DISCLAIMER: This content has mentions of violence, infidelity, revenge, and the like. Read at your own risk.

K-DRAMAS have a way of making their audiences glue themselves to their seats. Whether it be romance, comedy, drama, or thriller, their storylines will keep you wanting to know what will happen next.

In case you didn’t know, K-Dramas aren’t always about romance and light stories. In fact, there are shows that are very good at creating storylines with heavy thriller, action, and revenge plots.

If you want to know more Korean shows like these, here are some recommendations you can add to your watchlist. Be warned: these are not for the faint of heart.

The Glory

35 year-old, Moon Dongeun (Song Hye Kyo) was a victim of school bullying led by Park Yeonjin (Lim Jiyeon) and her friends Jaejun (Park Sunghoon), Sara (Kim Hieora), and Hyejeong (Cha Jooyoung). Feeling frustrated that her abusers are leading successful lives after graduation, she vows to return and seek revenge against them and the adults who kept her silent about her abuse.

What makes this K-Drama stressful is how the high school bullies seem to not feel any sense of remorse. However, you will also feel satisfied whenever Dongeun becomes braver and smarter when plotting to get back at her abusers.

Stream The Glory on Netflix.

The Penthouse

The Penthouse is a story about the residents of Hera Palace, the most luxurious residence in Seoul.

Born with high class and power, the parents living in Hera Palace do what they can to show who is the most powerful and noble of all. Even if they have to cover up a crime or cheat their way into a school, the rich parents are willing to do it all for their children and their family reputation.

This K-Drama series became well-known for its ensemble cast, powerhouse acting, and thrilling story. If you ever want to watch this show, be warned that it might give you a headache due to the stress from all their shenanigans.

Stream The Penthouse on Netflix.

SKY Castle

Set in an elite village called, SKY Castle, the show revolves around the mothers of the community. With college entrance exams approaching, the mothers find a way for their children to get into prestigious universities.

Han Sujin, a mother who is concerned about her daughter’s education, assigns private tutor Kim Jooyoung to help her prepare for the college entrance exam. Unbeknownst to her, the private tutor holds a secret that caused a family to fall apart. But Sujin is willing to risk it all just so her daughter can enter college successfully.

The K-Drama will make audiences ask how much are you willing to risk for your child. Will money, power, and status really matter if you’re in a life and death situation? Are you really doing something for your children or are you doing it for your reputation?

It can be trying thinking about all of these.

Stream SKY Castle on Netflix.

The World of the Married 

Successful doctor Ji Seon-u is happy with her job, her marriage, and her family. She has it all, until she finds out her husband has been having an affair with a younger woman. What’s worse is that her friends were aware of the secret and chose to lie to her about it.

Because of the betrayal she felt, Seon-u exposes her husband and his mistress for having an affair. Her friends also hold dirty secrets of their own and Seon-u plots to expose them one by one.

This K-Drama will have you feeling stressed by the characters who are cunning, prideful, and care too much about their reputation.

Stream The World of Married on Netflix.

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