If Netflix’s The Frog captured your attention with its tense psychological twists, you’ll find these 20 K-dramas equally gripping. With stories of dark mysteries, troubled minds, and chilling atmospheres, these shows dig into the world of the human psyche and moral complexity.
The Frog introduces viewers to a quiet town with unsettling secrets and eerie coincidences, slowly unravelling its characters’ hidden motives. For those who love unravelling intricate plots, these dramas offer thrilling narratives full of suspense.
From investigating crime scenes to entering the minds of psychopaths, these K-dramas travel to the darkest corners of the human mind. Each drama is packed with tension, betrayal, and unexpected twists.
If you’re a fan of gripping and psychological storytelling, these 20 shows will keep you on the edge of your seat. They’re perfect for your next binge-watch after The Frog.
1. Stranger from Hell (2019)
Yoon Jong Woo, a young man in his 20s, relocates from his rural hometown to Seoul after his friend Jae Ho offers him a job. In search of affordable housing, Jong Woo finds himself at Eden Gosiwon, a low-cost hostel with shared facilities like a kitchen and bathroom.
Although he is initially dismayed by the hostel’s poor quality and the peculiar residents, including his next-door neighbour Seo Moon Jo, a charismatic dentist, Jong Woo decides to stay for six months. His goal is to save enough money to move to a better place.
As Jong Woo settles into his new environment, he begins to experience a series of unsettling and mysterious events. Strange occurrences in the hostel start to unsettle him, making him increasingly fearful of his neighbours.
The combination of eerie incidents and the odd behaviour of the residents makes Jong Woo question the true nature of his seemingly normal surroundings. His once manageable discomfort grows into a deep-seated anxiety about the safety and sanity of his new home.
The narrative unfolds as Jong Woo tries to suppress his fears and the mysteries surrounding Eden Gosiwon. The hostel, which initially seemed like a temporary solution, becomes a source of growing tension and dread.
- Aired: Aug 31, 2019 – Oct 6, 2019
- No of Episodes: 10
- Cast: Yim Si Wan, Lee Dong Wook
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video
2. Flower of Evil (2020)
Baek Hee Sung leads a seemingly perfect life with his wife Cha Ji Won and their young daughter. On the surface, he is a devoted husband and loving father, enjoying a successful career and a happy family life.
However, beneath this idyllic exterior, Hee Sung harbours a dark secret about his true identity. His hidden past threatens to unravel when his wife, Ji Won, a dedicated homicide detective, starts investigating a series of serial murders from 15 years ago.
As Ji Won delves deeper into the case, she begins to notice unsettling changes in Hee Sung’s behaviour. Her growing suspicion makes her question whether her seemingly perfect husband might be concealing something significant from her.
The tension mounts as Ji Won’s investigation brings her closer to uncovering the truth about Hee Sung’s hidden past. The cracks in their seemingly flawless life widen, and the façade of normalcy starts to crumble, threatening to expose the secrets Hee Sung has worked so hard to keep hidden.
- Aired: Jul 29, 2020 – Sep 23, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Moon Chae Won
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video
3. Mouse (2021)
The story revolves around a chilling question: “What if we could identify psychopaths before they commit crimes?” A nation is engulfed in fear as a ruthless serial killer carries out a series of brutal murders, causing widespread chaos and panic.
Rookie police officer Jung Ba Reum comes face to face with this dangerous psychopath in a high-stakes encounter. Despite surviving the ordeal, Jung Ba Reum’s life is dramatically transformed.
The encounter leaves him grappling with profound changes, as he wrestles with the implications of his experience. The narrative delves into the unsettling concept of preemptively identifying psychopathic tendencies and the intensely personal impact such a confrontation can have.
- Aired: Mar 3, 2021 – May 19, 2021
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Lee Hee Joon, Park Ju Hyun, Kyung Soo Jin
- Streaming Platform: Viki
4. The King of Pigs (2019)
Two friends are forced to confront their painful pasts when they receive a message from a friend they haven’t heard from in 20 years. The message triggers a series of mysterious and brutal serial killings that seem to be linked to their past experiences.
Kyung Min is haunted by the trauma of school bullying he endured two decades ago. An unexpected case revives these suppressed emotions, causing him to relive his painful memories. Meanwhile, Detective Jong Suk receives a cryptic message from an old friend, which stirs up memories of the same school violence and prompts him to investigate the recent murders.
