Loved Dear X? These 5 thriller K-dramas should definitely be on your watchlist next

Dear X, featuring an intense storyline, is definitely a K-drama that left an impact. Right from the beginning of this series, each and every episode slowly peeled the layers of complexity of Ah-jin’s life. The trauma of her past, the struggles she went through, and the eventual decisions she took on that changed her life completely, these aspects of this K-drama were fresh and truly worth investing our time in.

Now that the series has come to an end, here is a list of five other K-dramas that also possess the same flavor of intensity as Dear X that definitely deserve a place in your watchlist.

Five K-dramas like Dear X

1) It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay | Image Via: Story TV

This K-drama, just like Dear X, features a strong female lead with a troublesome personality. Mun-yeoung struggles with her social life because of a past trauma. Her past trauma becomes the propelling factor for her actions, which are not always in a positive direction.

Her nature is quite similar to Ah-jin in Dear X. Hence, this K-drama is definitely a must-watch. The distinct focus on mental health in this series makes it even more intriguing to watch. There is romance along with intense thrill as the characters navigate through their lives in the series.

2) Friendly Rivalry

Friendly Rivalry | Image Via: Studio X+U

Thrill and mystery combine in the perfect proportion to bring life to this series, just as Dear X. The series dives into the life of Seul-gi, whose life completely changes after she joins a new school.

In this school, nothing is simple. So, Seul-gi has to navigate through difficult choices, which eventually shape her life. Besides the storyline, which is quite intriguing, this series features a talented cast. This enhances the overall experience of Friendly Rivarly.

3) Kill It

The aspect of hiding the truth behind a facade is the common feature between this series and Dear X. In this series, Kim Soo-hyun works a double life. He works as a skilled veterinarian with a passion for saving animals; on the other hand, he is also a skilled killer who takes on the challenges of doing the most dangerous tasks around the world.

He hides his true identity perfectly. However, he comes across Hyun-jin, a detective with the desire to find the truth about him. Eventually, things get further complicated when the two of them find out that they have a similar situation that they need to solve. A unique combination of mystery along with the thrill of the action sequences, this series is definitely a must-watch.

4) The Manipulated

The Manipulated | Image Via: Studio Dragon

The aspect of getting blamed for something that he has not done becomes the aspect of similarity between this K-drama and Dear X. Tae-joong lives a normal life as a deliveryman. He is also a dedicated person with the intention of doing good. However, his life takes a complete turn when he is accused of murder. Tae-joong tries to prove his innocence.

Yet all the evidence points out that he is the killer. This begins his journey of finding the truth about it all, fighting against powerful people who are ready to bring him down. There is intense action along with a stunning performance by the cast members.

5) The Glory

This list will be incomplete without this K-drama, which features a similar dedication of the leads as can be seen in Dear X. However, in this K-drama, the dedication comes from seeking revenge from the people who ruined Dong-eun’s life when she was in school. Dong-eun suffered intense bullying from her classmates.

Her body was strewn with marks from the torture she had endured. She had nobody by her side to protect her. Yet, she did not lose hope. Dong-eun worked hard to become economically self-reliant, then planned the demise of the people who tormented her. There is intense, meticulous planning as a crucial part of the storyline. This K-drama featuring the very talented Song Hye-kyo is definitely not for the faint-hearted.