Korean action series have become a global sensation, captivating audiences with their heart-pounding narratives and stellar performances. In this exhilarating journey, we unveil the top 10 Korean action series that are redefining the genre on streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu.
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Number 10: Vagabond Our action-packed adventure begins with “Vagabond.” Released in September 2019, this series follows stuntman Cha Dal-Gun, portrayed by Lee Seung-gi, on a relentless quest for justice after a suspicious plane crash claims his nephew’s life. With breathtaking action and a riveting plot, “Vagabond” has rightfully earned its place as one of the top Korean action series on Netflix.
Link to Vagabond on AsianWiki
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Vagabond‘s success lies not only in its intense action sequences but also in the emotional depth brought to the character of Cha Dal-Gun by Lee Seung-gi. The series takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, uncovering conspiracies and hidden agendas. As the stuntman unravels the mysteries behind his nephew’s death, audiences are left on the edge of their seats, craving more with each episode.
Number 9: Hunt Next up is “Hunt,” a Korean espionage thriller delving into major events of the 1980s. Directed by Lee Jung-Jae, this film gained international acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival and became a Hulu sensation. With a budget of 20 billion Won and a box office smash, “Hunt” is a compelling choice for lovers of Korean action thrillers.
Link to Hunt on Wikipedia
Link to Hunt on AsianWiki
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Hunt isn’t just a film; it’s an immersive experience that transports viewers to the tumultuous events of the 1980s. The film’s directorial debut by Lee Jung-Jae showcases not only his prowess in storytelling but also his ability to recreate historical events with a modern cinematic touch. As the film unfolds, audiences are taken on a journey through political upheavals, espionage, and the indomitable spirit of those who stood against oppression.
Number 8: Payback: Money and Power Enter the gritty world of “Payback: Money and Power,” where individuals challenge a money cartel. Starring Lee Sun-Kyun, Moon Chae-Won, Kang Yoo-Seok, and Park Hoon, this series, released in January 2023, has garnered a massive following for its captivating plot and unparalleled cinematography. Tune in for an adrenaline-fueled experience and a high rating on Prime.
Link to Payback on Wikipedia
Link to Payback on AsianWiki
Payback: Money and Power plunges viewers into a world where individuals defy the boundaries set by a money cartel. The series, written by Kim Won-Seok and directed by Lee Won-Tae, doesn’t just rely on action sequences but intricately weaves together a narrative that explores the complexities of power, greed, and the fight for justice. The characters, brought to life by the talented ensemble cast, add layers of depth to the overarching theme of rebellion against an unjust system.
Number 7: Sweet Home After an unexpected family tragedy, Cha Hyun-Soo, played by Song Kang, moves into an apartment only to discover a world plagued by monsters. “Sweet Home,” a Netflix original released in December 2020, garnered over 2.1 billion views in its first season. With season two on the horizon, this series promises more heart-stopping moments and intense survival struggles.
Link to Sweet Home on Wikipedia
Link to Sweet Home on AsianWiki
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Sweet Home‘s success lies not just in its monstrous creatures but in the human resilience portrayed by the characters. The series delves into the psyche of individuals facing an apocalyptic scenario, making choices that define their survival. Song Kang’s portrayal of Cha Hyun-Soo adds emotional depth, turning a creature-feature into a profound exploration of humanity in the face of adversity.
Number 6: My Name Unveil the mystery surrounding Yoon Ji-Woo’s quest for revenge in “My Name.” This Netflix release from October 2021 weaves a gripping tale of crime, infiltration, and justice. With positive reviews and high viewership, “My Name” stands out as a must-watch, with three episodes screened at the 26th Busan International Film Festival.