As the story unfolds, both Kyung Min and Jong Suk grapple with their tragic pasts while trying to unravel the connection between the past and the present killings. The drama delves into the origins of school violence and its impact on modern society, exploring how past traumas can resurface and influence current events.
- Aired: Mar 18, 2022 – Apr 22, 2022
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Kim Dong Wook, Kim Sung Gyu
- Streaming Platform: TVING
5. Save Me (2017)
After her father’s business fails, Im Sang-mi and her family relocate from Seoul to rural Muji County. In this isolated area, the religious cult Goseonwon holds a sinister grip on much of the population. Posing as a peaceful church, the cult hides a dark underworld filled with torture, violence, and deceit, manipulating even its most faithful followers.
Sang-mi’s twin brother, Sang-jin, endures relentless bullying due to his disability, ultimately driving him to commit suicide. This tragedy shatters the family, leading Sang-mi’s mother to lose her sanity and deepening Sang-mi’s hatred toward Goseonwon, which she holds responsible for her family’s downfall.
The cult’s leader takes advantage of their vulnerable state, drawing her parents into its fold. Despite Sang-mi’s pleas, her father becomes fully brainwashed, leaving her trapped and isolated inside the cult for three years. Desperate for help, Sang-mi crosses paths with her former classmate, Han Sang-hwan, who is now a law student and the son of the county chief.
Sang-mi pleads for rescue, whispering, “Save me.” Driven by guilt from his past, Sang-hwan, along with his friends Jung-hoon, Man-hee, and a convicted murderer named Dong-Chul, embarks on a mission to expose the cult. Together, they must outsmart the sinister forces surrounding Sang-mi, unaware that the cult is only part of a deeper and more dangerous conspiracy.
- Aired: Aug 5, 2017 – Sep 24, 2017
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Seo Yea Ji, Ok Taec Yeon, Woo Do Hwan, Jo Sung Ha
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video
6. Voice (2017)
Moo Jin-hyuk, a relentless detective, is consumed with guilt after the brutal murder of his wife. His inability to protect her while at work leaves him struggling with immense remorse. Meanwhile, Kang Kwon-joo, a sharp policewoman with heightened hearing abilities, faces her own tragedy after witnessing her father’s murder during a distressing investigation.
Years later, both Jin-hyuk and Kwon-joo cross paths again, united by their painful losses. They form the “Golden Time team,” a specialized unit dedicated to solving urgent cases before time runs out. Together, they complement each other’s skills, bringing unique perspectives to the most pressing investigations.
Their ultimate goal, however, is to catch the serial killer responsible for their personal tragedies. The killer has eluded capture for years, leaving a trail of terror behind. Jin-hyuk and Kwon-joo push themselves to the limit, both professionally and emotionally, in their quest for justice.
As they work together to solve each case, their shared determination grows stronger. They uncover disturbing truths and face unimaginable challenges. The hunt for the elusive murderer becomes more intense, with their own lives constantly at risk, as they edge closer to the dangerous killer who shattered their worlds.
- Aired: Jan 14, 2017 – Mar 12, 2017
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jang Hyuk, Lee Ha Na
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video
7. Memorist (2020)
Dong Baek, a detective with a unique ability to access memories through touch, uses his talent to solve cases. His success has earned him global recognition, but his impulsive behaviour often complicates things for his team. Despite his reputation, he prefers actions over words, making his approach direct but sometimes chaotic.
Han Sun Mi, on the other hand, is a brilliant profiler with an impressive background. Passing the bar at twenty and earning a doctorate in criminal psychology, she quickly rose to senior superintendent. Known for solving cold cases, she’s driven by a deeply personal secret that pushes her to pursue justice.
When Dong Baek and Sun Mi cross paths, they face a formidable challenge — a serial killer with abilities that rival their own. This unexpected adversary tests their skills and forces them to confront their struggles while hunting down the elusive criminal.
Together, they must combine their talents to stay ahead in a deadly game of wits. Their dynamic partnership grows as they investigate the complexities of the case, leading to intense confrontations and revelations that may change everything.
- Aired: Mar 11, 2020 – Apr 30, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Yoo Seung Ho, Lee Se Young, Jo Sung Ha
- Streaming Platform:
8. Psychopath Diary (2019)
Yook Dong Shik, a timid 34-year-old office worker, is constantly pushed around by those around him. After being blamed for a major incident at his company, he faces losing everything and decides to end his life. However, during his suicide attempt, he stumbles upon a murder scene and gets into an accident while fleeing. He wakes up with amnesia and mistakenly believes he’s a serial killer after finding the psychopath’s diary.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old police officer Shim Bo Kyung is investigating a string of murders. She initially sees Dong Shik as a gentle and harmless man but soon grows suspicious due to a series of strange coincidences linking him to the crimes.
