15 Best Horror K-Dramas Of All Time, Ranked

Summary

• Horror K-dramas offer alternative experiences to those who mainly consume western media, showcasing South Korean storytelling and mythology.
• Prominent horror K-dramas include zombie shows like Kingdom, supernatural series like Hellbound, and slasher stories like Somebody.
• These horror K-dramas blend genres and explore social and political issues within the rich tapestry of Korean history, offering surprising twists and turns for audiences familiar with western storytelling traditions.

The best horror K-dramas showcase the deeply imaginative and compelling storytelling of South Korean TV shows. These shows offer alternative experiences to viewers who mainly consume western media. While romance and comedy remain the most prevalent genres in K-drama, South Korean television and streaming has also produced its fair share of horror as well.

Indeed, from supernatural and fantasy K-dramas to sci-fi and psychological thrillers, horror has certainly made its mark on the history of K-drama. Among the most prominent horror K-dramas are zombie shows like Kingdom and All of Us Are Dead, supernatural series such as Hellbound and The Guest, and slasher stories like Somebody. While horror K-dramas are typically based on South Korean mythology and history, western influences are highly apparent in modern K-dramas as well. Even so, the twists and turns in these horror shows are bound to surprise audiences who are used to the storytelling traditions of the west.

15 Master’s Sun (2013)

Master’s Sun is slightly lighter horror fare. While it very much includes a ghost story, it also includes a mystery and a romance, allowing for a pretty seamless blending of genres. There are moments of terror in the series, but also plenty of humor as events unfold.

The show follows a young woman who can see ghosts as the result of an accident. She meets the CEO of a business conglomerate and discovers that any time she touches him, the ghosts around her disappear. He agrees to help her avoid the ghosts if she’ll help him solve a mystery that involves his own attempted kidnapping.

The series fascinated audiences and was nominated for several television awards in Korea. Multiple cast members won awards from the SBS Drama Awards and the APAN Star Awards and the soundtrack was recognized by both the MelOn and Mnet Asian Music Awards.

14 Possessed (2019)

While plenty of television series will show psychics enjoying their abilities just for fun, or fake psychics taking advantage of others, or psychics using their power for their own selfish gains, Possessed doesn’t use any of those ideas. Instead, the heroine of the series is not a fan of her power and goes out of her way to try to hide it from others. That ends up not working out for her though as a detective employs her help on a case when he discovers what she can do.

That might all sound like a regular detective series with a slightly fantastical bent. The horror, however, comes in the form of a more ghostly addition to the story. What the detective really needs help with is getting rid of the ghost of a murderer who was executed 20 years earlier.

13 Revenant (2023)

Revenant is a fascinating watch for horror fans because it manages to be suitably creepy, even tense, while still being relatively tame to fit broadcast standards. It doesn’t go for the hard-R territory that a slasher movie might, but it can be just as scary.

When a woman’s father dies, she becomes possessed by an evil spirit after touching one of the objects her father left behind. As the people around her start dying, she joins forces with a folklore professor to not only uncover the mysteries surrounding the deaths, but to figure out just who or what is attached to her and slowly taking over. Luckily, the folklore professor happens to be able to see ghosts and can see the evil spirit around her.

The series was nominated for a slew of awards across South Korea, winning several SBS Drama Awards. The series was also presented at several film festivals for consideration and picked up awards in both New York and Texas.

12 Nightmare High (2016)

Here, high school is the stuff of literal nightmares…

High school has long been a particular favorite setting for horror. That’s why so many classic horror movies are about teenagers. Here, high school is the stuff of literal nightmares though.

An accident means a homeroom teacher is temporarily replaced by someone new. When the new teacher takes on the position, however, things at this Korean high school take a turn for the creepy. Nightmares of students start to become a reality. The student body president starts their own investigation into just how to put a stop to the nightmares and whether the teacher has the power to make them all come true.

At only 12 episodes that run about 15 minutes each, this webseries is a quick watch, but one that will definitely leave the viewers thinking, since the show leaves the audience with just as many questions as it answers.

11 Hotel Del Luna (2019)

While not as terrifying as other horror K-Dramas, Hotel Del Luna has a fascinating premise. The titular hotel is more like purgatory, a waystation for souls as they get ready to move on to the reincarnation cycle from their previous life. The hotel, however, is staffed by souls who have been there for decades, or in some cases, centuries, as those souls have reasons for not moving on, like the owner herself, whose soul is tied to the hotel as punishment for a grievous crime she committed a thousand years earlier.

