5 Thriller K-Dramas You Should Watch if You Liked Parasyte: The Grey

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For decades since its debut in 1989, Hitoshi Iwaaki’s manga “Parasyte” has inspired numerous adaptations. However, Netflix’s latest adaptation titled “Parasyte: The Grey” distinguishes itself by introducing a fresh narrative with original characters, offering a distinctive viewing experience for both long-time fans of Iwaki and new viewers. The show centers around the character Jeong Su-in (played by Jeon So-nee), who finds herself in a struggle to stay alive amid an invasion of shape-shifting alien parasites that occupy human bodies. Remarkably, Su-in manages to survive an attack from one such parasite, but at a cost: she now has an alien living within her.

Despite having just six episodes, the series skillfully utilizes each one, ensuring not a moment is wasted. Every episode brims with action and drama, delivered powerfully by actors like Koo Kyo-hwan as a low-level gangster, Lee Jung-hyun as the head of a special task force team, and Kwon Hae-hyo as a seasoned detective. Director Yeon Sang-ho masterfully balances the numerous plotlines and character arcs within the series, offering a compelling narrative that carries underlying environmental and societal messages without compromising on action or entertainment. As of now, no news has been announced about a second season, but if you’ve enjoyed “Parasyte: The Grey,” here are five more thrilling Korean dramas to keep you engaged.

5. The Tyrant (2024)

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The brief action-spy series “The Tyrant,” penned and orchestrated by Park Hoon-jung, comprises merely 4 episodes. It’s a spinoff from the “The Witch” movie franchise, delving into the aftermath when a covert bioweapon mysteriously goes missing. The narrative unfolds as Kim Seon-ho’s character, Choe, grapples with the weapon’s loss within South Korea’s national intelligence agency, while Jo Yoon-su’s character, Chae Ja-gyeong, is assigned to retrieve the last remaining sample of this dangerous weapon.

In “The Tyrant,” there’s no time wasted as we plunge headlong into a world filled with ruthless and treacherous characters, all vying for control of a deadly weapon. This gripping and exhilarating series boasts unique characters and outstanding performances, much like “Parasyte: The Grey.” It delves deep into ethical dilemmas, power struggles, and the repercussions of clandestine research. As greed, deceit, and vengeance put countless lives at risk, it provides a chilling glimpse into the lengths governments and covert agencies will go to obtain power, and how powerless the public can be in the face of hidden machinations. Each episode tackles moral quandaries while offering a mix of thought-provoking performances and pulse-pounding action.

4. Hellbound (2021)

As a passionate fan, I’ve been captivated by the gripping tale unfolding in “Hellbound,” a Netflix series co-created by Yeon Sang-ho and Choi Gyu-seok, with Yeon Sang-ho at the helm as director. This intriguing narrative follows everyday individuals who are unexpectedly faced with public decrees, condemning them to an eternal fate in hell. Each decree comes with a chilling countdown to their inevitable demise. When time expires, three terrifying demons materialize, unleashing brutal fiery attacks to carry out the condemned’s grim journey to the underworld.

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Among numerous supernatural series, especially popular K-dramas, Hellbound stands out as one of the few that effectively merges the supernatural with intense action within a single series. This unique blend makes it an ideal choice for fans who enjoy both genres. In the first season, Yoo Ah-in plays cult leader Jeong Jin-soo, and in the second, Kim Sung-cheol steps into his shoes. Although there’s a sudden shift in the main character, both actors deliver exceptional performances, maintaining the composed demeanor of their characters even amidst heavy, sometimes overwhelming subject matter. The strong cast is crucial to the series as their powerful performances effectively echo and reinforce the intensity of the storyline.

3. A Shop For Killers (2024)

In this series, we join Jeong Ji-an (played by Kim Hye-jun), a young woman who finds herself in the crosshairs of a lethal gunfight after her enigmatic uncle Jeong Jin-man (portrayed by Lee Dong-wook) ends his life suddenly. As she delves deeper to understand her late, secretive uncle’s hidden life, she also has to outmaneuver multiple assassins pursuing her. To stay alive, she relies on the wisdom and guidance that her uncle provided before his untimely demise, utilizing them as invaluable resources in her struggle for survival.

At the start of the program, viewers are plunged straight into a violent confrontation between Ji-an and a band of assassins. Similar to the spectators, we’re initially perplexed, attempting to understand the situation. The frenetic action and Ji-an’s knack for swiftly adapting to dangerous circumstances echo the tense ambiance in “Parasyte: The Grey“, where survival hinges on prompt and decisive actions. Through flashbacks to her time with her uncle, we gradually uncover how she maintains composure during battle and even handles a firearm. Simultaneously, we join Ji-an in solving the enigma of her uncle’s hidden life. Each episode is brimming with action and skillfully alternates between past and present without leaving viewers bewildered.

2. Family Matters (2024)

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Family Matters stands out as one of the most underestimated K-dramas of 2024, boasting an exceptional ensemble cast and a unique narrative. The series chronicles the Han family, which includes mother Han Young-soo (Bae Doona), father Baek Cheol-hee (Ryoo Seung-bum), grandfather Baek Kang-seong (Baek Yoon-sik), and their teenage children, Baek Ji-hoon (Lomon) and Baek Ji-woo (Lee Su-hyun). As they embark on a new journey, striving for a normal life in an unfamiliar place, it soon becomes evident that they are anything but ordinary. Despite being bound not by blood but by choice, the family harbors a chilling secret and a murky past they are frantically attempting to flee from.

The actors in this production mesh flawlessly together, even though some stereotypes are present (such as the troubled teenage daughter character). However, these stereotypes effectively contribute to the overall narrative. Doona delivers another exceptional performance, portraying a woman who has endured unimaginable hardships, while it’s refreshing to witness Seung-bum back on screen after his prolonged hiatus, playing a shy yet resilient character. It’s worth noting that there has been an increase in adult-themed Korean dramas, and “Family Matters” belongs to this category. This show is another example of female characters taking the lead, particularly Young-soo, whose gender plays a crucial role in the storyline because her hidden past is also female. Similarly to “Parasyte,” the series delves into themes of survival and moral complexity.

1. Killer Paradox (2024)

In the highly praised Netflix show I’m hooked on, I, a college student named Lee Tang, portrayed by Choi Woo-shik, uncover an uncanny ability to recognize malevolent individuals following an unfortunate encounter with a serial killer. My trusty companion, Roh Bin, played by Kim Yo-Han, and I, take justice into our own hands, tracking down and eliminating evil doers. Our activities pique the interest of detective Jang Nan-gam, skillfully portrayed by Son Suk-ku, who’s on a mission to unravel the mysteries behind these murders.

The show reimagines the classic vigilante theme, offering a fresh perspective through each episode. It repeatedly poses the age-old dilemma: Is it acceptable to take a life when someone is evil? This query opens up a series of further questions about the boundaries of public justice pursuit. As these questions multiply, so does our curiosity. The series effectively blends humor with its heavy subject matter, resulting in a captivating blend of dark comedy. It manages to maintain an engaging balance between the grimness of moral quandaries and the humor, never losing sight of the latter’s impact.

The show delves deep into the psyche of all characters, providing insights into their emotional and psychological journeys. Woo-shik, as Tang, offers a compelling portrayal of a man thrust into a realm he could never have envisioned. This exploration of moral complexity encourages viewers to reconsider their own beliefs about justice and how far they would go to uphold it.

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2025-01-25 17:10