10 K-Dramas to Binge While Waiting for K-Pop: Demon Hunters 2

KPop Demon Hunters’ release took everyone by surprise. Not many expected an animated feature to become a record-breaking global phenomenon overnight. Now, with a highly anticipated movie sequel officially in production at Netflix, fans are stuck playing the waiting game.

While technically an American animated movie, the film beautifully captures the essence of Korean mythology, blending rich folklore with an authentic look inside the K-pop idol industry. Fortunately, the K-drama world is packed with incredible shows that hit those same notes.

10

18 Again

Just like KPop Demon Hunters, 18 Again has a bit of a sci-fi feel to it that doesn’t complicate the story much. The story follows Hong Dae-young, a middle-aged dad whose life begins to fall apart. He is on the verge of divorce, alienated from his teenage twins, and has just lost his job.

However, just when Dae-young thought it was all over, his body miraculously transformed back into his 18-year-old self. But instead of using this chance to re-live his life, he enrolls in his kids’ high school under a fake name to secretly protect them and figure out where he went wrong as a father. It perfectly balances the hilarious comedy of an old-school dad trying to blend in with modern teenagers.

9

My Demon

Anyone who enjoyed watching pop stars fight monsters in KPop Demon Hunters, My Demon offers that same supernatural vibe. But instead of the music industry, all the action takes place inside a cutthroat corporate world. The story follows Jeong Gu-won, a 200-year-old demon who has spent centuries making shady deals for human souls.

But things go completely sideways when a freak accident transfers all his powers into a tattoo on Do-hee, a cynical heiress. With his abilities gone, he is forced to work as her bodyguard just to stay alive, which naturally ends up with the two stuck in a hilariously chaotic contract marriage.

8

True Beauty

True Beauty tackles the same double-life struggles that make KPop Demon Hunters so fun to watch. But instead of idols hiding their supernatural monster-hunting behind flashy stage personas, Lim Ju-kyung is hiding her real face behind layers of flawless makeup.

After getting bullied at her old school for her looks, Ju-kyung spends hours mastering online makeup tutorials and walks into her new high school as the reigning “goddess.”

Keeping that secret safe is exhausting. Ju-kyung goes to hilarious lengths to keep her bare face a secret, especially after her popular classmate Lee Su-ho accidentally catches her without her makeup. Sharing that secret throws them both right into a rom-com rollercoaster.

7

Lovely Runner

If KPop Demon Hunters was all about the idols, Lovely Runner shifts the spotlight directly onto the fans. Instead of idols fighting literal monsters, this show is about a dedicated fan doing whatever it takes to save her favorite singer.

Im Sol is a huge fan of Ryu Sun-jae, an idol whose music got her through her toughest days. When Sun-jae tragically passes away, she is left completely heartbroken. But life gives Sol a chance to fix all this, as she wakes up 15 years in the past.

With both of them back in high school together, Sol gets the chance to rewrite the future and keep her idol alive. It’s a great time-travel K-drama that totally understands the reality of being a hardcore fan.

6

The Sound of Magic

The Sound of Magic follows Yoon Ah-yi, a struggling high schooler who just wants to grow up to escape her family’s financial issues. Her life flips upside down when she stumbles across Ri-eul, a mysterious magician living in an abandoned theme park who asks her one simple question: “Do you believe in magic?”

Just like KPop Demon Hunters hooked viewers with its catchy soundtrack and secret magical world, this K-drama delivers that same energy. It is actually a full-blown musical.

But instead of fighting monsters, the magic here is all about healing broken hearts and escaping the struggles of the real world. Fans of the big musical numbers in the animated movie will feel right at home with this heartfelt series.

5

Idol I

If KPop Demon Hunters explored the hidden side of the music industry, Idol I tackles the same themes, but trades the supernatural monsters for a real-world murder mystery. The plot follows Maeng Se-na, a tough lawyer who secretly lives a double life as a massive K-pop fangirl, with her bias being Do Ra-ik, the star of the group Gold Boys.

Se-na’s two very different worlds collide when Ra-ik is suddenly framed for murdering his own bandmate. When everyone else turns their back on him, Se-na steps up to defend him in court and track down the actual killer. This K-drama skips the magical monster hunting in favor of a legal thriller, all while wrapping it up with a sweet romance.

4

Dream High

Dream High follows six students at Kirin Art High School who all share the same dream of debuting as K-pop idols. This K-drama takes viewers through their vocal training, dance practices, and plenty of high school drama. Along the way, they grow from awkward teenagers into actual stars, handling heartbreak and tough competition.

While KPop Demon Hunters highlighted the stress of balancing idol life with saving the world, this show strips away the magic for a realistic look at idol bootcamp. It gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the music industry actually works. Fans who loved watching the animated group bond and struggle through their training will really enjoy this classic drama.

3

Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol

Instead of using music to fight off monsters like in KPop Demon Hunters, Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol uses it to mend broken lives. Still, both stories share a focus on characters who are hiding their true identities from the people around them.

The plot follows Gu Ra-ra, a pianist who suddenly loses all her family’s money overnight. With nothing left, Ra-ra relocates to a quiet village and crosses paths with Sunwoo Joon, a guy working odd jobs who decides to help her get back on her feet.

The catch? Joon is keeping a huge secret about his past. Anyone who liked how the animated movie used music to bring a messy group of people together, this K-drama delivers that same feeling in a much cozier package.

2

Doom at Your Service

Doom at Your Service centers on Tak Dong-kyung, who finds out she is terminally ill with just 100 days to live. Furious at her awful luck, she screams at the sky and wishes for the world to end. That desperate wish accidentally summons Myul Mang, a literal god of destruction, who offers her a tempting deal with a massive catch.

Much like KPop Demon Hunters, this K-drama throws a totally normal person headfirst into a hidden magical world. But instead of the action, the plot revolves around a dangerous deal with a god.

It gives viewers the same dark fantasy feel but with a much heavier focus on romance. Fans of the movie’s supernatural elements will definitely get hooked on this one.

1

The Uncanny Counter

The Uncanny Counter is the ultimate match for anyone who loves the “regular day job, secret demon hunter” vibe of KPop Demon Hunters. But instead of famous pop idols, the heroes in this K-drama serve noodles. The story sees So Mun, a high schooler who suddenly gets pulled into a secret group called the Counters.

To everyone else, they just run a wildly popular local restaurant. But in reality, they use their superpowers to hunt down evil spirits that prey on humans. Between the top-notch action and the close-knit team bonding, it perfectly captures the energy of the movie’s coolest monster-hunting moments.