With the much-anticipated arrival of Squid Game season 2, eager fans of this dark and thrilling K-drama genre might be seeking their next binge-worthy series. While Squid Game ignited worldwide interest in Korean dramas in 2021, the landscape of K-dramas has long been rich and diverse, featuring an array of genres from heartwarming romance to gripping sci-fi horror. For viewers who were captivated by the intense themes of Squid Game, a collection of equally engaging K-dramas awaits to be explored.
When searching for the ideal K-drama to watch after experiencing the suspense of Squid Game, it’s beneficial to seek series that echo similar tones, thematic elements, or plots. Even though some dramas offer distinctly different narratives, they can still evoke comparable feelings of tension and horror that left audiences on the edge of their seats.
10 Extracurricular
A Teenage Boy Is Security For A Prostitution Ring
A fantastic starting point for K-drama newcomers is the 2020 release, Extracurricular. This series follows Oh Ji-soo, a seemingly average high school student who moonlights as a security guard for an illegal prostitution operation under the alias “Uncle.”Driven by his desire to fund his education, Ji-soo’s double life becomes increasingly complex as personal relationships intertwine with his illicit activities.
While the premise of Extracurricular diverges from that of Squid Game, the two share underlying themes related to morality and the lengths individuals will go for financial stability. Ji-soo, much like Squid Game’s protagonists, navigates a morally ambiguous world that challenges his integrity. Fans of the unnerving conspiracies presented in Squid Game will find much to appreciate in this compelling dark drama.
9 Vincent
A Mafia Lawyer Fights For Justice In His Hometown
Another gripping K-drama that tackles themes of crime and justice is Vincenzo. This 2021 series features Vincenzo, a Korean-Italian attorney who returns to South Korea after falling out of favor with his mafia family. On a quest to recover hidden assets, Vincenzo becomes embroiled in a conflict between a quirky group of tenants and a corrupt real estate developer, showcasing his unique blend of legal expertise and street smarts.
This series received widespread acclaim upon its debut on Netflix, drawing viewers in with its edgy narrative and charismatic characters. Much like Squid Game, Vincenzo intertwines personal challenges with engrossing conspiracies, making for an unpredictable ride. Viewers will find themselves invested in whether Vincenzo ultimately sides with good or evil.
8 My Name
A Young Woman Becomes A Double Agent To Get Revenge
If intense action like that in Squid Game is what you’re after, look no further than My Name. Released in 2021, this drama shadows Yoon Ji-woo, a young woman consumed by vengeance following her father’s murder. In her pursuit of justice, she infiltrates both a drug ring and the police, further complicating her already dangerous journey.
My Name emphasizes themes of family and morality while presenting a strong female lead reminiscent of the empowered Gi-hun from Squid Game season 2. Ji-woo is not just a victim; she embodies resilience and determination. This series promises to engage viewers with its fast-paced action and emotional depth.
7 Kingdom
A Zombie Apocalypse During Korea’s Joseon Era
Kingdom, acclaimed for its 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, intricately blends historical drama with the horror of a zombie apocalypse, presenting a unique take that captures viewer interest.
6 The Silent Sea
Astronauts Uncover The Haunting Truth
In the realm of sci-fi, The Silent Sea emerges as an impressive drama that mirrors the tension of Squid Game. Set in a dystopian future with Earth grappling with extreme drought, a team of astronauts is dispatched to the Moon to retrieve a crucial sample. Their mission takes a dark turn as they encounter the eerie echoes of a past catastrophe.
The Silent Sea delves into a labyrinth of questions and mysteries, mirroring the feelings of intrigue found in Squid Game. While Squid Game expertly weaves its tension through the lens of contemporary society, this series crafts a futuristic narrative that keeps viewers questioning every twist and turn. Additionally, Gong Yoo, known for his role as The Salesman in Squid Game, enhances the series’ appeal.
5 Strangers From Hell
A Man Moves Into A Suspicious Apartment Building
Famed for its compelling characters, Strangers from Hell (also known as Hell Is Other People) thrusts viewers into the unsettling experience of a young man navigating an internship in Seoul. Upon moving into Eden Studio, a peculiar apartment complex, he becomes embroiled in the sinister realities of his neighbors.
This series delivers an atmosphere of suspense similar to that of Squid Game, drawing audiences into a thrilling mystery laden with eccentric characters. Even if the protagonist isn’t embroiled in a high-stakes game, his experience offers a gripping narrative filled with intrigue and tension.
4 All Of Us Are Dead
High Schoolers Are Stuck During A Zombie Outbreak
All of Us Are Dead surged in popularity as a riveting addition to the K-drama landscape since its release in 2022. This series showcases a group of high school students confronted with a zombie infestation within their school. Amidst the chaos, social hierarchies dissolve as they unite to survive, revealing the fragility of human relationships in dire situations.
Much like Squid Game, this series encapsulates the constant threat of death and the complexities of human connections in life-or-death situations. All of Us Are Dead highlights the struggle to maintain unity while facing overwhelming odds, all while showcasing humanity’s resilience.
3 Hellbound
Demons Come To Deliver Justice
Hellbound transports viewers to a reality where divine justice is meted out by malevolent beings. In this chilling 2021 series, the arrival of an otherworldly entity condemns individuals to hell, followed by the horrifying appearance of three demons to enforce these decrees.
Though leaning into the fantastical, Hellbound presents a unique narrative that explores profound moral dilemmas. By tackling themes of good versus evil head-on, it offers a new lens through which to view morality—akin to the unsettling ethical quandaries faced by characters in Squid Game.
2 Sweet Home
A Group Of Neighbors Fend Off Zombies
Rounding out the list is Sweet Home, a top-tier zombie drama featuring three thrilling seasons. It follows Hyun-su, a teen who moves into a dilapidated apartment complex after suffering a family tragedy. Soon, he must fight against monstrous transformations caused by a mysterious plague while forging bonds with his neighbors.
An iconic piece of the apocalyptic K-drama genre, Sweet Home resonates deeply with the messages of community and survival strived for in Squid Game. The multifaceted characters and emotional resonance present a captivating experience for viewers as they navigate through this dark narrative.
1 The 8 Show
Eight People Are Trapped In A Game Show
The ultimate K-drama for Squid Game enthusiasts is undoubtedly The 8 Show, set to debut in 2024. This series follows eight individuals trapped in an eight-story building, forced to participate in a perilous game show for a chance at freedom. The longer they endure, the more monetary rewards they gain, creating an intense psychological dynamic.
With its striking similarities to Squid Game in terms of premise and tone, The 8 Show captures the essence of competition and survival, posing moral dilemmas as the characters grapple with their economic motivations. Its smaller cast enhances character development and allows for deeper audience engagement. In sum, this series is a must-watch for anyone yearning for an experience akin to Squid Game.
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