Asian dramas like
Less Than Evil

An inspector chooses to adopt the role of a vigilant guardian for the remainder of his life after being betrayed by a senior colleague he once trusted

Introducing two courageous individuals who are determined to catch a serial killer causing chaos in their peaceful town: Lee Dong Sik, a former skilled detective now relegated to mundane tasks at the Manyang Police Substation, finds his routine disrupted when Detective Han Joo Won joins the team. Joo Won, a top-notch detective with a powerful father in the running for the National Police Agency's next chief, holds a hidden secret. When a series of brutal murders occur, drawing similarities to cold cases from two decades ago, Dong Sik and Joo Won unite to apprehend the ruthless killer. Their investigation leads them to delve deeper into the case, questioning the innocence of those involved, including themselves.

Cheung Sing Hei served time in prison after being convicted of killing his stepfather. Surprisingly, his cousin Tong Lap Yeen was the main witness in the case. After a decade behind bars, Sing Hei is released, only to find that Lap Yeen has become a prominent figure in the city, while his own reputation is tarnished. Feeling frustrated and suspicious about the events of ten years ago, Sing Hei is determined to uncover the truth behind his stepfather's murder. Through his own investigation, he identifies the true culprit, but struggles to find a motive or concrete evidence. This is a story of Sing Hei's quest to reveal the truth and clear his name.

Fang Mu is renowned for his expertise in criminal psychology within the city. After teaming up with police officer Tai Wei Lian to solve a string of unusual murders on campus, Fang Mu was deeply affected by the cases, leading him to spiral into a state of decay. Despite his attempts to bury the memories and deceive both himself and others, the devil's taunts persisted with a new wave of mysterious killings that ultimately landed Fang Mu behind bars. Forced to confront his past traumas, guilt, and sins while facing off against the enigmatic devil.

As a child, Hwang Si Mok underwent surgery on his brain to manage his aggressive behavior, resulting in a complete absence of emotions

Cha Woo Kyung is a child therapist employed at a center for children. Her life appears idyllic, as she is married to a wonderful husband and expecting a baby. Nevertheless, her seemingly flawless existence takes a turn when an unforeseen incident alters her path. It is during this tumultuous time that she encounters Kang Ji Hun, a detective known for his rigorous stance against offenders, firmly believing they should face the maximum consequences for their actions.

A mysterious serial murder tape with an eerie sound is found in a rural town in 1999. In 1987, terrorist Jo Gyeong Ho released sarin gas at a train station, killing passengers before surrendering. His daughter, Jo Jae Yeong, was placed in the care of his younger sister, Jo Jeong Hyeon. Ten years later, Detective Choi Hyeong investigates a murder case he believes is connected to the past incident. When Jeong Hyeon's niece goes missing, she teams up with Choi Hyeong to uncover the truth and rescue her.

When questions surface regarding a murder conviction from five years prior, a seasoned detective teams up with a talented rookie to uncover the hidden facts of the case. Kang Do Chang, a detective with 18 years of experience, apprehends a suspect named Lee Dae Chul, who is subsequently sentenced to death by the court. However, while examining the details of the case, Do Chang stumbles upon evidence that could exonerate Dae Chul. As the clock ticks and the growing evidence threatens to reveal the mistake, Do Chang finds himself torn between the pursuit of power and the quest for justice upon meeting Oh Ji Hyuk, a top-tier detective from the police department. These contrasting partners start collaborating on the investigation.

Yan Ting was wrongly accused of killing her husband Yuen Man San in Taiwan, leading to her imprisonment for five years. With her family in Hong Kong turning their backs on her, Yan Ting's son was taken care of by her close friend Wun Suk Lan. Due to her good behavior in prison, she was released early and returned to Hong Kong. There, she meets a compassionate lawyer named Lo Lei Ho and starts working at his law firm. Along with searching for her son, Yan Ting is also trying to mend her broken relationship with her family. Meanwhile, she believes she sees Man San in the bustling streets of Hong Kong, leading her to question his death. Man San, now married to Chiang Nga Yi, is attempting to gain approval from her father. Unexpectedly, Suk Lan returns to Hong Kong from America claiming to be Man San's wife as well. As more surprising events unfold, the true identity of Man San is revealed to the other characters, leading to a series of deaths in order to protect his secret.

Currently, Jeon Yeong Ha's peaceful existence overseeing a holiday cabin in the forest is thrown into disarray by the sudden appearance of a enigmatic lady named Yoo Seong A. Twenty years ago, Koo Sang Jun, who was also in charge of the cabin, endured a devastating summer that led to his downfall. Yun Bo Min, who was a local police officer at the time, is now the chief of police at the same precinct and begins looking into Jeon Yeong Ha with great curiosity.

