‘MOUSE’ and ‘STRANGER FROM HELL’ Korean Dramas that Have Stories About People with Psychopathic Souls

Kapanlagi.com - Fans of Korean dramas are surely familiar with tvN and OCN, which are known for airing dramas and films. Both have recently become a topic of discussion among the public for their success in releasing high-budget dramas that are often starred by talented actors and actresses. Although both are not major TV stations in Korea, they are able to create a new atmosphere to adorn their dramas and films.

This time we will discuss Korean dramas in the thriller genre that are aired by tvN and OCN. Interestingly, these two Korean dramas feature big South Korean actors as the main cast. Yes, this time we will discuss the drama STRANGER FROM HELL which was aired by OCN in 2019, and MOUSE which was released by tvN in early 2021.

Both of these Korean dramas are produced with great finesse, so they have attracted the attention of Korean and international netizens due to the tension felt while watching them. Not only thrilling, but they also drain emotions when watching. They also have plot twists that are completely unpredictable until the end of the episodes.

For KLovers who want to get bored with romance dramas, these two dramas might be included in your must-watch list.

1. Main Cast

SFH & Mouse (Credit: IMDb)

Before releasing the first episode, STRANGER FROM HELL was touted as an interesting Korean drama series. This is because the drama brings the names of Lee Dong Wook and Im Siwan as the main characters. Lee Dong Wook's name was still being widely discussed by the public at that time due to his success in starring in the Korean drama series GOBLIN with his colleague Gong Yoo in 2016. Meanwhile, Im Siwan, who is also a member of the boy group ZE:A, has also starred in several Korean drama series such as THE MOON THAT EMBRACES THE SUN and RUN ON which were released at the end of 2020.

MOUSE features the handsome and talented actor, Lee Seung Gi, as the main character who has starred in many Korean drama series. Not long ago, Lee Seung Gi starred in the Korean drama series VAGABOND with the beautiful actress Suzy in 2019. Lee Seung Gi, who usually plays roles in action dramas or films, this time has to play the role of a very cruel psychopath. There is also a member of a boy group starring in this drama, namely P.O Block B, who is famous for his funny appearance on the variety show he starred in with Kyuhyun from Super Junior. In this drama, he has to become a young detective to help investigate the cases in this drama with his mischievous and reckless style.

2. Plot

SFH & Mouse (Credit: IMDb)

Both of these Korean drama series have the same plot, which is uncovering murder cases committed by psychopaths. What makes these dramas even more intense is that the actors are able to deliver their performances very well, creating a tense atmosphere. However, did you know that behind the success of these two Korean drama series, their stories are actually adapted from an online comic platform called webtoon and real-life stories of people with psychopathic tendencies in Korea.

Indeed, STRANGER FROM HELL is a drama series adapted from a webtoon written by Kim Yong Ki. Then, this story was transformed into a drama directed directly by Lee Chang Hee, who collaborated with the original comic writer to ensure that the impression gained while reading the comic could be conveyed into the drama.

Equally intense, MOUSE is also inspired by a true story of someone who committed a murder in a primary school in South Korea. The scriptwriter wanted this story to be adapted into this drama. The drama is directed by Choi Ran, who is famous for surprising plot twists and is able to neatly package the writer's desires.

3. Setting Place

SFH (Credit: Pinterest) Mouse (Credit: IMDb)

Setting used by the drama STRANGER FROM HELL is in a dormitory named "Eden Gosiwon" which has mysterious residents. The Eden dormitory is located in a densely populated settlement that offers cheap prices. However, who would have thought that many strange residents and all the residents inside have psychopathic souls. Like the dormitory owner who has an unexpected background. Likewise, the main character, Lee Dong Wook, who has a convincing appearance but has so many secrets behind him.

Meanwhile, MOUSE mostly uses the setting of a Police Office because the main character is a detective and in a Hospital where it is a place of work for a suspected killer doctor. However, the murder locations are very diverse and truly unexpected.

4. Rating

SFH & Mouse (Credit: IMDb)

STRANGER FROM HELL experienced a decrease in ratings for each episode that has been aired. This is due to the numerous torture scenes and the disgusting portrayal of this drama, as the overall setting takes place in an old inn occupied by filthy residents. It's no wonder that viewers enjoy the comic version of the story more than the drama version.

On the other hand, MOUSE has consistently recorded an increase in ratings with each new episode. Despite both dramas having brutal scenes, the director's intelligence greatly influences the ratings of this drama, as many viewers are made curious about the next episode, resulting in them not abandoning the drama and its ratings continue to rise. 

5. Korean Drama Based on True Story

Taxi Driver (Credit: IMDb)

Not only MOUSE is based on a true story, TAXI DRIVER is also a drama based on a true story. Such as the scene of employee abuse conducted by the CEO of WeDisk company and his subordinates. There is also a case of pedophilia that has committed numerous sexual violence against underage children, free from the law.

Both have the thriller genre, but TAXI DRIVER tends to have a storyline about revenge. This drama is starred by Kim Je Hoon and Lee Eui Sung, who are talented actors who have played many Korean dramas and films. This drama has a much higher rating compared to STRANGER FROM HELL and MOUSE.

This article was written by: Vici Erta

(kpl/mag)