There are plenty of great horror and thriller best K-dramas are known for their intense plots, somewhat awkward humor, and quirky plot lines. However, many K-dramas are equally entertaining as they are complex and full of depth.
Recent K-dramas with darker themes have performed well in South Korea as well as across the world thanks to streaming. The biggest example is Squid Game, which became Netflix's most-watched show of all time and has yet to be topped. Other recent examples include Sweet Home and Gyeongseong Creature. However, whereas there weren't many laughs in Squid Game season 1, other dark K-dramas found room for humor.
10 Alchemy Of Souls (2022)
Directed by Park Joon-hwa
Alchemy of Souls
- Release Date
- 2022 - 2023-00-00
Cast
Lee Jae-wook-
Hwang Min-hyun
WHERE TO WATCH
Alchemy of Souls is a South Korean TV series set in the fictional Daeho kingdom, following the lives of mages whose fate is altered by the practice of soul-shifting. Directed by Park Joon-hwa, the series stars Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, and Hwang Min-hyun, weaving together themes of magic, mystery, and destiny as characters navigate their intertwined lives under the influence of powerful spells and political intrigue.
- Seasons
- 2
- Main Genre
- Fantasy
Alchemy of Souls is one of the best fantasy K-dramas, full of high-stakes action and fighting with a mysterious magical plot line based on Chinese mythology. The show follows a noble boy, Jang Uk (Lee Jae-Wook) who struggles with the cultivation of his magical powers until a powerful warrior trapped in the body of a young woman, Mu-Deok (Jung So-Min) teaches him her skills.
This series revolves around dark magic and its dangers, as the "alchemy of souls" is what trapped the vengeful spirit of a warrior, Na-ksu, in the body of Mu-deok. The consequences of this may be catastrophic, but several moments of levity and comedy make their way into certain episodes. This is mainly due to the complicated situation in which Na-ksu finds herself, with the stakes only heightened more when the leads fall in love. For example, Mu-Deok's drunken confession to Jang Uk is not only hilariously out-of-character for the lethal assassin but also creates a sense of awkward tension.
9 The Killer's Shopping List (2022)
Directed by Lee Eon-hie
The Killer's Shopping List is a delightfully eccentric K-drama about a murder mystery. In this series, a cashier named Ahn Dae Seong (Lee Kwang-soo) stumbles upon a dead body in his neighborhood and enlists the help of his girlfriend and mom to discover the identity of the killer by using receipts from the supermarket.
Though the show ultimately revolves around a shockingly tragic event, the premise of the series alone reveals that there will be many moments of comedy baked into The Killer's Shopping List. This is apparent in the comedic banter between the characters of the show as they embark on their absurd investigation. Not to mention, the unconventional nature of the team of investigators results in a series of humorous run-ins with suspects and side characters along the way.
8 All Of Us Are Dead (2022)
Directed by Lee JQ
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All Of Us Are Dead
- Release Date
- January 28, 2022
- Network
- Netflix
- Writers
- Chun Sung-il
Cast
-
Park Ji-huNam On-jo
-
Yoon Chan-youngLee Cheong-san
WHERE TO WATCH
All of Us Are Dead is a South Korean series that centers on a high school overrun by a zombie virus outbreak. The students, facing an unprecedented crisis, must navigate survival while combating the threat of becoming part of the undead horde.
- Seasons
- 1
This nail-biting horror drama is one of Netflix's successful K-drama productions. All of Us Are Dead follows a group of teens in high school who get trapped after a zombie outbreak begins at their school. What ensues is a chaotic race to escape from the infected, while loyalties are tested.
10 All Of Us Are Dead Characters, Ranked Worst To Best
All of Us Are Dead’s cast included several characters, from heroes to villains, some of which stole the show every time they were on screen.
All of Us Are Dead is a proper zombie drama with classic horror tropes, gory costuming, solid VFX, and a high-stakes plot. However, though the students may be facing dire circumstances, the show still has comedic moments that shine through in a variety of ways. As the teenagers battle the undead, high school drama and dynamics hilariously interfere simultaneously. Not to mention, the concept of a zombie outbreak originating from a rat in a high school classroom is humorously anti-climactic compared to other zombie shows, adding to the absurd nature of this teen drama series.
