If you’re a fan of superheroes, you may want to look beyond the familiar realms of Marvel and DC—these eight Korean series offer a fresh, exciting twist on the genre.
The Powers of Shadow: Superheroes in Hiding
One of the most exciting series to hit the scene is The Powers of Shadow, based on the webtoon Moving. This series dives into the lives of high school students who have inherited extraordinary powers from their parents. However, they must keep these abilities a secret because a mysterious organization is on the hunt for them.
The twist? Their parents are also former agents with special abilities, and they’ll do anything to protect their children. This show mixes high-stakes action with emotional family drama. The fantastic cast, including Jo In Sung, Han Hyo Joo, and Ryu Seung Ryong, brings the story to life with a powerful mix of suspense and heart. If you’re looking for a series that combines superpowers, emotional depth, and a gripping plot, The Powers of Shadow is one to keep on your radar.
The Atypical Family: Superpowers Meet Mental Health Struggles
In The Atypical Family, the members of the Bok family once possessed incredible abilities—like time travel, flight, and healing. But as they face modern-day issues like depression and insomnia, they begin to lose their powers. The series cleverly ties superpowers to real-life struggles, offering a fresh take on how abilities don’t necessarily make life easier. When a mysterious woman enters their lives, everything begins to change. This show combines the extraordinary with the very real challenges of living in today’s world.
The Uncanny Counter: Fighting Evil Spirits
In The Uncanny Counter, a group known as the Counters takes on evil spirits that possess humans. Using powers like super strength, speed, and telepathy, the Counters fight to save humanity. When So Mun, a high school student with a tragic past, discovers his own abilities, he joins the group to battle against evil. With its mix of mystery, action, and strong emotional beats, this series captures the best of the supernatural genre, keeping viewers hooked.
Behind Your Touch: A Quirky Power with a Touch of Mystery
In Behind Your Touch, Bong Ye Bun, a veterinarian, discovers that she can see people’s memories by touching their—well, let’s say, backsides. While quirky, this unusual ability allows her to solve local mysteries, including some strange murders. She teams up with Moon Jang Yeol, a disgraced police officer who’s now relegated to desk duty, to crack cases. The show mixes humor and mystery, with a unique twist on how psychic powers can be used for good (and in some cases, comedy).
He Is Psychometric: A Power That Reveals the Past
He Is Psychometric follows Lee Ahn, a young man with the power to see memories tied to objects or people by simply touching them. After a traumatic event in his childhood, he decides to use his ability to help the police solve crimes. Teaming up with Yoon Jae In, a woman with her own tragic past, they uncover the truth behind a mysterious fire. The series blends romance, suspense, and emotional depth, showing that even extraordinary powers can’t always heal personal wounds.
Strong Girl Bong Soon and Strong Girl Nam Soon: Power in the Family
In Strong Girl Bong Soon, the titular heroine has superhuman strength passed down from mother to daughter. Though she tries to keep it hidden, she eventually becomes a bodyguard for a quirky CEO. The show is a fun romantic comedy with plenty of action and humor. Meanwhile, Strong Girl Nam Soon follows Bong Soon’s cousin, who also possesses incredible strength. Returning from Mongolia, Nam Soon uses her power to fight a drug cartel. This series leans more into action, but still maintains the light-hearted and entertaining tone of the original.
Cashero: Money Equals Strength
In Cashero, the main character, a government worker, gains strength based on the amount of cash he carries. The more money he has, the more powerful he becomes. He teams up with a woman who gains strength by eating and a lawyer who powers up by drinking. Together, they face an organization that wants to capture all people with special abilities. This series is packed with humor, action, and a critique of society’s obsession with wealth.
The WONDERfools: Ordinary People with Extraordinary Powers
The WONDERfools promises to be a unique blend of comedy, mystery, and action. Set to release in late 2025, the show follows Eun Chae Ni, an ordinary woman who discovers she has a superpower, just like her neighbors. When strange disappearances start happening, she decides to investigate with the help of a shady official. Featuring a cast of lovable characters, The WONDERfools combines the absurd with the captivating, offering something fresh for superhero fans.
These eight Korean series offer fresh perspectives on superheroes and superpowers, pushing the genre into new and exciting directions. Whether exploring the emotional side of extraordinary abilities or mixing in humor and mystery, these shows are bound to captivate and entertain. If you’re a fan of the superhero genre, these K-dramas are a must-watch!