The hotel does have to be managed by a human as there are still very earthy needs, like interacting with other human beings during special circumstances or paying bills, that the ghostly inhabitants and staff cannot fulfill. The series kicks off with a new manager who slowly reveals secrets about the hotel and its staff.

Hotel Del Luna ranks among the highest-rated cable television shows in Korean TV history. The most-watched episode of the show was the finale as the audience tuned in for answers when it aired live. The series was nominated for several awards in South Korea, but most of its wins were related to the music of the series. The international love for the show, however, has prompted the development of a US remake.

10 Kingdom (2019-2021)

Largely considered to be one of the best K-drama zombie shows of all time, Kingdom unfolds during the Joseon Dynasty. The narrative revolves around a political conspiracy triggered by a mysterious plague that turns people into flesh-eating monsters. The Crown Prince, Lee Chang, discovers the epidemic’s supernatural origin and must navigate political intrigue while fighting to save his kingdom.

As the undead threat intensifies, characters grapple with personal and political dilemmas. The series masterfully blends historical drama, political intrigue, and horror elements, creating a riveting narrative with compelling characters. Kingdom not only delivers thrilling suspense, but also explores social and political issues within the rich tapestry of Korean history.

The series was nominated for several awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards and picked up three wins from the Asia Content Awards including a technical award for Best Visual Effects.

9 All Of Us Are Dead (2022)

The students of Class 2–5 must get over their differences in order to escape the zombie invasion of their school in All of Us Are Dead. Unraveling both in said school and across different locations in the fictional South Korean city of Hyosan, this horror K-drama focuses on the emotional struggles and alliances formed during the outbreak, offering a fresh perspective on the zombie genre.

From students and their parents to the medical and military officials of Hyosan, All of Us Are Dead’s ensemble cast unveils a socially nuanced interpretation of a subgenre that has vastly dominated South Korean horror. Though the first season of the show was nominated for several awards, the bulk of the recognition went to the young cast for their compelling performances. Yoon Chan-young won Best New Actor and Park Ji-hu won Best New Actress at the APAN Star Awards following the release.

8 The Guest (2018)

The South Korean thriller The Guest follows the lives of three individuals – a psychic, a Catholic priest, and a skeptical detective – brought together to combat demonic possessions and solve mysterious crimes. As they unravel dark secrets and confront supernatural forces, the trio discovers an intricate web of evil linking their pasts.

The series weaves psychological horror with intense character development, exploring the thin line between good and evil. With its gripping narrative, eerie atmosphere, and stellar performances, The Guest stands out in the K-drama landscape, offering a unique blend of crime, horror, and the supernatural.

Though the series didn’t earn any award show recognition, it has received comparisons to Evil in the US, which features a similar premise of an investigation into supernatural occurrences with a priest and a skeptic in the mix. Both shows have an unsettling aura that makes them stand out from other horror.

7 Somebody (2022)

While it has a reputation for being a steamy or sexy K-drama because of some of the romance in the series, Somebody is also a compelling horror series and psychological thriller. The story revolves around Kim-sum, a tech developer who has Asperger’s syndrome. Kim-sum designed the successful AI-assisted dating app called Somebody.

After an unknown person starts using the dating app to pick his new murder victims, Kim-sum embarks on a journey to track down the killer. Meanwhile, a shaman and veteran cop – the only friends of Kim-sum – also investigate the killings separately. Unlike most K-dramas aimed at terrifying audiences, Somebody is a rare and unique erotic horror that really makes the audience think about just how modern technology and social media can be used for nefarious purposes.

6 Hell Is Other People/Strangers from Hell (2019)

Hell Is Other People – also known as Strangers from Hell – is a chilling South Korean psychological thriller. This horror K-drama follows Yoon Jong-woo, a young man who moves to Seoul when he gets a new internship and finds affordable housing in an eerie, run-down apartment. Despite his misgivings about the apartment, he can’t turn it down because he’s short on money.

As he tries to adapt to city life, he discovers that his neighbors are far from ordinary – they harbor dark secrets and exhibit disturbing behavior, and he gradually begins to fear them as strange things start happening in the building. The drama in Hell Is Other People intensifies as Jong-woo delves deeper into the mysteries of his surroundings and neighbors, leading to a gripping exploration of paranoia and fear in the crowded urban landscape.

