From 'Inspector Koo' to 'The Good Detective': Top 5 detective K-dramas to stream on Netflix

We've picked some compelling detective K-dramas on Netflix that will immerse you in intriguing cases
UPDATED MAR 17, 2024
'Inspector Koo' and 'The Good Detective' feature in our list of the five best detective K-dramas on Netflix (@Netflix, @JTBC)
'Inspector Koo' and 'The Good Detective' feature in our list of the five best detective K-dramas on Netflix (@Netflix, @JTBC)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Korean dramas have captured the attention of viewers around the world, elevating the South Korean entertainment industry to international acclaim.

Offering a wide array of original and top-notch content, Korean dramas encompass a variety of genres, ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic comedies.

If you're a fan of mystery and crime-solving dramas, Netflix offers a variety of Korean detective series that you won't want to miss.

Stranger (2017)

Jeon Hye-jin in a still from 'Stranger' (tvN)
Jeon Hye-jin in a still from 'Stranger' (@tvN)

'Stranger', produced by Signal Entertainment and IOK Media, stands out as one of the most compelling detective K-dramas currently available on Netflix.

'Stranger' revolves around Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo), a prosecutor known for his lack of emotion and social skills due to a corrective surgery.

He eventually joins forces with Police Lieutenant Han Yeo-jin, a dedicated detective portrayed by Bae Doona, to investigate a murder and expose corruption within the legal system.

'Stranger' offers a thrilling experience that more often than not keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Inspector Koo (2021)

A still from 'Inspector Koo'
A still from 'Inspector Koo' (@Netflix)

'Inspector Koo' is a 2021 K-drama series starring Lee Young-ae in the lead role. Kim Hye-jun, Kim Hae-sook, Kwak Sun-young, Baek Sung-chul, and Cho Hyun-chul also play pivotal roles in the engrossing storyline.

The series revolves around the conflict between a former police officer and a female college student who is revealed to be a serial killer.

'Inspector Koo' provides a thrilling and suspenseful storyline that unravels the mysteries surrounding the characters and their motivations.

The Good Detective (2020)

Jang Seung-jo and Lee Elijah in a still from 'The Good Detective' (JTBC)
Jang Seung-jo and Lee Elijah in a still from 'The Good Detective' (@JTBC)

'The Good Detective', featuring Son Hyun-joo, Jang Seung-jo, Lee Elijah, Oh Jung-se, and Ji Seung-hyun in crucial roles, is a must-watch K-drama for fans of thriller dramas.

Set in Incheon, South Korea, the series delves into the world of crime and investigation, following a team of detectives as they solve complex and challenging cases.

As the detectives tackle various cases, they uncover dark secrets that challenge their beliefs and values. 

Through the Darkness (2022)

(Netflix)
A still from 'Through the Darkness' (@Netflix)

'Through the Darkness' is based on the 2018 book of the same name co-written by Korea's first criminal profiler Kwon Il-yong and journalist-turned-author Ko Na-mu.

'Through the Darkness' is a hidden gem on Netflix that deserves more recognition. The series revolves around a team of detectives who delve into the minds of murderers during a period when Korea was terrorized by serial killers.

The series delves into Kwon's field experiences, illustrating the various cases he has encountered throughout his career as a detective.

Partners for Justice (2018)

Jeong Yu-mi in
Jeong Yu-mi in a still from 'Partners for Justice' (@Netflix)

Starring Jung Jae-young and Jeong Yu-mi, 'Partners for Justice' revolves around Baek Beom, a skilled forensic doctor known for his expertise in his field but also for his eccentric personality, and Eun Sol, a rookie prosecutor with a warm heart and a strong sense of justice.

Together, they tackle a variety of cases, ranging from complex murders to seemingly unsolvable mysteries.

Much to the delight of fans of investigative shows, 'Partners for Justice' was also renewed for a second season, which premiered in 2019.

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