7 Korean Thriller Series and Movies to Watch After Netflix's 'Hellbound'
Dark dramas centered around topics like cults and zombies.
Riding on the immense success of Squid Game, Hellbound is the newest K-drama series to take over Netflix. Upon its premiere, the TV show broke the streaming platform’s records, becoming the most-viewed in multiple regions including Hong Kong, Indonesia and Belgium. For those who have finished the horror series and are looking for similar titles, we’ve put together a list of thriller shows and movies from Korea.
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Hellbound is a six-episode story set in a fictional world in the mid-2020s where people are taken to hell by unknown creatures. As more people witness the supernatural occurrences, they begin following New Truth Society, a cult-like group led by Jeong Jin-soo (Yoo Ah-in).
Our list highlights seven popular titles. Kingdom, Sweet Home and Train to Busan tell stories of apocalyptic worlds taken over by zombies and monsters. Save Me is centered around pseudo-religious cults, while The Wailing and The Medium cover exorcism and demonic possession.
Continue scrolling for Korean thrillers to add to your list.
Kingdom
Director: Kim Seong-hun
Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Jun Ji-hyun, Doona Bae, Ryu Seung-ryong
Where To Watch: Netflix
Set in a fictional version of the Joseon dynasty, Kingdom follows Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he investigates a mysterious plague that takes over the country. Following the success of the first two seasons, the TV series followed up with Ashin of the North, a spin-off starring Jun Ji-hyun as Ashin, a character tied to the origin of the “resurrection plant.”
The Medium
Director: Banjong Pisanthanakun, Na Hong-jin
Cast: Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sawanee Utoomma, Sirani Yankittikan, Yasaka Chaisorn
Where To Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
The Medium is a joint project between Korean producer Na-Hong jin and Thai director Banjong Pisanthanakun, the filmmaker behind 2004’s Shutter. Presented in a mockumentary format, the story is set in the Isan region of Thailand, where a shaman attempts to help his nephew from being possessed. The movie, a mix of supernaturalism, exorcism and occultism, will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Save Me
Director: Kim Sung-soo
Cast: Seo Ye-ji, Ok Taec-yeon Chaisorn
Where To Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
This psychological thriller series is for those who were particularly intrigued by the cult-inspired aspect of Hellbound. The 16-episode show is centered around Im Sang-mi (Seo Ye-ji), a girl who is trapped in a pseudo-religious cult. Her friend Han Sang-hwan (Ok Taec-yeon) tries to save her by breaking into the cult.
Stranger From Hell
Director: Lee Chang-hee
Cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Dong-wook
Where To Watch: Netflix
Based on a web cartoon of the same title, this TV series follows Yoon Jong-woo (Im Si-wan), a man in his 20s who is new to Seoul. He decides to stay at Eden Residences, an affordable dormitory he comes across, only to find out that there’s something strange about his neighbors including Seo Moon-jo (Lee Dong-wook), a creepy dentist.
Sweet Home
Director: Lee Eung-bok, Jang Young-woo, Park So-hyun
Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Lee Do-hyun, Go Min-si
Where To Watch: Netflix
One of Netflix Korea’s earlier hits, Sweet Home is an apocalyptic horror show set in a world dominated by monsters. Cha Hyun-soo (Song Kang) finds himself trapped in his apartment building and struggles to survive with the other residents.
Train to Busan
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
Train to Busan is one of director Yeon Sang-ho’s many hits. Released in 2016, the movie is mainly set on a high-speed KTX train from Seoul to Busan, where a zombie apocalypse breaks out. Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), a fund manager, boards the train with his daughter and fights to survive alongside Yoon Sang-hwa (Ma Dong-seok), Seong-kyeong (Jung Yu-mi) and Min Yong-guk (Choi Woo-shik), among others.
The Wailing
Director: Na Hong-jin
Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
A movie released in 2016, The Wailing is set in a small village called Gokseong. Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won), a police officer, begins to investigate a mysterious infection that causes the town’s residents to become violent and kill their families.
