Crime K-dramas on Netflix continue to dominate global streaming charts with their gripping plots, psychological depth, and unforgettable characters. From serial killer thrillers to corruption exposés and revenge-driven action, these must-watch Korean crime dramas deliver suspense at every turn. If you’re searching for the best crime K-dramas on Netflix, this curated top 10 list will keep you binge-watching for weeks.
1. Signal (2016)
Signal remains one of the best crime K-dramas on Netflix, blending time travel with chilling cold cases. The story follows a present-day detective who communicates through a mysterious walkie-talkie with a detective from 1989, working together to solve long-forgotten crimes. With tight storytelling, emotional depth, and edge-of-your-seat twists, the drama maintains an impressive 8.5/10 IMDb rating. Each case unfolds like a cinematic thriller, inspired by real-life events, making it both haunting and compelling. If you love intelligent crime dramas with layered mysteries and strong character development, Signal is an absolute must-watch.
2. Beyond Evil (2021)
Beyond Evil is a psychological crime masterpiece that explores what happens when trust collapses in a small town filled with secrets. Two detectives, each haunted by their past, investigate a string of brutal murders while suspecting each other. Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-gu deliver award-winning performances that elevate the show’s intense mind games. With an 8.1/10 IMDb rating and multiple Baeksang Arts Awards, this Netflix crime K-drama thrives on slow-burning suspense and moral ambiguity. If you enjoy character-driven thrillers where everyone could be guilty, Beyond Evil will keep you guessing until the very end.
3. Stranger (Secret Forest) (2017-2020)
Stranger (also known as Secret Forest) is a critically acclaimed legal crime thriller that dives deep into corruption within Korea’s prosecution system. The emotionally detached prosecutor Hwang Si-mok teams up with warm-hearted detective Han Yeo-jin to uncover powerful conspiracies. Praised for its sharp writing and realistic portrayal of institutional corruption, the series holds an 8.4/10 IMDb rating and strong international acclaim. Across two gripping seasons, Stranger masterfully balances political intrigue with intense criminal investigations. For viewers seeking intelligent storytelling and complex moral dilemmas, this Netflix crime drama is essential viewing.
4. Flower of Evil (2020)
Flower of Evil masterfully blends crime, romance, and psychological suspense into one unforgettable drama. Lee Joon-gi stars as a devoted husband hiding a dark and violent past, while his detective wife unknowingly investigates crimes connected to him. The emotional tension between love and suspicion drives every episode, keeping viewers hooked. With an 8.5/10 IMDb rating, the series is praised for its powerful performances and shocking twists. This crime K-drama on Netflix explores identity, trust, and redemption in a way that feels both intimate and terrifying, making it a top choice for thriller fans.
5. My Name (2021)
If you prefer gritty action-packed crime dramas, My Name delivers intense fight scenes and emotional revenge. After witnessing her father’s murder, Yoon Ji-woo infiltrates a dangerous crime syndicate and later the police force to uncover the truth. Han So-hee’s fierce performance anchors this dark, fast-paced thriller, which climbed Netflix’s Global Top 10 upon release. With a 7.8/10 IMDb rating, the series stands out for its brutal realism and shocking betrayals. Blending undercover operations with personal vengeance, My Name is one of the most adrenaline-fueled Korean crime dramas on Netflix.
6. Nine Puzzles (2025)
One of the standout new crime K-dramas of 2025, Nine Puzzles follows a brilliant forensic artist obsessed with solving cryptic clues left by a serial killer. Each episode unfolds like an intellectual chess match, as she pieces together puzzles that reveal shocking truths. The drama quickly gained attention for its clever storytelling and tense cat-and-mouse dynamics. With layered mysteries and psychological depth, it appeals to fans who enjoy smart, clue-driven investigations. If you’re looking for a fresh addition to Netflix’s crime K-drama lineup, Nine Puzzles delivers suspense and brain-teasing thrills.
7. The Good Detective (2020)
The Good Detective combines traditional investigative drama with emotional storytelling and subtle humor. The series follows veteran detectives fighting against powerful figures to clear the name of a man wrongfully sentenced to death. As corruption surfaces, the stakes grow higher, exposing flaws in the justice system. Loved for its realistic characters and strong chemistry between the leads, this crime K-drama offers both suspense and heart. The balance between intense courtroom drama and gripping detective work makes it a standout Netflix pick for viewers who appreciate layered storytelling and moral complexity.
8. Mask Girl (2023)
Mask Girl is a bold and visually striking crime thriller that explores obsession, identity, and the dark side of online fame. The story centers on an insecure office worker who secretly becomes a masked internet streamer, only for her double life to spiral into violence and murder. With a 7.3/10 IMDb rating, the series captivates through shocking plot twists and unconventional storytelling. Its commentary on social media culture adds a modern psychological edge. For viewers seeking a unique, unpredictable crime K-drama on Netflix, Mask Girl offers disturbing yet compelling entertainment.
9. Hunter with a Scalpel (2025)
Hunter with a Scalpel introduces a chilling vigilante narrative centered on a skilled surgeon who secretly hunts criminals. Blending medical precision with crime thriller intensity, this 2025 newcomer quickly climbed viewer rankings for its suspenseful pacing and moral dilemmas. Each episode explores the ethical line between justice and revenge, forcing audiences to question who the real villain is. With high-stakes confrontations and a dark, atmospheric tone, the drama delivers gripping action and psychological tension. If you enjoy vigilante justice stories with a medical twist, this Netflix crime K-drama is worth adding to your list.
10. A Killer Paradox (2024)
A Killer Paradox offers a darkly comedic yet intense take on crime and morality. The story follows an ordinary college student who accidentally kills a criminal and discovers he has a strange ability to identify evildoers, leading him down a dangerous path. As a relentless detective closes in, a psychological battle unfolds. This Netflix original stands out for its blend of humor, suspense, and ethical ambiguity. The unpredictable narrative keeps viewers constantly on edge. If you’re looking for a modern Korean crime drama that challenges traditional hero-villain roles, A Killer Paradox is a must-watch.
Conclusion
From mind-bending mysteries like Signal to intense revenge thrillers like My Name, these must-watch crime K-dramas on Netflix showcase the very best of Korean storytelling. Packed with psychological twists, moral dilemmas, and gripping investigations, each series delivers unforgettable suspense. Whether you love serial killer thrillers, corruption exposés, or action-driven crime dramas, this list has something for every fan. Add these top crime K-dramas to your Netflix watchlist and start your next binge-worthy marathon today.
