Every year,K-dramasare becoming increasingly popular, but the genre can be intimidating for some and tedious for others. That’s where out-of-the-box shows come into play, acting as ideal introduction series for those hesitant to fully dive into K-dramas right away.Slice-of-like K-dramas,or those centered around romance, might be too trope-filled for newcomers to handle. The experimental or out-of-the-box series are those that aremore innovative and unusual compared to the typical K-drama.
These series tend to have darker stories but still feature the strong performances and gripping, dramatic storylines expected of a K-drama. Instead of falling within the romance, comedy, or coming-of-age genres, they most often land in thehistorical, fantasy, action, and horror genres. There’s a range of unique K-dramas waiting to be watched by audiences starting on their K-drama journey, fromSquid GametoArthdal Chronicles.
Arthdal Chronicles
Cast
In a mythical land called Arth, this historical fantasy series depicts the inhabitants of Arthdal and surrounding regions as they vie for power and forge a new society. The show explores the complex dynamics among tribes and individuals striving for dominance in a primitive world.
An effective way of getting into K-dramas is by finding a series with qualities comparable to that of another popular show.For audiences that enjoyGame of Thrones,Arthdal Chroniclesacts as an ideal K-drama equivalent. The latter series was heavily compared by critics toGame of Thronesfor its storytelling and high production values.The costly K-dramais set in a mythical land known as Arth, where its inhabitants experience times of romance and political conflict.
10 K-Dramas With Masterclass Acting
From Itaewon Class to It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, some amazing K-dramas were elevated by the performances of their cast and became instant classics.
The visual effects and grand sets seen throughout the show are impressive andtruly immerse audiences into the series' fantasy setting. The drama presented within the show is gripping, too, covering everything from religion to powerful alliances. When taking into considerationArthdal Chronicles' large budget, the series underperformed in South Korea. The K-drama’s viewership wasn’t abysmal by any means, but it wasn’t as high as everyone had anticipated.
The School Nurse Files
The School Nurse Files is a South Korean television series that follows school nurse Ahn Eun-young, who possesses the unique ability to see and eradicate supernatural creatures that are invisible to others. Navigating her dual role of healer and protector, she partners with a fellow teacher to investigate and combat the supernatural occurrences that plague their school. Jung Yu-mi stars as the quirky and determined nurse, supported by Nam Joo-hyuk.
Based on a 2015 novel by sci-fi fantasy author Chung Serang,The School Nurse Filesis not only a great series for K-drama beginners to enjoy, but it’s alsoa series that’s easy to binge in a day.The School Nurse Filesis primarilycentered around Ahn Eun-young (Jung Yu-mi), a school nursewith the ability to see jelly-like shells that form around individuals. These jellies represent a variety of human desires and feelings and are mostly harmless.
However, there are a few jellies that transform into dangerous monsters, and that’s when Eun-young teams up with a teacher at her new school, Hong In-pyo (Nam Joo-hyuk), to defeat the monsters. Withonly six episodesto its name, it’s easy to get addicted toThe School Nurse Filesand fly through every episode. The humor, fast-paced action, and colorful jelly special effects make for a fun watch.
The Uncanny Counter
The Uncanny Counter is a South Korean television series that follows a group of demon hunters called Counters, who disguise themselves as employees in a noodle restaurant to track down and banish evil spirits.
Based on theAmazing Rumorwebtoon,The Uncanny Counteris a well-balanced K-drama that features exciting bits of action and moments of levity as audiences become familiar with its main group of characters. The series centers on So Mun (Jo Byeong-kyu), a physically disabled student with a strong desire to protect others and seek justice. Mun finds himself part of the Counters,a group of demon hunters tasked with banishing evil spiritsthat escape the afterlife.
