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34 Korean Crime Thriller Dramas For Those Who Can’t Stand Romantic K-Dramas (2026)

Edmund Chong

Published: 24 November 2020. Last updated: 14 October 2026

TLDR: This list covers 34 Korean crime thriller dramas, from recent releases like Made in Korea, Trigger and The Manipulated to acclaimed classics like Signal, Stranger and Beyond Evil. Most are streaming in Singapore on Netflix or Disney+, with a few on Viu, Apple TV and Prime Video. 

If scenes like a North Korean soldier finding someone in a crowd by the scent of a candle aren’t your thing, this list is for you. Romantic K-dramas have their place, but sometimes you want something that keeps you on the edge of your seat instead. 

We’ve grouped these 34 crime thrillers by type, from serial killer hunts to revenge sagas and time-slip mysteries, so you can find your next binge faster. 

Streaming links are for Singapore and were last checked in October 2026.

Korean Crime Thrillers At A Glance

DramaCategoryWhat it’s aboutYearStarringWhere to watch in Singapore
DoubtSerial killer & profilerProfiler suspects his own daughter2024Han Suk-kyu, Chae Won-binNetflix
A Killer ParadoxAccidental killer vs detective, cat and mouse2024Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-kuNetflix
Through the DarknessKorea’s first criminal profiler, true story2022Kim Nam-gilNetflix
Beyond EvilTwo cops bend the law to catch a serial killer2021Shin Ha-kyun, Yeo Jin-gooNetflix, Apple TV
MouseRookie cop vs psychopath, born or made?2021Lee Seung-giApple TV
Tell Me What You SawProfiler and photographic-memory cop chase a serial killer2020Jang Hyuk, Choi Soo-youngApple TV
Flower of EvilDetective suspects her own husband2020Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-wonNetflix
VoiceVoice profiler hunts killers via emergency calls2017 to 2021Lee Ha-naNetflix, Viu
The ManipulatedMurder mysteryFramed for murder, prison revenge2025Ji Chang-wook, Doh Kyung-sooDisney+
Black OutWrongly convicted, memory-loss murder mystery2024Byun Yo-han, Go JunNetflix
Shadow DetectiveRetiring detective framed for murder2022 to 2023Lee Sung-min, Jin GooDisney+, Apple TV
TrapFamily trip goes wrong, slow-burn mystery2019Lee Seo-jin, Sung Dong-ilApple TV, Prime Video
Mercy for NoneRevengeGangster revenge for a murdered brother2025So Ji-subNetflix
BloodhoundsBoxers vs loan sharks, fight-heavy action2023 to 2026Woo Do-hwan, Lee Sang-yiNetflix
VigilanteCop by day, vigilante by night2023Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-taeDisney+
Taxi DriverRevenge-for-hire taxi service2021 to 2025Lee Je-hoonViu
Bad GuysCriminals recruited to catch criminals2014Kim Sang-joongApple TV
Made in KoreaCrime noir1970s spy noir, smuggling, power struggle2025 to 2026Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sungDisney+
Low Life1970s treasure hunt, shipwreck heist2025Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jongDisney+
Hyper KnifeRogue surgeon, illegal operations2025Park Eun-bin, Sul Kyung-guDisney+
The Nice GuyGangster family noir with first-love romance2025Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sung-kyungDisney+
KarmaInsurance murder plot, intertwined fates2025Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-aNetflix
Gangnam B-SideMissing girl, Gangnam club corruption2024Ji Chang-wook, Jo Woo-jinDisney+
The Worst of Evil1990s undercover cop in a drug cartel2023Ji Chang-wook, Wi Ha-joonDisney+, Apple TV
TriggerInvestigationDetective hunts illegal guns2025Kim Nam-gilNetflix
UnmaskedJournalists solve a cold case, comedy-thriller2025Kim Hye-soo, Jung Sung-ilDisney+
StrangerEmotionless prosecutor, corruption and murder2017 to 2020Jo Seung-woo, Bae Doo-naNetflix
Partners for JusticeForensic doctor and prosecutor solve cases2018 to 2019Jung Jae-young, Jung Yu-miViu
Cafe MinamdangMystery comedyFake shaman solves cases2022Seo In-guk, Oh Yeon-seoNetflix
He Is PsychometricSupernaturalReads the past through touch2019Park Jin-youngApple TV, Prime Video
The GuestPossession horror meets crime2018Kim Dong-wook, Kim Jae-wookNetflix
Life on MarsTime-slipModern cop stuck in 19882018Jung Kyung-hoApple TV
Tunnel1986 detective time-travels to 20162017Choi Jin-hyukPrime Video, Apple TV
SignalWalkie-talkie across time, cold cases2016Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-sooNe

Korean Serial Killer And Profiler Dramas

1. Doubt (2024)

Han Suk-kyu plays Jang Tae-su, a revered criminal profiler who has spent his life getting inside the minds of criminals.