Link to My Name on Wikipedia
Link to My Name on AsianWiki
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My Name takes the audience on a thrilling ride, where the quest for truth becomes a personal vendetta. The series, with its well-written story and remarkable acting, transcends the boundaries of a typical revenge drama. It explores the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
Number 5: The Worst Of Evil Set in the 1990s, “The Worst Of Evil” follows undercover police investigators tackling an international drug trade. Ji Chang-wook, Wi Ha-joon, Im Se-mi, and Bubi lead this crime drama, released on September 27, 2023. With an engaging plot and remarkable action, it has gained international attention and a massive following.
Link to The Worst Of Evil on Wikipedia
Link to The Worst Of Evil on AsianWiki
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The Worst Of Evil doesn’t just scratch the surface of crime; it plunges into the intricate web of undercover operations and international intrigue. The 1990s backdrop adds a nostalgic touch, while the stellar cast brings the characters to life. Ji Chang-wook’s magnetic performance, coupled with the suspenseful narrative, elevates the series to a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.
Number 4: The Killing Vote Since its release on August 10, 2023, “The Killing Vote” has kept viewers worldwide mesmerized with its cryptic survey determining the fate of criminals. Starring Park Hae-jin, Park Sung-Woong, and Lim Ji-yeon, this series, based on a popular webtoon, explores the moral dilemmas surrounding the death penalty.
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The Killing Vote poses thought-provoking questions about justice and morality. The series, adapted from a popular webtoon, transcends typical crime dramas by delving into the ethical complexities of society. As viewers navigate the moral ambiguity, the stellar performances of the cast contribute to the series becoming a gripping exploration of the human psyche.
Number 3: Hellbound Director Yeon Sang-Ho takes us on a wild ride in “Hellbound,” a dark fantasy thriller set in 2022. Supernatural beings condemn people to hell, leading to chaos and fear. Premiering at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, this Netflix original became the world’s most-watched series on its second day of release.
Link to Hellbound on Wikipedia
Link to Hellbound on AsianWiki
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Hellbound isn’t just a series; it’s a cultural phenomenon that took the world by storm. Director Yeon Sang-Ho’s masterful storytelling and the series’ unique take on supernatural elements make it a standout in the Korean drama landscape. While some critics draw comparisons to “Squid Game,” there’s no denying the impact “Hellbound” has had on discussions about the future of Korean cinema.
Number 2: Mad Dog Choi Kang-Woo, played by Yoo Ji-tae, leads the charge in “Mad Dog.” This series follows the former officer as he forms his investigation team, Mad Dog, to uncover the truth behind a plane crash. Released on Netflix, this crime drama has become a beloved series, combining thrilling action with a captivating plot.
Link to Mad Dog on Wikipedia
Link to Mad Dog on AsianWiki
Mad Dog isn’t just another crime drama; it’s a relentless pursuit of justice and truth. Yoo Ji-tae’s portrayal of Choi Kang-Woo adds a layer of complexity to the character, making it more than just a typical investigator. As viewers are taken on a journey of unraveling conspiracies, “Mad Dog” cements its place as a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.
Number 1: Bloodhounds Our journey through the top Korean action series concludes with “Bloodhounds,” a tale of two young boxers, Kim Geon-woo and Hong Woo-jin, portrayed by Woo Do-Hwan and Lee Sang-Yi, respectively. Released on Netflix on June 9, 2023, “Bloodhounds” has exploded in popularity, captivating audiences with its intense action, suspense, and stellar performances.
Link to Bloodhounds on AsianWiki
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Bloodhounds isn’t just a series; it’s an adrenaline-fueled experience that showcases the raw talent of its cast. Woo Do-Hwan and Lee Sang-Yi bring their characters to life with remarkable performances, making every action sequence and plot twist more gripping than the last. As the series continues to garner acclaim, “Bloodhounds” stands tall as a testament to the evolving landscape of Korean action dramas.
Thank you for embarking on this epic journey through the top 10 Korean action series of 2023. If you’re a fan of reaction videos, hit subscribe on Yaboyrocklee Reactions for more K-pop and K-drama content. Until next time, goodbye, and stay tuned for more thrilling adventures in the world of Korean drama!