6 Dystopian K-Dramas That Will Make You Fear About the Future
Embark on a journey that will force you to consider the choices you make and their potential impact on the uncertain tomorrows looming ahead.
Often associated with romance and lighthearted stories, Korean drama has taken a bold turn in recent years by embracing diverse and thought-provoking narratives, including the dystopian genre. These stories not only entertain but also raise alarms about possible dark futures, leaving viewers questioning the road ahead.
Here are 6 standout K-dramas that redefine expectations and offer a unique exploration of the dystopian landscape.
The Devil Judge (2021)
In a futuristic dystopian South Korea, Ji Sung's Kang Yo Han holds the powerful position of Devil Judge, presiding over the country's highest court. As both judge and star of a reality TV show, Kang Yo Han dramatically exposes corruption and divides the public on whether he's a hero or a force for chaos.
The series unfolds as two childhood friends, rookie judge Kim Ga On and police officer Yoon Soo Hyun, set out to seek justice and unravel Kang Yo Han's secrets.
Hellbound (2021)
In this Netflix dark fantasy saga, massive demons wreak havoc in Seoul, causing torment and death before transporting their victims to Hell. Such demonic events cause widespread panic and zealous religious fanaticism in the show's fictional world. People who claim to have insight into the reasons behind these attacks gain messianic status, fueling conspiracy theories and increasing confusion, fear, and paranoia.
The series, directed by Yeon Sang-ho and based on his webtoon, quickly topped Netflix's global non-English rankings, drawing comparisons to Squid Game and achieving top ratings worldwide within 24 hours of its release.
The Silent Sea (2021)
In this Netflix's acclaimed drama, a team of specialists embarks on a lunar mission in 2075 to save Earth by retrieving a mysterious sample from a lunar research facility. The plot unfolds as Earth struggles with resource exhaustion and the lunar mission raises more questions than it answers.
Based on Choi Hang-yong's short film The Sea of Tranquility, this Netflix adaptation features an all-star cast and is co-written by Park Eun-kyo, known for her work with director Bong Joon-ho on the acclaimed film Mother.
Circle: Two Worlds Connected (2017)
The show unfolds a dystopian narrative of parallel worlds that initially seem unrelated, but are ultimately connected by haunting past events and perverse scientific experiments. The story revolves around twin brothers Woo-jin and Bum-gyun who encounter a humanoid alien named Byul with advanced memory technology.
The drama takes place in three timelines: 2007, 2017, and 2037. In 2017, Woo-jin investigates a series of suicides linked to Bum-gyun's search for aliens, while in 2037, detective Kim Joon-hyuk delves into the dark truth behind the seemingly crime-free Smart Earth.
Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)
The Greek mythology-inspired series begins with an exciting time travel story between Han Tae-Sul, a gifted engineer, and Gang Seo-Hae, a skilled warrior from the future. Han Tae-Sul, known for his innovative contributions to the Quantum and Time Company, discovers disturbing truths about his brother's demise, triggering a dangerous journey.
Meanwhile, Gang Seo-Hae, skilled in combat and survival, embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue Han Tae-Sul in a world dominated by gangsters and military clans. As these two characters navigate the complexities of time and fate, the series weaves a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue.
Black Knight (2023)
In the dystopian world of this newcomer series, set in the year 2071, toxic air pollution has decimated the population, leaving only 1 percent alive. Knights, skilled in combat and package protection, play a crucial role in a society divided by a strict hierarchy.
In this world, the legendary Knight 5-8 meets Yoon Sa-Wol, a refugee who aspires to become a knight, and Seol-Ah, an officer in the Defense Intelligence Command, becomes Yoon Sa-Wol's guardian. As Knight 5-8 helps Yoon Sa-Wol, the series explores themes of survival and the pursuit of dreams in a challenging world.