21 best action K dramas of all time: From Squid Games to Mr Sunshine

From Squid Games and Mr. Sunshine to Descendants of the Sun, keep scrolling to find an assortment of the top 21 testosterone fueling Korean action dramas that will definitely keep you hooked.

By Ayushi Balani

Updated on Sep 06, 2023 | 04:04 PM IST | 10.1M

21 best action K dramas of all time

When it comes to Korean dramas and Korean television series, action, and romance have to be some of the most watched genres. Yes, romantic K dramas might take away all the limelight, but there comes a time when you are bored of mushy romantic stuff and you want to watch some brilliant action sequence with a tactful tale. Regardless of age, gender, or time, action dramas have been a complete source of entertainment. That is precisely why, this time we have curated a perfect curation of iconic action Korean dramas that are so much more than just action sequences. Each enlisted movie has a masculine vibe to it, that uses action as a strategically exciting tool to reveal the larger narrative with a deeper impact that will give you the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Not only that, a good action drama adds more depth to a story’s character.

From action sequences where actors playing lawyers are willing to get their fists dirty in order to release details about a case to historical dramas where kings fight their way to the top, we have enlisted the best of action Korean dramas all listed according to their IMDb ratings. Not just that, we have also added all the action movies along with other important details including, their year of release, star cast, director, writer, and plot to help you decide if it's actually worth your time in just a quick glance. Furthermore, we have also added posters or trailers of Korean dramas. So what are you waiting for? Scroll below to find an assortment of the top 21 action Korean dramas that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Top 21 Action K dramas listed according to their IMDb ratings:

1. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Original Title: Miseuteo Shunshain
Running Time: 80 min
Movie Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
Movie Star Cast: Lee Byung hun, Kim Tae ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Yo Han Byun
Director: Young Woo Jang, Jihyeon Jeong, Eung Bok Lee
Writer: Kim Eun Sook
Year of release: 2018
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Featuring the best of Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, and Yo Han Byun among other Korean stars, this Korean drama is certainly one of the best Korean action dramas. The show is directed by Young Woo Jang, Jihyeon Jeong, and Eung Bok Lee and written by Kim Eun Sook. Released in the year 2018, it features the story of a pretty young fellow. The period drama is set in the U.S. post the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident. Watch the show on Netflix to witness how the boy returns to Korea and falls in love with a noblewoman.

2. Chuno (2010)

Also Known as: The Slave Hunters
Running Time: 70 min
Movie Genre: Action, Drama, History
Movie Star Cast: Jang Hyuk, Ji Ho Oh, Lee Da hae, Hyeong jin Kong
Number of episodes: 24
Director: Jung Hwan Kwak
Writer: Seong il Cheon
Year of release: 2010
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: KBS
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Starring the best Korean stars including Jang Hyuk, Ji Ho Oh, Lee Da Hae, and Hyeong Jin Kong among others, this show is directed by Jung Hwan Kwak and written by Seong il Cheon. The highly-rated KBS show was released in 2010 and has 24 episodes. The plot of the action Korean drama features the tale of Dae Gil who is the leader of a group of slave hunters. These slave hunters are hired in order to find a slave named Tae Ha who ran away. The show is also known as The Slave Hunters.

3. Healer (2014–2015)

Original title: Hilleo
Running Time: 60 min
Movie Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Movie Star Cast: Ji Chang wook, Park Min Young, Tae Mi, Yoo Ji tae
Director: Kim Jin Woo, Lee Jung seob
Writer: Ji Na Song
Year of release: 2014
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Viu
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Featuring Ji Chang Wook, Park Min Young, Tae Mi, and Yoo Ji Tae, this action crime drama features the story of Kim Moon Ho who is a popular reporter. Watch the show to witness his experiences in life. The show is directed by Kim Jin Woo, and Lee Jung Seob and written by Ji Na Song.

4. Sandglass (1995)

Sandglass (1995)

Running Time: 70 min
Movie Genre: Action, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Min su Choi, Park Sang Won, Hyun Jung Go, Lee Jung jae
Director: Jong Hak Kim
Writer: Ji Na Song
Year of release: 1995
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The storyline of this highly rated K-drama features a story of two men and their friendship set in a politically rich plot. The Korean action drama features the best Korean stars including Min Su Choi, Park Sang Won, Hyun Jung Go, and Lee Jung Jae. It is directed by Jong Hak Kim and written by Ji Na Song.

5. Kingdom (2019– )

Running Time: 45 min
Movie Genre: Action, Drama, Horror
Movie Star Cast: Ju Ji hoon, Bae Doona, Kim Sungkyu, Kim Hye jun
Director: Seong Hun Kim, In je Park
Writer: Eun hee Kim
Year of release: 2019
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

The show features the best of Ju Ji Hoon, Bae Doona, Kim Sungkyu, and Kim Hye jun. When it comes to the plot it revolves around a prince who protects his kingdom from a mysterious plague. The show is available on Netflix to stream.

