Full of surprises, plot twists are one of the aspects that make Korean mystery drama so interesting. The writers and directors of these dramas cleverly change the storyline and take unexpected turns.
Korean drama series that focus on mystery are famous for their ability to captivate audiences with clever and surprising storylines. These elements of surprise make a drama more interesting and leave a lasting impression.
Every year, there are a number of mystery-genre Korean dramas that air and become hot topics of conversation. Viewers are often inspired to come up with their own theories in an attempt to guess how the story will end.
Here are some recommendations for mystery Korean drama full of surprises!
Recommended Korean Mystery Drama
1. Tempest (2025)
| Genre: | Mystery, thriller, politics |
| Release date: | September 10, 2025 |
| Number of episodes: | 9 |
| Cast: | Jun Ji Hyun, Kang Dong Won |
| Streaming platform: | Disney+ |
The latest Korean drama, titled Tempest, tells the story of Moon Ju’s (Jun Ji Hyun) struggle. Moon Ju is a UN ambassador who is determined to uncover the mystery behind the assassination attempt on a presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, San Ho (Kang Dong Won) is a secret agent from the National Intelligence Service who has an important mission to protect the presidential candidate. One day, Moon Ju and presidential candidate Jang Joon Ik (Park Hae Joon) attend a mass at a church.
However, the peaceful atmosphere was soon disrupted when a crowd appeared, carrying protest banners that added to the tension of the moment. The lives of everyone around them changed drastically when the sound of gunfire suddenly broke the silence.
In the midst of a dangerous situation, San Ho witnessed Moon Ju’s fear and anger. In that critical moment, he made the decision to save her. After the incident, Moon Ju was trapped by her curiosity and began to search for San Ho.
However, San Ho seems to have disappeared without a trace; he has no identity, no proof of his existence, and his nationality is unclear. Moon Ju also has to deal with various threats, including a series of terrorist attacks targeting his life.
2. Mercy for None (2025)
| Genre: | Misteri, thriller, kriminal |
| Release date: | June 6, 2025 |
| Number of episodes: | 7 |
| Cast: | So Ji-Sub, Heo Jun-Ho, Jo Han-Chul |
| Streaming Platform: | Netflix |
Based on the webtoon Mercy for None, this story tells of fierce competition between two organizations ambitious for absolute power. The focus of the story is on Nam Ki Joon and his winding journey to avenge his brother’s death.
Previously, Nam Ki Joon (So Ji Sub) was a member of the Bongsan Gang led by Gu Bong San (Ahn Kil Kang). Nam Ki Joon successfully defeated various gangs in a series of fierce battles. As a result, the organization grew into a very influential force.
Meanwhile, Nam Ki Joon’s brother, Nam Ki Seok (Lee Joon Hyuk), joined Lee Joo Woon’s (Heo Jun Ho) Joowoon Gang. The two gangs were rivals.
To protect his younger brother, Nam Ki Joon decided to leave the Bongsan Gang by injuring the Achilles tendon in his left leg. This made him hesitate to participate in the fight against his brother.
Ten years after the incident, Nam Ki Joon lived peacefully, earning a living through the beverage supply business managed by Bongsan. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Nam Ki Seok, had reached the peak of his career as the second-in-command of the Joowoon group, but he suddenly passed away.
3. Bitch X Rixh 2 (2025)
| Genre: | Mystery, school, teenagers |
| Release date: | July 3 – August 1, 2025 |
| Number of episodes: | 10 |
| Cast: | Lee Eun-Saem, Yeri, Kim Min-Kyu, Lee Jong-Hyuk |
| Streaming Platform: | Netflix |
After a series of dramatic incidents in the first season, the social order at Cheongdam International High School began to destabilize. The power that had previously seemed strong was now beginning to waver.
This situation has led to the emergence of new alliances and fierce competition among the upper-class students. Kim Hye In, who previously struggled with various obstacles as a new student from a modest background, now finds herself in a challenging situation.
