As a devoted aficionado of South Korean crime thrillers, I must say that the current crop of shows is simply outstanding! Having spent countless hours engrossed in these gripping narratives, I can confidently assert that they rival some of the best productions from Hollywood.
In the last few months, the offerings on Hulu have grown substantially, particularly in terms of foreign films and series. While some titles are removed each month, others remain for years. The addition of Korean dramas and movies has given Hulu subscribers a fresh incentive to renew their subscriptions monthly.
It’s challenging for many individuals to access Korean-focused streaming services like Rakuten Viki, and not every Netflix title is available worldwide. Though Hulu doesn’t have an extensive catalog, it consistently works on adding more South Korean content. Fans of Korean cinema or dramas will be happy to learn that Hulu provides a decent selection of content in this area.
23 Call It Love (2023)
Life’s harsh realities have tossed Sim Woo Joo about, leaving her a humble woman adrift after her father’s passing. Before she has a chance to fully mourn, her father’s mistress evicts her from their shared home, leaving her feeling lost and shattered. She finds solace in the company of the mistress’s son, a man similarly alone, and together they contrive a plan for retribution against her.
What Makes It Great?
In this heartfelt romantic drama, subtly infused with elements of revenge, “Call It Love” features Lee Sung-kyung (as Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo) and Kim Young-kwang (from Pinnochio) as the leading pair. Devoid of flashy gimmicks, it instead delves deeply into the heartwarming human moments, making it a highly relatable and enjoyable K-drama experience for viewers. As you follow their blossoming relationship, it’s just as captivating as watching two characters find love on screen.
22 The Impossible Heir (2024)
The Unyielding Heir
What Makes It Great?
Although some viewers might find it a bit gradual, the series “The Impossible Heir” is brimming with unexpected twists. It lays a strong groundwork, then swiftly gathers momentum, pulling you in with its thrilling narrative. The show underscores the unwavering bond between two friends, emphasizing the power of collaboration and, indeed, does not shy away from incorporating complex romantic elements. In summary, “The Impossible Heir” stands apart due to its expertly crafted suspense and undeniably captivates those who appreciate a good mystery.
21 Adamas (2022)
As a dedicated gamer, I’m hooked on “Adamas,” a gripping series about twin brothers who’ve been haunted by their father’s death for the past 22 years. While my buddy Woo Shin has made a name for himself as a successful mystery novelist, I’m always in the thick of things as Soo Hyun, a public prosecutor dealing with crime after crime. With our unique backgrounds, we’ve got a knack for tracking down the real villain. But to uncover the deeper mysteries and long-forgotten truths, we first need to get our hands on Adamas—a legendary diamond arrow that holds the key to all our questions.
What Makes It Great?
The backgrounds of characters significantly contribute to the success and emotional impact of Korean dramas, such as in the series “Adamas.” This series centers around intricate and beautiful characters whose struggles, though distinct from our own, still resonate due to their familiar emotions and responses. By combining typical cop thriller tropes with nuanced characters, the show creates a moving mystery that explores the delicate nature of life.
20 The Golden Spoon (2022)
“The Golden Spoon” refers to a captivating Korean fantasy show revolving around a life-changing choice made by a young man and the complex repercussions that follow. In this series, Seung Cheon encounters an extraordinary chance when he discovers a magical spoon, learning it has the power to swap his existence with that of his closest friend. Fascinated by his friend’s affluent lifestyle, Seung Cheon leaps without looking back; however, he soon comes to understand that the allure of exchanging lives isn’t as dazzling as initially believed.
What Makes It Great?
“The Golden Spoon‘s gripping plotline resonates with many, as it delves into the common desire to trade places with someone who appears to lead a more fulfilling life. Yet, this series skillfully blends the allure of such a swap with authentic internal struggles. Written with finesse, featuring fresh storylines, compelling character growth, and a magnetic atmosphere, The Golden Spoon is not to be missed.”
