This Extremely Uncomfortable K-Drama Is the Best Psychological Horror I’ve Watched in Recent Years

Horror has always been my comfort zone, which probably says more about me than I'd like to admit. But while I do find comfort in similar tropes and predictive plots of the genre, with even more passion I like an absolute unpredictability and a plot that'll haunt me way after the fact. The Ring did it for me. Midsommar, The Thing and some others also managed to surprise.

But as much as I enjoy rewatching my favorite projects, I am constantly searching for something new. However, it's been a long time since I've seen something really groundbreaking that's been brought to the genre.

Starting to lose hope, I didn't really have high hopes for another recommendation, but my friend was confident that it would “definitely shake things up.” And oh boy, did it succeed!

Strangers From Hell (2019) Is the Horror I’ve Been Long Looking For

Little did I know, I was about to stumble upon one of the most unsettling pieces of the genre I've ever encountered.

Strangers from Hell (also known as Hell Is Other People) is a South Korean psychological horror series that follows a young man who moves to Seoul for an internship and finds himself living in a cheap, run-down apartment building.

The place itself seems innocent enough at first glance. It's just your typical budget-friendly goshiwon. But as our protagonist Jong-woo settles in, the true nature of his new home starts unraveling in the most disturbing ways possible.

I think what made the series work so well for me is how it plays with your sense of safety. The residents are downright unsettling in the most realistic way possible.

I also loved the way the show explores themes of isolation in big cities, the vulnerability of being young and alone, and the horrifying possibility that sometimes the real monsters are the people we pass by every day.

The Cast Makes the Already Good Story a Perfect One

The cast deserves special recognition for making this nightmare so believably real.

Lee Dong-wook as Seo Moon-jo absolutely steals the show (in the most unsettling way possible).

Im Si-wan plays our protagonist Yoon Jong-woo and his descent into paranoia feels frighteningly real. You can literally see his mental state deteriorating as the series progresses, making you question everything alongside him.

But if I go on about the performances that impressed me, I'd have to name all the cast members. They really are that good.

Want a Real Test of Your Bravery? Watch Strangers From Hell... in the Dark

Now I was advised to watch the horror in the dark, but I just couldn't do it. My friend swore it's the only way to properly experience the show, but I value my sleep too much. I assume that without any lights it would've been even more terrifying though.

So if you really want to put yourself to the test, go ahead and try watching it without a light on. But I'd advise you to gather some friends, get a bunch of snacks, and dive into the story. You can stream Strangers From Hell completely free on The Roku Channel (with ads, but trust me, you'll appreciate those breaks to catch your breath). See you on the other side!