10 Best TV Shows To Watch If You Can't Get Enough Of K-Pop Demon Hunters

The unique blend of K-pop aesthetics with supernatural demon-hunting narratives has created one of the most exciting subgenres in Korean entertainment. Following the success of shows that combine stylish visuals, compelling soundtracks, and supernatural action, viewers worldwide are craving more content that delivers this distinctive mix of glamour and gothic horror. Whether you're drawn to the choreographed fight scenes that feel like dark music videos, the fashionable heroes who look like they stepped off a concert stage, or the way these shows seamlessly blend modern Korean culture with ancient mythology, this genre offers something truly special.

Korean television has mastered the art of taking traditional folklore and reimagining it through a contemporary lens, often featuring protagonists who could easily be mistaken for idol group members if not for their demon-slaying duties. These shows understand that style and substance aren't mutually exclusive – you can have impeccably dressed heroes delivering emotional performances while also battling the forces of darkness. The result is a viewing experience that satisfies both the desire for supernatural thrills and the aesthetic pleasure that K-pop culture provides.

10. The Guest (2018)

The Guest (also known as "Hand: The Guest") brings together an unlikely trio – a Catholic priest, a detective, and a shaman – to battle powerful demons possessing humans. While not explicitly featuring K-pop elements, the show's stylish cinematography and the young, attractive cast bring that modern Korean aesthetic to the supernatural genre. The series particularly excels in its portrayal of possession and exorcism through a distinctly Korean lens.

The chemistry between the three leads creates a dynamic that feels like a supernatural crime-fighting group, with each member bringing unique skills and perspectives to their demon-hunting mission. The show's OCN production values ensure high-quality action sequences and genuinely creepy atmospheric moments. The blend of Catholic exorcism traditions with Korean shamanism creates a unique mythology that sets it apart from Western demon-hunting shows while maintaining the sleek, modern feel that Korean dramas are known for.

9. Bring It On, Ghost (2016)

Bring It On, Ghost perfectly embodies the lighter side of the demon-hunting genre, featuring Ok Taec-yeon (from K-pop group 2PM) as a college student who can see ghosts and Kim So-hyun as a wandering spirit who becomes his ghost-fighting partner. The show leans into its K-pop connections, with Taec-yeon bringing his idol charisma to the role while delivering genuinely touching dramatic moments.

The series excels at balancing comedy, romance, and supernatural action, creating fight scenes that often feel like choreographed performances. The episodic ghost-hunting cases allow for variety while building toward a larger mystery about the female lead's identity. The show's use of music, both in its soundtrack and the way fights are edited to feel rhythmic and dynamic, creates an experience that feels uniquely Korean while appealing to international audiences who love both K-pop and supernatural content.

8. Dark Hole (2021)

Dark Hole takes the demon-hunting concept and adds a survival horror twist, featuring a mysterious dark smoke that turns people into mutants. While more horror-focused than typical K-pop-influenced shows, the series maintains the high production values and stylish action sequences that fans expect. The show's leads, particularly Lee Joon-hyuk, bring an intensity and physicality to their roles that wouldn't be out of place in a dark concept K-pop music video.

The series stands out for its cinematography, using smoke and shadows to create genuinely unsettling visuals while maintaining the polished look Korean dramas are famous for. The group dynamics among the survivors, each with their own skills and backstories, creates an ensemble feel reminiscent of K-pop groups, where different personalities must work together despite their differences. The show's electronic soundtrack and modern urban setting keep it feeling contemporary despite its apocalyptic themes.

7. Sell Your Haunted House (2021)

Sell Your Haunted House cleverly combines real estate drama with demon-hunting action, featuring Jang Na-ra as a real estate agent who exorcises properties and Jung Yong-hwa (from K-pop band CNBLUE) as a con artist who becomes her partner. The show's premise allows for varied locations and creative supernatural encounters while maintaining a sleek, professional aesthetic that makes demon-hunting look like a glamorous career choice.

Jung Yong-hwa's K-pop background brings natural charisma and performance skills to the role, particularly in the exorcism scenes that require physical coordination and emotional intensity. The show's approach to depicting spirits and exorcisms often feels like watching a supernatural music video, with dramatic lighting, dynamic camera work, and a pulsing soundtrack that elevates every confrontation. The chemistry between the leads and their stylish wardrobe choices add to the show's appeal for fans who want their demon hunters to look as good as they fight.

6. The School Nurse Files (2020)

The School Nurse Files offers a unique, quirky take on demon hunting with its protagonist who sees supernatural "jellies" that represent human desires and emotions. While not traditional demons, these creatures require hunting and elimination, and the show's distinctive visual style – featuring bright, candy-colored special effects – creates an aesthetic that's both K-pop-like in its boldness and completely original.