However, she has now managed to rise up and make history as the first Diamond 6 member from outside the conglomerate. This elite group is the highest symbol of power at the school. Meanwhile, Baek Je Na, who is known as the Queen of the institution, begins to feel a loss of control.
Jae Na faces failure in her plan to maintain her position. She also faces a weakening friendship, as well as various questions and suspicions that haunt her. All of this is due to her involvement in a shocking murder case that rocked her school last season.
4. The Judge From Hell (2024)
| Genre: | Mystery, horror, fantasy |
| Release date: | September 21 – November 2, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 14 |
| Cast: | Park Shin-Hye, Kim Jae-Young |
| Streaming Platform: | SBS |
The Judge from Hell tells the story of Kang Bit Na, a judge who is known for being very strict. However, he also has a bad reputation for often handing down light sentences to serious offenders.
It turns out that behind all this, Bit Na is actually a judge controlled by a demon named Yustitia. Yustitia was punished by being forced to live as a human with the responsibility of sending the ten most sinful people to hell.
While carrying out her duties, Bit Na meets Han Da On, a kind and professional detective at the Nobong Police Station. Their encounter slowly opens Bit Na’s heart, even though she doesn’t realize that Da On harbors a deep longing for her.
5. Light Shop (2024)
| Genre: | Mystery, horror, fantasy |
| Release date: | December 4–18, 2024 |
| Number of episodes: | 8 |
| Cast: | Ju Ji-Hoon, Park Bo-Young, Seol Hyun, Um Tae-Goo, Lee Jung-Eun |
| Streaming Platform: | Disney+ |
Jun Won Young (Ju Ji Hoon) is the owner of a unique lamp shop. Unlike most lamp shops, which are brightly lit, Won Young’s shop has a peaceful atmosphere and a hint of mystery.
The main reason is its remote location at the end of a dimly lit alley. Visitors to this lamp shop come from very diverse backgrounds. The majority of them are spirits who have passed away, souls stuck between two worlds, life and death.
In addition, there are also individuals who are still alive. However, they are facing the burdens of life that are very exhausting. Won Young offers a way to understand time, both the past, the present, and the future.
6. Night Has Come (2023)
| Genre: | Mystery, teenagers, school |
| Release date: | December 4, 2023 |
| Number of episodes: | 12 |
| Cast: | Lee Jae-In, Kim Woo-Seok, Choi Ye-Bin, Cha Woo-Min |
| Streaming Platform: | U+TV |
Night Has Come is a Korean drama about a group of high school students who are trapped in a dangerous mafia game. In this tense situation, they must fight hard to survive amid the threats that continue to lurk around them.
While enjoying their school trip, the students were suddenly surprised by a mysterious app that appeared on each of their cell phones. This event triggered a risky game that tested their moral limits and courage.
7. Big Mouth (2022)
| Genre: | Mystery, thriller, action |
| Release date: | July 29 – September 17, 2022 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Lee Jong-Suk, Lim Yoon-A, Kim Ju-Hun |
| Streaming Platform: | MBC |
Park Chang-Ho is a lawyer with a very low success rate, only about 10 percent. He is known for being talkative, so people often call him Big Mouth.
In a complicated murder case, he unexpectedly became the prime suspect and was linked to the nickname Big Rat, a master con artist. This situation put his life in grave danger.
Meanwhile, Chang-Ho’s wife, Go Mi-Ho, works as a nurse. She is well-known for her charming appearance and her intelligent and courageous personality. She not only supports her husband emotionally, but also financially so that Chang-Ho can continue to pursue his career in law.
8. Mouse (2021)
| Genre: | Mystery, thriller, action |
| Release date: | March 3 – May 19, 2021 |
| Number of episodes: | 20 |
| Cast: | Lee Seung-Gi, Lee Hee-Jun, Park Ju-Hyun, Kyung Soo-Jin |
| Streaming Platform: | tvN |
Seoul is gripped by panic due to a series of serial murders. It’s as if the killer is inviting detectives to participate in a deadly game. Driven by the serial killer’s actions, Go Mu Chi (Lee He Jun) is determined to uncover the secret behind this case.