7 Inspector Koo (2021)
Directed by Lee Jung-heum
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Inspector Koo
- Release Date
- 2021 - 2021-00-00
Cast
-
Lee Young-aeKoo Kyung-yi
-
Kim Hye-junSong Yi-kyung/K
WHERE TO WATCH
Inspector Koo: A reclusive ex-police officer turned insurance investigator is drawn back into a world of crime, unraveling intricately staged crime scenes crafted by a cunning serial killer. As she unravels these mysteries, she must confront her own past and the dangers lurking in the present.
- Seasons
- 1
- Main Genre
- Crime
Inspector Koo is another riveting K-drama that has made waves on Netflix. This crime thriller K-drama centers around an ex-cop, Koo Kyung Ki (Lee Young-ae), who decides to return to the field and become a detective in a murder case. Eventually, she finds herself entangled with a dangerous college student that she believes to be the killer.
In this series, Koo's situation is often perilous, as she works to determine the identity of the killer and eventually bring them to justice. However, along the way, there are lighthearted, laughable moments sprinkled in. Some of these stem from the dark, dry humor that runs consistently throughout the show and in the dialogue between characters. For example, scenes like the scam in the church to steal money from the donation bin, add a level of humor to the overall dark and mysterious tone of the series.
6 The Fiery Priest (2019-2024)
Directed by Lee Myung-woo
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The Fiery Priest
- Release Date
- 2019 - 2024-00-00
- Network
- SBS
- Directors
- Lee Myung-woo
Cast
-
Kim Nam-gilKim Hae-Il
-
Kim Sung-kyunKoo Dae-Young
WHERE TO WATCH
The Fiery Priest follows a priest with a strong sense of justice who collaborates with a detective and a prosecutor to solve the mysterious death of an elderly priest. Together, they aim to expose and punish wrongdoers who misuse religion for personal gain, highlighting the need for ability and justice.
The Fiery Priest is a quirky drama about the lives of two unlikely people whose fates become intertwined. When a retired secret agent turned priest, Kim Hae-II (Kim Nam-gil), sets out to solve a murder and expose the underbelly of the criminals involved, he is challenged by Goo Dae-young (Kim Sung-kyun), a city detective.
The series is a great action flick full of intense fight scenes and nefarious villains, with a serious high-stakes plot line. Like similar K crime dramas, The Fiery Priest has several funny moments that stem from the situational comedy of the series. From slow-motion action shots used for comedic effects, to the bumbling, ragtag group of crime fighters, this show is steeped in slapstick humor that balances the darker moments of the show. For example, a stolen ceramic vase is used as a teapot by an unaware nun in Kim Hae-II's congregation.
5 LTNS (2024)
Directed by Lim Dae-hyung and Jeon Go-woon
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LTNS: In this contemporary drama, Woo-jin and Samuel navigate the complexities of a long-term relationship as they confront emotional and physical stagnation. The series explores the couple's journey to rekindle love and intimacy amid everyday challenges, offering a poignant look at the ebb and flow of modern partnerships.
- Seasons
- 1
- Main Genre
- Comedy
Few romantic K-dramas follow the couple after their love story has soured. LTNS (Long Time No See) is an exception, with the plot of this relatively new K-drama focusing on a married couple who runs an investigative business that exposes cheating couples.
LTNS is a witty, thought-provoking exploration of love and relationships that has a genuine message. Its titular characters, Woo-jin (Esom) and Samuel (Ahn Jae Hong) are an example of a couple that has run its course, something that is bittersweet and heartbreaking, awkward at moments due to the nature of their profession. Besides this situational comedy of their dynamic, the banter between the characters is humorous and raunchy. Any intimate situations between cheating couples are painted in a comedic light with the married investigators' reactions.
4 The Kings Affection (2021)
Directed by Song Hyun-wook
The King's Affection is a popular K-drama that takes place in the Joseon Dynasty. This Korean period piece drama follows a princess, Lee Hwi (Park Eun-Bin) who must assume the identity of her crown prince brother who has ed away, to safely live in the palace. However, her romantic feelings for her male tutor create challenges for the princess.
