the master of Taekwondo. Also, he has a nephew Cha Hoon who is a little stubborn and fights with his uncle before leaving for his trip to Morocco. But Cha Dal-gun is shocked when he learns that the plane his nephew was on has been in a crash. Not wasting any time, Cha Dal-gun travels to Morocco to attend a funeral for all the 200 civilians killed in the crash.
As he is returning, he spots a passenger of the plane that his nephew recorded in his video that he sent to Cha Dal-gun. Then Dal-Gun confronts the man realizes the crash was not only because of malfunction.
- Starring-Lee Seung-gi, Bae Suzy, Shin Sung-rok
- Director- Yoo In-sik
- Series Duration- September 20, to November 23, 2019
- Watch on- Netflix
- No. of episodes- 16
9. Kingdom
“Kingdom” is a historical mystery series. It takes place in the Joseon period. This is the story of Crown Prince Lee Chang and his subordinates. A story of secrets and struggle to survive. This is one of the best mystery Korean Drama series to watch.
- Starring- Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona
- Director- Kim Song-Hun
- Series Duration- January 25, 2019, to present
- Watch on- Netflix. Viki
- No. of episodes- 12+1 (2 seasons)
10. Extra curriculam
After “Kingdom,” we have “Extra curriculum” on the list of 31 best mystery Korean drama series to watch. “Extra curriculum” was released in the year 2020 and gained immense popularity rapidly. Oh Ji-soo is a secretive person. He is a high school student but also runs an illegal business. He lives separately from his father and needs to earn money. Another character in the drama is Bae Gyu-Ri. She is a wealthy girl and is expected to take over her family business. When Bae Gyu-ri finds out about the illegal business, Oh Ji-soo has to let her in the business. But everything goes downhill when Seo Min-hee is arrested by the police.
- Starring- Kim Dong-hee, Park Ju-Hyun, Jung Da-bin, Nam Yoon-Su, Choi Min-soo, Park Hyuk-Kwon, Kim Yeo-jin
- Director- Kim Jin-Min
- Series Duration- April 29, 2020
- Watch on- Netflix
- No. of episodes- 10
Also Read: 31 Best Detective Korean Dramas That Are A Must Watch!
11. Rugal
The story of “Rugal” revolves around crime and a determined police officer Kang Gi-Beom who will bring done the largest criminal organization in his country. The organization is named Argos. The story gets even more interesting when Argos kills Kang Gi-Beom’s wife. Moreover, the police officer is framed for the murder. Later, Kang Gi-Beom was recruited in a special task force by NIS. The task force has access to biotechnology which gives them superhuman abilities.
- Starring- Choi Jin-hyuk, Park Sung-woong, Jo Dong-hyuk, Jung Hye-in, Kim Min-sang, Park Sun-ho, Han Ji-wan
- Director- Kang Cheol-Woo
- Series Duration- March 28, to May 17, 2020
- Watch on- Netflix
- No. of episodes- 16
12. The Penthouse: War In Life
“The Penthouse: War in Life” series has 3 seasons. Every season covers a different story. It is a story about families living in Hera palace. Also, their children attend Cheong-ah Arts School. All the parents have high expectations and ambitions for their children. Moreover, they are willing to do anything for their children’s success. But everything is changed when Min Seol-ah dies because of a fall. The residents try to cover her death. But everyone suspects everyone else.
- Starring- Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-Yeon, Eugene
- Director- Joo Dong-min
- Series Duration- October 26, 2020, to September 10, 2021
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 48 (3 seasons)
13. Dark Hole
“Dark Hole” is a fantasy thriller drama. Also, it has a mystery about the mutants who are killing everyone. The story begins with humans turning into mutants when they inhale dark smoke from a sinkhole. These mutants are willing to kill anyone. Now a group of survivors has to fight for their lives against these creatures.
- Starring- Kim Ok-Vin, Lee Joon-hyuk
- Director- Kim Bong-Joo
- Series Duration- April 30, to June 5, 2021
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 12
14. Hell is Other People
The drama is based on Kim Yong-ki’s strangers from hell. The story is about a boy in his 20s. Yoon Jong-Woo lands an internship in Seoul and looks for a place to live. But the young man is low on money. While searching for places, he comes across Eden Studio. At first, he thinks he will stay there till he can save more money. But the quality of the dormitory is not the only problem. Many ominous occurrences start to happen, which makes Yoon Jong-Woo fear the residents of the studio.
- Starring- Im Si-wan, Lee Dong-Wook
- Director- Lee Chang-hee
- Series Duration- August 31, to October 6, 2019
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 10
15. Mouse
The next on 31 best mystery Korean drama series to watch list is “Mouse”. The “Mouse” has the most interesting story that we have ever come across. The story focuses on the concept of a serial killer. And how people born with psychopathic genes can be numb toward other people’s pain and suffering. In the drama, we see a serial killer who murdered a child in cold blood. And when she is asked about what was the hardest thing for her, instead of saying guilt or regret, she says something else. And her answer shocks the whole nation.
