Looking for your next action-packed kdrama? You’re in the right place! This list goes over the best action Kdramas of all time.
1. Vagabond (2019)
Starring: Lee Seung-gi, Bae Suzy, Shin Sung-rok
This is drama still has people asking for another season to this day. There is a huge fan base and for good reason!
Summary: After his nephew dies in a mysterious plane crash, Cha Dal-geon (Lee Seung-gi) discovers a huge conspiracy and starts off on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.
He partners with a National Intelligence Service agent, Go Hae-ri (Bae Suzy), as they fight corruption and unravel a web of lies.
2. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Byun Yo-han
This is one of my personal faves. It is a refreshing take on the traditional “historical drama.“
Summary: Set in the early 1900s, Mr. Sunshine follows Eugene Choi (Lee Byung-hun), a Korean boy who escapes to the U.S. and returns years later as a Marine officer. He finds himself entangled in a battle for Korea’s independence and falls for Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), a noblewoman secretly involved in the resistance. This historical action drama is filled with intense battles, political intrigue, and romance.
3. Kill Boksoon (2023)
Starring: Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Si-a, Esom
Gil Bok-soon (Jeon Do-yeon) is a legendary assassin who dominates the contract killing industry. However, as a single mother, she struggles to balance her deadly career and raising her daughter. When she refuses a crucial assignment, she becomes the target of her own organization, leading to a brutal fight for survival.
4. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Starring: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan
Summary: This fantasy-action drama follows Emperor Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), who discovers a parallel universe where Korea is a constitutional monarchy. He crosses paths with detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun) and uncovers a sinister plot threatening both worlds. The series is packed with sword fights, intense action sequences, and political intrigue.
5. My Name (2021)
Starring: Han So-hee, Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Hee-soon
Summary: After witnessing her father’s murder, Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) seeks revenge by infiltrating the police force under the orders of a crime boss (Park Hee-soon). With brutal fight scenes and heart-pounding action, My Name showcases Han So-hee in a powerful, action-heavy role.
6. Gyeongseong Creature (2023)
Starring: Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee
Summary: Set in 1945 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, this horror-action drama follows Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-joon), a wealthy entrepreneur, and Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee), a skilled detective, as they investigate sinister creatures and government experiments in Gyeongseong (now Seoul).
7. Alchemy of Souls (2022)
Starring: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Youn-jung
Summary: In the fictional world of Daeho, Alchemy of Souls follows a young nobleman, Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook), who meets an assassin trapped in a weaker body, Mu-deok (Jung So-min). As they navigate their intertwined fates, they must battle enemies wielding supernatural powers.
8. IRIS (2009)
Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Kim So-yeon
Summary: One of Korea’s most iconic action dramas, IRIS follows top secret agents Kim Hyun-jun (Lee Byung-hun) and Choi Seung-hee (Kim Tae-hee) as they uncover a global conspiracy. The series features high-stakes espionage, betrayal, and thrilling gunfights.
9. City Hunter (2011)
Starring: Lee Min-ho, Park Min-young, Kim Sang-joong
Summary: Lee Yoon-sung (Lee Min-ho), trained since childhood to seek revenge for his father’s death, becomes a vigilante known as “City Hunter.” While working in the Blue House, he uncovers deep-rooted corruption and battles powerful enemies. The drama blends intense action, romance, and political intrigue.
10. The Glory (2022)
Starring: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon
Summary: Though primarily a revenge thriller, The Glory features intense action sequences as Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) enacts her meticulously planned revenge on those who tormented her in high school. As she manipulates her enemies, brutal confrontations and violent retribution follow.
11. Train to Busan (2016)
Starring: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi
Summary: A gripping zombie-action thriller, Train to Busan follows Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter as they try to survive a zombie outbreak on a speeding train. With relentless action and emotional depth, this film remains one of the most iconic Korean action stories.
12. Vincenzo (2021)
Starring: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, Ok Taec-yeon
Summary: Mafia consigliere Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong-ki) returns to Korea to recover hidden gold but ends up taking down a corrupt conglomerate using brutal tactics. Combining thrilling fight scenes, strategic battles, and dark comedy, Vincenzo is an action-packed ride.
