Korean Dramas about Police with Stories Full of Mystery and Tension

Kapanlagi.com - For you crime, mystery, and thriller enthusiasts, we have good news! There are several recommendations for Korean dramas themed around police that you must know. These dramas not only offer thrilling stories but have also gained quite a bit of popularity among viewers.

In this recommendation, you will find various interesting tales that depict mysteries and the daily lives of police officers as they carry out their duties. This is the perfect choice for those of you who want to be entertained while also inspired by their dedication.

For KLovers looking for exciting shows, here is a list of Korean dramas about police that are ready to delight your eyes and mind. Happy watching! (kpl/gen/dhm)

1. SIGNAL (2016)

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The drama SIGNAL, released in 2016, is often regarded as one of the best works in the Korean police drama genre. With a storyline that spans two eras— the 1990s and 2016— this drama successfully won the Baeksang Award for Best Drama during its time. The story focuses on Park Hae-Yeong, a police lieutenant and criminal profiler from 2016, who unexpectedly discovers a magical walkie-talkie. This device allows him to connect with a detective who has been missing since 1989. Together, these two detectives from different times strategize to solve a mystery that links the past and the present, making SIGNAL a must-watch Korean drama!

2. VOICE (2017)

One of the must-watch Korean dramas for fans of police stories is VOICE, a work that has captured the attention of many viewers and even spawned three seasons! This drama follows the journey of a detective in the South Korean police force who collaborates with a 112 call center agent, who has an extraordinary ability to analyze cases just from the sounds she hears. With a plot full of tension and mysterious action, VOICE promises an unforgettable thrilling experience for its audience.

3. LIVE (2018)

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Watch the interesting drama titled "LIVE" released in 2018, which tells the daily lives of police officers with a poignant slice of life touch. This drama follows the journey of police officers, from field cadets to patrol officers fighting on the front lines, as well as their superiors who play a crucial role in the 'Live' team in the Hongil patrol division. Each character has a unique story and their own challenges, depicting how demanding and stressful their job is, one of the most challenging in the world, in order to earn a decent income. "LIVE" is a must-watch recommendation for Korean dramas about police!

4. THE GOOD DETECTIVE (2020)

When discussing Korean dramas with a police theme, the name THE GOOD DETECTIVE must not be missed. It tells the story of Lee Dae Chul, who is caught in a serial murder accusation he did not commit. This drama takes us on a thrilling journey with experienced detective Kang Do Chang, who has served for 18 years, alongside Oh Ji Hyeok, an elite detective with nine years of experience, as they strive to uncover the truth behind this mystery. With a plot full of puzzles and thrilling revelations of the perpetrator, THE GOOD DETECTIVE offers a story that will keep you glued to the screen and makes it one of the must-watch recommendations for Korean dramas about police!

5. TEAM BULLDOG: OFF-DUTY INVESTIGATION (2020)

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Next, there is an intriguing drama titled "TEAM BULLDOG: OFF-DUTY INVESTIGATION" that deserves a place on the list of recommended Korean dramas with a police theme. Telling the story of detective Jin Kang Ho, known for his fiery spirit and effectiveness in solving cases, this drama showcases his unwavering dedication in pursuing the criminals who are his targets. With a thrilling plot and strong characters, "TEAM BULLDOG" offers an exciting experience for detective drama fans!

6. POLICE UNIVERSITY (2021)

The drama "Police University" tells the thrilling journey of a professor at an elite police university, Yoo Dong Man, who is a former detective, along with his enthusiastic students. Among them is Kang Sun Ho, a student with a strong determination to become a law enforcer, who struggles alongside his friends, each with different dreams and motivations. Throughout their journey, various training challenges await, colored by friendship, competition, romance, and unexpected secrets. This drama is one of the interesting recommendations for lovers of Korean police stories that you shouldn't miss!

7. BEYOND EVIL (2021)

(credit: mydramalist)

Prepare to be immersed in the tension of the Korean drama "BEYOND EVIL," which presents a gripping story about the world of policing. In the midst of the dull quiet of a small town, Lee Dong Sik, a brilliant former detective who is now forced to serve in a new position, feels his life change drastically with the arrival of Han Joo Won, a young detective who is also the child of a prospective Chief of Police. Together, they become entangled in a horrifying mystery when a brutal murder case shakes their small town, which turns out to be connected to a similar case that occurred two decades ago. Get ready to be involved in a thrilling journey full of intrigue and surprises!

8. MY NAME (2021)

The drama "MY NAME" is the perfect choice for fans of Korean dramas with a police theme combined with elements of horror and crime. It tells the story of Yoon Ji Woon, a girl who is forced to infiltrate the dark world of the mafia to avenge her father's death, this drama stirs the emotions of the audience with deep conflicts. In her disguise as a police officer, Ji Woon plays a double role as a mafia spy involved in drug trafficking. However, when her trust is betrayed by the mafia boss, her story becomes more complicated when she falls in love with a detective, creating a narrative filled with tension and a tragic ending.

9. MOUSE (2021)

(credit: mydramalist)

Prepare yourself to be caught in a gripping tension with the Korean drama "MOUSE," which is a must-watch recommendation for fans of mystery and police action stories! In this thriller-laden tale, we are invited to delve into the dark world of a serial murder case committed by a mysterious psychopath. The skilled detective Ko Moo-chi, assigned to uncover the mystery, is not alone; he teams up with Jung Ba-Reum, a talented young police officer. With a storyline full of surprises and plot twists that make you furrow your brow, "MOUSE" demands viewers to pay close attention to every little detail in order to uncover the hidden identity of the killer. Get ready to feel the adrenaline peak!

