Dark Fantasy K-Drama Titles to Watch on Netflix Ahead of ‘Hellbound’ Season 2

Long the center of Korean entertainment, romance enthralls viewers with emotional ties and touching tales. But in recent years, darker, more powerful themes—especially with regard to supernatural elements—have become increasingly popular. Viewers all across have been enthralled by the mix of dark fantasy, the occult, and horror. Coming to Netflix on 25 October, “Hellbound” stands out among the increasing list of great shows as one of the most eagerly awaited K-dramas to return for its second season. It’s understandable the thrill for its return is evident given its horrific investigation of hell, otherworldly entities, and the moral complexity of the human soul.

Dark fantasy K-dramas on Netflix abound for those eager for the upcoming season of “Hellbound,” to help you get through. Whether it’s demons, magical abilities, or graphic apocalypses, these shows provide an exciting blend of terror, supernatural curiosity, and rich character studies. 

Here are some of the most engaging dark fantasy K-dramas on Netflix that are sure to keep you hooked:

Alchemy Of Souls

• Directed by: Park Joon-hwa
• Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Minhyun, Yu Jun-sang
• Release Date: 18 June 2022

Synopsis: In the mystical and troubled country of Daeho, two young mages find themselves entangled due to a forbidden magic spell that allows souls to switch bodies. The series combines elements of fantasy and romance, as the characters navigate the complex landscape of Daeho, facing various dangers and uncovering hidden secrets. The blend of magic, intrigue, and romance makes this a must-watch dark fantasy series.

Why Watch: “Alchemy Of Souls” offers a unique take on dark fantasy with its soul-switching plotline and intertwining fates. The show’s themes of sacrifice, forbidden love, and the quest for power keep viewers on edge as they try to piece together the mysteries of the world of Daeho.

Kingdom

• Directed by: Kim Seong-hun
• Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong
• Release Date: 25 January 2019

Synopsis: Set during Korea’s Joseon era, “Kingdom” revolves around Crown Prince Lee Chang as he seeks to uncover the truth behind a mysterious illness that’s turning people into flesh-eating zombies. The series combines historical elements with supernatural horror, depicting a desperate fight for survival as the royal family and courtiers battle to save the kingdom from a terrifying outbreak.

Why Watch: “Kingdom” is a thrilling mix of period drama, zombie apocalypse, and supernatural horror. Its compelling story of political intrigue, fear, and the struggle for survival makes it an intense and gripping dark fantasy series.

My Demon

• Directed by: Kim Jang-han
• Cast: Song Kang, Kim Yoo-jung
• Release Date: 24 November 2023

Synopsis: Demon Jung Koo-won (Song Kang) grants human wishes in exchange for their souls, which are sent to hell after 10 years. When he encounters Mirae F&B’s CEO Do Do Hee (Kim Yoo-jung), their destinies become intertwined in a contractual relationship filled with romance, danger, and supernatural elements. As Jung Koo-won discovers that his powers might be transferred to Do Do Hee, the series unfolds with unexpected twists and suspenseful developments.

Why Watch: “My Demon” combines elements of fantasy, romance, and supernatural horror into a gripping storyline. The mix of human emotion, contract-driven relationships, and supernatural powers adds complexity to the characters and keeps viewers on edge.

Sweet Home

• Directed by: Lee Eung-bok, Jang Young-woo, Park So-hyun
• Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Lee Do-hyun, Kim Nam-hee, Go Min-si, Go Youn-jung
• Release Date: 18 December 2020

Synopsis: “Sweet Home” revolves around introverted high school student Hyun (Song Kang) who loses his family in a tragic accident. He moves into an old apartment building and soon finds himself trapped in a zombie-like apocalypse with other residents. As the mysterious infection spreads, Hyun must fight to survive and uncover the secrets behind the outbreak, all while battling his own inner demons and the new, monstrous threats that emerge.

Why Watch: The series offers a gripping mix of survival horror, psychological tension, and supernatural elements. Its focus on human resilience, group dynamics, and the dark side of human nature makes it a compelling addition to the dark fantasy genre.

Happiness

• Directed by: Ahn Gil-ho
• Cast: Han Hyo-joo, Park Hyung-sik, Jo Woo-jin
• Release Date: 5 November 2021

Synopsis: Set in a newly constructed high-rise apartment, “Happiness” introduces a deadly virus called Rita, which causes individuals to experience zombie-like rage and bloodlust. As residents of the building face quarantine and struggle to survive, old rivalries and alliances come to the fore, creating a tense and gripping narrative of survival, horror, and human emotion.

Why Watch: “Happiness” combines elements of a thriller, zombie horror, and psychological drama. Its depiction of human behavior under extreme circumstances, along with supernatural elements, makes for a gripping and thought-provoking series.

Arthdal Chronicles

• Directed by: Kim Won-seok
• Cast: Jang Dong-gun, Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won
• Release Date: 1 June 2019

Synopsis: Set in the mystical land of Arth in ancient Korea, “Arthdal Chronicles” focuses on a struggle for power and peace among various tribes and factions. Eun-Seom (Song Joong-ki) and Tan-ya (Kim Ji-won) face off in a world of ancient mysticism, power struggles, and destiny. This series blends political intrigue with supernatural elements, as the characters navigate complex alliances and battles to restore balance.

Why Watch: With its rich mythology, political conflict, and supernatural elements, “Arthdal Chronicles” offers a unique blend of historical and fantasy storytelling. The mix of drama, action, and supernatural powers makes it an exciting and immersive dark fantasy series.

The popularity of dark fantasy K-dramas continues to rise, with gripping plots, complex characters, and supernatural elements keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. “Hellbound” season 2 promises to add another layer of suspense and intrigue to this ever-growing genre, and these shows on Netflix are the perfect way to prepare for its release. Whether it’s twisted romance, demonic battles, or otherworldly mysteries, these dark fantasy titles have something to offer for every fan of the macabre and supernatural. Which of these dark fantasy shows are you adding to your Kdrama watchlist on Netflix?