On the other hand, 36-year-old Seo In Woo, the real serial killer, loses his diary on the night of his seventh murder. The diary, containing detailed accounts of his killings, is now in Dong Shik’s possession, further deepening the confusion.
As Dong Shik grapples with his mistaken identity, Bo Kyung uncovers more unsettling clues about him, while In Woo seeks to retrieve his diary before his secrets are exposed. The three characters are caught in a twisted game of deception, identity, and survival.
- Aired: Nov 20, 2019 – Jan 9, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Yoon Shi Yoon, Jung In Sun, Park Sung Hoon
- Streaming Platform: Viki
9. Beyond Evil (2021)
Two determined detectives, Lee Dong Sik and Han Joo Won, are drawn into a chilling hunt for a serial killer wreaking havoc in their small town. Dong Sik, once a brilliant detective, now performs menial tasks at the Manyang Police Substation, while Joo Won, his new superior, comes with elite credentials and a mysterious secret.
A series of brutal murders unfolds, mirroring unsolved crimes from two decades earlier. Dong Sik and Joo Won form an uneasy partnership, driven by their shared goal of catching the killer. However, as the case deepens, they are forced to confront unsettling truths about the people around them.
With the pressure mounting, they begin questioning everyone connected to the case, even those they thought they could trust. As the investigation unravels dark secrets, they realize the true danger may be closer than they ever imagined.
- Aired: Feb 19, 2021 – Apr 10, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Shin Ha Kyun, Yeo Jin Goo
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
10. Lies of Lies (2020)
Ji Eun Su once had it all, married into a wealthy family with a seemingly perfect life ahead. However, her world shatters when her husband is murdered, and she is convicted of the crime. Sent to prison, she gives birth to a daughter while behind bars, only to have the child taken away.
Her baby is adopted by Kang Ji Min, a dedicated journalist who finds himself raising the little girl alone after his wife abandons them. Ji Eun Su, now free, is desperate to reunite with her daughter. She hatches a plan to win over Kang Ji Min and re-enter her child’s life as her stepmother.
But the path to her daughter is not so simple. Ji Eun Su must hide the truth about her past, all while growing closer to Kang Ji Min. As she instigates this dangerous situation, her motives are constantly at risk of being exposed.
If the truth comes out, it could destroy the fragile family Ji Eun Su has fought so hard to create. Will her plan succeed, or will the past ruin everything she has worked for?
- Aired: Sep 4, 2020 – Oct 24, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Yoo Ri, Yeon Jung Hoon
- Streaming Platform: Viki
11. Tell Me What You Saw (2020)
Oh Hyun Jae, once a top criminal profiler, led a successful career solving numerous cases. However, his life took a devastating turn when a serial killer’s explosion claimed the life of his fiancée. Broken by the tragedy, Hyun Jae disappeared from the public eye and now lives in isolation.
Cha Soo Young, a young police officer from the countryside, possesses an extraordinary ability to remember every detail she sees. This rare talent catches the attention of law enforcement, and she is brought in as a rookie detective to assist in a special case.
Soo Young partners with the reclusive Hyun Jae as they work together to solve new cases. Their ultimate goal, however, is to track down the Peppermint Killer, the serial murderer responsible for the death of Hyun Jae’s fiancée five years ago.
As the investigation deepens, the pair must face dark truths and unearth dangerous secrets to bring the killer to justice.
- Aired: Feb 1, 2020 – Mar 22, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jang Hyuk, Choi Soo Young, Jin Seo Yun
- Streaming Platform: Viki
12. Kill It (2019)
Kim Soo Hyun leads a double life as a veterinarian and a professional killer. Hired by various clients for significant sums of money, his true identity remains a closely guarded secret. Despite his solitary existence with only animals for company, Soo Hyun harbours a deep longing for genuine human connection, yet struggles to form meaningful relationships. His life takes a turn when a new client offers him a job in exchange for information about his enigmatic past and a conspiracy linked to his birth.
Do Hyun Jin, once a talented ballerina, has reinvented herself as a top detective in Seoul. Known for her stern exterior and sharp instincts, she graduated at the top of her class at the police academy. Beneath her tough facade lies a compassionate soul who, despite personal trauma, remains dedicated to her work. Hyun Jin becomes convinced that Soo Hyun is a serial killer and begins an intense investigation into his life.
