Get ready to be bitten by the zombie craze! In this thrilling line-up of K-dramas, we dive headfirst into the undead world of zombies. From heart-pounding action to spine-chilling suspense, these shows will keep you on the edge of your seat. So grab your popcorn, lock your doors, and prepare for a binge-watch marathon like no other. Get ready to be captivated by 8 zombie-filled K-dramas that will leave you hungry for more!
(1) Kingdom (2019 tv series):
Let’s begin our exploration with the critically acclaimed series, “Kingdom.”
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, “Kingdom” seamlessly blends historical drama with the zombie genre. The story follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he uncovers a mysterious plague sweeping through the kingdom, turning its inhabitants into bloodthirsty zombies.
With its stellar performances, stunning cinematography and intricate political intrigue, “Kingdom” has captivated audiences worldwide, establishing itself as a must-watch for fans of both K-dramas and the zombie genre.
Set during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, the first season of “Kingdom” takes us on a thrilling journey alongside Crown Prince Lee Chang and his loyal companions.
As they investigate a political conspiracy and rumours of the King’s death, they inadvertently stumble upon an otherworldly plague that resurrects the dead. Amidst the chaos and impending doom, Chang and his allies strive to contain the outbreak in the city-state of Sangju. However, they soon realize that the plague has evolved and poses an even greater threat than they anticipated.
(2) Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021 tv series)
In the second season, the stakes are higher as Lee Chang fights to save his people from the relentless spread of the plague. Meanwhile, he also grapples with the dangerous machinations of the influential Haewon Cho clan, who harbor a dark secret that could jeopardize his dynasty. The season delves deeper into the intricate web of political intrigue and the personal sacrifices made to protect the kingdom.
Expanding upon the gripping narrative of “Kingdom,” the special episode, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” takes us back in time to explore the enigmatic character of Ashin. As the heir of the Northern Seongjeoyain tribe village, Ashin holds the key to unraveling the origin of the resurrection plant, a catalyst that triggered a series of tragic events that engulfed the Kingdom of Joseon.
This standalone episode offers insights into Ashin’s motivations and the secrets that shaped the larger storyline of “Kingdom.”
With its historical backdrop, intricate plotlines, and relentless suspense, “Kingdom” and its companion special episode, “Ashin of the North,” offer an enthralling exploration of power, survival, and the relentless fight against the undead in ancient Korea. Brace yourself for a captivating journey through the dark and twisted world of zombie-infested Joseon.
(3) Happiness (2021 tv series)
In the thrilling series “Happiness,” Yoon Sae-bom’s life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a trainee infected with the deadly mad person disease.
In her quest to subdue the trainee, she is scratched and discovers a research facility where “patients” infected with the disease are kept under observation. As the disease spreads throughout a luxurious apartment building, Yoon Sae-bom forms an unlikely alliance with her fake husband, Jung Yi-hyun, a detective. Together, they establish quarantine rules to protect the residents, while grappling with questions of humanity and the search for a cure.
With tensions rising and the fate of the infected hanging in the balance, Yoon Sae-bom’s blood holds the key to finding a cure that could save lives, including the unborn child of Han Tae-seok, who is driven by personal motivations to unlock the secret of the disease. “Happiness” is a gripping tale of survival, sacrifice, and the fight for humanity in the face of a deadly outbreak.
(4) Train to Busan (2016 movie)
“Train to Busan” is a gripping South Korean zombie film that follows a group of passengers on a high-speed train as they fight for their lives against hordes of ravenous zombies. Seok-woo, a workaholic father, boards the train with his young daughter, Su-an, to travel to Busan.
However, their journey takes a horrifying turn when an infected passenger infiltrates the train, turning it into a battleground for survival. As the relentless zombies overrun the compartments, the passengers must band together to navigate the narrow confines of the train and find a way to escape the nightmarish chaos.
With heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and thought-provoking social commentary, “Train to Busan” delivers a thrilling and intense cinematic experience that has captivated audiences worldwide.
(5) All of Us Are Dead (2022 tv series)
Taking a slightly different approach, “All of Us Are Dead” explores the zombie apocalypse through the lens of a high school setting.
Adapted from the webtoon “Now at Our School,” this series portrays a group of students trapped inside their school as the world outside crumbles into chaos. As they fight for survival, they also confront their own fears, secrets, and the complexities of teenage life. “All of Us Are Dead” offers a blend of suspense, horror, and coming-of-age themes that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
(6) #Alive (2020 movie)
Next on our list is the thrilling survival film, “#Alive.” Starring Yoo Ah-in and Park Shin-hye, this movie revolves around the story of a young man trapped in his apartment during a zombie outbreak.
As he tries to stay alive and find a way out, he discovers hope and strength in unexpected places. “#Alive” offers a fresh perspective on the zombie genre, focusing on the psychological aspects of isolation and survival.
(7) Zombie Detective (2020 tv series)
For those seeking a lighter take on the zombie genre, “Zombie Detective” delivers a unique blend of comedy, mystery, and romance. The series follows a zombie who awakens in the body of a detective and sets out to solve crimes while grappling with his newfound condition.
“Zombie Detective” injects humor and heart into the zombie narrative, offering a refreshing twist on the genre.
(8) The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale (2019 movie)
In “The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale,” illegal human experiments by a pharmaceutical company go awry, causing chaos. An undead creature escapes and seeks refuge in the Park family’s rundown gas station, leading to an unexpected twist.
Rather than turning into mindless ghouls, the head of the household experiences a remarkable rejuvenation, sparking an entrepreneurial plan to offer locals the chance to be bitten by the extraordinary creature for eternal youth.
However, their venture spirals out of control, uncovering the true origins of the zombie and the consequences of their profit-driven actions. Directed by Lee Min-Jae, this South Korean zombie comedy injects eccentricity into the genre, delivering a hilarious and unpredictable journey for the Park family. Get ready for an uproarious cinematic experience that showcases the creative prowess of South Korean cinema!
