3 Korean Thrillers You Need To Watch On Netflix This May
As Netflix continues to diversify their library, adding more and more international titles, there’s a new niche of Korean thrillers that is absolutely killing it. Don’t sleep on these can’t-miss titles!
The Frog
This absolutely unhinged story follows the consequences of two parallel murders in a small forest town. Both crimes take place in the setting of hospitality businesses—one in a family run motel, and the other at a holiday rental property. The motel murder draws major news coverage, and leads to the arrest of a serial killer, but ruins the business, along with the family’s financial and emotional well-being. The rental murder, however, goes unreported and unconfirmed, but eats away at the conscience of owner and widower Jeon Yeong-ha. All he has to support his hunch are a few drops of blood, and the deranged behavior of a female house-guest who returns several years later to squat in his home and personally torment him. The build up and suspense will have you on the edge of your seat until the credits roll.
Karma
This series touts a non-linear structure that feels a bit like a Russian doll, following the interwoven lives of six different characters in a series of unforgivable events that create chaos for all involved. The underlying themes of karma and unseen consequences that affect countless others, are tied up in the mystery of a burn victim disfigured beyond recognition, and the irresistible urge to follow the morally corrupt thread to it’s unpredictable end. Definitely not a series for the faint of heart, or those who require a narrative through-line, Karma‘s episodic approach will register with fans of short-form storytelling.
GyeongSeong Creature
Part historical drama, part monster mystery, GyeongSeong Creature has all the right ingredients to attract a diverse viewership, but no matter how it peaked your interest, it’s deeper, heartfelt themes are sure to get you hooked. Wealthy pawnshop owner Jang Tae-Sang is working to escape the threats and blackmail of local police, and father-daughter duo Yoon Joong-won and Yoon Chae-ok who are searching for their missing wife/mother in Japanese-occupied Seoul (the modern day name of GyeongSeong). Both stories lead to a local hospital which is hiding Japanese torture chambers and science experiments on humans, including a genetically mutated creature who poses a major danger to society. The second season takes a bold time jump into the present day that puts a unique spin on the narrative.
