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.

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