She says that not seeing the cherry blossom in the nice weather was the hardest thing for her. The Incheon Elementary School Murder case in 2017 inspired a scriptwriter to write a drama. Also, he tries to answer what would be the best punishment for the psycho killers.
- Starring- Lee Seung-gi, Lee Hee-Joon, Park Ju-Hyun, Kyung Soo-jin
- Director- Choi Joon-bae
- Series Duration- March 3, to May 20, 2021
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 20+3
16. Sweet Home
“Sweet Home” is an apocalyptic horror drama that will keep you up at night. In a world where monsters are wiping out humanity. Our main character Cha Hyun-soo leaves home shifts into an apartment. But soon realizes that it wasn’t a good decision. All the people in the apartment are trapped. They have nowhere to escape. Now they need to stay incident and try to survive for as long as possible.
- Starring- Song Kang, Lee Jin-Wook, Lee Si-young, Lee Do-Hyun
- Director- Lee Eung-bok, Jang Young-woo, and Park So-Hyun
- Series Duration- December 18, 2020
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 10
17. Suspicious Partner
The main leads of the drama are Noh Ji-Wook, he is a prosecutor. And Eun Bong-hee is a prosecutor trainee under Noh Ji-Wook. Everything is bright until Eun Bong-hee is charged with the murder of her ex-boyfriend. But there is a bigger angle to the story. The murders happening is the doing of a serial killer. Now Eun Bong-hee and Noh Ji-Wook work together to find who is the psychopath killer.
- Starring- Ji Chang-Wook, Nam Ji-Hyun, Choi Tae-Joon, Kwon Nara
- Director- Park Sun-ho
- Series Duration- May 10, to July 13, 2017
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 40
18. Witch’s Court
Ma Yi-Deum is an unfaithful attorney who believes in winning the cases by any means possible. She does not hesitate to even fabricate evidence. Later, she is asked to join a special task force. Here her job will be to fight and solve sex crimes with her new partner.
- Starring- Jung Ryeo-won, Yoon Hyun-min, Jun Kwang-ryul, Kim Yeo-jin
- Director- Kim Young-Kyun
- Series Duration- October 9, to November 28, 2017
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
19. Inspector Koo
Koo Kyung-Yi is a former insurance investigation officer. She becomes a mess after her husband’s death. After many years she was contacted by a colleague about a suicide case. When she digs deep, she gets suspicious. And all she finds is a dark and twisted mystery. While solving the case, she comes across Kei, who is a high school student. But she is also the serial killer who is committing murders. This is one of the best mystery Korean Drama series to watch.
- Starring- Lee Young-ae, Kim Hye-jun, Kim Hae-sook, Kwak Sun-young
- Director- Lee Jung-Heum
- Series Duration- October 30, 2021, to present
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 12
20. I remember you
Lee Hyun is a genius crime profiler. He leaves Korea after a tragic incident. He has worked very hard to suppress the memories of his father being murdered by a killer. But when he starts to remember what happened, he returns to Korea. Here he meets Detective Cha Ji-an, who is his childhood friend and his stalker. Both of them join forces to find the serial killer. The suspect is Lee Joon Young, who returns after many years with a new identity. Both the parties are caught in a game of cat and mouse. And is catch or get caught. And one actor who was praised for his exceptional acting is Park Bo-gum. Keep reading to know all the 31 best mystery Korean drama series to watch.
- Starring- Seo In-guk, Jang Na-ra, Choi Won-young, Park Bo-gum
- Director- Noh Sang-hoon and Kim Jin-won
- Series Duration- June 22, to August 11, 2015
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
Also Read: Kim Seon-Ho Dramas To Watch After Hometown Cha Cha Cha
21. He is Psychometric
The story is about Lee Ahn, who loses his parents in a fire. But later in his life, he acquires psychometric powers. With his power, he can learn about people’s past just by touching them. So he decides to use his ability to fight crime. Also, he meets Yoon Jae-in in foster care. Yoon Jae-in likes to keep to herself and desperately tries to hide her secret. Later, both of them team up with Kang Sung-mo and Eun Ji-soo to solve the cases that are related to their horrific past.
- Starring- Park Jin-young, Shin Ye-Eun, Kim Kwon, Kim Da-som
- Director- Kim Byung-soo
- Series Duration- March 11, to April 30, 2019
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
22. The Good Detective
The story takes place in Incheon, South Korea. It is also the birthplace of the main character Kang Do-Chang. He grows up to be a detective and has worked in the profession for 18 years. Also, Kang Do-Chang uses many skills to solve crime ranging from his logic to scientific techniques and personal connections.
Then there is Oh Ji-Hyeok. He has been a detective for 9 years. Unlike his partner, he relies on evidence and insight to solve crime cases. Finally, there is Jin Seo-Kyung. She is a reporter and a veteran. This is one of the best mystery Korean Drama series to watch.
