Mysteries, Thrillers, Detectives and Murder
To qualify for this list, I need to have seen it.
Also, the order is completely random.
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1. Stranger
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I have so much nostalgia for this. It was my first Korean thriller. I love the dialogue, and I was very invested in it at the time. I watched it twice over, back to back. Then a few more times. In hindsight, if I watched it these days I'd probably enjoy it far less. Still excellent though.
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2. The Good Detective
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
This drama knows what it intends to do, and the execution is great. Every recommendation, this is such an easy watch. Season 2 does not reach the same heights, but still worth it if you loved the characters.
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3. Through the Darkness
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Does exactly what it sets out to do. Complete story, but not draggy. Each case feels different yet incredibly convincing. Great acting, and definitely worth a watch for those who enjoy the genre. Based off true events.
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4. May It Please the Court
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Brilliant. Cohesive story that builds until it culminates in the final episodes. Morally complex characters that are always engaging and superbly acted. There is great friend-chemistry between the main leads that is absolutely hilarious and welcome comic relief in this otherwise heavy and serious story. One of the best dramas of 2022.
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5. Kairos
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Best across-time-communication(is that the right description?) drama I've ever seen. Keeps you on your toes, and the ML actor absolutely slayed.
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6. Beyond Evil
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Some very impressive acting from one of the main leads. The other lead I find no faults, he just pales in comparison. This is a very good thriller, though it would have benefited from a more compact narrative and less episodes (second half was so slow).
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7. 365: Repeat the Year
Korean Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
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8. Watcher
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Great, but difficult to emotionally engage with. The ending was slow. It's a pity the "mysterious" villian was typecast, so the tension was lessened.
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9. Cross
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
By no means perfect, but there's something about this drama that I love, despite its flaws. The character growth of the protagonist is very clear, and with a revenge plot and tragic past, this was very much my cup of tea. Beware the medical gore.
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10. The Guardians
Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes
I should rewatch this. It's been years, and I honestly can't remember much at all. I'm not even sure if it fits on this list. But it is a thriller and I think there was a murder or two...
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11. The Lies Within
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Not a train-wreck, but really nothing special either. Considering all the gems I have on hold, I'm surprised I finished this.
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12. Awaken
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Goes downhill. Don't waste your time.
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13. He Is Psychometric
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Over-rated, but not without its charms. There were moments I really enjoyed, though I was disappointed by the conclusion to the mystery. It was a great twist, but I guess that one actor just didn't compel me at all. Finished due to peer pressure to be honest. Still worth a watch.
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14. Flower of Evil
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Pure fun. Really, this drama was hugely successful for a reason. There are some... plot holes with the main antagonist that I wish didn't exist, but I'm willing to overlook them for the awesome ride that this drama delivers. It's good, but over-rated. Don't expect the moon, just enjoy it.
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15. Save Me Season 2
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Very slow. Protagonists aren't particularly likable, but wow, is it creepy. Enjoyed it more than I expected.
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16. Solomon's Perjury
Korean Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
I very much enjoyed this. But I was incredibly sleep-deprived at the time, and watched it all in one go. I recommend this, though I definitely didn't watch this one with much scrutiny.
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17. Tunnel
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Difficult to get into due the the protagonist's dated gender politics. It improves, and I managed to finish.
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18. Children of Nobody
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
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19. Nobody Knows
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Good. But at the same time convoluted. I really feel this could have had a much greater impact if it was shorter. Also, I guess I don't like all the religious imagery - it somehow makes it feel faker and less chilling. Also, the villain is obvious and boring. Still the main characters are so easy to get invested in, and therefore this is still worth the watch.
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20. Decoy: Part 1
Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
The lighting was a bit dark, and I'm not a fan of time jumps in narratives, though it works here. The delay between part 1 and part 2 sucked out my immersion and I haven't finished it, despite trying.
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21. My Perfect Stranger
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Okay. Typical time-travel pitfalls. A mysterious killer. Generally engaging, but slow. Tonally, a very nostalgic watch.
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22. Revenge of Others
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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23. Flex X Cop
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
An easy watch with well-written characters to keep it engaging. Don't take it too seriously and you'll have a lot of fun.
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24. Miraculous Brothers
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
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25. Hide
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Great start. The rest remains to be seen.
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26. Connection
Korean Drama - 2024, 14 episodes
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27. Black Out
Korean Drama - 2024, 14 episodes