With 2025 here, it's time to explore some new, standout mystery and thriller Korean dramas perfect for fans who love suspense and intriguing storylines. From the gripping drama 'A Shop for Killers,' which features intense action and dark secrets, to the fast-pacer, historical fantasy 'Gyeongseong Creature,' these shows offer unique plots and memorable performances. Whether you're interested in psychological thrillers or supernatural elements, this list will help you find the perfect show to keep you entertained.

1. A Shop for Killers

First on our list of top mystery and thriller Korean dramas is 'A Shop for Killers,' a standout for its gripping action and intense plot. The drama follows Jung Ji-an, who, after her uncle Jeong Jin-man's death, learns she's a target for killers. Ji-an, played by Kim Hye-jun, uses her uncle's training to survive, uncovering dark secrets. Lee Dong-wook as Jin-man and Jo Han-sun as the chilling Bale deliver strong performances, adding depth to the thrilling narrative.

If you're into fast-paced action and emotional depth, you'll appreciate 'A Shop for Killers.' It's praised for its unique use of a single location to build suspense and the strong bond between characters, making it a must-watch for thriller fans.

Watch the trailer here

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2. Those Who Read the Hearts of Evil

Coming in at number two on our list of top mystery,thriller Korean dramas, "Those Who Read the Hearts of Evil" stands out for its realistic portrayal of criminal profiling. This crime thriller, set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, follows Song Ha-Young (Kim Nam-gil), Korea's first profiler, and his team as they tackle serial killer cases.

Based on profiler Kwon Il Yong's experiences, the drama showcases the Behavioral Analysis Team's pioneering work. Key characters include [censored] Young-Soo (Jin Seon-kyu), a forensic chief, and Jung Woo-Joo (Ryeoun), a statistical analyst, adding depth to the narrative.

You might enjoy this show if you're into crime thrillers with a focus on psychology. The series offers a unique look at the early days of criminal profiling in South Korea, making it both educational and entertaining. The strong performances, especially by Kim Nam-gil, enhance the gripping storyline, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Watch the trailer here

3. Death to Snow White

"Death to Snow White" follows Go Jeong-woo, played by Byun Yo-han, who is released from prison after serving 10 years for the alleged murder of two friends. Set in a quiet village, the drama explores Jeong-woo's search for truth and redemption. Key characters include Detective No Sang-cheol (Go Joon) and Choi Na-gyeom (Ko Bo-gyeol), whose past actions impact the plot. The series is praised for its suspenseful narrative and strong performances, especially Byun Yo-han's emotional range.

If you like mystery thrillers with deep emotional layers, you'll appreciate "Death to Snow White." It offers suspense, character growth, and a thoughtful look at human nature, making it a compelling watch.

Watch the trailer here

4. Revenant

"Revenant" follows Goo San-Young (Kim Tae-ri), a student whose life changes after inheriting a mysterious relic from her father, leading to unexplained deaths. She teams up with folklore professor Yeom Hae-sang (Oh Jung-se), who sees ghosts, to solve the mystery. Detective Seo Moon Choon (Kim Won-hae) and Lee Hong-Sae (Hong Kyung) add investigative depth. The series blends horror, mystery, and folklore, with strong performances from Kim Tae-ri and Oh Jung-se.

If you enjoy supernatural thrillers and value acting over plot resolution, you might like "Revenant". It offers a unique mix of genres, though some may find the pacing uneven.

Watch the trailer here

5. Gyeongseong Creature

Set in 1945 Gyeongseong during Japanese rule, 'Gyeongseong Creature' follows Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-joon) and Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee) as they battle a creature born from greed. The drama blends historical context with fantasy and horror, focusing on survival and anguish. Park Seo-joon brings a light-hearted touch to Tae-sang, while Han So-hee's emotional range as Chae-ok stands out. The show has been praised for its unique storyline and the chemistry between the leads.

If you're into history mixed with fantasy and horror, you'll appreciate 'Gyeongseong Creature'. It offers a gripping plot and strong performances, though some familiar tropes are present. It's a solid choice for both K-drama veterans and newcomers.

Watch the trailer here

6. Revenge of Others

Revenge of Others follows Ok Chan-mi (Shin Ye-eun) as she investigates her twin brother's mysterious death, ruled as suicide. Transferring to his Seoul school, she teams up with Ji Soo-heon (Park Solomon), a student with his own struggles, to uncover the truth behind bullying and seek justice. The drama highlights the legal system's flaws and the harsh realities of school bullying. Key characters include Seok Jae-beom (Seo Ji-hoon), Gi O-sung (Chae Sang-woo), and Kook Ji-hyun (Lee Soo-min), each adding depth to the narrative.