The series won the Grand Prize at the Cable TV Broadcasting Awards in 2020.

5 Hellbound (2021-)

Hellbound was the first Korean drama to premiere at the Toronto International film festival, piquing interest in the series early. Following its airing in South Korea, it would go on to win several awards for its cast at various Korean TV and pop culture award shows.

Based on Korean megachurches, Hellbound envisions a world where seemingly divine beings condemn people to hell at specified times. The story centers on a mysterious religious group led by Jin Kyung-hoon, whose teachings about impending damnation draw global attention. As supernatural and demonic beings enforce these divine judgments, society descends into chaos, prompting the rise of tribalism among groups who interpret the events in different ways.

Hellbound unflinchingly dives into themes of faith, power, and morality. With intense performances and a unique premise, Hellbound explores the intersection of the supernatural and human society, raising questions about justice and the afterlife. The factions in Hellbound will return in season 2, which is still in development.

4 Sweet Home (2020-)

Sweet Home
was the first Korean series to enter the Netflix Top 10 in the United States

Reclusive teenager Cha Hyun-soo moves into a rundown apartment complex after a traumatic incident in the horror fantasy drama Sweet Home. As Hyun-soo grapples with his own demons, a monstrous epidemic breaks out, turning residents into grotesque creatures reflecting their inner fears and desires.

Hyun-soo, now forced into a fight for survival, forms alliances with other survivors. The series explores the darkness within humanity, blurring the lines between monster and human. With breathtaking visuals, intense action, and psychological depth, Sweet Home creates a harrowing tale of fear, resilience, and the struggle for humanity in the face of unexplained horrors.

Sweet Home was the first Korean series to enter the Netflix Top 10 in the United States, and following the release of the first season, it would also end up in the Netflix Top 10 for 70 other countries around the world. Actor Song Kang also won Character of the Year in 2021 at the Seoul International Drama Awards.

3 Goedam (2020-)

Goedam is a South Korean horror anthology series that delves into the supernatural. Comprised of 8 short stories, each episode explores different facets of horror rooted in Korean folklore and urban legends. From vengeful spirits to ancient curses, the narratives unfold in a mysterious apartment building, connecting the characters through a shared experience of the paranormal, though each episode truly stands on its own.

With its chilling atmosphere and unexpected twists, Goedam brings traditional horror elements to the screen – in a modern setting that’s all too familiar for audiences. The anthology format allows for diverse storytelling, making Goedam a captivating journey for fans of horror seeking a variety of frightful tales.

The series is also a very quick watch as each story is only about 10 minutes long. Though the show has never officially been canceled, so far, there is only one season released, though fans would surely be intrigued by more small bits of horror and folklore.

2 The Cursed (2020)

The Cursed, a South Korean mystery thriller, revolves around Im Jin-hee, a reporter investigating a powerful and corrupt family. As she delves into the Forest family’s dark secrets, she encounters supernatural forces that seem to protect the family. The Forests are entangled in a curse, and Jin-hee becomes embroiled in the struggle between those seeking justice and the malevolent forces at play.

Blending social commentary with supernatural elements, the series explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of unchecked privilege. With intense suspense and a gripping narrative, The Cursed weaves a tale of intrigue, exposing the sinister underbelly of wealth and influence in contemporary society.

The series was well received by Korean audiences with the show’s finale pulling in the biggest live-audience numbers for the show. The Cursed went on to win Best Original Screenplay at the Asian Academy Creative Awards following its release.

1 Soul (2009)

The underrated and nearly forgotten crime horror K-drama Soul has a unique and strange plot. The story revolves around Ha-na, who becomes possessed by the raging spirit of her introverted twin sister Doo-na, who died in a fire. While possessed by Doo-na, Ha-na gains inhuman strength and other supernatural powers.

When expert profiler and criminal psychologist Shin Ryu discovers Ha-na’s strange abilities, he begins to use the possessed girl to go after criminals who have previously evaded the law. Of course, he also wants to use her possession to gain revenge against the man who helped his family’s killer evade punishment. While there are many supernatural Korean horror series that explore morality and justice, Soul has a unique concept that allows it to stand out from other K-dramas.