7 Black Mirror-Like K-Dramas That Make You Question Reality (No, Squid Game Isn't Among Them)
Who knew K-dramaland had killer dystopias besides Squid Game?
South Korean TV isn't just about romance and drama - there's something for everyone. The key is to find the perfect K-drama match for your tastes.
If you're into mind-bending dystopian thrillers with a side of social commentary and have already exhausted your Black Mirror binge, the world of K-dramas has some hidden gems you'll love. Here are seven must-watch recommendations that will keep you glued to the screen (and none of them are Squid Game).
SF8 (2020)
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Kocowa, Wavve
SF8 is widely known as Black Mirror's South Korean cousin. It's an anthology series that dabbles in fantasy and horror, and features our favorite futuristic tech like AI, AR, VR, robots, and gaming. SF8 serves up eight episodes, each crafted by different filmmakers. It's a lighter take on the sci-fi genre than Black Mirror, but certainly no less intriguing.
The Silent Sea (2021)
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix
A wild mix of sci-fi, thriller, and mystery, the story takes place in a futuristic world where water is as precious as gold. An elite space crew is sent on a mission to an abandoned lunar base in search of mysterious valuable samples. Their journey is filled with surprises and traps at every turn.
Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)
IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix
The series is about a genius engineer and tech mogul who gets involved in an incident that nearly kills him. That's when he meets a woman who claims to be a time traveler sent from the future to keep him alive. Together, they dig into the lead's family secrets that are weirdly connected to a global conspiracy.
The Killing Vote (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Wavve
The show tackles an intriguing, mind-bending concept: a mysterious masked vigilante runs a text-in poll asking every adult to vote on what should happen to criminals who have escaped official justice. If more than half vote for the death penalty, the vigilante carries out the execution.
Circle (2017)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Tubi
The plot unfolds in two time periods twenty years apart. In 2037, humanity is using the memory-recording technology familiar to Black Mirror fans, which turns experiences into videos. The protagonists are twin brothers who crossed paths with a humanoid alien as kids and meet her again as adults.
The Devil Judge (2021)
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, TVING, WeTV
The show is set in a dystopian alternate present where South Korea is gripped by chaos and collapse. In the midst of this tumultuous time, a Chief Trial Judge starts a reality show right in his courtroom, handing out punishment to the guilty without mercy. Many consider him a hero, but are his intentions as noble as they appear?
Signal (2016)
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Tubi, WeTV, iQIYI
The lead character, a criminal profiler, stumbles upon a walkie-talkie that magically connects him to a detective from the past. Together, they form a special unit and become experts at cracking cold cases. But soon their time-bending chats begin to interfere with reality.