His world turns upside down when he discovers his daughter, Jang Ha-bin, may be involved in the murder case he’s investigating. Now he has to choose between his professional duty and protecting his own child.

Where to watch: Netflix

2. A Killer Paradox (2024)

Lee Tang (Choi Woo-shik), an ordinary college student working at a convenience store, accidentally kills a man who turns out to be a serial killer!

He soon develops an instinct for spotting bad people and starts killing again, setting off a cat-and-mouse chase with a detective (Son Suk-ku) who will stop at nothing to catch him.

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Through The Darkness (2022)

Set in the late 1990s, a string of seemingly random attacks and murders leaves Seoul in fear and detectives scrambling to find the culprit before he strikes again.

Based on the true story of Korea’s first criminal profiler, the drama follows Song Ha-young (Kim Nam-gil) as he steps into the minds of serial killers to stop them before they strike again. 

Where to watch: Netflix

4. Beyond Evil (2021)

Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-goo play two police officers who bend the law to catch a serial killer, only to wonder whether they’ve become monsters themselves. Fittingly, its Korean title, 괴물, translates to “monster”. 

Beyond Evil won three awards at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Drama, Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Shin Ha-kyun.

Where to watch: Netflix or Apple TV

5. Mouse (2021)

Lee Seung-gi plays a rookie police officer whose life changes after he crosses paths with a psychopathic murderer.

The encounter sends him searching for an unsettling answer: are psychopaths born, or made?

Where to watch: Apple TV

6. Tell Me What You Saw (2020)

Oh Hyun-jae (Jang Hyuk) was a brilliant criminal profiler who now lives in seclusion after the death of his fiancée.

He’s pulled back into the game alongside rookie detective Cha Soo-young (Choi Soo-young of Girls’ Generation), whose photographic memory makes her a remarkable witness. Together, they hunt a serial killer. 

Where to watch: Apple TV

7. Flower Of Evil (2020)

Baek Hee-sung (Lee Joon-gi) lives a seemingly ordinary life with his wife and daughter.

His wife, detective Cha Ji-won (Moon Chae-won), begins investigating a string of murders that suggest her husband may be hiding something sinister about his past. The drama is packed with suspense and twists.

Where to watch: Netflix

8. Voice (2017 to 2021)

Lee Ha-na plays Kang Kwon-joo, an emergency call centre chief with exceptional hearing who identifies voices to track down criminals.

In Season 1, she works alongside a detective played by Jang Hyuk, racing against the clock to reach victims before it’s too late. The series ran for four seasons. 

Where to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix

Korean Murder Mystery And Wrongly Accused Dramas

9. The Manipulated (2025)

Park Tae-jung (Ji Chang-wook) is imprisoned for a murder he did not commit.

After his release, he sets out to uncover the truth and expose Ahn Yo-han (Doh Kyung-soo of EXO), the man behind his downfall. It’s a fast-paced revenge drama carried by its psychological plot and strong performances.

Where to watch: Disney+

10. Black Out (2024)

Ko Jung-woo (Byun Yo-han) blacked out one night and woke up accused of a double murder he can’t remember.

After serving his sentence, he returns to the hometown that branded him a killer, working with detective No Sang-cheol (Go Jun) to find out what really happened.

Where to watch: Netflix

11. Shadow Detective (2022 to 2023)

Kim Taek-rok (Lee Sung-min) is a detective nearing retirement. A mysterious call from someone claiming to be an old friend ends with him framed for the murder of his colleague.

Investigator Kook Jin-han (Jin Goo) comes to believe in Taek-rok’s innocence, and the two work together to find the truth. Season 2 reveals Taek-rok’s past and the identity of the caller behind it all.

Where to watch: Disney+ or Apple TV

12. Trap (2019)

Trap was the first series in OCN’s “Dramatic Cinema” project, which combines film and drama formats.

Successful news anchor Kang Woo-hyun (Lee Seo-jin) seems to have it all, until a family trip leads him into a mysterious trap. Veteran detective Go Dong-kook (Sung Dong-il) takes on the case as a shocking truth slowly unravels. 

Where to watch: Apple TV or Prime Video

Korean Revenge And Vigilante Dramas

13. Mercy For None (2025)

So Ji-sub stars as Nam Gi-jun, a powerful mob boss who left the criminal life years ago.

When his brother is brutally murdered, he returns to the underworld to seek revenge, uncovering deep-seated betrayals and power struggles in Seoul’s gangs.

Where to watch: Netflix

14. Bloodhounds (2023 to 2026)

Based on a webtoon, Bloodhounds follows two young boxers, played by Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, who take on a powerful loan shark organisation that exploits small businesses.