Tetsuo Nagai works as a probation officer, helping to reform young offenders and guide them towards a better path. He leads a content life with his wife and son until tragedy strikes. His wife is murdered and his son is severely injured in an attack, leaving Nagai to grapple with the assailant who ultimately escapes. Nagai rushes his son to his father-in-law's hospital, only for his son to be targeted again and left in a coma. As police detectives investigate, Nagai becomes a prime suspect due to mounting evidence against him. Feeling cornered, he decides to go on the run in a desperate attempt to clear his name and uncover the true culprit, all while his son fights for his life in the hospital.

The murder case initially seemed straightforward, with numerous witnesses observing the suspect attempting to dispose of a body and a confession from the suspect himself. However, as the case progressed to court, the prosecutor uncovered that there was more to the situation than met the eye. The murder turned out to be a facade for a more disturbing injustice. The prosecutor dedicated a decade of his life unraveling the truth, sacrificing his youth, career, reputation, family, and ultimately his life in the process. (DramaWiki)

Saijo Kinuka, a homemaker, resides in a Western-style house in Kamakura with her husband and two teenage children after inheriting it from her late father-in-law. She fulfills her dream of opening a flower arrangement school in the salon of her new home. However, her past resurfaces when her ex-boyfriend, Seno Itsuki, unexpectedly shows up at her housewarming party. Strange occurrences begin to unfold in the household, such as missing food and clothing, as it is revealed that Seno has been secretly living in the attic. This leads to the unraveling of hidden secrets among those close to Kinuka, ultimately impacting her mental state. The situation escalates when a murder occurs, drastically altering her fate.

Reboot of the American television show "Cold Case" from 2003.

Jo Tae Sik was once a passionate detective, but he now seeks a different path in life. He yearns for a tranquil and simple lifestyle. To achieve this, Jo Tae Sik requests a transfer to a police substation located in a remote village with few inhabitants. At the same time, he becomes involved in investigating the death of Lawmaker Kim Seung Cheol, who passed away in a car accident. However, Jo Tae Sik suspects that the circumstances surrounding the accident may not be straightforward. Subsequently, the lawmaker's son-in-law goes missing. Kim Seo Hui, the youngest daughter of the deceased lawmaker, finds herself in distress as her husband vanishes. Their marriage was intended to benefit their families, but their bond has been troubled. Determined to uncover the truth behind her father's demise and locate her missing spouse, Kim Seo Hui enters the political arena. Together, Jo Tae Sik and Kim Seo Hui begin to unravel a conspiracy and strive to expose the truth.

Three years ago, Tang Ming Xuan's wife Xie Wei passed away in what was believed to be a suicide, a situation that has troubled the family ever since. At the wedding ceremony of Ke Yuan and Ming Xuan three years later, new information came to light when a mysterious individual, Solution Days, appeared, bringing back memories of the past. Ke Yuan stood by Ming Xuan, refusing to believe Solution Days' accusations and remaining convinced of Ming Xuan's innocence. Solution Days suspected foul play in Xie Wei's death and set out to uncover the truth, using various tactics to take control of the company and investigate the real cause of Xie Wei's demise. As new evidence emerged, the hidden secrets surrounding Ming Xuan began to unravel, bringing danger closer to Ke Yuan as she navigated a world of love and deception. Ultimately, Ming Xuan's true nature was revealed.

When Sui Ning was young, she had a close bond with her father after her mother passed away. However, as she got older, their relationship became strained. Sui Ning became consumed with work and found her father irritating. One day, her father invited her to visit their ancestral village for a vacation. Sui Ning couldn't understand why her father was so attached to his hometown. When she was called back to work, her father decided to go alone. Later that night, Sui Ning rushed to the village after finishing work, only to find her father's yacht had exploded. Believing her father was inside, she contacted her police officer boyfriend Lau Ho Fat. Despite their efforts to search the water, her father's body was not found. Sui Ning suspected foul play and began to distrust the villagers, uncovering her father's troubled history with them. Will she be able to uncover the truth and find the person responsible for her father's death?

