30+ Action/Thriller Dramas Of 2024 (K-Drama Masterlist)
2024 had no shortage of action and thriller K-dramas!
In addition to preparing Korean drama masterlists for various genres including rom-com, romance, fantasy, history, and more, Soompi has prepared a mew masterlist for action lovers, featuring all the K-dramas with intense, jam-packed action scenes that aired in 2024. From thrilling chase scenes to dynamic fist fights and cathartic scenes of our main heroes taking down the final boss to deliver swift justice, check out the list of all the action dramas that aired in 2024!
Includes dramas that premiered in 2023 and ended in 2024 as well as dramas that premiered in 2024 and ended in 2025.
“Korea-Khitan War”
Korean Title: “고려 거란 전쟁”
Cast: Kim Dong Jun, Choi Soo Jong, Ji Seung Hyun, Lee Won Jong, Lee Min Young, Kim Joon Bae, Kim Hyuk, Lee Shi Ah, Lee Jae Yong, Jo Seung Yeon, Jo Hee Bong, Joo Suk Tae, Ha Seung Ri, Lee Ji Hoon, Baek Sung Hyun
Broadcast Period: November 11, 2023 – March 10
Number of Episodes: 32
“Korea-Khitan War” tells the story of King Hyun Jong (Kim Dong Jun), whose tolerant leadership united Goryeo to win the war against Khitan, and his political mentor and commander-in-chief of the Goryeo army Kang Gam Chan (Choi Soo Jong).
Watch “Korea-Khitan War”:
“Death’s Game”
Korean Title: “이재, 곧 죽습니다”
Cast: Seo In Guk, Park So Dam, Kim Ji Hoon, Choi Siwon, Sung Hoon, Kim Kang Hoon, Jang Seung Jo, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, Go Yoon Jung, Kim Jae Wook, Oh Jung Se
Broadcast Period: December 15, 2023 – January 5
Number of Episodes: 8
Based on a webtoon, “Death’s Game” tells the story of Death (Park So Dam), who sentences a man named Choi Yi Jae (Seo In Guk) to 12 cycles of life and death right before his first life is about to end.
“Gyeongseong Creature”
Korean Title: “경성크리처”
Cast: Park Seo Joon, Han So Hee, Claudia Kim, Kim Hae Sook, Jo Han Chul, Wi Ha Joon
Broadcast Period: December 22 – January 5
Number of Episodes: 10
Set in the dark times of Spring 1945, “Gyeongseong Creature” tells the story of Jang Tae Sang (Park Seo Joon), the most wealthy man in Gyeongseong and the owner of the pawnshop Golden Jade House, and Chae Ok (Han So Hee), who searches for missing people, as they fight for survival and face a monster born out of human greed.
“Knight Flower”
Korean Title: “밤에 피는 꽃”
Cast: Honey Lee, Lee Jong Won, Kim Sang Joong, Lee Ki Woo, Kim Mi Kyung
Broadcast Period: January 12 – February 17
Number of Episodes: 12
Set in the Joseon era, “Knight Flower” is an action-comedy drama about Jo Yeo Hwa (Honey Lee), a woman who has lived a quiet and modest life as a virtuous widow but is secretly leading a double life—at night, she valiantly sneaks out to help those in need. When she meets military officer Park Soo Ho (Lee Jong Won), they end up forming an alliance.
Watch “Knight Flower”:
“A Shop for Killers”
Korean Title: “킬러들의 쇼핑몰”
Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Kim Hye Joon, Seo Hyun Woo, Jo Han Sun, Park Ji Bin
Broadcast Period: January 17 – February 7
Number of Episodes: 8
An action drama based on a novel, “A Shop for Killers” follows the story of Jung Ji An (Kim Hye Joon) living with her uncle Jin Man (Lee Dong Wook), who runs a shopping mall. However, following the sudden death of her uncle, Jung Ji An receives a dangerous inheritance and becomes the target of suspicious killers.