19 Revenge of Others (2022)
Revenge for a Brother, explores the heart-wrenching relationship between twins Chan Mi and Soo Heon as a sorrowful tale unfolds. Despite being separated at an early age, these orphans maintained their bond and remained significant figures in each other’s lives. Tragedy strikes when their last phone conversation ends unexpectedly. Upon hearing about Soo Heon’s disappearance, Chan Mi rushes to his school only to learn of her brother’s passing. Suspecting foul play, Chan Mi decides to take action, determined to uncover the killer and bring the truth to light.
What Makes It Great?
The Twin’s Retribution depicts an intensely moving portrayal of the profound bond between twins, focusing primarily on the female protagonist as she delves into the mystery surrounding her brother’s demise. The unvarnished representation of the twin sister’s emotional turmoil is mesmerizingly captivating and underscores the resilience that this young woman embodies. As you progress through the series, it becomes evident that she has spent much of her life striving for independence, with themes of empowerment resonating strongly throughout. This narrative unfolds as a story of deep affection and unwavering determination, where the protagonist seeks retribution and justice when no one else seems willing or able to help.
18 Dr. Romantic (2016)
As an ardent admirer, I’d say the title character of Dr. Romantic, affectionately called “Hand of God,” has garnered quite a reputation as a skilled surgeon. However, he yearns for something beyond fame – a desire to relocate to a serene Korean hamlet and offer his services at a rural healthcare facility. There, he aims to educate fellow doctors on delivering quality care, all while tackling the red tape that impedes patient treatment in his community.
What Makes It Great?
In an unusual move for K-dramas, which typically follow a more conventional structure, the show Dr. Romantic is a heartwarming medical drama that presents three distinct, unrelated seasons. Despite its chaotic nature, it offers a feel-good vibe, portraying the struggles and triumphs experienced by dedicated hospital staff as they work tirelessly to save lives day and night. The charismatic Ahn Hyo-seop takes the lead in this series, supported by a talented ensemble that includes Lee Sung-kyung and Yoo Yeon-seok. With its clever storytelling, Dr. Romantic resonates with audiences universally.
17 The First Responders (2022)
As someone with years of experience working in emergency services, I have seen the best and worst of humanity. The series I am currently watching follows three exceptional heroes who work tirelessly to bring justice and healing to their community. Kim Rae-Won plays Jin Ho-Gae, a brilliant detective who is introverted but incredibly focused when it comes to solving cases. He’s the kind of man who can put his remarkable knowledge to good use without any fuss or drama.
What Makes It Great?
As Hospital Playlist brought tears and joy to viewers, The First Responders stepped in to offer solace by providing similar heartfelt drama alongside a dash of exciting action. One thing that makes this series truly special is witnessing the characters’ growth through each obstacle, leaving you eagerly cheering them on and developing feelings for them.
16 If You Wish Upon Me (2022)
In My Eyes: A Life-Changing Journey of Yoon Gyeo-Rye recounts the turbulent life of a man who experienced significant transformations after years spent at an orphanage. Gyeo-Rye’s choices, often misguided, led him to land in a juvenile detention center and later prison. A pivotal event sparks his determination to change his fate, and when he takes on a job at a hospice, he steps into an entirely fresh setting.
What Makes It Great?
Unlike most other shows you might encounter, “If You Wish Upon Me” stands out by offering a deeply authentic narrative. It masterfully tackles real-world concerns, delving into the rawest aspects of existence, serving as a poignant reminder that meaningful human connections matter greatly because, ultimately, our time on this earth is limited. After watching this series, viewers may find themselves inspired to make a difference in their lives and create treasured memories. In essence, “If You Wish Upon Me” is both heartwarming and healing, making it highly recommended viewing.
15 Moving (2023)
At the heart of our shared experience are Kim Bong-Seok, Jang Hui-Soo, and Lee Gang-Hoon – classmates who share a remarkable secret. To the naked eye, we’re just ordinary teens. But beneath our everyday facade, we harbor an extraordinary legacy passed down from our parents, who run an intelligence agency. This legacy includes supernatural talents such as unparalleled speed, the ability to recover from bullet wounds miraculously, and strength beyond human bounds. As students, we strive to fit in while our elders work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our safety from the dark forces lurking outside our school gates.