6. Live (2018)

Original title: Laibeu
Running Time: 60 mins
Movie Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Action
Movie Star Cast: Jung Yu mi, Kwang Soo Lee, Sung Woo Bae, Chong ok Bae
Director: Yang Hui Kim, Hyeon Woo Myeong, Kyoo Tae Kim
Writer: Hee Kyung No
Year of release: 2018
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: MAC Drama
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

The plot of this show revolves around the tales of police officers and their experiences in life and work. The show features the best of Jung Yu Mi, Kwang Soo Lee, Sung Woo Bae, and Chong Ok Bae among others. The comedy crime is directed by Yang Hui Kim, Hyeon Woo Myeong, and Kyoo Tae Kim.

7. D.P. (2021– )

Running Time: 50 min
Movie Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Kim Seong Gyoon, Sukku Son, Jung Hae in, Koo Kyo hwan
Creator: Kim Bo Tong
Director: Jun Hee Han
Writer: Kim Bo Tong, Jun hee Han
Year of release: 2021
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

We highly recommend watching this Netflix action Korean drama that features a story of a young fellow’s assignment to get hold of army deserters. Watch the show to witness his call of duty. The action drama features the best of Kim Seong Gyoon, Sukku Son, Jung Hae In, and Koo Kyo Hwan.

8. Descendants of the Sun (2016)

Original title: Tae yang eui hoo ye
Running Time: 60 min
Movie Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Song Joong ki, Song Hye kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji won
Director: Eung Bok Lee
Writer: Kim Eun sook, Won Suk Kim
Year of release: 2016
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Viki TV
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

One of the best Korean dramas ever made, Descendants of the Sun is a tale with action romance and so much drama. The show features a love story between a surgeon and a special forces officer. Watch the show to witness the best of a stellar star cast including Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, Jin Goo, and Kim Ji Won.

9. The Fiery Priest (2019– )

Original title: Yeolhyeolsaje
Running Time: 35 min
Movie Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Movie Star Cast: Kim Nam Gil, Kim Seong Gyoon, Lee Hanee, Sung woo Jeon, Jaan Go
Director: Myoungwoo Lee
Writer: Park Jae Beom
Year of release: 2019
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: MX player, SBS
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Featuring the best of Kim Nam Gil, Kim Seong Gyoon, Lee Hanee, and Sung Woo Jeon, Jaan Go, this show features a tale of a Catholic priest who has anger issues. Watch the show to witness how he becomes a part of a murder investigation.

10. Bridal Mask (2012)

Original title: Gaksital
Running Time: 60 min
Movie Genre: Action, History, Romance
Movie Star Cast: Joo Won, Gi Woong Park, Se Yeon Jin, Byung Ho Son
Director: Yoon Sung Shik
Writer: Hyeon Mi Yu
Year of release: 2012
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: KBS
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Featuring the best of Joo Won, Gi Woong Park, Se Yeon Jin, and Byung Ho Son, this period drama is set in1930s. Watch the show to witness Korea during the Japanese colonial era and how a Korean police officer secretly dons the 'Bridal Mask' and fights against injustice.

11. Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Running Time: 80 min
Movie Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Ji eun Lee, Yeo Jin gu, Shin Jeong Geun, Bae Hae sun
Director: Choong Hwan Oh
Writer: Jeong eun Hong, Mi ran Hong
Year of release: 2019
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Starring Ji Eun Lee, Yeo Jin Gu, Shin Jeong Geun, and Bae Hae Sun, the plot of the show revolves around a man who is invited to look after a hotel for dead souls. The show is available on Amazon Prime Video to stream.

12. City Hunter (2011)

Running Time: 60 min
Movie Genre: Action, Romance, Thriller
Movie Star Cast: Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young, Sang Jung Kim, Ho jin Chun
Director: Hyuk Jin
Writer: Tsukasa Hôjô, Soo jin Choi, Eun kyung Hwang
Year of release: 2011
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Starring Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young, Sang Jung Kim, and Ho Jin Chun among other Korean stars, this show revolves around Lee Yun Seong and how he was trained by his father's friend. The show features a tale of revenge and is directed by Hyuk Jin.

13. Life on Mars (2018)

Original title: La i peu on Ma seu
Running Time: 65 min
Movie Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Movie Star Cast: Jung Kyung ho, Park Sung woong, Ko Asung
Number of episodes: 16
Director: Jung Hyo Lee
Writer: Lee Dae II
Year of release: 2018
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: OCN
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Another great Korean drama that features action is Life on Mars. The Korean drama features a murder investigation and time travel. The movie features the best of Jung Kyung Ho, Park Sung Woong, and Ko Aung.

