7 Detective K-Dramas Set in the 80s and 90s, Full of Nostalgia

Kapanlagi.com - Korean dramas often present unique and exciting detective stories to follow. For example, detective K-dramas set in the 80s and 90s as follows. These dramas combine a nostalgic atmosphere with thrilling stories about detective life at that time.

From the fashion style to the distinctive technology of that era, these detective K-dramas set in the 80s and 90s take viewers into the world of crime and investigation in the past. There are several best K-dramas that bring this unique atmosphere.

So, what are these dramas? Here is a list of K-dramas about detectives set in the 80s and 90s with epic stories that you shouldn't miss. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. SIGNAL (2016)

Drama Signal (credit: imdb.com)

Drakor about detectives with a background in the 80s and 90s, the first drama titled SIGNAL. This drama tells the story of Park Hae Yeong, a police lieutenant in 2016, who discovers a mysterious walkie-talkie. Through it, he connects with a missing detective from 1989.

Together, these two detectives from different years investigate the kidnapping case of Park Chorong Bitnari and the serial murders in Hwaseong. This drama pays tribute to the victims and invites viewers to never forget these tragic cases.

2. TUNNEL (2017)

Drama Tunnel (credit: imdb.com)

Drakor about a detective set in the 80s to 90s is the drama TUNNEL. This drama follows the journey of Park Gwang Ho, a detective who gets involved in the pursuit of a serial killer in 1986. When he chases the culprit into a tunnel, he suddenly gets thrown three decades into the future.

The story in this drama is actually inspired by a real-life case of serial murders in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, between 1986-1991, which remains unsolved to this day. Gwang Ho must navigate the time difference to solve the mystery and find justice for the tragic victims.

3. LIFE ON MARS (2018)

Drama Life on Mars (credit: imdb.com)

Continuing, in 2018 there was a drama about a detective set in the 80s to 90s called LIFE ON MARS. This Korean detective drama tells the story of a student murder case in Pocheon City, South Korea in 2004, known as the red nail polish case.

Han Tae Joo, a leader of a crime investigation team, finds himself thrown back to the year 1988 after an accident. Now, as a detective in a small town, he must solve a series of murder cases to return to the present time.

With belief in data and determination, Tae Joo tries to uncover the mystery that connects the past to the present while investigating the disturbing cases that have plagued the city for years. It becomes an exciting detective drama that shouldn't be missed.

4. CHIMERA (2021)

Drama Chimera (credit: imdb.com)

Drakor about a detective set in the 80s to 90s era, there is another drama called CHIMERA. The story begins with a shocking explosion incident followed by a series of mysterious murders known as Chimera. Detective Chae Jae Hyun, doctor Lee Joong Yeob, and criminal profiler Yoo Jin join forces to uncover the mystery.

The three of them work together to trace the criminals and reopen the 1984 incident connected to the case. With their determination and cooperation, they embark on a difficult journey to reveal the shocking truth, solving the puzzle that connects the past and the present.

5. HOMETOWN (2021)

Drama Hometown (credit: imdb.com)

Drama HOMETOWN is also included in the list of dramas about detectives with backgrounds in the 80s and 90s. This horror-themed drama tells the story of three individuals in 1999. Detective Choi Hyung In investigates a murder case connected to a terrorist attack that took his wife's life.

Meanwhile, Jo Jung Hyun faces the stigma of being from a terrorist family but finds hope through his nephew. On the other hand, prisoner Jo Kyung Ho is sentenced to death for his involvement in a terrorist attack in 1989. The three of them are connected through their involvement in a shocking terrorism case from the past.

6. THE WORST OF EVIL (2023)

Drama The Worst of Evil (credit: imdb.com)

In 2023, there is a drama about a detective set in the 80s to 90s titled THE WORST OF EVIL. This action-thriller drama follows Park Jun Mo, a police officer who goes undercover as Kwon Seung Ho to investigate the drug case "Gangnam Crystal". Jun Mo successfully gains the trust of the leader of the criminal gang, Jung Gi Cheul.

However, his mission becomes more complicated when he falls in love with Gi Cheul's wife, who is his first love. Jun Mo must complete his mission and capture Gi Cheul, while also dealing with deep internal conflicts. This drama combines mystery, action, and tension that captivates viewers in every episode.

7. CHIEF DETECTIVE 1958 (2024)

Drama Chief Detective 1958 (credit: imdb.com)

And the latest detective drama set in the 80s to 90s is titled CHIEF DETECTIVE 1958. This drama revolves around the story of Park Young Han, a detective working at the Jongnam Office in Seoul. Park Young Han is known for upholding justice.

He always carries out his work with honesty and high dedication in fulfilling his role as a detective. Set in the year 1958, Park Young Han is involved in investigating a corruption case. Not alone, he and his three colleagues are also involved in the investigation.

Those are some detective dramas set in the 80s to 90s that you can watch. With the background of the 80s to 90s, these detective dramas invite viewers to experience captivating nostalgia.

(kpl/dhm)