The series' experimental approach to storytelling and visuals makes it feel like an extended art-pop music video at times. The unconventional weapons (a toy sword and BB gun) and the way fights are choreographed with an almost dance-like quality appeal to viewers who appreciate K-pop's emphasis on visual innovation. The show's willingness to be weird and wonderful while maintaining emotional depth represents the kind of creative risk-taking that both K-pop and Korean television are increasingly known for.

5. Sweet Home (2020)

Sweet Home revolutionized Korean monster horror with its high-budget Netflix production, featuring Song Kang as a suicidal teenager who must fight for survival when humans begin transforming into monsters based on their desires. The show's massive success proved that Korean supernatural content could compete globally, combining stunning special effects with the emotional storytelling Korean dramas are famous for.

The series' young, attractive cast, led by Song Kang who has become a major star, brings the kind of visual appeal associated with K-pop idols. The show's approach to monster design and action sequences often feels like watching a big-budget music video, with dramatic slow-motion shots, stylized violence, and a soundtrack that ranges from melancholic ballads to pulse-pounding electronic music. The ensemble cast dynamics, with each character having their moment to shine, mirrors the group dynamics that make K-pop groups so appealing.

4. Island (2022)

Island brings together Korean mythology, Catholic exorcism, and modern action in a visually stunning package set on Jeju Island. The Amazon Prime series features Kim Nam-gil as a priest trained to fight demons and Lee Da-hee as an heiress who becomes entangled in an ancient supernatural conflict. The show's big-budget production allows for spectacular fight scenes that blend martial arts with supernatural powers in ways that feel both cinematic and choreographed like performance art.

The series excels at creating a unique mythology that draws from Korean folklore while feeling contemporary and fresh. The styling of both heroes and demons shows careful attention to aesthetic detail, with the main characters looking like they could front a rock band when not battling evil. The Jeju Island setting provides gorgeous backdrops that contrast beautifully with the dark supernatural elements, creating a visual feast that matches the best K-pop music videos in terms of production value.

3. Kingdom (2019-2020)

Kingdom might seem like an outlier with its historical setting, but this zombie thriller set in Korea's Joseon period brings a cinematic quality and stylistic approach that revolutionized Korean horror television. The show's blend of period drama politics with zombie action created a unique aesthetic that influenced numerous subsequent productions. While the characters wear traditional hanbok instead of modern fashion, the show's approach to action and visual storytelling shares DNA with contemporary K-pop performance videos.

The series' production values, reportedly costing over $1.78 million per episode, ensure that every frame looks spectacular. The zombie hordes moving in coordinated waves often resemble dark choreography, while the political intrigue adds layers of complexity beyond simple survival. The show's global success on Netflix proved that Korean content could dominate international markets, paving the way for more ambitious supernatural productions.

2. Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020)

Tale of the Nine Tailed perfectly embodies the K-pop demon hunter aesthetic with Lee Dong-wook as a dapper nine-tailed fox who gave up his position as a mountain god to search for his reincarnated love. The show combines Korean mythology with modern Seoul, creating a world where ancient creatures adapt to contemporary life while maintaining their supernatural duties. Lee Dong-wook's portrayal brings sophistication and style to the role, making demon hunting look effortlessly cool.

The series excels at blending romance, action, and mythology while maintaining a consistent aesthetic that wouldn't be out of place in a high-concept K-pop music video. The supporting cast, including Kim Bum as the protagonist's half-brother, adds layers of complexity and visual appeal. The show's approach to depicting supernatural powers through elegant visual effects and the way fights are choreographed with an emphasis on style as much as substance makes it essential viewing for fans of stylish supernatural content.

1. The Uncanny Counter (2020-2023)

The Uncanny Counter represents the perfect fusion of K-pop aesthetics with demon-hunting action. The show follows a group of demon hunters called Counters who work at a noodle restaurant by day and hunt evil spirits by night. The team dynamic, with each member having unique abilities and personalities, mirrors the structure of a K-pop group, complete with coordinated outfits (their iconic tracksuits) and synchronized action sequences.

The series' success spawned multiple seasons, proving the appeal of its formula. The young protagonist, played by Jo Byeong-gyu, brings a relatable everyman quality while developing into a formidable fighter. The show's fight choreography often feels like watching a dance performance, with team members working in perfect coordination. The emotional depth of the character relationships, combined with high-stakes supernatural action, creates the perfect balance that defines the best of this genre.

What makes The Uncanny Counter the ultimate K-pop demon hunter show is its understanding that style and substance must work together. The Counters' matching tracksuits became iconic, spawning merchandise and cosplay. The show's approach to depicting supernatural powers through dynamic visual effects, the found family dynamics of the team, and the way each character gets their moment to shine mirrors the appeal of K-pop groups while delivering genuinely thrilling supernatural action.

