Apart from all-time favorite rom-com and healing series, dark and intense K-dramas have been dominating the chart these past years.
To name a few, the 2018 SBS series "Sky Castle" took the world by storm with its satirical take on the elite lifestyle. Joining the list is the OCN drama released in 2019, "Strangers From Hell," starring Im Shi Wan and Lee Dong Wook.
It is safe to say that this 2021, the biggest broadcast network in Korea, gave the audience a variety of genres to choose from.
However, if you are into psychological and thriller series, here are five dark and disturbing 2021 K-dramas which will put you at the edge of your seat.
'D.P'
Released on August 27, 2021, starring Jung Hae In and Goo Kyo Hwan, "D.P" gained the viewers' attention because of its storyline that focuses on the lives of soldiers and military personnel.
Private soldier Ahn Jun Ho and his buddy Corporal Han Ho Yul were members of the military defector arrest team and were tasked to capture deserters.
Apart from the action-packed scenes, "D.P," short for Deserter Pursuit, highlights the struggles and social issues, including bullying, harassment, and abuse.
The six-episode series, which can be streamed via Netflix, won the Best Drama, Best Supporting Actor (Jo Hyun Chul), and Best New Actor (Goo Kyo Hwan) at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards!
'Dark Hole'
OCN's horror thriller drama made a debut on April 30, which stars Lee Joon Hyuk as the tow truck driver Yoo Tae Han and Kim Ok Bin, who took on the role of police detective Lee Hwa Sun.
"Dark Hole" illustrates a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic setting as they try to endure and get through the pandemonium after humans transform into creepy creatures.
'Penthouse 3'
From one thriller Kdrama to another, let's now move to the most talked-about revenge-driven series that highlights rivalry, greed, and self-indulgence.
"Penthouse 3" follows the story of families living in the affluent 100 story building as they battle for more power and wealth.
Lead stars Eugene, Lee Ji Ah, and Kim So Yeon portray the queens of Hera Palace Oh Yoon Hee, Shim Su Ryeon, and Cheon Seo jin, while Uhm Ki Joon took on the role of evil chairman Joo dan Tae.
"The Penthouse" season 3 became a massive hit due to its unpredictable storyline that left the viewers guessing who would die next.
'Law School'
Probably a lowkey disturbing Kdrama this 2021, "Law School" highlights a crime that happened inside Hankuk University Law School, where students and faculties were allegedly involved.
Kim Myung Min, who took on the role of the criminal law professor Yang Jong Hoon was initially the primary suspect for the alleged murder of his colleague.
"Law School" cast also includes Kim Bum as freshman law student Han Joon Hwi with Ryu Hye Young as Kang Sol A.
'Hellbound'
Mystery-horror Kdrama "Hellbound" stars Yoo Ah In, Park Jung Min, Kim Hyun Joo, and Won Jin Ah.
The six-episode series premiered in November 2021, giving the audience a round of heart-stopping scenes helmed by the "Train to Busan" PD Yeon Sang Ho.
It depicts the story of Jung Jin Soo (Yoo Ah In) and his newly founded religion Saejinrihwe. He gains popularity by predicting phenomena such as catastrophe and even death.
'Beyond Evil'
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without multi-awarded K-drama, starring Shin Ha Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo! This psychological-thriller series won not one, not two but three major trophies at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awarts, namely Best Actor (Shin Ha Kyun), Best Screenplay, and Best Drama!
"Beyond Evil" centers around two cops, Lee Dong Shik (Shin Ha Kyun) and Han Joo Won (Yeo Jin Goo) from Manyang Police Substation in the rural Gyeonggi Province. Together, they try to catch a serial murderer, but encounters doubts and suspicions among everyone involved in the case.
'Extracurricular'
This disturbing Netflix series stars young celebrities Kim Dong Hee, Park Ju Hyun, Jung Da Bin, Nam Yoon Su and more. It tells the story of a gifted student who opts to clutch on the razor's edge to ensure his college tuition.
At the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, lead star Park Ju Hyun won the Best New Actress trophy, and this opened her more opportunities in the Korean entertainment industry. She currently stars in the sports-romance drama "Love All Play" with Chae Jong Hyeop.