“Flex x Cop”
Korean Title: “재벌X형사”
Cast: Ahn Bo Hyun, Park Ji Hyun, Kwak Si Yang, Kang Sang Jun, Kim Shin Bi, Jung Ga Hee
Broadcast Period: January 26 – March 23
Number of Episodes: 16
“Flex x Cop” is about immature third-generation chaebol Jin Yi Soo (Ahn Bo Hyun) who becomes a detective due to his privileged background and Lee Kang Hyun (Park Ji Hyun), a workaholic veteran detective who is also the first female team leader in the Homicide Department.
“Wonderful World”
Korean Title: “원더풀 월드”
Cast: Kim Nam Joo, Cha Eun Woo, Kim Kang Woo, Im Se Mi
Broadcast Period: March 1 – April 13
Number of Episodes: 14
“Wonderful World” is an emotional thriller about Eun Soo Hyun (Kim Nam Joo), a woman who seeks revenge after the tragic loss of her son, and Kwon Sun Yool (Cha Eun Woo), who leads a rough life after dropping out of medical school until he unexpectedly becomes entangled with Eun Soo Hyun.
“Parasyte: The Grey”
Korean Title: “기생수: 더 그레이”
Cast: Jeon So Nee, Goo Kyo Hwan, Lee Jung Hyun, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim In Kwon
Broadcast Period: April 5
Number of Episodes: 6
Based on the universe of the manga series “Parasyte” by Hitoshi Iwaaki, “Parasyte: The Grey” follows the events that unfold when mysterious parasitic life-forms fall to Earth from outer space and attempt to gain power by living off of human hosts.
“Blood Free”
Korean Title: “지배종”
Cast: Joo Ji Hoon, Han Hyo Joo, Lee Hee Joon, Lee Moo Saeng, Park Ji Yeon
Broadcast Period: April 10 – May 8
Number of Episodes: 10
“Blood Free” is a suspense thriller about Yoon Ja Yoo (Han Hyo Joo), the CEO of the genetic engineering enterprise BF, and Woo Chae Woon (Joo Ji Hoon), a retired officer-turned-guard who deliberately approaches her, as they get swept up in a series of incidents.
“Chief Detective 1958”
Korean Title: “수사반장 1958”
Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Lee Dong Hwi, Choi Woo Sung, Yoon Hyun Soo, Seo Eun Soo
Broadcast Period: April 19 – May 18
Number of Episodes: 10
“Chief Detective 1958” serves as a prequel to the classic Korean series “Chief Inspector,” which ran for 18 years from 1971 to 1989. While the original show was set in the 1970s and 1980s (present day at the time), “Chief Detective 1958” is set even earlier in 1958.
“Goodbye Earth”
Korean Title: “종말의 바보”
Cast: Ahn Eun Jin, Yoo Ah In, Jeon Seong Woo, Kim Yoon Hye
Broadcast Period: April 26
Number of Episodes: 12
“Goodbye Earth” is a pre-apocalyptic drama about four individuals living out the chaotic final 200 days before an asteroid is scheduled to collide with Earth, showing how the individual characters spend the last days on the planet based on their respective beliefs.
“Crash”
Korean Title: “크래시”
Cast: Lee Min Ki, Kwak Sun Young, Heo Sung Tae, Lee Ho Chul, Choi Moon Hee
Broadcast Period: May 13 – June 18
Number of Episodes: 12
“Crash” is a crime investigation drama about a Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team that tracks crimes that occur on the road, featuring the teamwork between TCI team members Cha Yeon Ho (Lee Min Ki), a rational individualist, and Min So Hee (Kwak Sun Young), the ace of the team.
“The 8 Show”
Korean Title: “더 에이트 쇼”
Cast: Ryu Jun Yeol, Chun Woo Hee, Park Jung Min, Lee Yul Eum, Park Hae Joon, Lee Joo Young, Moon Jung Hee, Bae Sung Woo
Broadcast Period: May 17
Number of Episodes: 8
Based on the popular webtoon “Money Game” and its sequel “Pie Game,” “The 8 Show” tells the story of eight individuals trapped in a mysterious 8-story building as they participate in a tempting but dangerous game show where they earn money as time passes.
“Connection”
Korean Title: “커넥션”
Cast: Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, Kwon Yool, Kim Kyung Nam
Broadcast Period: May 24 – July 6
Number of Episodes: 14
“Connection” is a crime thriller about Jang Jae Kyung (Ji Sung), a well-respected detective who is the ace of the narcotics unit, and Oh Yoon Jin (Jeon Mi Do), an opinionated and outspoken reporter who works in the social affairs department of Anhyun Economic Daily.