What Makes It Great?
A more contemporary addition to the vast Korean drama collection on streaming platforms is the imaginative series titled “Moving“. Director Park In-jae masterfully portrays the fragilities of his robust characters, delving deeper into realms of emotion and human experience that are truly captivating. Furthermore, the innovative cinematography and exceptional visual effects make this show a must-watch experience.
14 Broker (2022)
The story revolves around a woman contemplating whether to bring up her newly born child. Upon discovering an adoption scheme, she decides to place her baby in a designated safe box, known as a “baby box,” used for surrendering infants anonymously. In this movie, titled Parasite, Song Kang-ho portrays an underhanded character who facilitates the sale of these babies. Their latest acquisition is a young girl named So-young, played by IU. As they embark on their mission to find her a new home, these illicit brokers gradually grow attached to her and start treating her as if she were their own offspring.
What Makes It Great?
In 2022, renowned filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for movies like “Our Little Sister” and “Shoplifters”, released another thought-provoking and emotionally charged film titled “Broker”. This movie invites you to reconsider the essence of family through a unique lens. Although it delves into the heavy topic of child trafficking, Kore-eda masterfully guides the narrative towards themes of family, utilizing unexpected characters. The film is filled with heartfelt moments and poignant conversations that will challenge your perception of right and wrong in this unorthodox tale.
13 Revenant (2023)
In a world where humans and demons have lived side by side for many years, we find Gu San-Yeong, a student tormented by one such demonic presence. Yeom Hae-Sang, a gifted exorcist, perceives this very same demon clinging to Gu San-Yeong – the same demon that took his mother’s life when he was young. As they join forces, they embark on an investigation to reveal the secrets behind a series of mysterious deaths over the past ten years connected to five enigmatic artifacts.
What Makes It Great?
In this supernatural thriller series, actors Kim Tae-ri from “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” and Oh Jung-se from “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” take on leading roles. The story navigates through the murky waters of good versus evil, revealing sinister secrets that create an eerie, captivating environment. The talented cast delivers exceptional performances, and the plot maintains a consistent narrative. For those accustomed to light-hearted Korean dramas, be prepared as “Revenant” may appear quite ominous in tone.
12 Hunt (2022)
The narrative unfolds in the year 1980, following the gruesome assassination of a president. In this context, North Korea emerges as a formidable force, preparing for potential invasions and secretly dispatches an undercover agent into the nation. Our protagonists, Park Pyong-Ho and Kim Jung-Do, are high-ranking agents from the Korean Intelligence Agency, tasked with identifying this mysterious spy codenamed Donglim who has infiltrated their ranks.
What Makes It Great?
Beginning with an equally thrilling and fulfilling climax, the movie “Hunt” stands out as one of the most remarkable Korean action films in recent years. It also performed exceptionally well at the box office, ranking fourth among Korean films released in 2022 in terms of gross revenue. Known for its meticulously designed action sequences and consistently escalating suspense, “Hunt” offers unexpected plot twists that keep you guessing. This pulse-pounding thriller is a must-see production by director Lee Jung-jae.
11 What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
In the widely enjoyed romantic comedy “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” we follow the tale of Lee Young-joon, a high-ranking executive in a major corporation. Smart, accomplished, and somewhat self-absorbed, Lee Young-jun has relied heavily on his efficient secretary, Kim Mi-so, for nearly a decade. However, events take an unexpected turn when Mi-so decides to leave her position as secretary.
What Makes It Great?
As viewers progress through this series, they get to see the blossoming romance between Young-joon and Mi-soo, filled with humorous and touching scenes. The exceptional acting chemistry, clever dialogue, and character advancement are some factors that make this Korean drama a hit among audiences worldwide.
10 Shadow Detective (2022)
Shadow Detective is about Kim Taek-rok, a veteran detective on the verge of retirement, who receives unsettling phone calls claiming responsibility for the murder of his fellow officer. As doubts swirl, Squad Chief Kook Jin-han launches an investigation into Taek-rok, but eventually comes to trust his innocence. Alongside cinematic detectives Lee Sung-a and Son Kyung-chan, they collaborate to unmask the true identity of the ominous caller.