- Starring- Son Hyun-Joo, Jang Seung-jo, Lee Elijah, Oh Jung-Se
- Director- Jo Nam-gook
- Series Duration-July 6, to August 25, 2020
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
Also Read: Melancholia Kdrama 2021: Watch Online, Cast, & Plot Updates
23. Flower of the Evil
“Flower of the Evil” is a melodramatic suspense story. Baek Hee-sung hides the truth about his identity from his wife. His wife, Cha Ji-won, is a detective. Their family seems to be perfect, with an adorable daughter who loves her parents. But when Cha Ji-won and her investigating team start digging up murder cases, she realizes that her family might not be perfect. And that her husband is hiding a dark secret from her.
- Starring- Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-won, Jang Hee-jin, Seo Hyun-woo
- Director- Kim Cheol-kyu
- Series Duration- July 29, to September 23, 2020
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
24. Beyond Evil
Lee Dong-sik and Han Joo-won are two policemen from Manyang Police Substation. They believe in justice more than following rules. They break the rules to catch a serial killer on the loose. While uncovering the truth, everything is faded. No one knows who the culprit is.
- Starring- Shin Ha-Kyun, Yeo Jin-goo
- Director- Shim Na-Yeon
- Series Duration- February 19, to April 10, 2021
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
25. Born Again
If you are interested in the stories of rebirth, this is the drama for you. “Born Again” tells about three reincarnated souls. Also, they are bound by fate. All of them lived in the 1980s as Gong Ji-Chul, Jung Ha-Eun, and Cha Hyung-bin. As they are reincarnated, they cross each other’s paths and fall in love. This begins a love triangle among them. This drama is in the 25th position of the 31 best mystery Korean drama series to watch.
- Starring- Jang Ki-Yong, Jin Se-Yeon, Lee Soo-hyuk
- Director- Jung Soo-mi
- Series Duration- April 20, to June 9, 2020
- Watch on-Viki
- No. of episodes- 32
26. Memorist
Dong Baek has a superpower. He can read people’s memories. This makes him an asset. So he decides to use his gift to fight crime. When a trail of murder is found, he teams up with Han Sun-mi to catch the killer and prevent more deaths. But in the process, their dark past unravels, and the case becomes even more twisted than before.
- Starring- Yoo Seung-ho, Lee Se-young, Jo Sung-ha
- Director- Kim Whee
- Series Duration- March 11, to April 30, 2020
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
27. 365: Repeat the Year
“365: Repeat the Year” covers a very interesting story about time travel. Of all the people, 10 are chosen and allowed to travel in the past. But when they arrive at their destination, mysterious events start to happen.
- Starring- Lee Joon-hyuk, Nam Ji-Hyun, Kim Ji-soo
- Director- Kim Kyung-hee
- Series Duration- March 23, to April 28, 2020
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 24
28. The Game: Towards Zero
Tae-Pyeong has a special ability. He can see the moment when someone will die. Tae-Pyeong can do this just by looking in someone’s eye. He lives in a mansion. And his companion is Teacher Baek and Lee Yeon-Hwa, who is an attorney. The story revolves around a criminal named Midnight Killer. When a girl disappears, everyone is alerted. Tae-Pyeong helps the police with the investigation and uses his ability in the process. But when he meets Detective Joon-Young, he is unable to see how she will die. Both of them join forces to fight the Midnight Killer.
- Starring- Ok Taecyeon, Lee Yeon-hee, Lim Yu-hwan
- Director- Jang Joon-ho
- Series Duration- January 22, to March 12, 2020
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 32
29. Class of Lies
“Class of Lies” is also known as “Undercover Teacher.” Also, the actor Yoon Kyun-sang plays the character of Gi Moo-Hyeok. Gi Moo-Hyeok is a high-profile lawyer. Moreover, he changes his identity to Gi Kang-Jae to investigate a murder case. A girl was murdered at an elite private high school.
- Starring- Yoon Kyun-sang, Keum Sae-rok, Choi Yu-hwa
- Director- Sung Yong-il and Park Ji-Hyun
- Series Duration- July 17, to September 5, 2019
- Watch on- Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
30. The Lies Within
“The Lies Within” is a story of a brave woman who is determined to save her husband. To do so, she joined National Assembly. Also, she takes the help of a detective to find her missing husband. This happens just after the death of her father.
- Starring- Lee Min-ki, Lee Yoo-young
- Director- Lee Yoon-Jung
- Series Duration- October 12, to December 1, 2019
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 16
31. Doctor Prisoner
Finally, on the list of 31 best mystery Korean drama series to watch is “Doctor Prisoner.” It is the story of a doctor Na Yi-Je who is forced to quit working at the hospital. This happens because he is accused of medical malpractice. Now his only goal in prison is to make a plan and connections for his revenge.
- Starring- Namkoong Min, Kwon Nara
- Director- Hwang In-hyuk
- Series Duration-March 20, to May 15, 2019
- Watch on- Netflix, Viki
- No. of episodes- 32
Also Read: 31 Best Melodrama Korean Drama Series To Watch In 2021
