Korean TV Series with No/Little Romance
If you're looking for gripping Asian dramas that focus on thrilling mysteries, intense action, political intrigue, or deep character development without an overwhelming romantic subplot, this list is for you. From crime thrillers like Stranger to sci-fi survival stories like Alice in Borderland, discover some of the best Asian TV series that put love on the sidelines and deliver unforgettable storytelling.
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1. A Bloody Lucky Day
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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2. A Killer Paradox
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
The narrative centers on Lee Tang, portrayed by Choi Woo-shik, an ordinary university student who, in a moment of self-defense, accidentally kills a man. Overwhelmed with guilt, Tang discovers that his victim was a notorious serial killer, leading him to grapple with the notion of justified killing. This incident propels Tang into a dark journey where he targets individuals he deems evil, all while being pursued by the relentless Detective Jang Nan-gam, played by Son Suk-ku. The series explores themes of morality, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong, with minimal emphasis on romantic subplots.
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3. A Model Family
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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4. A Shop for Killers
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
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5. A Superior Day
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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6. Adamas
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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7. Age of Youth
Korean Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
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8. All of Us Are Dead
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
The plot centers around a high school that becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak. As the infection spreads rapidly, a group of students must band together to survive, navigating the challenges of escaping the infected and finding safety. The series emphasizes themes of survival, friendship, and resilience, with minimal focus on romantic subplots.
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9. Awaken
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
A detective investigates a series of mysterious events linked to a village tragedy from 28 years ago. The series combines elements of mystery and suspense, with minimal emphasis on romance.
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10. Bad and Crazy
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
The story follows Ryu Soo-yeol, a competent yet morally ambiguous detective in the Anti-Corruption Unit. Despite lacking a college degree, Soo-yeol's ambition leads him to take on cases that advance his career, often aligning with his superiors' desires. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters 'K,' a mysterious individual with a fervent sense of justice but unconventional methods. This meeting propels Soo-yeol into a chaotic journey of self-discovery and redemption. The series emphasizes themes of morality, justice, and personal transformation, with minimal focus on romantic subplots.
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11. Bad Prosecutor
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
An unconventional prosecutor employs unorthodox methods to bring criminals to justice, often bending the rules to ensure fairness. The series centers on legal drama and action, with minimal romantic involvement.
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12. Begins Youth
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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13. Beyond Evil
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Two detectives in a small town reopen a cold serial murder case, uncovering shocking truths about their community and themselves. The plot focuses on psychological intrigue, with romance playing a negligible role. The evolving partnership between the two male leads offers a deep exploration of trust and betrayal, providing a compelling bromance dynamic.
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14. Big Mouth
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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15. Black Knight
Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
In a dystopian future where air pollution has devastated the world, a legendary deliveryman known as "Black Knight" fights against a powerful corporation to bring hope to the oppressed. The narrative focuses on action and societal issues, with little to no emphasis on romance.
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16. Blind
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
A suspenseful thriller where detectives and jurors become involved in a serial murder case, uncovering dark secrets. The narrative centers on mystery and tension, with little to no romantic elements.
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17. Blood Free
Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
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18. Bloodhounds
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
Two young boxers become entangled in the dangerous world of loan sharks, fighting to protect their loved ones from predatory moneylenders. The series emphasizes action and camaraderie, with minimal focus on romance.
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19. Boss-dol Mart
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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20. Brain Works
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
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21. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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22. Celebrity
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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23. Chief Detective 1958
Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
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24. Circle
Korean Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
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25. City Hunter
Korean Drama - 2011, 20 episodes
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26. Connect
Korean Drama - 2022, 6 episodes
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27. Connection
Korean Drama - 2024, 14 episodes
A man with the ability to regenerate is kidnapped by organ hunters, leading to a series of events connecting him to a serial killer. The series focuses on supernatural elements and suspense, with little emphasis on romance.
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28. Crash
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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29. D.P.
Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
D.P. follows a young South Korean soldier, Jun-ho, who is assigned to a special military unit tasked with capturing deserters. As he hunts down those who have fled the army, he uncovers harsh realities of military life, including bullying, abuse, and systemic failures. The series delivers a powerful social commentary on South Korea’s mandatory military service, focusing on human struggles and morality rather than romance.
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30. D.P. Season 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
Continuing the story of military police tasked with capturing deserters, this season delves deeper into the challenges and moral dilemmas they face. The narrative maintains its focus on military life and personal struggles, with little emphasis on romance. The camaraderie among soldiers, especially between the main characters, highlights strong bromantic elements.
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31. Daily Dose of Sunshine
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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32. Death's Game
Korean Drama - 2023, 4 episodes
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33. Decoy: Part 1
Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
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34. Decoy: Part 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
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35. Defendant
Korean Drama - 2017, 18 episodes
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36. Designated Survivor: 60 Days
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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37. Doctor Lawyer
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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38. Doctor Prisoner
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
A skilled doctor, wrongfully accused and imprisoned, seeks revenge by becoming the medical director of a prison, manipulating inmates and officials alike. The series emphasizes strategic battles and power plays, with minimal focus on romance.
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39. Dong Jae, the Good or the Bastard
Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
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40. Duel
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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41. Evilive
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
A lawyer becomes involved with a crime organization, leading him down a dark path. The series focuses on crime and moral ambiguity, with limited emphasis on romantic subplots.
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42. Extracurricular
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
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43. Flex X Cop
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
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44. Ghost Doctor
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
Two doctors—one a genius but arrogant, the other kind but inexperienced—find their souls inexplicably linked, leading to unexpected collaborations. While the series explores medical cases and supernatural events, it also incorporates romantic subplots involving the doctors and their colleagues. Additionally, the evolving partnership between the two male leads showcases a strong bromance.
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45. Goodbye Earth
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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46. Grid
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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47. Gyeongseong Creature
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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48. Happiness
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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49. Hellbound
Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
The narrative begins with mysterious apparitions delivering decrees to individuals, foretelling their imminent deaths and condemnation to hell. These prophecies are followed by the sudden appearance of monstrous beings who execute the condemned, leading to widespread fear and chaos. Amidst this turmoil, a religious organization called the New Truth Society, led by Jung Jinsu, rises to prominence, interpreting these events as divine judgments for sinners. The season explores themes of sin, morality, and societal hysteria, focusing on how individuals and institutions respond to inexplicable phenomena.
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50. Hello Monster
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
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51. High School Return of a Gangster
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
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52. Hospital Playlist
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
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53. Hot Stove League
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Focusing on the behind-the-scenes management of a struggling baseball team, this series showcases the efforts to turn the team's fortunes around. The narrative centers on sports and teamwork, with little to no romantic subplots. The strong bonds formed between team members and management provide a rich bromantic storyline.
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54. Insider
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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55. Juvenile Justice
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
A stern judge with a strong aversion to juvenile offenders is assigned to a juvenile court, where she confronts complex cases that challenge her beliefs. The series focuses on legal and ethical dilemmas, with minimal to no romantic subplots.
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56. Kill It
Korean Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
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57. Law School
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Law students and professors at a prestigious university become entangled in a murder case, challenging their notions of justice and morality. The series focuses on legal intricacies and personal growth, with minimal emphasis on romance.
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58. Life
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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59. Little Women
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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60. Longing for You
Korean Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
A detective returns to his hometown to solve a murder case, uncovering hidden truths and confronting personal demons. The series emphasizes mystery and personal growth, with minimal romantic subplots.
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61. Maestra: Strings of Truth
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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62. Memorist
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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63. Miraculous Brothers
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Two individuals with contrasting personalities form an unlikely bond, navigating life's challenges and discovering the true meaning of brotherhood. The series emphasizes their deepening relationship, offering a heartfelt bromance with minimal romantic distractions.
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64. Missing: The Other Side
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Set in a mysterious village inhabited by the souls of missing people, a group works together to uncover the truth behind their disappearances. The fantasy-mystery series emphasizes intrigue and teamwork, with minimal focus on romance.