10. BAD AND CRAZY (2022)

Prepare yourself to dive into a world full of action and laughter with the must-see Korean drama, BAD AND CRAZY! Released at the end of 2021, this drama tells the exciting adventures of a detective named Soo-Yeol, who is known as a capable police officer willing to do anything for profit. However, he must face K, a figure who fights to uphold justice even if it sometimes means taking shortcuts. The meeting of these two characters with contrasting personalities creates funny yet thrilling moments, making BAD AND CRAZY the perfect choice for fans of police dramas who want to experience a unique combination of comedy and tension.

11. VIGILANTE (2023)

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In the thrilling story "Vigilante," we are invited to delve into the life of Kim Ji Yong, a police academy student who is devastated after his mother becomes a murder victim of a criminal who received only a light sentence. Now, Ji Yong lives a double life: during the day, he acts as a law enforcer, while at night, he becomes a hunter of criminals who escape justice, known by the alias Vigilante. Together with his partner, Cho Gang Ok, Ji Yong is determined to punish the perpetrators in unexpected ways. However, his actions attract the attention of Detective Cho Heon, who is suspicious and determined to uncover the mysterious identity of Vigilante, adding tension to Ji Yong's journey to uphold justice.

12. BAD AND CRAZY (2022)

In this surprise-filled drama, we are invited to explore the life of Soo Yeol, a corrupt police officer in the Anti-Corruption Unit, who suddenly finds himself caught in a whirlwind of change after meeting K, a mysterious figure with a burning sense of justice. This unexpected encounter gives rise to a unique collaboration between a police officer ensnared in darkness and a crazy truth-seeker, making Bad and Crazy a thrilling yet entertaining watch. With a combination of exhilarating action and clever humor, this drama proves that even from the depths of darkness, the light of change can still shine.

13. STRONG GIRL NAM SOON (2023)

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In the captivating story titled "Strong Girl Nam Soon," we follow the adventure of Kang Nam Sun, a super-strong woman who suddenly disappears in Mongolia and returns to Seoul to search for her family. In her quest, she teams up with Detective Kang Hui Sik to uncover a troubling drug network in Gangnam. Not only does Nam Sun inherit extraordinary strength from her family, but she also possesses an unyielding fighting spirit against injustice. In their undercover mission to dismantle a new type of drug circulation, both must face tough enemies who are equally strong. This drama presents a fresh combination of comedy, fantasy, and criminal elements that will surely entertain and captivate its audience!

14. UNDERCOVER HIGH SCHOOL (2025)

In the intriguing drama "Undercover High School," we follow Jung Hae Seong, an elite agent from the NIS who bravely goes undercover as a high school student to uncover the mystery of the missing gold left by King Gojong. During his undercover mission, he meets O Su A, a contract history teacher who aspires to become a permanent educator. However, this mission is not just a treasure hunt; Jung Hae Seong discovers the dark side of the education world and a corruption network that is eroding the school where he is hiding. With a mix of thrilling action, captivating mystery, and fresh humor typical of the undercover genre, this drama is set to entertain and pique the curiosity of its audience.

15. GOOD BOY (2025)

(credit: mydramalist)

The drama "Good Boy" tells the story of a group of former elite athletes who, after winning medals at the international level, choose a new path as police officers through Olympic recruitment. Now, they take action in a violent crime unit known as the Olympic Avengers. Utilizing their honed physical and mental skills, these officers are ready to face high-risk challenges. This story not only depicts their spirit and camaraderie but also their struggle to maintain morality amidst the harsh realities of the law. In this episode, they unite to uncover a series of crimes committed by Min Ju Yeong, adding tension and intrigue to their journey.

16. THE WORST OF EVIL (2023)

Set against the backdrop of the intriguing 1990s, "The Worst of Evil" tells the story of Park Jun Mu, a rural police officer who is forced to infiltrate a dangerous drug cartel, Gangnam Crystal. However, this dangerous mission becomes increasingly complicated when he discovers that his wife, Yoo Eui Jeong, is also trapped in the dark network. In an emotionally draining dilemma between duty and love, this drama showcases thrilling tension and the harsh realities of life in the underground world, where Park Jun Mu must choose between completing his mission or betraying the one he loves. His undercover work not only changes the course of his life but also tests his moral boundaries and loyalty.

17. QnA Recommendations for Korean Dramas About Police

Who would have thought that Korean dramas could combine the worlds of sports and law enforcement? In "Good Boy," we are taken into the intriguing story of a former medal-winning athlete who becomes a police officer, using his skills to solve complex cases. Meanwhile, "Vigilante" features Kim Ji Yong, a police student who bravely upholds justice in his own way, even if it means going against the law. Not to be missed, "Strong Girl Nam Soon" arrives as a spin-off of "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon," with new characters that still maintain the entertaining theme of super strength. Moving on to "Bad and Crazy," the interaction between two contrasting characters creates a unique dynamic that makes each episode unpredictable. And in "The Worst of Evil," we are invited to delve into the theme of complicated police undercover work, moral conflicts, and the dilemma between love and responsibility. This series of Korean dramas about police not only offers thrilling mysteries but also presents stories full of emotion and surprises!

(kpl/sjn)