In reality, every individual on this planet is like a marionette, with invisible strings controlling their actions. Two decades ago, the renowned psychologist Ouyang Qiu, along with his friend and colleague Ruan Haotian, traveled to Dawn City for a confidential research project. Tragically, Ouyang met his demise by falling from a building, while Dr. Ruan vanished under mysterious circumstances. Subsequently, the project was abruptly terminated. Fast forward twenty years, Ouyang Qiu's son, Ouyang Yiming, has grown up and joined a specialized SCI Team as an agent. When a gruesome mutilation case arises in Dawn City, Ouyang Yiming takes it upon himself to investigate. However, just as he nears a breakthrough, the perpetrator takes their own life, prompting Ouyang to delve deeper into the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that Pandora's Box is on the verge of being opened... (Q1Q2)

Crystal, Louisa, and Leila grew up as siblings after being orphaned at a young age. Each of them was adopted into different families with diverse backgrounds. When Louisa was imprisoned for a crime she committed, Crystal took the blame to protect her sister. Leila, known for her kindness, attempted to help by falsifying evidence but ended up being incarcerated as well. Tensions between the three sisters and the prison owner escalate, leading to a desire for revenge. This series delves into the underworld of women in prison, exploring their struggles and conflicts.

Detective Seiichiro Watari from the Otaru Police Precinct in Hokkaido is retiring soon with unresolved business from seven years ago. The unidentified skeleton of a woman was discovered in the sea of Otaru, halting the investigation. Watari is determined to identify her before leaving the precinct. Three years after retirement, he stumbles upon a clue that could solve the case, despite his limited life expectancy. With the help of detective Kaoru Saotome, he begins reinvestigating, much to the dismay of his wife Suzuko. They travel to Tokyo to meet a jewelry designer who provided a clue, but she has mysteriously disappeared. Watari's obsession with the case stems from the tragic drowning of his daughter Kozue 20 years ago. As he delves deeper, he encounters architect Haruyuki Kiryu, whose connection to the case remains unclear. Kiryu is determined to succeed in his company, even as he becomes involved with Akane Seike, the president's daughter who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased girlfriend. Their entangled fates lead to a dangerous pursuit of ambition and truth.

As they entered their late thirties, Komoto Maya, Kagami Riko, and Sakaki Yurika realized they regretted marrying for the sake of happiness. They started to feel the limitations of their careers and questioned the direction of their lives. These three college classmates often went out for drinks together, sharing complaints about their husbands and releasing their pent-up frustrations. One fateful evening, Maya and Riko were summoned to Yurika's home, where she shockingly confessed, "I have killed my husband!" Subsequently, Maya's husband mysteriously disappeared, setting off a chain of events that would alter the destinies of these three women. Thus begins the tale of their vengeance as they strive to reclaim the happiness stolen from them by their marriages.

He Jun, a dedicated detective, crosses paths with Gu Ming Zhe, an enthusiastic criminal profiler. Gu Ming Zhe's life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a strange old phone that links him to Cao Zheng, a bumbling but determined detective missing for two decades and calling from 1998. Together, they tackle unsolvable cold cases.

An intriguing tale that poses the important query: What if it were possible to detect psychopaths ahead of time? The nation is in a state of panic as a violent serial killer's brutal crimes sow terror and disorder

In the once-thriving state-owned Asahi Factory, the remains of a female college student, whose foot has been severed, are inadvertently discovered in an abandoned sewage tank. The victim, identified as Shen Xiao Zhou, is the daughter of an employee at the factory. Lian Hai Ping, the leader of the criminal police team, is assigned to look into the matter. On the first day of the case, Shi Qiang Feng, a young criminal officer who reported the incident, finds himself unexpectedly placed on Lian Hai Ping's investigative team. This unforeseen case propels both of them into a fateful quest to track down the perpetrator. Concurrently, the investigation stirs up a concealed past within Lian Hai Ping's memory, while his new partner, Shi Qiang Feng, appears to harbor his own secrets. Throughout the inquiry, Lian Hai Ping uncovers that a mysterious force is orchestrating events surrounding the case. A partner with an enigmatic background, a first love tragically lost, a deeply entrenched entrepreneur, and a once-bustling factory area now in decline... This investigation weaves together truths that link the past and the future. The haze begins to lift, but the currents underneath are already in motion.

Torii, a recluse known as a hikikomori, possesses a remarkable ability to make deductions based on minimal information. His acquaintance Sakaki, employed at an insurance firm, serves as Torii's key ally in overcoming his reclusive lifestyle. Together, they embark on solving various mysterious cases. Excerpted from the book series "Hikikomori Detective" by Sakaki Tsukasa.

