Not Only 'Squid Game': 5 Best Action K-Dramas, Ranked by IMDb

Following the unprecedented success of Squid Game, millions of viewers turned to Korean series, which already proved that they can rival the best Hollywood action projects.

However, it would be a mistake to consider this the only hit of its kind – Korea produces many other high-quality, tense, and visually stunning action shows that deserve equal attention.

5. 'Connection', 2024

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

Jang Jae-gyeong works in the drug enforcement department of the police. After successfully capturing the leaders of a major gang, Detective Jang is kidnapped by unknown assailants who drug him with illegal substances.

When he wakes up three days later on the subway, he realizes that the criminals now have incriminating evidence against him. He has no intention of giving up, even though he must operate covertly, including from his colleagues.

Meanwhile, he learns that one of his classmates has died and that this death may be connected to his kidnapping.

4. 'Bad and Crazy', 2021-2022

IMDb Score: 7.9/10

Rookie detective Ryu Soo-yeol is enjoying a successful career – his determined personality and complete lack of a moral compass help him in his work.

Everything changes when he is beaten by a helmeted figure and realizes he has confronted his alter ego, nicknamed K. K is a good-natured and cheerful guy who picks fights at every opportunity.

K decides to guide his original self onto the path of morality and integrity.

3. 'City Hunter', 2011

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

Lee Yoon-sung was raised by his father's friend, who brought him to Thailand and taught him how to use firearms and practice martial arts. The friend did this so that Yoon-sung could avenge the deaths of his loved ones.

As an adult, Yoon-sung returns to South Korea and begins working at the presidential residence. By day, he's a servile government employee, but by night, he's City Hunter, carrying out a meticulously planned revenge.

2. 'Taxi Driver', 2021-...

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

Kim Do-gi's life was radically changed when his mother was murdered by a serial killer. After the tragedy, he found work at Rainbow Taxi, a company that shuttles passengers to their destinations.

But in reality, the company's clients hire the company to commit murder, usually out of revenge.

Over time, law enforcement officer Kang Ha-na begins monitoring Do-gi's activities. She wants to shut down the vigilantes and force everyone to follow the law.

1. 'Healer', 2014-2015

IMDb Score: 8.4/10

In the 1980s, five friends started a pirate radio station in South Korea. They decided to fight the dictatorship, but ultimately met an unfortunate fate. Years later, Seo Jung-hoo, also known as Healer, gets a job at a newspaper.

Healer works for a client who wants to gather as much information as possible about journalist Chae Young-shin. Initially, Healer only wants to make money, but he gradually grows close to Young-shin.

Kim Moon-ho, a journalist striving to bring the truth to readers, also works at the newspaper's editorial office. Together, they will try to uncover what happened to the hosts of the anti-government radio station in the distant past.