The spirits seek out murderous individuals and possess them, encouraging them to kill so they can take on the spirit of the victim. The K-drama is dark, mysterious, and full of fun. The members of the Counters are distinct in their personalities and physical abilities. The latter is displayed inThe Uncanny Counter’s choreographed martial arts scenes, which are up to par with someincredible martial artsfilms.
Stranger
Stranger is a South Korean television series that follows prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo), who, after undergoing brain surgery, lacks emotion but gains heightened rationality. Partnering with police detective Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona), he tackles corruption within the prosecution system, aiming to uncover the hidden truths behind a tangled web of deceit and crime. The series is praised for its intricate plot, compelling characters, and gripping narrative.
Strangerisa captivating crime thrillerthat effectively evolves its core conflict and mystery with a second season. Unlike most K-dramas,Stranger’s development began with multiple seasons in mind, which is apparent in the series' tight writing and natural progression in season 2. In season 1, prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo) and police lieutenant Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) team up to investigate a murder. Their investigation is continuously hindered by the ongoing corruption conspiracy between chaebol families and the prosecution office.
There are compelling layers of mystery and deceit throughout each season, making Stranger a K-drama guaranteed to have audiences hooked.
There are compelling layers of mystery and deceit throughout each season, makingStrangera K-drama guaranteed to have audiences hooked.The pairing of Si-mok and Yeo-jin is exciting to watch growas well, with the two finding commonality in their pursuit of justice.Stranger’s strong performances and engaging storytelling led it to receive positive attention from audiences worldwide.
D.P.
D.P. is a South Korean drama series that follows a young private tasked with capturing army deserters. As he pursues his duty, the narrative delves into the harsh and often painful experiences faced by soldiers during their mandatory military service.
Plenty of K-dramas explore a range of social issues specific to South Korea, including unrealistic beauty standards and the pressure students feel to succeed in academic settings. Other K-dramas, likeD.P.,seek to address the flaws within the South Korean military. The series, whose name is an acronym for Deserter Pursuit, follows a group of military officers tasked with tracking down deserters. As a whole, the series looks at the mistreatment and discrimination experienced by those in the military at the hands of their superiors.
Topics highlighted in the series include cruel acts of hazing and LGBTQ+ discrimination. While the various subjects are tricky to address,D.P.does so in a way that is insightful and compassionate. The themes in seasons 1 and 2 are mostly the same, but the K-drama’s uncompromising look into the mistreatment keeps audiences' attention and interest in the series' important narrative.
Beyond Evil
In a small town, two policemen with hidden pasts are drawn into a complex web of secrets as they investigate a new killing that mirrors an unresolved cold case. The series delves into themes of trust, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
It’s easy for criminal investigations to turn into a complicated mess, and few K-dramas portray this better thanBeyond Evil. The series follows two opposing officers —the eccentric sergeant Lee Dong-sik (Shin Ha-kyun) and the strict detective Han Joo-won (Yeo Jin-goo)— asthey track down a serial killer. Throughout their investigation, it quickly becomes clear that anyone could be the perpetrator, even someone working on the case.
10 K-Dramas That Are Considered Masterpieces
Masterpiece K-dramas have well-crafted characterizations, impactful storytelling, a well-paced plot, and thought-provoking conflicts that resonate.
Beyond Evilis considered one ofthe best K-drama detective seriesasit boasts a strong chemistry between its lead detectivesand poses thoughtful questions about human nature. The chaos and mystery within the series are also well-written, makingBeyond Evila K-drama that’ll keep audiences guessinguntil the very end. Just when it appears the detectives have come one step closer to solving the case, they’re thrown for another loop.
Kingdom
Based on the webtoonThe Kingdom of the Gods,Kingdom is a 2019 South Korean historical drama-horror series created for Netflix. Lee Chang, the crown prince of a fictional interpretation of 16th-century Korea, is forced to stand in for his ailing father as a plague begins to ravage their homeland, all while fighting off would-be-usurpers to the throne.
