There has been a very visible uprise in popularity of Korean entertainment. The Western world is finally getting over the ridiculous barrier of subtitles. We’re starting to slowly appreciate non-English spectacles more and more. South Korea’s been leading the way as a non-English speaking country whose products gross substantially both domestically and internationally — and deservedly so. Have you seen a badly made Korean horror film? Neither have we.
It's also thanks to streaming platforms, such as Netflix, that people have been able to access more non-English TV series and films. Here are Korean horror TV series that you can catch on Netflix.
9 Hellbound (2021)
Based on the director's Yeon Sang-ho own webtoon, Hellbound is a dark fantasy horror Netflix series that surpassed some Squid Game records after its release. It centers around supernatural beings that suddenly appear to condemn people to hell, which gives rise to a religious group based on the idea of divine justice. It was the first Korean TV series to make into the Toronto International Film Festival (via NME). Coming after Squid Game, this horror series inspired comparison, but Hellbound is worth watching even outside the constant unnecessary comparisons. The concept is simple: if you sin enough while on Earth, nothing good awaits you with the demonic trio that ends up punishing you. It's been recently renewed for Season 2.
8 Kingdom (2019)
As Netflix's first original Korean TV series, Kingdom is an interesting mix of period drama and horror — something South Korean filmmakers know how to pull off well. It's based on yet another webtoon, The Kingdom of the Gods, and so far consists of two seasons. It combines the elements of political thriller and zombie horror. Set in the 16th Century, in a fictional interpretation of the Joseon era, it follows the Crown Prince of Joseon, who decides to investigate what has caused the illness of their King. He's met with the revelation of a deadly epidemic that he needs to stop in order to save the country, while battling his political opponents. What's interesting about the zombie elements are not the zombies themselves, but the absolute terror with which the living react to it. The TV series puts the very corruption of human nature and hunger as the central themes of its plot. The series will return for a third season.
7 All of Us Are Dead (2022)
Okay, we realize that a lot of the shows on our list are zombie spectacles, but it's not our fault that South Korea excels at the genre. All of Us Are Dead is yet another k-drama that has gained everyone's interest and was watched 474.26 million hours in its first 30 days on the service. Based on a Naver webtoon of the same name, the coming-of-age zombie horror series takes place in one single high school, where a zombie plague spreads after a failed science experiment. The students are forced to do everything in their power to stay alive. The thing that Korean series do exceptionally well is making you care about every single character, even the more evil, sinister ones. All of Us Are Dead is different from a basic zombie horror production in that it deals with important themes, the zombies are unique, the action is packed, and both cinematography and the emotional acting brings you to tears. Gladly, it's been renewed for a second season.
6 Sweet Home (2020)
The Naver webtoon that Sweet Home is based on recorded over 2.1 billion net views. So, you can imagine the high expectations everyone had when a Netflix series was announced to be released. The apocalyptic horror focuses a young teenager Cha Hyun-soo and the other residents of the apartment as they try holding onto their humanity when everyone starts turning into different monsters. The characters are extremely well-rounded: you get the guy you're emotionally attached to before he gets killed, you also have the gangster in a floral dad shirt, and strong women characters. You end up rooting for everyone despite realistically knowing that most of them won't make it out alive. The romances don't overwhelm the actual plot, and you get the sense of a found-family trope.
5 Goedam (2020)
Goedam, meaning "urban ghost story" in Korean, is a horror anthology series focused on shadows and spirits of urban legends. If you're a fan of "style over substance" horror, and you'd love to learn more about terrifying Korean urban legends, do not waste time and watch this! Although it seems that the anthology provides no connection, if you watch closely, you'll realize there are elements that connect each 15-minute-long episode. It gives you a high school girl getting maimed by her own classmate's spirit, a horror dentist, and more that will definitely put you on edge.
4 Nightmare High (2016)
Nightmare High, also known as Nightmare Teacher, is a mystery horror k-drama. It centers on a new teacher, after whose arrival everyone's dreams start to come true — both the bad and the good. The class president has to solve the mystery before it's too late. It's very light on the horror side, but it provides a twisted take on coming-of-age dramas. The teacher is both creepy and charming, and the acting of the students adds to the horror elements. Although the plot feels repetitive at times, the chaotic elements keep you guessing on what happens next.
3 The Guest (2018)
Despite not airing during primetime television, The Guest still managed to receive high ratings from the Korean public. The k-drama explores the themes of exorcism and shamanism, with the latter being still very prevalent in the South Korean society. It follows a detective, a Catholic priest and a psychic as they join forces to fight supernatural forces and solve their crimes. The first episode pulls you right in with the exceptional acting, plot and packed scenes. It immerses you in the story and its elements actually make the supernatural happenings very realistic.
2 Hometown (2021)
As a mystery horror thriller, Hometown is set in 1999, when, after a bizarre murder happens in a small town, a recording containing the truth about numerous serial killings is found. Those who enjoy TV series that don't allow you to easily guess the ending, this one's for you. The cast is superb at what they bring to the series, and the plot stays extremely dark all throughout. The three main characters' storylines — police detective Choi Hyung In, convicted mass murderer Jo Kyung Ho and his estranged sister Jo Jyung Hun — entangle with each other, and spark an explosive chain of events.
1 The Cursed (2020)
Last but not least, we have The Cursed, which focuses on a teenage girl who can bring the dead back to life using their names and belongings, and a just social issues reporter, who fights a massive evil behind an IT conglomerate. It has all the horror suspense that you need, along with the mix of fantasy and drama that is so different from American TV series. Some of the characters, such as the detective, should have gotten more screen time. It's thrilling, unsettling to some extent with the great acting adding to the enthralling story. Netflix is criminal for not renewing it.