Season 2 premiered on 3 April 2026 and pits the pair against an underground international boxing league, with Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) as the new villain.

Where to watch: Netflix

15. Vigilante (2023)

Based on the webtoon of the same name, Vigilante follows Kim Ji-yong (Nam Joo-hyuk), a top police academy student leading a double life.

After learning that his mother’s killer got off lightly and has returned to his old ways, Ji-yong becomes a vigilante, going after criminals the law lets loose. Detective Jo Heon (Yoo Ji-tae) leads the team hunting him, while reporter Choi Mi-ryeo (Kim So-jin) broadcasts his every move to the public.

Where to watch: Disney+

16. Taxi Driver (2021 to 2025)

Based on a webtoon, Taxi Driver follows Kim Do-gi (Lee Je-hoon) of Rainbow Taxi Company. Despite the cheerful name, it’s a revenge-for-hire service that delivers the justice the courts couldn’t.

Many of its cases are said to be inspired by real crimes in Korea, which makes the payback all the more satisfying. The series has three seasons, released in 2021, 2023 and 2025.

Where to watch: Viu

17. Bad Guys (2014)

As the name suggests, this is a K-drama about a group of bad guys.

Detective Oh Goo-tak (Kim Sang-joong) assembles a team of criminals, including a gangster, a serial killer and a contract killer, to combat a rise in violent crime.

Where to watch: Apple TV

Korean Crime Noir And Gangster Dramas

18. Made In Korea (2025 to 2026)

Set in the 1970s, Hyun Bin stars as Baek Ki-tae, a ruthless KCIA (Korean Central Intelligence Agency) agent who leads a double life.

The story follows his rise in the underground world as Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung), a prosecutor, gives his all to stop him. Season 2, which premiered on 9 September 2026 with six episodes, jumps forward nine years and adds Woo Do-hwan to the cast.

Where to watch: Disney+

19. Low Life (2025)

Set in the 1970s, rumours spread of an imperial Chinese shipwreck off the coast of Korea, said to be laden with gold coins and priceless antique ceramics.

Sensing a fortune, Oh Gwan-seok (Ryu Seung-ryong) teams up with his nephew Oh Hee-dong (Yang Se-jong) and sets out to sea to recover the treasure.

Where to watch: Disney+

20. Hyper Knife (2025)

The story follows the power struggle between surgeon Jung Se-ok (Park Eun-bin) and her former mentor, Choi Deok-hee (Sul Kyung-gu).

After he causes her to lose her medical licence, she turns to performing illegal surgeries. As her procedures push the limits of medicine and ethics, the line between doctor and killer starts to blur, with unsettling consequences.

Where to watch: Disney+

21. The Nice Guy (2025)

Lee Dong-wook stars as Park Seok-cheol, the eldest grandson of a three-generation gangster family. However, unlike the rest of his family, he has a surprisingly pure heart.

The story follows his struggle to protect his family, his job and his first love, aspiring singer Kang Mi-young (Lee Sung-kyung), in a world that keeps pulling him back in.

Where to watch: Disney+

22. Karma (2025)

Park Jae-yeong, a man drowning in debt, conspires to murder his father for insurance money.

The act sets off a chain reaction involving a disgraced doctor, a con artist and a vengeful survivor of past trauma, and each character eventually faces the consequences of their actions.

Where to watch: Netflix

23. Gangnam B-Side (2024)

When the top call girl at a Gangnam club goes missing, a demoted detective returns to investigate. Together with a shadowy broker and a career-driven prosecutor, he uncovers a vast network of corruption.

Starring Ji Chang-wook, Jo Woo-jin and BIBI, the series explores the dark side of Gangnam, from drugs to exploitation, and its premise has drawn comparisons to real-life scandals such as the Burning Sun case.

Where to watch: Disney+

24. The Worst Of Evil (2023)

Set in the 1990s, this crime-action series follows an investigation into a Gangnam-based cartel running a drug trade between Korea, China and Japan.

Undercover officer Park Joon-mo (Ji Chang-wook) has to win the trust of charismatic kingpin Jung Ki-cheol (Wi Ha-joon). However, things get complicated when narcotics officer Yoo Eui-jung (Im Se-mi), who is both Joon-mo’s wife and Ki-cheol’s first love, joins the case. 

Where to watch: Disney+ or Apple TV

Korean Detective And Investigation Dramas

25. Trigger (2025)

Trigger opens in a Korea with almost zero firearm crime. That changes fast when illegal guns start appearing and gun-related incidents rise.

The plot follows Lee Do (Kim Nam-gil), a righteous detective, as he races to find out who’s putting guns into people’s hands.

