Connections (2024) introduces us to Detective Jang Jae Kyung (Ji Sung), who is investigating a complex drug case tied to the mysterious death of his old friend. The plot thickens when Jae Kyung is kidnapped and becomes dependent on narcotics. This setup echoes the stories of characters in other crime mystery Korean dramas where individuals are framed and must fight to clear their names. Here are five must-watch dramas with similar themes.
Defendant (2017)
Image source: SBS
In Defendant, Ji Sung stars as Park Jung Woo, a successful prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office. His life takes a dramatic turn when he wakes up one day accused of murdering his wife. With no memory of the incident, Jung Woo is thrust into a fight to prove his innocence. The twists and turns keep viewers on the edge of their seats, as Jung Woo navigates a web of deceit to uncover the truth. This drama has 18 episodes and can be watched on Viki and KOCOWA.
Cast:
- Ji Sung as Park Jung Woo
- Uhm Ki Joon as Cha Seon Ho
- Kwon Yuri as Seo Eun Hye
- Oh Chang Seok as Kang Joon Hyeok
- Uhm Hyun Kyung as Na Yeon Hee
One Ordinary Day (2021)
Image source: Coupang Play
One Ordinary Day tells the harrowing tale of Kim Hyun Soo (Kim Soo Hyun), a regular student who is accused of a brutal murder he cannot remember. After a night of drinking, he wakes up to find his female companion dead beside him. With the legal system seemingly against him, Hyun Soo’s only hope is a third-class lawyer, Shin Joong Han (Cha Seung Won), who faces an uphill battle to reveal the truth. This drama has 8 episodes and is available on Viu.
Cast:
- Kim Soo Hyun as Kim Hyun Soo
- Cha Seung Won as Shin Joong Han
Delightfully Deceitful (2023)
Image source: tvN
Delightfully Deceitful features Chun Woo Hee as Lee Ro Um, a child prodigy manipulated into a life of crime by the Jeokmok Foundation. Framed for her parents’ murder, Lee Ro Um spends years in prison before seeking revenge. With the help of her old friends and a determined lawyer, she plans to bring down the corrupt foundation that destroyed her life. This drama has 16 episodes and can be watched on tvN.
Cast:
- Chun Woo Hee as Lee Ro Um
- Kim Dong Wook as Han Moo Young
Wonderful World (2024)
Image source: MBC
In Wonderful World, Kim Nam Joo plays Eun Soo Hyun, a psychology professor and author who seeks vengeance after her son is killed during her husband’s investigation into political crimes. The legal system fails her, and she ends up becoming a murderer herself, leading to years in prison. Soo Hyun’s journey is marked by complex challenges as she grapples with her past and the quest for justice. This drama has 12 episodes and is available on MBC.
Cast:
- Kim Nam Joo as Eun Soo Hyun
- Choi Won Young as Park Jin Woo
Nothing Uncovered (2024)
Image source: KBS
Nothing Uncovered follows Seo Jung Won (Kim Ha Neul), a journalist known for exposing political scandals. Her life unravels when her husband’s affair is exposed, and the mistress is found dead. Jung Won is framed for the murder, complicating her life further. She teams up with a detective to uncover the real perpetrator and clear her name. This drama has 14 episodes and can be watched on KBS.
Cast:
- Kim Ha Neul as Seo Jung Won
- Lee Moo Saeng as Detective Kang
These five dramas share a common thread with Connections: characters wrongly accused of crimes fighting to reclaim their lives. Each drama offers a unique take on the theme, providing viewers with suspenseful and emotionally charged storytelling. Add these titles to your watchlist for a thrilling crime mystery experience.