This K-drama is an enjoyable watch for those who love romantic comedies, while still delving into deeper themes about gender, class position, and identity in a meaningful way. During the story, slapstick comedy is used often for comedic effect. For example, as Lee Hwi adjusts to her new disguise, her clumsiness and lack of decorum create a variety of enjoyable comedic moments for the audience. The premise of the show only becomes more humorous as Lee Hwi falls deeper in love with her unknowing tutor, who first believes her to be the prince.
3 Mr. Queen (2020-21)
Directed by Yoon Sung-sik
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Mr. Queen is a South Korean television series that tells the story of a modern-day chef, Jang Bong-hwan, who mysteriously travels back in time to the Joseon era and inhabits the body of Queen Cheorin, the wife of King Cheoljong. As the queen, he must navigate the complexities of royal life while trying to find a way to return to his own time.
- Seasons
- 1
Another popular historical K-drama in the Joseon Dynasty is Mr. Queen, an eccentric story about a chef, Shin Hye-sun (Kim So-yong) who accidentally time travels to the past, inhabiting the body of a queen. What follows is a series of chaotic and ridiculous events as the palace adjusts to the queen's strange transformation.
Several moments in this series have an opportunity for comedy, despite the challenging circumstances of Shin Hye-sun's predicament. Physical and slapstick comedy are also used liberally in this drama, from the lead's adjustment to his new, female body, to his awkward attempts to hide his identity and naturally fit in within the royal world of the Joseon era. For example, the new queen must prepare for an wedding to a male prince and perform his royal duties, all while hiding his true identity as a modern chef.
2 Happiness (2021)
Directed by Ahn Gil-ho
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Happiness (2021) is a South Korean drama series directed by Ahn Gil-ho. Set in a post-apocalyptic world plagued by a deadly virus, the plot centers around a group of people quarantined in an apartment complex as they navigate survival and psychological challenges. Park Hyung-sik and Han Hyo-joo lead the cast, portraying characters who face moral dilemmas and societal breakdowns while striving to maintain their humanity.
- Seasons
- 1
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
Happiness is a well-written medical drama that chronicles the story of an apartment where a deadly virus breaks out, threatening the lives and well-being of its tenants. Two of its tenants, Jung Yi Hyun (Park Hyung-Sik) and Yoon Saw-bom (Han Hyo-joo) set out to discover the origins of the mysterious disease and stop its spread.
Happiness adds something fresh to the zombie thriller by allowing the characters to find a cure by the end that is able to reverse the effects of the disease.
This apocalyptic thriller is a darker watch. In this futuristic society, where disease runs rampant, zombies, poverty, and dirtiness are common. Despite its bleak setting, the dynamic between Jung Yu Hyun and Yoon Saw-bom brings brief moments of comedy to the script. For example, Yoon Saw-bom frequently teases her male partner-in-crime, using sarcasm to make light of their dangerous situation. Physical comedy is also apparent in the action and fighting scenes between the leads and the side characters they encounter along the way.
1 Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)
Directed by PD Oh Hyun-joong
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Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
- Release Date
- 2016 - 2017-00-00
- Directors
- Oh Hyun-jong
- Writers
- Yang Hee-seung
Cast
-
Lee Sung-kyung
-
Nam Joo-hyuk
Inspired by the life of an Olympic weightlifting champion, this series follows the coming-of-age story of Kim Bok-joo, a young athlete discovering her path in weightlifting and love. As she pursues her dreams, she struggles with the everyday trials of sports training and young love.
- Seasons
- 1
- Main Genre
- Romance
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is a heartfelt coming-of-age that focuses on a group of athletes in college who must navigate friendship, romance, and competition. When one of the students, Kim Bok joo (Lee Sung-Kyung), begins to have feelings for her friend's older brother, she enlists the help of her friend who is also in love with her.
This teenage drama delves into everyday issues and challenges of young students, with all the mess and fuss of following one's dreams, while also navigating messy romantic dynamics. Much of the comedy in this classic coming-of-age stems from the interactions and banter between the characters. For example, this K-drama love triangle between the leads causes a series of hilariously relatable, awkward, and embarrassing exchanges that are hard not to laugh at. Best friends Kim Bok Jo and Joon Hyung (Nam Soo-hyuk) also have several humorous and sassy moments of teasing.
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