As Hyun Jin closes in on Soo Hyun, the two discover a surprising connection that dates back years. Their intertwined past complicates their present, forcing them to confront their shared history and personal demons.
The unfolding mystery not only tests their professional skills but also challenges their understanding of themselves and each other.
- Aired: Mar 23, 2019 – Apr 28, 2019
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Nana, Jang Ki Yong, Roh Jeong Eui
- Streaming Platform: Viki
13. Partners of Justice (2018)
Baek Beom, a seasoned forensic doctor with a decade of experience, is highly skilled in his field but remains emotionally distant and closed off. His meticulous work has earned him respect, but his interactions with others are marked by a lack of warmth.
Eun Sol, on the other hand, is a rookie prosecutor known for her bright personality and comes from a wealthy background. Her optimism and dedication make her a promising addition to the legal system, despite her limited experience.
When a serial killer emerges, Baek Beom and Eun Sol are forced to team up. Their contrasting personalities—Baek Beom’s aloofness and Eun Sol’s warmth—create a tense partnership. However, their unique skills complement each other in the quest to catch the elusive murderer.
As they investigate the complexities of the case, both Baek Beom and Eun Sol face personal growth. Their collaboration challenges them to reconcile their differences and work together to solve the case, revealing hidden strengths and deepening their understanding of one another.
- Aired: May 14, 2018 – Jul 17, 2018
- No of Episodes: 32
- Cast: Jung Jae Young, Jung Yoo Mi, Park Eun Seok
- Streaming Platform: Kocowa
14. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)
In this eerie TV series, the spotlight is on Kim Moo Young, a free-spirited yet dangerous assistant at a Korean beer brewery. Known as a “monster” due to his unpredictable nature, Moo Young’s life takes a dramatic turn when a woman’s apparent suicide is revealed to be a murder, placing him under suspicion.
Moo Young’s world changes when he encounters Yoo Jin Kang, a compassionate advertising designer who longs to offer him a haven. Despite her warm demeanour, Jin Kang carries her emotional scars, mirroring Moo Young’s troubled past. Her kindness and understanding begin to draw Moo Young out of his shell.
Complicating matters is Yoo Jin Kang’s brother, Yoo Jin Gook, a seasoned homicide detective with 27 years of experience. Determined to uncover Moo Young’s true nature, Jin Gook is also intent on protecting his sister from Moo Young, who she is starting to grow close to.
As the story unfolds, tensions rise between Jin Gook’s quest for justice and Jin Kang’s desire to support Moo Young. Their intertwined fates follow themes of trust, redemption, and the struggle to overcome past traumas.
- Aired: Oct 3, 2018 – Nov 22, 2018
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Seo In Guk, Jung So Min
- Streaming Platform: Viki
15. Signal (2016)
Fifteen years prior, a young girl was abducted while walking home from school, and Park Hae Yeong, then an elementary student, witnessed the crime. Tragically, the girl was found dead days later, and the police failed to apprehend the perpetrator. This unresolved case led Hae Yeong to lose faith in the police force.
Now, as a police officer and criminal profiler, Hae Yeong discovers an old walkie-talkie that inexplicably connects him with Detective Lee Jae Han from the past. This extraordinary device enables communication across time, creating an opportunity to revisit and resolve the cold case.
Joining forces with Detective Jae Han and fellow officer Cha Soo Hyun, Hae Yeong embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the old cases that have remained unsolved for years. Together, they work to bridge the gap between past and present, seeking justice and closure.
As they dig up these long-forgotten cases, the trio confronts the lingering shadows of the past while striving to bring justice to those who have been waiting for answers.
- Aired: Jan 22, 2016 – Mar 12, 2016
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, Jo Jin Woong
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
16. The Guest (2018)
Yoon Hwa Pyung, a young psychic from a shaman family, grows up aware of the formidable demon known as “Son” or “Guest.” This demon, possessing the ability to control other demons, drives the possessed to madness, leading them to harm their families and inflict self-injury. Hwa Pyung, Choi Yoon—a boy from a devout Catholic family—and Kang Kil Yeong, daughter of a detective, are brought together by tragedy when their families are killed by this malevolent force.
Two decades later, the demonic killings resurface, prompting Hwa Pyung to use his psychic abilities as a taxi driver to locate and assist those under demonic influence. Meanwhile, Yoon has become a Catholic priest with a special talent for exorcism, while Kil Yeong, now a sceptical detective, continues to investigate cases with no belief in the supernatural.
