Top 10 Korean Zombie Web Series You Need to Watch

Top 10 Korean Zombie Web Series You Need to Watch

Korean entertainment has taken the world by storm, and the zombie genre is no exception. Blending compelling narratives with stunning visuals and unique cultural twists, Korean zombie web series offer a fresh and thrilling perspective on the undead. Here are ten must-watch Korean zombie web series, ranked based on their impact, originality, and overall entertainment value.

1. All of Us Are Dead (2022): A High School Horror Show

• Platform: Netflix

  

• Why it’s #1: “All of Us Are Dead” revitalized the zombie high school subgenre. Set in Hyosan High School, a science teacher’s experiment goes horribly wrong, unleashing a zombie virus that traps the students within its walls. The series excels in its relentless pacing, showcasing the students’ desperate struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. What sets it apart is its focus on the emotional toll the apocalypse takes on these young characters. Friendships are tested, romances blossom amidst the chaos, and difficult choices must be made, forcing them to confront the brutal realities of life and death. The series doesn’t shy away from the gore, delivering intense action sequences and visually stunning zombie hordes. The strong ensemble cast, particularly Park Ji-hu and Yoon Chan-young, delivers compelling performances, making the audience invest in their survival. The series explores themes of bullying, social hierarchy, and the corruption of authority figures, adding depth and resonance beyond the typical zombie fare. The cliffhanger ending ensures viewers are eagerly anticipating a second season.

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2. Kingdom (2019-2020): A Royal Rumble with the Undead

• Platform: Netflix

• Why it’s #2: “Kingdom” is a masterpiece of historical horror, seamlessly blending political intrigue with a terrifying zombie outbreak in Joseon-era Korea. Crown Prince Lee Chang, falsely accused of treason, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his father’s illness. He soon discovers a horrifying plague that transforms the dead into ravenous monsters. The series is visually stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and meticulously crafted period costumes. The fight choreography is brutal and realistic, showcasing the challenges of battling zombies with traditional weapons. Ju Ji-hoon delivers a powerful performance as the determined Crown Prince, while the supporting cast, including Bae Doona as a compassionate physician, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. “Kingdom” is not just a zombie series; it’s a political thriller that explores themes of power, corruption, and the responsibility of leadership. The clever use of Korean history and culture elevates the series above typical zombie narratives, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The spin-off episode, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” further enriches the world and provides crucial backstory to the origins of the zombie plague.

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3. #Alive (2020): Isolated and Infected

• Platform: Netflix (Film, but often considered a web series due to its streaming availability)

• Why it’s #3: While technically a film, “#Alive” deserves a spot on this list due to its web-series-like feel and its compelling portrayal of isolation during a zombie apocalypse. Oh Joon-woo, a video game streamer, wakes up to find his city overrun by zombies. Trapped in his apartment with dwindling supplies, he documents his struggle for survival through his online videos. “#Alive” is a claustrophobic and intense experience, focusing on the psychological impact of isolation and the challenges of maintaining hope in the face of overwhelming despair. Yoo Ah-in delivers a captivating performance as the resourceful yet vulnerable Joon-woo. The film explores themes of social isolation, the importance of human connection, and the power of technology in a crisis. The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in Joon-woo’s desperate situation. While the plot is relatively simple, the film‘s emotional depth and strong performances make it a memorable and thought-provoking zombie story.

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4. Sweet Home (2020-Present): Monster Within, Monsters Without

• Platform: Netflix

• Why it’s #4: “Sweet Home” takes a unique approach to the zombie genre, focusing on the idea that inner desires and suppressed emotions can manifest as monstrous transformations. Cha Hyun-soo, a suicidal high school student, moves into a rundown apartment building after his family dies. Soon, a mysterious phenomenon sweeps the city, turning people into grotesque monsters based on their deepest desires. Hyun-soo and his fellow residents must band together to survive the onslaught of monsters while also battling their own inner demons. The series is visually stunning, with impressive CGI and creature designs. The action sequences are intense and creative, showcasing the unique abilities of each monster. Song Kang delivers a compelling performance as Hyun-soo, a complex and flawed character who grapples with his own dark thoughts. “Sweet Home” explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the importance of human connection in the face of adversity. The series’ unique monster designs and psychological depth set it apart from typical zombie narratives.

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5. Dark Hole (2021): Supernatural Smoke and Savage Transformations

• Platform: Viki

• Why it’s #5: “Dark Hole” offers a different take on the zombie apocalypse, introducing a supernatural element that sets it apart. Lee Hwa-sun, a police detective, receives a call from her husband, who tells her to come to Mujishi. When she arrives, she discovers that the town’s residents have been transformed into violent, monstrous creatures after inhaling a mysterious dark smoke emanating from a sinkhole. Hwa-sun teams up with Yoo Tae-han, a former detective, to investigate the source of the dark smoke and fight for survival. “Dark Hole” blends elements of horror, thriller, and science fiction, creating a unique and suspenseful atmosphere. The series is visually striking, with eerie visuals and unsettling sound design. The performances are strong, with Kim Ok-vin and Lee Joon-hyuk delivering compelling portrayals of their characters. “Dark Hole” explores themes of environmental disaster, the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation, and the power of human resilience. The series’ supernatural twist adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the zombie genre.

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6. Happiness (2021): Locked Down and Locked In

• Platform: Viki

• Why it’s #6: “Happiness” presents a unique take on the zombie apocalypse by focusing on the social and psychological effects of a forced lockdown. Set in a newly constructed apartment building, the residents are forced into quarantine after a deadly infectious disease, known as the “Rita Virus,” begins to spread. Yoon Sae-bom, a tactical agent, and Jung Yi-hyun, a detective, must navigate the complex social dynamics of the locked-down building while battling infected individuals and uncovering the truth behind the outbreak. “Happiness” is a suspenseful and character-driven series that explores themes of social inequality, government corruption, and the human capacity for both good and evil. Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik deliver strong performances as the lead characters, creating a believable and compelling relationship. The series’ focus on the psychological effects of isolation and the challenges of maintaining order in a crisis make it a thought-provoking and relevant zombie story.

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7. Rampant (2018): Historical Action with a Horde of the Undead

• Platform: Available for rent/purchase on various platforms (Film, but relevant to the genre)

• Why it’s #7: Similar to Kingdom, “Rampant” transports the zombie apocalypse to Joseon-era Korea, but with a more action-oriented approach. Lee Chung, a skilled swordsman, returns to Korea after years abroad only to find his kingdom overrun by the “night demons,” a horde of zombie-like creatures. He must team up with his half-brother, Crown Prince Lee Young, to protect the kingdom and defeat the corrupt officials who are exploiting the chaos. “Rampant” is a visually stunning film with impressive action sequences and breathtaking cinematography. Hyun Bin delivers a charismatic performance as Lee Chung, while Jang Dong-gun portrays the villainous Kim Ja-joon with chilling effectiveness. The film’s blend of historical setting, zombie horror, and action-packed sword fights makes it a thrilling and entertaining watch. While the plot is relatively straightforward, the film’s strong performances and visual spectacle make it a worthwhile addition to the Korean zombie genre.

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