K-Drama

7 Survival K-Dramas That Will Have You Guessing Who Lives To The End

7 Survival K-Dramas That Will Have You Guessing Who Lives To The End
Image credit: TVING

A true feast for fans of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic stories.

Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic survival stories make up a unique part of the horror genre. The depiction of a terrifying global event that brings death and must be escaped against all odds taps into our primal instincts.

In addition to confronting our deepest fears, survival stories help us bond with characters who could die any second, navigate harrowing events by their side, and watch on the edge of our seats to see if our favorite will make it to the end.

Are you a fan of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic projects?

If this is exactly what you are looking for in entertainment, K-dramaland has some amazing shows to offer. Here are seven titles that often come up in various fan discussions.

Hellbound (2021-present)

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IMDb rating: 6.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix

In a modern, alternate Korea, otherworldly creatures suddenly begin to materialize, selecting individuals and declaring their fate to burn in hell before incinerating them on the spot. This terrifying phenomenon divides society and leads to the formation of extreme factions, each dealing with the fear in their own way. Season 2 is scheduled to premiere in Q4 2024.

Duty After School (2023)

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IMDb rating: 6.8/10

Where to stream: Viki

When mysterious ominous objects crash into Earth, the government swiftly calls for everyone to prepare for a potential alien invasion. The militarization extends to high school students. And soon the training comes in handy.

Sweet Home (2020-present)

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IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Cha Hyun-soo, a high school dropout, loses his will to live after a devastating family tragedy. To escape his past, he moves into an isolated apartment complex. But when monsters begin to roam the city streets, all the residents, including Hyun-soo, must band together to survive. Season 3 premieres later this month.

All of Us Are Dead (2022-present)

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IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Where to stream: Netflix

When a science experiment goes horribly wrong, an ordinary high school turns into a battlefield where most of the students become zombies. A small group of survivors must hide and fight until the army arrives. Season 2 is set to hit Netflix next year.

D-Day (2015)

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IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Viki

A massive earthquake devastates Seoul, severing all access to the city and cutting off phones, electricity, and water. Amidst the chaos, doctors Lee Hae-sung and Jung Ddol-mi join forces to save lives in these perilous conditions.

Happiness (2021)

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IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki

A new drug transforms people into zombie-like, bloodthirsty monsters who slip in and out of consciousness. The only person who seems immune to the virus is Yoon Sae-bom, a special ops agent who finds herself trapped in an apartment complex where the infection is spreading rapidly.

Kingdom (2019-2020)

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IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix

This isn't just another zombie show; it's an apocalyptic drama set in a medieval-inspired kingdom, where Crown Prince Lee Chang must fend off a fast-spreading virus that's turning people into monsters. Amidst the chaos, Lee Chang must also navigate political intrigue and fight his way to the throne.