Eventually, she brought him to meet Jung Ba Reum (Lee Seung Gi), a dedicated young police officer. The two formed a friendship while working together to investigate various cases.
However, the bond between them ultimately led Go Mu Chi to a reality that he could hardly accept.
9. Bad and Crazy (2021)
| Genre: | Action,Thriller |
| Release date: | December 17, 2021 – January 28, 2022 |
| Number of episodes: | 12 |
| Cast: | Lee Dong-Wook, Wi Ha-Joon, Han Ji-Eun, Cha Hak-Yeon |
| Streaming Platform: | tvN |
Bad and Crazy presents a mischievous and unique collaboration between Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon in a police setting. This Korean thriller mystery drama tells the story of Ryu Soo Yeol.
Soo Yeol is a detective who struggles with his morality, has a split personality, and possesses a strong sense of justice. Although he is highly skilled at his job, Soo Yeol’s integrity is often called into question.
He is willing to do anything to achieve success, including getting a promotion in a short period of time. However, his previously peaceful life is suddenly shaken by the arrival of K, a firm but unique man.
K, facing injustice with unconventional methods, often resorts to physical violence. With his eye-catching appearance, including the motorcycle helmet he always wears, K believes that he is destined to uphold justice in a world rife with corruption.
10. Beyond Evil (2021)
| Genre: | Mystery, crime, thriller |
| Release date: | February 19 – April 10, 2021 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Shin Ha-Kyun, Yeo Jin-Goo |
| Streaming Platform: | JTBC |
Beyond Evil follows the story of Lee Dong-sik (Shin Ha-kyun). Dong-sik is a former detective who was once highly skilled. Now, he lives a more peaceful life at the Manyang Police Station with a monotonous job.
However, the situation began to change when a mysterious elite detective, Han Joo-won (Yeo Jin-goo), arrived at his office. At one point, a series of murders occurred that were reminiscent of an incident that happened two decades ago.
11. Zombie Detective (2020)
| Genre: | Mystery, adventure, fantasy |
| Release date: | September 21 – October 27, 2020 |
| Number of episodes: | 12 |
| Cast: | Choi Jin-Hyuk, Park Ju-Hyun |
| Streaming Platform: | KBS |
Zombie Detective is a Korean drama that combines elements of thriller, mystery, and comedy. This Korean drama focuses on a zombie named Moo Young. After being resurrected by illegally dumped medical waste, this man finds himself with no memory and must learn to adjust to his new life full of challenges.
Despite being trapped in a strange body, Moo Young realizes that he has an extraordinary sense of smell. This ability allows him to work as a private detective specializing in finding missing bodies.
Following in his footsteps is Sun Ji, a former television writer known for her quick temper. Currently, she works as Moo Young’s part-time assistant, although she often finds herself caught up in various bizarre and risky situations.
12. Catch the Ghost (2019)
| Genre: | Mystery, thriller, action |
| Release date: | October 21 – December 10, 2019 |
| Number of episodes: | 16 |
| Cast: | Moon Geun-Young, Kim Sun-Ho |
| Streaming Platform: | tvN |
Catch the Ghost tells the story of subway police officers who try to catch lawbreakers. This mystery-themed Korean drama centers on Yoo Ryung, an energetic young police officer.
Yoo Ryung often puts team leader Go Ji Seok in difficult and challenging situations. Problems arise when the subway police celebrate their 30th anniversary. During the celebration, attended by police officials and journalists, a theft occurs.
During the investigation, the police team found a body under a subway seat, believed to be one of the victims of a series of murders committed by a mysterious figure known as the ghost, a fugitive whose identity has remained unknown for years.
Those are our recommendations for Korean drama with mystery themes. These dramas will surely accompany your free time and take you on a thrilling and emotional journey.