Watch “Connection”:
“High School Return of a Gangster”
Korean Title: “조폭인 내가 고등학생이 되었습니다”
Cast: Yoon Chan Young, Bong Jae Hyun, Won Tae Min, Go Dong Ok
Broadcast Period: May 29 – June 19
Number of Episodes: 8
“High School Return of a Gangster” is a fantasy drama about a gangster whose soul accidentally enters the body of a teenage high school outcast. Having always wanted to go to college, he forms a new friendship with a student who suffers from domestic violence and uses his skills to punish bullies.
“The Player 2: Master of Swindlers”
Korean Title: “플레이어2: 꾼들의 전쟁”
Cast: Song Seung Heon, Oh Yeon Seo, Lee Si Eon, Tae Won Suk, Jang Gyuri
Broadcast Period: June 3 – July 9
Number of Episodes: 12
The sequel to OCN’s hit 2018 series “The Player,” “The Player 2: Master of Swindlers” is a heist drama about a squad of talented swindlers who target the wealthy and corrupt by stealing dirty money that has been obtained through illegal means.
Watch “The Player 2: Master of Swindlers”:
“My Military Valentine”
Korean Title: “피타는 연애”
Cast: Nam Gyu Ri, Kim Min Seok, Song Jae Rim
Broadcast Period: June 7 – July 12
Number of Episodes: 12
“My Military Valentine” tells the dicey yet sweet story of inter-Korean romance and unification between a South Korean world star who has enlisted in the military and a North Korean female soldier.
Watch “My Military Valentine”:
“Red Swan”
Korean Title: “화인가 스캔들”
Cast: Kim Ha Neul, Rain
Broadcast Period: July 3 – July 31
Number of Episodes: 10
“Red Swan” tells the story of Oh Wan Soo (Kim Ha Neul), a former golfer who enters high society when she marries the heir of Hwain Group. After her life is threatened due to a fierce battle over succession, Wan Soo comes face-to-face with the Hwain family’s secret due to her bodyguard Seo Do Yoon (Rain).
“Sweet Home 3”
Korean Title: “스위트홈 시즌3”
Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin Uk, Lee Si Young, Go Min Si, Lee Do Hyun, Jung Jin Young, Yoo Oh Sung, Oh Jung Se, Kim Moo Yeol, Kim Si Ah
Broadcast Period: July 19
Number of Episodes: 8
The “Sweet Home” series is about a loner high school student who moves into a new apartment when monsters start breaking out among humanity and the apartment residents are trapped inside the building. Season 3 portrays the intense struggles of people caught between monsters and humans as the world shifts from monsterization to a new human era.
“No Way Out : The Roulette”
Korean Title: “노 웨이 아웃 : 더 룰렛”
Cast: Jo Jin Woong, Yum Jung Ah, Yoo Jae Myung, Kim Moo Yeol, Lee Kwang Soo, Greg Han
Broadcast Period: July 31 – August 21
Number of Episodes: 8
“No Way Out : The Roulette” is a drama depicting the intense battle among individuals with no way out, ignited by a nationwide bounty of 20 billion won (approximately $14.5 million) on the life of a notorious criminal about to be released from prison.
“The Tyrant”
Korean Title: “폭군”
Cast: Cha Seung Won, Kim Seon Ho, Kim Kang Woo, Jo Yoon Soo
Broadcast Period: August 14
Number of Episodes: 4
“The Tyrant” is a chase action drama that unfolds after the final sample from a program called the “Tyrant Program” disappears due to a delivery mishap. This sets off a chain of pursuits involving individuals with different motives, each competing to secure the sample.
“Queen Woo”
Korean Title: “우씨왕후”
Cast: Jeon Jong Seo, Kim Moo Yeol, Jung Yu Mi, Lee Soo Hyuk, Park Ji Hwan, Ji Chang Wook
Broadcast Period: August 29 – September 12
Number of Episodes: 8
“Queen Woo” is a chase action historical drama that follows the story of Queen Woo (Jeon Jong Seo) who becomes the target of five tribes seeking to gain authority and princes who are after the throne following the sudden passing of the king. Queen Woo struggles to find a new king within 24 hours.