Where to watch: Netflix

26. Unmasked (2025)

Who said all thrillers had to be serious? Unmasked mixes thriller and comedy.

A team of investigative journalists has to crack a 20-year-old cold case as a last chance to save their careers. As they dig deeper, the case turns out to be far more complex, and the career-saving assignment becomes a dangerous investigation.

Where to watch: Disney+

27. Stranger (2017 to 2020)

A childhood brain surgery left prosecutor Hwang Shi-mok (Jo Seung-woo) unable to feel emotions, making him rational but cold and isolated.

In Season 1, he teams up with police lieutenant Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doo-na, also known for Kingdom) to solve a murder and root out corruption in the prosecutors’ office. Season 2 puts the prosecution and police on opposing sides.

Where to watch: Netflix

28. Partners For Justice (2018 to 2019)

What happens when an abrasive forensic doctor teams up with a warm-hearted rookie prosecutor?

Jung Jae-young and Jung Yu-mi play the unlikely duo, who solve cases together across two seasons.

Where to watch: Netflix

29. Cafe Minamdang (2022)

Former criminal profiler Nam Han-jun (Seo In-guk) poses as a shaman at Cafe Minamdang, scamming customers out of their money.

He also gets drawn into his customers’ cases and helps solve them, with help from a private detective and his hacker sister, Nam Hye-jun, while detective Han Jae-hui (Oh Yeon-seo) is determined to take him down. It’s one of the lighter, more comedic picks on this list.

Where to watch: Netflix

Time-Slip And Supernatural Korean Crime Dramas

30. He Is Psychometric (2019)

Lee Ahn, played by GOT7’s Park Jin-young, can read the past of a person or object through touch, an ability known as psychometry.

He uses it to help solve a string of cases. If you had the power, would you use it for good or bad?

Where to watch: Apple TV or Prime Video

31. The Guest (2018)

This one is not for the faint of heart: it’s equal parts emotional, scary and thrilling, and its cinematography helps build the dread.

A psychic, Yoon Hwa-pyung (Kim Dong-wook), a Catholic priest, Choi Yoon (Kim Jae-wook), and a detective, Kang Kil-young (Jung Eun-chae), team up against an evil spirit that possesses people and drives them to commit crimes.

32. Life On Mars (2018)

A remake of the 2006 UK series, Life on Mars sees detective Han Tae-joo (Jung Kyung-ho) wake up in 1988 after an accident.

To get back to the present, he has to solve a serial murder case as a detective in a small city.

Where to watch: Apple TV

33. Tunnel (2017)

In 1986, detective Park Gwang-ho (Choi Jin-hyuk) is chasing a culprit when he passes through a tunnel and emerges in 2016.

There he teams up with elite detective Kim Seon-jae (Yoon Hyun-min) and criminal psychologist Shin Jae-yi (Lee Yoo-young) to catch the murderer, in a plot with plenty of unpredictable twists.

Where to watch: Prime Video or Apple TV

34. Signal (2016)

A mysterious walkie-talkie lets criminal profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) in 2015 communicate with detective Lee Jae-han in 1989. Together with detective Cha Soo-hyun (Kim Hye-soo), they reopen cold cases spanning three decades.

Signal’s final episode peaked at 15% nationwide viewership, according to Nielsen Korea. A sequel, The Second Signal, has been filmed, but its broadcast was postponed and no new air date has been confirmed as of October 2026.

Where to watch: Netflix

Which Korean Crime Drama Should You Watch First?

FAQ

What are the best Korean crime thriller dramas?

Signal, Stranger and Beyond Evil are among the most acclaimed, and Beyond Evil won Best Drama at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. For recent releases, Made in Korea, Trigger and The Manipulated are good starting points.

What are the newest Korean crime dramas?

Made in Korea Season 2 premiered on Disney+ on 9 September 2026, and Bloodhounds Season 2 arrived on Netflix on 3 April 2026. Trigger, The Manipulated, Low Life and Mercy for None were all released in 2025.

Where can I watch Korean crime dramas in Singapore?

Most titles on this list are on Netflix or Disney+ in Singapore, with a few on Viu, Apple TV and Prime Video. Availability can change, so check the platform before you start a series.

Are there Korean dramas about serial killers?

Yes. Through the Darkness, Beyond Evil, Flower of Evil, Mouse, Tell Me What You Saw and A Killer Paradox all centre on serial killers.

Will there be a Signal season 2?

A sequel called The Second Signal has been filmed with the original cast, but its broadcast was postponed. As of October 2026, tvN has not confirmed a new air date.

Is Made in Korea getting a second season?

Yes. Made in Korea Season 2 premiered on Disney+ on 9 September 2026, with six episodes set nine years after Season 1.

More K-Drama Reads

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