Romance might be the lifeblood of Korean entertainment, but it’s the bone-chilling fusion of horror and all things supernatural that has viewers hooked lately. Of these, one of the most popular shows titled Hellbound — which sees otherworldly beings delivering sentences to hell — just released its anticipated second season. If you’re still hungover over the series, here are a few engaging dark fantasy Kdrama titles to tune into on Netflix.
If the wild success of shows like Game Of Thrones, Wednesday, Supernatural, and Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina is anything to go by — there’s a growing appetite for gruesome, otherworldly tales. Korean entertainment has plenty to offer in this department — from demonic murder mysteries to seedy soul-switching sagas. Complete, with complex characters, hair-raising plot twists, and deep dive into the recesses of the human mind. The latest addition to this line-up is the second iteration of the popular dark fantasy Kdrama Hellbound. While the first season deals with condemnation to hell, the second season is all about resurrection — as several make their way back from hell, letting chaos ensue. So, we took a look at all the shows just like it on Netflix that are worth streaming.
Dark fantasy Kdrama titles on Netflix to watch after Hellbound 2
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Alchemy Of Souls
Directed by: Park Joon-hwa
Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Minhyun, Yu Jun-sang
Release date: 18 June 2022
Synopsis: In the country of Daeho, a couple of young mages find their lives intertwined due to a forbidden magic spell that allows souls to switch bodies.
Kingdom
Directed by: Kim Seong-hun
Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong
Release date: 25 January 2019
Synopsis: After a mysterious illness takes hold of his kingdom, Crown Prince Lee Chang’s father falls ill. While investigating this disease, he finds himself in the midst of a power struggle with a dangerous clan. The latter labels him a traitor and seeks to overthrow him.
My Demon
Directed by: Kim Jang-han
Cast: Song Kang, Kim Yoo-jung
Release date: 24 November 2023
Synopsis: Demon Jung Koo-won (Song Kang) grants human wishes in exchange for their soul — which is sent to hell after 10 years. His life changes when he bumps into Mirae F&B’s CEO Do Do Hee (played by Kim Yoo-jung) and his powers are transferred to her. He soon discovers that he needs to stick by her side to access them. This leads to a contractual marriage, unexpected romance, and several dangerous sets of events that put them on the brink of death.
Sweet Home
Directed by: Lee Eung-bok, Jang Young-woo, Park So-hyun
Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Lee Do-hyun, Kim Nam-hee, Go Min-si, Park Gyu-young, Go Youn-jung
Release date: 18 December 2020
Synopsis: Introverted high school student Hyun (played by Song Kang) loses his family to a horrific accident. As a consequence, he is forced to move to an old apartment building and tackle life alone. Soon, he finds himself entangled in a zombie-like apocalypse along with other trapped residents.
Happiness
Directed by: Ahn Gil-ho
Cast: Han Hyo-joo, Park Hyung-sik, Jo Woo-jin
Release date: 5 November 2021
Synopsis: A defective cure for COVID-19 leads to the creation of a new virus called Rita — the infection causing patients to experience zombie-esque rage and bloodlust for a certain amount of time. In the midst of the madness, a newly constructed high-rise apartment is placed under quarantine. The residents struggle to survive.
Arthdal Chronicles
Directed by: Kim Won-seok
Cast: Jang Dong-gun, Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won
Release date: 1 June 2019
Synopsis: In the mystical land of Arth in ancient Korea, there’s a constant battle for peace. Politics and power struggles are rife. In the midst of this is Eun-Seom (played by Song Joong-ki) who struggles to restore his tribe as well as Tan-ya (played by Kim Ji-won) who’s brought to Arth as a slave and eventually takes on the role of the Great Spiritual Mother.
Which of these dark fantasy shows are you adding to your Kdrama watchlist on Netflix?
Hero and featured images: Courtesy Alchemy Of Souls/Netflix
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Written by
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
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