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65. Monstrous
Korean Drama - 2022, 6 episodes
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66. Mouse
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
A rookie detective and his partner investigate a series of gruesome murders linked to psychopathic behaviors. The thriller emphasizes suspense and psychological elements, with little to no romantic subplots.
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67. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
A young man with Asperger's syndrome and his ex-convict uncle run a trauma cleaning service, uncovering untold stories of the deceased. The narrative centers on family bonds and personal healing, with little to no romantic elements. The evolving relationship between the uncle and nephew serves as the emotional core, highlighting a touching bromance.
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68. Mr. Queen
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
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69. My Mister
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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70. My Name
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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71. Mystic Pop-Up Bar
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
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72. Navillera
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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73. Night Has Come
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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74. No Way Out: The Roulette
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
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75. Nobody Knows
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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76. Numbers
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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77. One Dollar Lawyer
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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78. One Ordinary Day
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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79. Parasyte: The Grey
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
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80. Payback: Money and Power
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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81. Priest
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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82. Prison Playbook
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
A star baseball player is sentenced to prison, where he navigates life behind bars alongside fellow inmates and guards. The drama highlights camaraderie and personal growth, with minimal romantic subplots.
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83. Psychopath Diary
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
The story follows Yook Dong-sik, a timid and unassuming employee at a brokerage firm, who inadvertently witnesses a murder and comes into possession of the killer's detailed diary. After a subsequent accident causes him to lose his memory, Dong-sik reads the diary and mistakenly believes he is the serial killer. This misconception leads to significant changes in his behavior as he grapples with his supposed identity. The series primarily focuses on themes of identity, morality, and personal transformation, with minimal emphasis on romantic subplots.
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84. Reborn Rich
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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85. Revenant
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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86. Revenge of Others
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
A student seeks to uncover the truth behind her twin brother's death, leading her into a world of mystery and vengeance. The series emphasizes thriller and revenge themes, with minimal romantic subplots.
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87. Save Me
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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88. School 2013
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
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89. Signal
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
A detective in the present communicates with a detective from the past through a mysterious walkie-talkie, solving cold cases and altering destinies. The series primarily focuses on crime-solving and the supernatural connection between the detectives, with minimal emphasis on romantic relationships.
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90. Sisyphus: The Myth
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
A genius engineer discovers dangerous secrets about the world, leading him on a journey through time with a mysterious woman. The science fiction series focuses on action and adventure, with romantic elements present but not central to the plot.
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91. Strangers from Hell
Korean Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
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92. Study Group
Korean Drama - 2025, 10 episodes
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93. Sweet Home
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
Residents of an apartment complex fight for survival as humans transform into monstrous creatures, exploring themes of humanity and desperation. The plot emphasizes horror and survival, with limited focus on romance.
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94. Taxi Driver
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
A mysterious taxi service offers vengeance on behalf of victims whom the law has failed, delivering justice through unconventional means. The series centers on action and moral dilemmas, with minimal romantic subplots.
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95. Taxi Driver Season 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
The Rainbow Taxi team returns, continuing their mission to avenge victims and confront new adversaries in their quest for justice. The focus remains on action and team dynamics, with little emphasis on romance.
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96. The Auditors
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
A team of auditors investigates corporate corruption, uncovering financial crimes and ethical dilemmas within powerful organizations. The series focuses on corporate intrigue and ethics, with little to no romance.
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97. The Bequeathed
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
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98. The Deal
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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99. The Devil Judge
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
In a dystopian society, a chief judge turns court proceedings into a reality show, aiming to punish the corrupt and bring justice to the masses. The series focuses on legal battles and societal issues, with minimal romantic involvement. The complex relationship between the male leads adds depth to the narrative, offering a nuanced bromance.
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100. The Fiery Priest
Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
A hot-tempered Catholic priest teams up with a detective to solve a murder case involving a senior priest. The series blends action and comedy, focusing on their partnership with minimal romantic elements.