Conclusion

The fusion of K-pop aesthetics with demon-hunting narratives represents a unique evolution in Korean television that has captured global attention. These shows understand that modern audiences want more than just supernatural action – they want style, emotional depth, and production values that match their favorite music videos. From The Uncanny Counter's team dynamics to Tale of the Nine Tailed's sophisticated mythology, each series brings something unique while maintaining the core appeal of beautiful people fighting evil in spectacular fashion.

The success of these shows internationally demonstrates the universal appeal of this formula. The combination of Korean mythology with modern sensibilities, the emphasis on visual storytelling, and the integration of music and action creates an experience that transcends cultural boundaries. These series prove that demon hunting doesn't have to be grim and gritty – it can be stylish, emotional, and even fun while still delivering genuine thrills and scares.

As Korean content continues to dominate global streaming platforms, we can expect to see more innovations in this genre. The influence of K-pop on these productions goes beyond surface aesthetics, incorporating the emphasis on performance, group dynamics, and visual innovation that makes Korean pop culture so distinctive. These shows have created a new template for supernatural television that other countries are beginning to emulate.

Whether you're a K-pop fan discovering Korean dramas through these supernatural series or a horror enthusiast drawn to the unique approach to demon hunting, these shows offer something special. They represent a new wave of television that refuses to choose between style and substance, proving that you can have impeccably dressed heroes delivering emotional performances while saving the world from supernatural threats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to be a K-pop fan to enjoy these shows?

Not at all! While these shows incorporate aesthetic elements and production styles influenced by K-pop culture, they're primarily supernatural dramas that anyone can enjoy. The K-pop influence mainly manifests in the visual style, choreographed action sequences, and emphasis on attractive ensemble casts. If you enjoy supernatural action with high production values, you'll likely enjoy these regardless of your music preferences.

2. Are these shows available with English subtitles?

Yes, all the shows listed are available with English subtitles on various streaming platforms. Netflix carries Sweet Home, Kingdom, and The Uncanny Counter. Amazon Prime has Island, while other shows are available on platforms like Viki, Viu, or other regional streaming services. Most Korean dramas now receive professional subtitle translations shortly after airing.

3. Which show should I start with if I'm new to Korean dramas?

The Uncanny Counter is an excellent entry point because it balances action, emotion, and humor while being very accessible to international audiences. Sweet Home is perfect if you prefer more intense horror, while Bring It On, Ghost offers a lighter, more romantic approach. Kingdom works well for those who enjoy historical settings with a twist.

4. Are these shows very scary?

The horror level varies significantly across these shows. Sweet Home and Dark Hole are genuinely frightening with intense monster designs. Kingdom has zombie horror but in a historical context. Shows like Bring It On, Ghost and Sell Your Haunted House balance scares with comedy and romance. The Uncanny Counter has supernatural action but isn't particularly scary, making it suitable for those who prefer less intense horror.

5. How important is the romance element in these shows?

Romance varies by show. Tale of the Nine Tailed and Bring It On, Ghost have strong romantic storylines central to the plot. The Uncanny Counter focuses more on found family dynamics with minimal romance. Sweet Home and Kingdom prioritize survival and action over romance. Most Korean dramas include some romantic elements, but in these supernatural shows, it's usually secondary to the demon-hunting action.

6. Are there actual K-pop idols acting in these shows?

Yes! Ok Taec-yeon from 2PM stars in Bring It On, Ghost, and Jung Yong-hwa from CNBLUE appears in Sell Your Haunted House. Many Korean actors also have music careers or started as idols before transitioning to acting. The crossover between K-pop and K-drama is common, with many idols proving themselves as capable actors.

7. How long are these series typically?

Most Korean dramas have 16-20 episodes per season, with episodes running 60-80 minutes. Some shows like Kingdom have shorter seasons (6 episodes) but longer runtimes. The Uncanny Counter has multiple seasons due to its popularity. This format allows for complete story arcs without the indefinite continuation common in Western television.

8. Is the action in these shows well-choreographed?

Korean productions are known for high-quality action choreography, often employing the same stunt teams that work on Korean films. The influence of K-pop means fight scenes often have a rhythmic, almost dance-like quality. Shows like The Uncanny Counter and Island feature particularly impressive action sequences that rival big-budget movies.

9. Do these shows follow Korean mythology or Western demon concepts?

Most of these shows blend Korean folklore with universal supernatural concepts. Tale of the Nine Tailed draws heavily from Korean mythology about gumihos (nine-tailed foxes). The Guest incorporates both shamanism and Catholic exorcism. This cultural blend makes the shows feel fresh while remaining accessible to international audiences unfamiliar with Korean folklore.

10. Will there be more seasons of these shows?

The Uncanny Counter has confirmed multiple seasons due to its success. Sweet Home has completed its run with three seasons. Kingdom's story is complete but has a special episode called "Ashin of the North." Korean dramas typically tell complete stories rather than continuing indefinitely, though successful shows occasionally get second seasons. New supernatural K-dramas are constantly in production, ensuring fresh content for fans of the genre.