“Seoul Busters”
Korean Title: “강매강”
Cast: Kim Dong Wook, Park Ji Hwan, Seo Hyun Woo, Park Se Wan, Lee Seung Woo
Broadcast Period: September 11 – October 30
Number of Episodes: 20
“Seoul Busters” is a comedy series following the transformation of the country’s lowest-ranking violent crimes unit into the nation’s top team after they are paired with an elite new leader.
“The Judge From Hell”
Korean Title: “지옥에서 온 판사”
Cast: Park Shin Hye, Kim Jae Young
Broadcast Period: September 21 – November 2
Number of Episodes: 14
“The Judge from Hell” is a fantasy romance drama about Kang Bit Na (Park Shin Hye), a demon from hell who has entered the body of a judge. After meeting the compassionate detective Han Da On (Kim Jae Young), Kang Bit Na embarks on a journey to become a true judge.
“Gyeongseong Creature 2”
Korean Title: “경성크리처 시즌2”
Cast: Park Seo Joon, Han So Hee, Claudia Kim, Lee Moo Saeng, Bae Hyeon Seong
Broadcast Period: September 27
Number of Episodes: 7
In Season 2 of Gyeongseong Creature, the unfinished story continues in 2024 as Yoon Chae Ok (Han So Hee) meets Ho Jae, who resembles Jang Tae Sang (Park Seo Joon).
“Gangnam B-Side”
Korean Title: “강남 비-사이드”
Cast: Ji Chang Wook, Jo Woo Jin, Ha Yun Kyung, BIBI
Broadcast Period: November 6 – November 27
Number of Episodes: 8
“Gangnam B-Side” is a crime drama about detective Kang Dong Woo (Jo Woo Jin), mysterious broker Yoon Gil Ho (Ji Chang Wook), and prosecutor Min Seo Jin (Ha Yun Kyung), each following different leads to find Jae Hee (BIBI), the missing ace of a club.
“The Fiery Priest 2”
Korean Title: “열혈사제 2”
Cast: Kim Nam Gil, Lee Ha Nee, Kim Sung Kyun, Sung Joon, Seo Hyun Woo, BIBI
Broadcast Period: November 8 – December 20
Number of Episodes: 12
A sequel to the hit 2019 drama about priest Kim Hae Il (Kim Nam Gil) with anger management issues, “The Fiery Priest 2” follows his story as he takes on the boss role of an organization by night and heads to Busan to fight the top drug cartel in the country.
Watch the first season “The Fiery Priest”:
“Parole Examiner Lee”
Korean Title: “가석방심사관 이한신”
Cast: Go Soo, Yuri, Baek Ji Won, Lee Hak Joo
Broadcast Period: November 18 – December 24
Number of Episodes: 12
“Parole Examiner Lee” follows the story of lawyer Lee Han Shin (Go Soo) who becomes a parole officer determined to prevent inmates who show little remorse for their crimes from obtaining paroles through money, connections, or deceitful tactics.
Watch “Parole Examiner Lee”:
“Family Matters”
Korean Title: “가족계획”
Cast: Bae Doo Na, Ryoo Seung Bum, Baek Yoon Shik, Lomon, Lee Su Hyun
Broadcast Period: November 29 – December 27
Number of Episodes: 6
“Family Matters” tells the story of Han Young Soo (Bae Doo Na), a mother with the special ability to freely edit people’s memories. Using her powers, she teams up with her family to wreak havoc on bad guys.
More masterlists to check out:
- 150+ Dramas Of 2024
- 50+ Rom-Com K-Dramas Of 2024
- 30+ Fantasy K-Dramas Of 2024
- 30+ Romance K-Dramas Of 2024
- 15+ Historical K-Dramas Of 2024
- BL K-Dramas Since 2020
- 37 Most-Rated K-Dramas Of All Time On Viki
Which of these action/thriller K-dramas did you enjoy the most in 2024? Let us know in the comments, and vote in our poll below!
Stay tuned for more masterlists on other genres!
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