What Makes It Great?
In this engrossing South Korean crime series, a deep script, committed actors, and expert cinematography create an immersive experience for viewers, as they are drawn into its complex and multi-layered narrative. “Shadow Detective” delivers an exhilarating ride, masterfully weaving suspense and mystery that culminated in a popular second season.
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8 Big Mouth (2022)
In this mystery crime drama with a dash of humor, we follow Park Chang-ho, a chatty lawyer whose wins are surprisingly scarce at just 10%. However, due to a mix-up during a murder case, he’s mistaken for the cunning con artist Big Mouse. This error puts his life in grave danger. To exonerate him, his supportive wife Go Mi-ho – a wise and courageous nurse – embarks on a quest to prove his innocence.
What Makes It Great?
The drama titled “Big Mouth” boasts an impressive ensemble of Lee Jong Suk, YoonA, Kwak Dong Yeon, Yang Kyung Won, and Oh Eui Shik. It’s a gripping tale that plunges viewers into its world, packed with unexpected turns in each episode. The narrative skillfully explores class struggles and prison-related themes, unfolding a gripping storyline with charismatic lead performers. With its suspenseful surprises and pulse-pounding scenes, Big Mouth leaves viewers eagerly anticipating each new development.
7 May It Please The Court (2022)
In the legal world, an eager lawyer named No Chak-hee encounters a hurdle when a case potentially threatens her chance at promotion in May. Instead of persisting at her law firm, she opts for a change and becomes a public defender, sharing an office with Jwa Si-baek, a gifted yet enigmatic colleague. Despite their initial disagreements, they find common ground and collaborate to tackle a chilling serial murder mystery targeting wealthy elderly individuals.
What Makes It Great?
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the gripping legal drama, “May It Please The Court.” This show masterfully weaves together captivating courtroom sequences and trials that leave you on the precipice of excitement. The intricate mystery surrounding the identity of the killer keeps viewers in a state of suspense, which is no small feat for any television series.
6 I Saw the Devil (2010)
The narrative spotlights the brutal crimes carried out by Jang Kyung-chul, portrayed by Choi Min-sik, a chilling psychopath responsible for countless murders across genders and ages. For years, law enforcement has pursued him relentlessly, yet they have been unable to catch up with him. Tragically, he strikes again, this time murdering the daughter of a former police chief. Her fiancé, Soo-hyun (Lee Byung-hun), who is also an undercover agent, learns about the killer and swears revenge, willing to transform into a vengeful figure if necessary.
What Makes It Great?
As a gaming enthusiast, I can confidently say that South Korean thriller films never fail to impress, and director Kim Jee-woon certainly lived up to the hype with his chilling take on the genre. In 2010, I stumbled upon “I Saw the Devil,” a film that left me reeling with its unflinching portrayal of violence. This movie didn’t shy away from giving us a glimpse into the brutal world seen through the eyes of a ruthless serial killer, making it an incredibly raw and explicit watch.
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4 Connect (2022)
The narrative revolves around Ha Dong-Soo, portrayed by Jung Haein, who, like a select few in this series, is born with extraordinary healing powers, capable of mending non-fatal injuries. Regrettably, he is kidnapped by organ thieves and loses an eye during the ordeal before managing to flee. Tragically, his eye finds its way into Oh Jin Seo (Go Kyung Pyo), a notorious serial killer. Ha Dong-Soo bears witness to Oh Jin Seo’s horrific deeds, prompting him to embark on a quest to apprehend the murderer and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
What Makes It Great?
Dramas derived from webtoons, such as Connect, have consistently captivated viewers. With the addition of director Takashi Miike’s mastery, this Korean drama offers a raw and ominous narrative that is not commonly found. Unlike many others in its genre, Connect ventures into uncharted territory down memory lane, crafting an engaging plot without holding back on suspense.
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2024-07-31 03:04