Enomoto Kei works for a prominent security company where he unravels the mysteries of locked rooms. Despite his calm and collected nature, he possesses a peculiar fascination with locks and keys. Instead of simply solving cases, his main focus is on deciphering the secrets hidden within sealed rooms. (

Song Yeo Ul's world falls apart when she is wrongly accused of her husband's murder. Nam Ji Sun holds a position of power among the mothers at the international school attended by Song Yeo Ul's son. Danny O, a teacher at the school and a former ice hockey player, also plays a role in the unfolding events. Hwang Na Yun, a single mother, is the only one who offers compassion to Song Yeo Ul. ChaDo Yeong, a former renowned actress, sticks close to Nam Ji Sun with hopes of returning to the spotlight.

Kyung Min and Detective Jong Suk, who have not been in touch for two decades, reunite after receiving a message from a long-lost friend. This message brings back painful memories of their school days and triggers a series of unexplained murders. As Jong Suk delves into the investigation, he uncovers links to the past, while the story delves into the roots of school violence and its lasting effects on society. Inspired by the animated movie "The King of Pigs" by Yeon Sang Ho, which is based on a true story.

Gil Su Hyeon possesses exceptional intelligence. At just 10 years old, he enrolled at Harvard University, and following his graduation, he began his career with the FBI. A decade later, he chose to return to South Korea, where he now leads the Special Missing Persons Unit. This unit handles approximately 1% of unique missing cases that involve violent crimes. While his appearance is nearly flawless, he harbors a secret. Detective Oh Dae Yeong has recently joined the Special Missing Persons Unit. With two decades of experience as a detective, he is known for his meticulous adherence to the law and has earned a reputation as an expert in missing person investigations. (MUBI)

A young boy who accidentally discovered a crime and reported it found himself labeled a murderer instead of a witness, all because of the negligence in the legal system and the indifference of the police. His youth was squandered behind bars, while the nation devolved into a realm of brutality and chaos. Now, he aims to demonstrate that David defeated Goliath to regain his lost life, that conflicts can pave the way for a brighter future, and that while struggles leave their marks, genuine triumph is gauged by healing rather than vengeance. (SBS International)

Takami has been employed as a journalist for two years at a television station. She is part of the team behind the news show "Afternoon Japan," which is currently facing the threat of cancellation. Takami takes great pride in her work as a journalist. When a high school girl goes missing, Takami and her colleague Taichi set out to cover the story in the hopes of saving their news program. While following a police officer, Takami comes across the body of the victim, who had been brutally murdered.

Unusual incidents cause disruption in Thailand as the title of the world's top detective changes hands. Lin Mo, a pupil of the leading detective in Chinatown, and Yetian Hao Er, the sibling of Yetian Hao, become involved in distinct puzzles related to the widow Ivy and singer A Wen. Lin Mo delves into the Four-Faced Buddha and Name of the Rose cases in both Bangkok and Kaoshiung. Meanwhile, Yetian Hao Er takes on the Ghost's Invitation case with teammates Lu Jing Jing and newcomer Sa Sha, traveling from Bangkok to Tokyo.

When Kim Tae Pyung gazes into someone's eyes, he witnesses the moments leading up to their demise

A cold case involving the murder of a young girl resurfaces two decades later, stirring up memories in a tranquil town. Shan Feng, who had witnessed the crime in the past, comes back to the town as a police officer, haunted by the painful recollections. Determined to uncover the truth, he finds that everyone connected to the case has experienced significant transformations.

To uncover the truth behind his former colleague's death, border police officer Wu Ju embarks on a dangerous mission as an undercover agent in a high-stakes anti-drug operation. Wu Ju teams up with Qi Tian, the son of a notorious drug lord, to seek vengeance for his fallen comrade. Together, they evade a relentless pursuer and discover that a mysterious figure known as "Doctor" is the true mastermind behind the criminal network. As Wu Ju infiltrates "Doctor's" inner circle, he must outwit both ruthless drug traffickers and unsuspecting police detective An Ning. Through bravery and cunning, Wu Ju confronts formidable adversaries and faces personal challenges until he can ultimately dismantle the drug cartel.

Members of the Emergency 112 call center confront a global criminal cartel that operates within the dark web.

Michael Miu, portraying the character Ko Chung Ching, left his position as a police officer to establish a private detective agency following the disappearance of his son, Tsun Sing. This happened while Miu was investigating the "Rose Killer" case. His team consists of Power Chan as Man Kai Ching Super, Bernice Liu as Man Tai Po, and Vivien Yeo as Lam Yan Yan. Kenneth Ma plays a police officer who becomes involved in the "Rose Killer" investigation alongside Miu. Ching continues the search for his son, meeting Melissa Ng's character Lai Siu, who manages a group of part-time actors. Lai Siu discovers her connection to Sing's disappearance and agrees to assist in locating him out of feelings of guilt.