As K-dramas continue to find success with international audiences, Netflix further solidifies itself as a reputable platform for these series.Netflix’s first original K-dramaisKingdom, an inspired and refreshing horror series.Combining a zombie plague with political tension, the K-drama takes place at the start of the 17th century and follows the Crown Prince of Joseon, Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon).
Kingdomhas a 98% rating onRotten Tomatoes.
While uncovering what’s led to the king’s sudden illness, Lee Chang discovers a deadly epidemic taking over the kingdom, which brings back the dead as terrifying zombies. Amid this trouble, the prince also works to prevent his political opponents from assuming his role. Despite the unceasing relevancy of zombies in films and television,Kingdommanages to feel like a breath of fresh air. Thecompelling story, engaging action scenes, and frightful visualselevateKingdomabove other zombie series, making it a must-watch K-drama.
Squid Game
Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 that follows numerous financially struggling participants who are invited to partake in children’s games with deadly outcomes. As they compete, they vie for a substantial cash prize, all while navigating lethal challenges orchestrated by mysterious figures.
Gaining international attention and critical acclaim when it first arrived on Netflix in 2021,Squid Gameis an essential series for audiences that have trouble connecting with K-dramas. The K-drama revolves around a large group of financially struggling individuals who are given the opportunity to compete for a large sum of money. However,the catch is, if they lose one of the games, they are killed. The societal critiques in the series are specific to South Korea, but are nevertheless insightful and can be understood by audiences worldwide.
Considering its unique premise and shocking twists, it’s no wonder whySquid Gamebecame such a hit. The violence andbrutal deaths inSquid Gameare unrelenting, and may not be for everyone. Still, the riveting K-drama is rewarding for those willing to endure the intensity. The popular, seemingly innocent South Korean childhood games with deadly consequences support the series' sharp commentary on class struggles and capitalism.
Vincenzo
During a visit to his homeland, a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer gives an unrivaled conglomerate a taste of its own medicine with a side of justice.
The act of taking down powerful corporations is seen throughout severalrevenge K-dramas, includingVincenzo. The start of the series revolves around the Cassano family and the series' protagonist,Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong-ki), a brilliant lawyer and consigliere for the mafia. While some fascinating family drama is introduced following the death of Vincenzo’s adoptive father, the start of the series is admittedly a bit slow.
Vincenzois intense, and there’s rarely a dull moment, as most episodes are full of surprising twists and wonderful performances.
However, the pacing of the series speeds up when Vincenzo flees to Seoul in hopes of recovering buried gold. With the help of attorney Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been) and the tenants of the plaza on top of the gold, Vincenzo uses methods learned from the mafia to dismantle a powerful corporation.Vincenzois intense, and there’s rarely a dull moment, as most episodes are full of surprising twists and wonderful performances. The shift in Jang Jun-woo’s (Ok Taec-yeon) persona is especially exciting to watch unfold.
Hellbound
Netflix’s Hellbound is a Korean Drama and Dark Fantasy series that is directed by Yeon Sang-ho and based on his graphic novel, The Hellbound Volume 1. The series takes place in a modern fantastical version of Korea in which strange creatures pick and choose individuals to send to Hell.
Surpassing the popularity ofSquid Gameon Netflix at one point,Hellboundis a thrilling dark fantasy seriesthat explores numerous thought-provoking themes. Set in the near future,the series sees beings known as angels appear and sentence people to Hell, giving them an exact date in which they will be taken away. When the given date arrives, three terrifying supernatural beings present themselves and brutally attack and burn the sentenced individuals.
Hellbound’s narrative is undeniably intense and the exploitative response from other characters in the show is fascinating to watch play out. The K-drama has a solid amount of disturbing violence and gruesome deaths, but its strong writing justifies these actions and makes it easier to watch. In addition to its frightening visuals,Hellbound’s screenplay has been lauded by critics for its ability to present a truly unique and terrifying story, incorporating themes of religion, morality, and sin.
