From 'Mask Girl' to ‘Squid Game’: 5 best thriller K-dramas to stream on Netflix

Each of these thriller K-dramas on Netflix offers a unique blend of suspense, drama, and intrigue
UPDATED MAR 17, 2024
Fans of thriller K-dramas should add the likes of 'Squid Game' and 'Mask Girl' to their watchlist (@Netflix)
Fans of thriller K-dramas should add the likes of 'Squid Game' and 'Mask Girl' to their watchlist (@Netflix)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: With their compelling narratives and relatable characters, K-dramas have transcended borders, gaining popularity in countries far beyond South Korea.

K-dramas are renowned for their diverse range of original and high-quality content, spanning across various genres to cater to a wide range of audience preferences.

For viewers eager to immerse themselves in the gripping world of Korean thriller dramas, Netflix provides easy access to a wide array of popular titles that are sure to capture your attention.

My Name (2021)

A still from 'My Name' (Netflix)
A still from 'My Name' (@Netflix)

'My Name', a South Korean action crime thriller series directed by Kim Jin-min, is a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.

Featuring Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, and Ahn Bo-hyun in pivotal roles, 'My Name' follows the gripping journey of a woman seeking revenge for her father's death.

Motivated by the desire for justice, she decides to infiltrate a dangerous gang responsible for his murder. In her pursuit, she encounters enigmatic characters like Choi Mu-jin, the leader of the drug crime gang Dongcheon, and Detective Jeon Pil-do.

Squid Game (2021)

Lee Yoo-mi and Hoyeon in 'Squid Game'
Lee Yoo-mi and Hoyeon Jung in a still from 'Squid Game' (@Netflix)

‘Squid Game’ is one of the most popular Korean series streaming on Netflix.

Starring Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Hoyeon Jung, Anupam Tripathi, and Kim Joo-ryoung, the series revolves around a secret contest where 456 players risk their lives to win a $456,000 cash prize.

As they progress through various challenges, they confront harsh realities and class disparities. The series delves into the themes of social inequality and the complexities of human nature.

'Squid Game' has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its writing, acting, and direction.

Mask Girl (2023)

Park Jeong-hwa in a still from 'Mask Girl' (Netflix)
Park Jeong-hwa in a still from 'Mask Girl' (@Netflix)

Helmed by writer and director Kim Yong-hoon, 'Mask Girl' is a highly acclaimed South Korean black comedy crime thriller. It is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name 

Featuring Lee Han-byeol, Nana, Go Hyun-jung, Ahn Jae-hong, and Yeom Hye-ran in pivotal roles, the series follows Kim Mo-mi, an insecure office worker who transforms into a masked internet personality by night.

As Kim Mo-mi navigates the complexities of her dual identity, she is forced to confront the consequences of her actions.

Unlock My Boss (2022)

A still from 'Unlock My Boss' (Netflix)
A still from 'Unlock My Boss' (@Netflix)

'Unlock My Boss', based on a webtoon of the same Korean title by writer Park Seong-hyun, follows a company president who becomes trapped in a smartphone under suspicious circumstances.

His life intertwines with an unemployed young man, whose life takes a drastic turn after he picks up the strange smartphone.

The series offers a unique blend of humor and mystery, making it an entertaining choice for viewers.

Stranger (2017)

A still from 'Stranger' (Netflix)
A still from 'Stranger' (@Netflix)

'Stranger', a 2017 K-drama, centers around Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo), a prosecutor known for his lack of emotion, and Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona), a dedicated detective.

Together, they solve a complex murder case that is intricately linked to corruption scandals within South Korea's legal system. 

Offering a captivating storyline, complex characters, and suspenseful twists, 'Stranger' is a must-watch series for fans of thrilling dramas.

RELATED TOPICS NETFLIX NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

As fans await Homelander's fate on 'The Boys', Antony Starr has secured his next TV role in Netflix's newly approved series
21 minutes ago
Ahead of its highly anticipated release, Netflix recently released the first few minutes of 'Bridgerton' Season 4, Part 1
1 hour ago
Before the next chapter even drops, Netflix's courtroom hit got a vote of confidence, hinting that Mickey Haller's toughest fight is still ahead
3 hours ago
The popular character, introduced in Season 4, became a series regular and departed in Season 6 following a shooting incident
4 hours ago
Apple TV also released first-look images as Ted returns to Richmond for his biggest challenge yet
17 hours ago
Marvel is yet to decide on as it gears up for the release of a slew of major blockbusters
19 hours ago
From blink-and-miss-it cameos to comic nods and Hollywood jokes, ‘Wonder Man’ hides more secrets in plain sight than you might expect.
19 hours ago
The latest 'Fallout' episode, titled 'The Handoff', opens with a tense flashback of Steph and her mother being chased through a snow-covered forest
23 hours ago
Tiny dialogue clues and background details quietly reveal Wonder Man's spot on the MCU timeline, and the answer isn’t as obvious as it first seems
1 day ago
While working on 'Wonder Man', Osorio suffered a fatal accident at Stage 3 of the Radford Studio Center in Studio City
1 day ago