Ko Fung is the heir to a successful cosmetics company, where his girlfriend Lok Pui Pui serves as the brand ambassador. During a promotional event for their new makeup line, Pui Pui shocked everyone by appearing in a red traditional dress instead of the planned wedding gown, before suddenly collapsing. Rumors spread that she may have been targeted by the vengeful spirit of a deceased celebrity, known for inspiring copycat suicides. Si To San, a company employee, was later invited to dinner at Ko Fung's home by his father, who claimed to be close friends with Si To San's uncle. Tragically, Ko Fung's father was discovered dead in his study weeks later. With numerous suspects in the mix, it is now up to Ko Fung, Si To San, and Zhou Yee Tong to solve the mystery, unless one of them is the culprit themselves.

A man and a woman were discovered deceased in a vehicle. Zita Sit Chi-Yiu (Anita Yuen) finds out that the man is her spouse, Dick Ling Ho-Leung (Eddie Kwan), and the woman is named Bonnie Fong Cheuk-Ling (Angela Tong). Devastated by her husband's passing, Zita is also saddened to learn about his extramarital affair. Unexpectedly, Mike Yiu Lap-Tin (Michael Miu), an old school friend of Dick's, appears and offers her support. Eventually, Zita learns that Mike, who is employed by a security company, is actually Bonnie's husband and not an acquaintance of Dick's at all.

It all began at a cyber cafe. Toki Koichi, a soon-to-be father living a mundane life, encounters his first love Kaho from junior high school after a heated argument with his wife. A mysterious incident at the cafe causes a blackout and traps Koichi and Kaho inside overnight. When they emerge the next day, they discover a completely transformed world. Determined to uncover the reason behind their sudden transportation and return home, Koichi faces various challenges and mysteries as people start disappearing. Will they survive this crisis and unravel the secret of Koichi's past with Kaho?

Mochizuki Kohei, who is wedded to the lovely and talented Maria, appears to have everything - a thriving café and a flawless marriage. But feeling overwhelmed by her, he conspires with his mistress, Kitasato Anna, to orchestrate her demise. Just as he is about to carry out his plan, Maria is abducted, leading to Kohei becoming the prime suspect in the investigation. As the situation unfolds, Maria's hidden secrets come to light, exposing a side of her that Kohei was unaware of.

Legal intern Okumori Rei is about to tie the knot when he is confronted by an individual from his past, revealing a long-held secret. Eight years earlier, as a high school student, Rei was forced to take drastic measures to protect his mother Akiko from an abusive situation by staging his father Kosuke's disappearance. This act created a bond of secrecy between Rei and his mother, shaping his cautious and solitary lifestyle as he pursued a career in law. Everything changes when he meets Tachibana Saya at law school, bringing light into his shadowed existence and leading to a blossoming romance. However, as Rei's wedding to Saya approaches, he starts receiving threatening messages from someone privy to his dark past.

Continuing the story nearly 5 years later, this season focuses on Chihiro, also known as Kamen Rider Amazon Neo. Raised by Amazons, Chihiro possesses exceptional abilities unlike any other normal Amazons. Alongside his friends and experts, Chihiro embarks on a mission to track down and confront Amazons, while also aiding a enigmatic girl named Iyu. He soon learns that tampered water is causing the emergence of new Amazons, marking just the start of his journey.

Saori Imamiya's husband, a promising politician, had his career destroyed by a false scandal which led to his suicide and caused Saori to miscarry. After five years, Saori discovers the identities of three individuals behind the scandal. Seeking revenge, she accepts a position as a freelance writer at a weekly magazine, which publishes an article about her late husband. Saori then delves into uncovering the secrets of those responsible for her husband's downfall.

Urashima Eiji may seem like a typical college student, but he harbors a dark secret - he is the offspring of a well-known serial killer. Troubled by his father's ongoing gruesome activities, Eiji struggles with memory lapses, afraid that he may have inherited his father's sinister tendencies. When a murder occurs that resembles his father's modus operandi, Eiji partners with the victim's companion, Nami, to uncover the truth and prevent further tragedy. Driven by a haunting question, Eiji wonders if he is destined to follow in his father's footsteps.

The First Personnel Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is a specialized team tasked with conducting inspections to uncover misconduct among the large workforce of over 40,000 personnel in the police department. Simply being under inspection can potentially ruin a police officer's career. Inspectors like Sara Masaki are known as the police within the police, carrying out their duties in solitude. After two years, Sara stumbles upon a conspiracy that will have far-reaching implications for the entire police organization.