If you enjoy mystery-thrillers that tackle social issues, you might like this show. The strong performances, especially by Park Solomon and Seo Ji-hoon, along with the suspenseful plot, make it engaging. However, if you prefer lighter or morally clear stories, some elements might be challenging.

Watch the trailer here

7. Island

"Island" follows Won Mi Ho, banished to Jeju Island by her father for her arrogance. On the island, evil lurks, and she meets Ban, a man with a dark past, and Giovanni, a priest fighting evil. Together, they battle dark forces.

Kim Nam-gil as Ban and Lee Da-hee as Won Mi Ho deliver strong performances, with Cha Eun-woo as Giovanni adding warmth. The show blends horror, action, and drama, keeping viewers engaged with its fast pace and twists.

If you enjoy Korean dramas with horror, action, and deep character development, "Island" might appeal to you. Its unique setting and the chemistry between the actors make it a thrilling watch.

Watch the trailer here

8. Dr. Brain

"Dr. Brain" follows Sewon, a brain scientist played by Lee Sun-kyun, who uses "brain syncs" to investigate his family's mysterious deaths. The series blends sci-fi with thriller elements as Sewon uncovers conspiracies through the memories of the deceased.

The cast, including Park Hee-soon as a private investigator and Lee Yoo-young as Sewon's wife, delivers strong performances. Fans rate the story at 9/10 and acting at 9.5/10, though some critique the pacing and CGI.

If you like sci-fi and thrillers, you'll appreciate "Dr. Brain." Its six episodes make it a quick, engaging watch with a unique plot and solid acting.

Watch the trailer here

9. Hellbound

Hellbound, released on Netflix, explores a dystopian world where supernatural beings condemn people to [censored], sparking the rise of a religious group. The plot follows lawyer Min Hye-jin (Kim Hyun-joo) and detective Jin Kyung-hun (Yang Ik-joon) as they navigate the chaos caused by these events. The series delves into themes of religious fascism and human nature, making it a thought-provoking mystery thriller.

If you enjoy dark, intense dramas with strong social commentary, Hellbound might be for you. However, if you prefer lighter themes or are sensitive to violence, you might want to consider other options.

Watch the trailer here

10. The Bequeathed

"The Bequeathed" follows Yoon Seo-ha, played by Kim Hyun-joo, as she inherits a family burial ground and uncovers dark secrets. Set in a rural town, the drama mixes mystery, thriller, and supernatural elements. Key characters include Dae-Su (Tom Choi), Choi Seong-joon (Park Hee-soon), and Mun-Ho (Hao Feng). Fans praised the story and performances, though some felt the pacing was slow and the ending rushed.

If you like mystery and thriller genres, you might enjoy "The Bequeathed." Its eerie atmosphere and strong acting, especially by Park Hee-soon and Ryu Kyung-soo, make it engaging despite some flaws.

Watch the trailer here

11. The Frog

"The Frog" is a Korean thriller that follows two men whose lives are disrupted by mysterious strangers. Jeon Young-ha (Kim Yoon-seok) runs a pension where Yoo Seong-ah (Go Min-si) arrives, sparking unsettling events. In a past timeline, Koo Sang-jun (Yoon Kyesang) faces tragedy after helping a stranger at his motel.

Detective Yoon Bo-min (Lee Jeong-eun) ties the timelines together with her investigation. The drama has mixed reviews; fans praise the gripping storyline and strong performances, especially Go Min-si's, but criticize the confusing plot and pacing.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers and can handle a slow start, "The Frog" might be worth watching. The acting is exceptional, and the series builds tension well, though the plot can be confusing at times.

Watch the trailer here

12. Doctor Prisoner

Doctor Prisoner follows Na Yi Je, a dedicated doctor who turns strategist for revenge. The plot spans medical and prison settings, filled with suspense and mind games. Nam Goong Min plays Na Yi Je, delivering a praised performance of his character's transformation.

Kim Byeong-cheol as Sun Min Sik and Choi Won-young as Lee Jae-joon also shine with their chilling and nuanced acting. The drama keeps viewers guessing with its twists and turns.

If you enjoy thrillers with complex plots and strong character performances, you'll appreciate Doctor Prisoner. The show's pacing might feel slow at times, but the suspense and clever twists make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

Watch the trailer here Did I miss any of your favorite mystery and thriller kdramas in this list? Let me know in the comments!