Did you like Netflix’s The Frog and are looking for similar K-dramas? You’ve come to the right place!
You’ve probably heard of Korean thriller films because there’s no denying that they know how to produce high-quality, terrifying thrillers that will keep your adrenaline pumping for days, from the classics “Oldboy” and “I Saw The Devil” to Bong Joon-Ho’s more recent obsessions, not to mention they’re just as good when it comes to TV series.
For those who want to watch a thriller with a satisfying ending, we have a few movies to watch instead of Netflix’s “The Frog,” which happens to be a dud in that regard. Indeed, The Frog brings a new perspective to the typical thriller but fails to give us a satisfying ending, making the whole experience quite bitter. With that in mind, here are some K-dramas that take the best elements of The Frog while offering better stories.
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Strangers from Hell
Starring Im Si-Wan in the lead role, alongside the never-before-seen avatars of Lee Dong-Wook and Lee Jung-Eun, “Strangers From Hell” will do the trick if you want to feel the fear of strangers because it’s a sinister, terrifying and just as absurd series as The Frog.
If you are a fan of thrillers but missed this one, I recommend putting it at the top of your list because “Strangers From Hell” is not only a unique psychological thriller with fantastic performances, but it also has fantastic sound and setting that really transports you into the hellish and sinister world that the series depicts.
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The Bequeathed
With its six episodes, the Netflix original series “The Bequeathed” is perfect if you want to watch something very culturally Korean. While the series isn’t for everyone, it’s a great fit for those interested in slow-burning, atmospheric thrillers and especially those who enjoy twists and turns. This falls into the same category as The Frog, so if you enjoyed the imperfect nature of that series, you might have something interesting to say about The Bequeathed.
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The World of the Married
The main reason a makjang drama made it onto this list is that The Frog is directed by Mo Won-Il, who also directed The World of the Married, and it also has strong female characters.
What’s great about Mo Won-Il is how he presents the violent and crazy nature of women full of rage so if you thought Go Min-Si was great in The Frog, you have to see Kim Hee-Ae and Han So-Hee in “The World of the Married”. It’s pure melodrama but it’s all thrilling in a story of deception, not to mention the stunning visuals, which will definitely make your blood boil while watching this series.
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The Glory
Along similar lines, “The Glory” is a revenge story about a bullied woman who is now at the top of her game. It features a strong woman, played by Song Hye-Kyo, who returns to our screens after a massive public breakup that shocked the nation, accompanied by a team of villains who leave a strong impression, making this series a lot of fun to watch despite its over-the-top nature.
Even though it’s another “Makjang”, this series might make you want to tear your hair out, as it’s based on true events and since there are two parts, you won’t have to waste any time.
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mask girl
The Netflix original series “Mask Girl” is all you need if you want to go beyond the absurd, as it’s bold, disturbing, and at times so strange that some have come forward to say they can’t watch it. Aside from delivering a terrifying and true message about Korean beauty standards, this series is simply a well-crafted storyline with excellent pacing and plot. It’s definitely one of the darker movies on this list, so it’s best to check the warnings before watching.
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Somebody
It has to be said that this series defies everything Korean in the strangest way possible, as the main character has a spectrum disorder and another has an intellectual disability. What’s more, it’s an R-rated series that can only be described as “wild.” Again, it’s not a series that’s for everyone and the online reviews aren’t the best, but it’s definitely worth watching if you’re interested in sociopaths and their minds, though we suggest you check the warnings before watching.
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Night has come
Visually intense in terms of gore and not holding back at any point, this one is the most different of the lot, as it takes place in high school and is the most aggressive. Sure, some parts are a bit disjointed, but with “Night Has Come” you are sure to find something particularly violent and that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Those who wonder what the “mob game” would look like in real life can watch this series for an answer.
What other thriller K-dramas would you recommend instead of The Frog?