14. Squid Game (2021– )

Original title: Ojing eo geim
Running Time: 55 min
Movie Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
Number of episodes: 10
Movie Star Cast: Lee Jung jae, Park Hae soo, Yasushi Iwaki, Hoyeon
Director: Hwang Dong Hyuk
Writer: Hwang Dong hyuk
Year of release: 2021
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8/10

Featuring the best of Lee Jung Jae, Park Hae Soo, Yasushi Iwaki, and Hoyeon, the plot of the show revolves around several cash-strapped participants and how they say yes to a bizarre invitation to play a survival game that can help them win a whopping 45.6 billion won as a prize. The show is available on Netflix to stream.

15. Taxi Driver (2021– )

Original title: Mobeomtaeksi
Running Time: 70 min
Movie Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Number of episodes: 16
Movie Star Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Eui Sung, Pyo Ye Jin, Jang Hyuk jin
Director: Joon Woo Park
Writer: Carlos, Lee Jae jin, Lee Ji hyun, Sang ho Oh
Year of release: 2021
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8/10

Featuring the best of Lee Je Hoon, Kim Eui Sung, Pyo Ye Jin, and Jang Hyuk Jin, this show is available on Amazon Prime Video to stream. The plot of the show revolves around a deluxe taxi driver and how aims to take revenge on behalf of his passengers.

16. W (2016)

Original title: W Du gaeui segye
Running Time: 60 min
Movie Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Lee Jong Suk, Han Hyo joo, Jeong Eu Gene, Kim Eui sung
Director: Dae Yoon Jung
Writer: David Bannon, Jae Jeong Song
Year of release: 2016
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix, MBC
IMDb Rating: 8/10

The action comedy-drama features Lee Jong Suk, Han Hyo Joo, Jeong Eu Gene, and Kim Eui Sung. The plot of the show revolves around how a surgical resident gets trapped in a webtoon world. Watch the fantasy murder mystery on Netflix.

17. Heartless City (2013)

Running Time: 60 min
Movie Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Jung Kyung ho, Gyu ri Nam, Jae yoon Lee, Chang min Son
Number of episodes: 20
Director: Jung Hyo Lee
Writer: Yoo Sung Yeol
Year of release: 2013
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8/10

Featuring the best of Jung Kyung Ho, Gyu Ri Nam, Jae Yoon Lee, and Chang Min Son, this 2013 show is multiple characters whose story revolves around drugs as well as murder.

18. Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020– )

Original title: Gumihodyeon
Running Time: 70 min
Movie Genre: Fantasy, History, Horror
Number of episodes: 28
Movie Star Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Kim Bum, Kim Yong Ji, Hwang Hee
Director: Nam Hyeong Jo, Shin Hyo Kang
Writer: Woo Ri Han
Year of release: 2020
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Another highly rated show that features the best of an urban fantasy drama is Tale of the Nine-Tailed. The show features the best of Lee Dong Wook, Kim Bum, Kim Yong Ji, and Hwang Hee.

19. Save Me (2017–2019)

Original title: Goo hae jwo
Running Time: 60 min
Movie Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Action
Movie Star Cast: Jo Jae Yoon, Ho Jin Chun, Tae goo Eom, Esom
Director: Seong-soo Kim, Kwon Lee
Writer: Edo Jeong
Year of release: 2017
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Viu
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

We highly recommend watching this show to witness a tale of a young girl who visits her family but gets entangled in a series of tragic events. It features the best of Jo Jae Yoon, Ho Jin Chun, Tae Goo Eom, and Esom.

20. 2 Weeks (2013)

2 Weeks (2013)

Running Time: 65 min
Movie Genre: Crime, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Ha Seon Park, Soo young Ryu, Kim So Yeon
Director: Hyung suk Son
Writer: Hyun Kyung So
Year of release: 2013
Where to Watch / OTT Platform:
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

This K-drama features the best of Lee Joon Gi, Ha Seon Park, Soo Young Ryu, and Kim So Yeon. The storyline features a time span of two weeks where a character named Tae San desperately labors to save his daughter suffering from leukemia.

21. Undercover (2021)

Running Time: 50 min
Movie Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Movie Star Cast: Hee soon Park, Ahn Bo Hyun, Han So hee, Kim Sang Ho
Director: Jin-min Kim
Writer: Ba-da Kim
Year of release: 2021
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

The plot revolves around a lady who becomes a part of a crime ring and serves as an undercover agent. The show features the best of Hee Soon Park, Ahn Bo Hyun, Han So Hee, and Kim Sang Ho and is available on Netflix to stream.

This list is certainly the perfect pick for when you are in the mood for something masculine and testosterone rich. Right from Squid Games to Undercover, every Korean drama in this list of best action Korean dramas and it will serve as the perfect piece of entertainment. Whether you are in the mood to binge or you’re trying to show off the perfect watchlist amongst your friends, this is your list. We assure you the action K-dramas will give you a good dose of manly hand-to-hand fights, gun fights, car chases, and so much more. In fact, we highly recommend you bookmark this list for the next time you are in an anti-romance mood..

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