The trio, reunited by fate, joins forces to confront the demon “Son” and put an end to the cycle of violence. Despite their differing beliefs and approaches, they must collaborate to unravel the mystery behind the demonic possession and bring peace to those tormented by this powerful entity.
- Aired: Sep 12, 2018 – Nov 1, 2018
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Dong Wook, Kim Jae Wook, Jung Eun Chae
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
17. Bad Guys (2014)
In response to escalating violent crimes, the Police Chief tasks Detective Oh Goo Tak with assembling a unique team of criminals. Recently suspended for his aggressive methods, Oh Goo Tak recruits three unconventional members: Park Woong Cheol, a notorious gangster; Lee Jung Moon, a highly intelligent young serial killer; and Jung Tae Soo, a seasoned contract killer.
Joining the team is Police Inspector Yoo Mi Young, who aims to manage this unconventional group with both rational and emotional approaches. As the team grapples with their complex dynamics, Yoo Mi Young works to foster cooperation among the members, each with a troubled past and their own motivations.
Together, this unusual team is set to tackle crime in new ways, combining their diverse skills and backgrounds in an attempt to restore order and address the growing violence in their city.
- Aired: Oct 4, 2014 – Dec 13, 2014
- No of Episodes: 11
- Cast: Kim Sang Joong, Park Hae Jin, Jo Dong Hyuk, Ma Dong Seok
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
18. The Devil Judge (2021)
In catastrophic Korea, societal breakdown and widespread mistrust in leaders have set the stage for a dramatic and controversial courtroom reality show led by Head Trial Judge Kang, known as the “Devil Judge.” His courtroom is infamous for its severe and often shocking punishments, which stir public debate about whether he is a reformer or a dangerous provocateur manipulating public sentiment.
The situation becomes even more charged with the emergence of Jung Sun Ah, an ambitious figure who has risen from humble beginnings to lead a significant corporate social responsibility foundation. Her fierce rivalry with the “Devil Judge” further complicates the already tumultuous environment, as both strive to shape the future of the fractured society.
Amid this chaos, childhood friends Judge Kim Ga On and Police Officer Yoon Soo Hyun step up, united by their dedication to uncovering true justice. Their mission brings them face-to-face with the manipulative “Devil Judge” and the cunning Jung Sun Ah, as they seek to challenge the corrupted systems and restore integrity.
As they investigate this turbulent environment, Ga On and Soo Hyun confront the deep-rooted corruption and power struggles, aiming to bring about genuine change in a society on the brink of collapse.
- Aired: Jul 3, 2021 – Aug 22, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Ji Sung, Kim Min Jung, Park Jin Young
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
19. Trap (2019)
Kang Woo Hyun, a respected news anchor with a seemingly perfect life and a loving family, faces a major upheaval when tragedy strikes during a family trip. His previously stable world is thrown into chaos.
Amid this turmoil, Go Dong Kook, a seasoned detective with years of experience, is assigned to investigate the unsettling case surrounding Kang Woo Hyun. As Dong Kook delves into the investigation, he uncovers layers of complexity and secrets.
The case becomes more than just a routine investigation for Dong Kook. It reveals hidden facets of Woo Hyun’s life and challenges his professional and personal resolve.
As the investigation unfolds, both Kang Woo Hyun’s life and Go Dong Kook’s dedication are tested, leading to revelations that could alter their paths forever.
- Aired: Feb 9, 2019 – Mar 3, 2019
- No of Episodes: 7
- Cast: Lee Seo Jin, Sung Dong Il, Im Hwa Young
- Streaming Platform: Apple TV
20. Somebody (2022)
Sum, a developer for the social-connecting app “Somebody,” struggles with communication but maintains close friendships with Mok Won and Ki Eun. Ki Eun, a detective, works alongside Sum and Mok Won.
When a murder occurs, the app “Somebody” becomes a key element in the investigation. The case takes a turn with the arrival of Yoon O, an enigmatic and attractive architectural designer who seems to harbour secrets.
As Yoon O becomes entangled with Sum and her friends, his mysterious demeanour raises suspicions. Ki Eun and Mok Won join forces to uncover the truth behind the murder.
The investigation reveals surprising connections and hidden motives, challenging Sum and her friends to investigate a web of intrigue and deception involving the app that once seemed harmless.
- Aired: Nov 18, 2022
- No of Episodes: 8
- Cast: Kim Young Kwang, Kang Hae Lim
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
