Korean Dramas with plots that leave the audience confused are certainly not the kind of shows that can be enjoyed casually, as each scene demands extra focus and sharpness. However, it is precisely from this complexity that a viewing experience emerges that feels both challenging and satisfying, especially when everything is answered with a stunning ending and high ratings.
Recently, the concept of a nonlinear storytelling has captured attention through THE ART OF SARAH, which boldly reveals an intense and puzzling non-linear narrative method. This drama proves that a plot that seems confusing at first can turn into a main strength when each piece of the story eventually comes together neatly and emotionally.
For those of you who want to experience a similar sensation, there are a number of other Korean dramas with the concept of forward-backward storytelling and time puzzles that are equally exciting to follow. From mystery stories, psychological thrillers, to romances wrapped in past secrets, these choices are ready to make you think hard while being amazed at the end of the story. Let’s take a look!
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1. MOUSE (2021)

Korean drama with a confusing plot/mydramalist.com
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological.
Duration and number of episodes: About 70 minutes per episode, 20 episodes.
Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Lee Hee-joon, Park Ju-hyun, Kyung Soo-jin.
Platform: tvN, Viki.
This drama tells the story of an honest police officer involved in the hunt for a brutal psychopath amidst discussions of genetic testing to detect murder tendencies from the womb. The plot is filled with time jumps, perspective manipulation, and major plot twists that keep the audience guessing who the real perpetrator is and questioning the morality of each character.
2. A SHOP FOR KILLERS (2024)

Korean Drama with a Confusing Plot/mydramalist.com
Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery.
Duration and number of episodes: 51 minutes per episode, 8 episodes.
Cast: Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun.
Platform: Disney+.
The story follows Jung Ji-an who suddenly becomes the target of professional killers after her uncle passes away and leaves behind a mysterious shop. The story structure moves back and forth with many flashbacks that slowly reveal her uncle's past, leaving the audience confused in piecing together the chronology before all the secrets are thrillingly unveiled.
3. BEYOND EVIL (2021)

Korean Drama with a Confusing Plot/mydramalist.com
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological, Crime.
Duration and number of episodes: About 70 minutes per episode, 16 episodes.
Cast: Shin Ha-kyun, Yeo Jin-goo.
Platform: JTBC, Netflix.
This drama focuses on two police officers from different backgrounds who work together to hunt down a serial killer in a small town full of secrets. Every character appears suspicious, and the plot continuously twists the audience's assumptions.
The plot confuses the audience because every character seems suspicious, and the story keeps flipping assumptions about who the actual perpetrator and victim are, even questioning the morality of the investigators themselves.
4. STRANGERS FROM HELL (2019)

Korean Drama with a Confusing Plot/mydramalist.com
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Psychological.
Duration and number of episodes: About 60 minutes per episode, 10 episodes.
Cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Dong-wook.
Platform: OCN, Netflix.
This drama tells the story of a young man who moves to Seoul and lives in a cheap boarding house with strange and creepy residents. The drama confuses the audience in distinguishing between reality and the protagonist's hallucinations, as the atmosphere gradually becomes darker and more terrifying.
5. THE BEQUEATHED (2024)

Korean Drama with a Confusing Plot/mydramalist.com
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural.
Duration and number of episodes: 47 minutes per episode, 6 episodes.
Cast: Kim Hyun-joo, Park Hee-soon, Park Byung-eun.
Platform: Netflix.
This drama tells the story of a woman who inherits a family grave after her uncle's death, but the inheritance triggers a series of strange events and murders. The plot gradually reveals the dark secrets of the family through fragmented information, making the audience continuously guess who is behind the terror.
6. A KILLER PARADOX (2024)

Korean Dramas with Confusing Plots/mydramalist.com
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Psychological.
Duration and number of episodes: About 50–60 minutes per episode, 8 episodes.
Cast: Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku.
Platform: Netflix.
This drama focuses on an ordinary young man who accidentally kills a serial killer and then becomes trapped in a complicated moral situation. The story is confusing as the audience is left uncertain about who is right and wrong, especially as the psychological chase between the perpetrator and the detective intensifies.
7. THE ART OF SARAH (2026)

Korean Dramas with Confusing Plots/mydramalist.com
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Drama.
Duration and number of episodes: About 60 minutes per episode, 8 episodes.
Cast: Shin Hye Sun, Lee Jun Hyuk, Lee Yi Dam
Platform: Netflix
This drama tells the story of a woman trapped in a whirlwind of identity mystery and a fragmented past. With extreme flashback and flash-forward storytelling techniques and non-chronological scene cuts, viewers are made to piece together the story until they finally understand the shocking complete picture.
8. FAQ
What is a Korean drama with a confusing plot? A Korean drama with a confusing plot is a series intentionally designed with a complex plot, full of puzzles, and unexpected plot twists to keep viewers guessing.
What are some Korean dramas with confusing plots? Some Korean dramas with confusing plots include THE ART OF SARAH, MOUSE, A SHOP FOR KILLERS, BEYOND EVIL, STRANGERS FROM HELL, THE BEQUEATHED, and A KILLER PARADOX.
Why are Korean dramas with confusing plots popular among viewers? Dramas with confusing plots are popular because they offer a challenging thrill, stimulate the mind, and keep viewers glued to solve the mysteries in each episode.
Where can I watch these dramas? These dramas are available on various streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+, depending on the title.
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Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.