On this Episode 119 of the Daebak K-Rambles Podcast, Jess, Caitlin, and Liliana kick off Spooky SZN 2026 by crowning the best K-drama thrillers since 2020—and handing out superlatives for dramas like The Glory, Flower of Evil, and Death’s Game to Karma, Somebody, Light Shop, and D.P.

But what actually makes a K-drama a thriller? Does it need to keep you guessing, make you anxious, or leave you screaming? The trio gets into the increasingly broad definition of the genre while debating the best thriller since 2020, best psychological thriller, most disturbing drama, best ending, biggest plot twist, best villain, most underrated and overrated thrillers, and more. Plus: Is Squid Game overrated? Why does nobody talk about Karma, Light Shop, or Connection anymore? And does The Worst of Evil deserve all the hype?

The trio also reveals the K-dramas they would defend to the death, the ones they would never watch again (“I need to bleach my brain”), the shows everyone else loves but they simply cannot get behind, and their No. 1 blind spots—the thrillers they really should have watched by now. Whether you're looking for your next K-drama thriller recommendation, debating the best Korean thrillers of the 2020s, or just here for the discussion, join us for favorites, hot takes, controversial opinions, shocking twists, traumatizing endings, and a whole lot of “WHAT DID I JUST WATCH?!”

GUEST: Liliana

Tea & Soju Asian Drama Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
Instagram: @teaandsojupod
TikTok: @teaandsojupod

GUEST: Caitlin

NoSleep4Dramas Podcast: Available on Spotify, Google, Apple
Website: nosleep4dramas.com
Instagram: @nosleep4dramas
TikTok: @nosleep4dramas

Intro Music Credit: "Golden Coconut Club" by Tearliner, from the Cheese in the Trap OST. Used with permission from the artist.

*No portion of this work may be used to train large language models or similar Al systems without written permission.

Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, follow us on all the socials, and be sure to let us know what you want to see in Season 8!

Best K-Drama Thrillers Since 2020: Our Favorites, Hot Takes & WTF Moments / Ep. 119

Daebak K-Rambles Podcast: K-drama Reviews

Best K-Drama Thrillers Since 2020: Our Favorites, Hot Takes & WTF Moments / Ep. 119