Asian dramas like
Malice 2023

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)

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.

Haunted by the mysterious death of a fellow student, Lin Chuan dedicates a decade to uncovering the truth. In parallel, Shen Xia and her sibling Shen Dong find themselves entangled in the criminal underbelly following a personal loss. Their fates collide, leading to a gripping narrative of justice versus crime, intertwined with themes of love, hatred, and vengeance. (Credit: TMDb)

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.

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.

Yuri Ishikawa and her colleagues work on solving long-standing unsolved cases in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. This project is inspired by the American television show "Cold Case" from 2003.

Detective Shibasaki Sachio's daughter, who was a member of the First Investigation Division, is tragically murdered. Together with Kawasumi Shigekatsu, a young detective who looks up to Shibasaki as a mentor, they try to uncover the truth behind the heinous crime. Despite their efforts, the case remains unsolved. Fast forward 15 years, Shibasaki is now retired and caring for his sick wife, Miwako. Things take a turn when a new unit is formed to reinvestigate cold cases, with Kawasumi joining the team. As they revisit the case, a suspect emerges, leading Shibasaki to seek justice on his own. A fateful phone call sets off a chain of events that ultimately lands him in a difficult situation. (jdramas.wordpress.com)

A mysterious escape room game brings together a group of individuals who soon discover a hidden conspiracy among them

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.

A decade ago, Takuma Yoshito was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Despite receiving a 15-year prison sentence, evidence later revealed that he was wrongly accused, leading to his exoneration. Subsequently, Takuma was reinstated to the Kyoto Prefectural Police due to his expertise in criminal psychology. He then transferred to Tokyo, where he joined a newly formed unit without a designated name. Motivated by the tragic death of a significant individual, Takuma decides to join the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to uncover a major conspiracy. He partners with a young female detective named Maria, who harbors a secret and happens to be the niece of the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency.

Once, there existed a special mailbox where children could seek justice against abusive adults. The Neverland Devil would punish these wrongdoers upon receiving a letter from a child. However, after a certain incident, the Neverland Devil vanished without a trace. A decade later, a man named Soejima Rikiya, who used to be a mail carrier but now works at a hospice, receives a cryptic message hinting at the Neverland Devil's return. In response, Soejima decides to return to his former job at the post office. Meanwhile, a murder victim is discovered by the river, with a note in their mouth suggesting the Neverland Devil's resurgence. Soejima Rikiya finds himself entangled in the investigation of this serial killer known as the Neverland Devil.

A recent incident involving a significant takeover has taken place in an undisclosed location within Kanagawa Prefecture

This time, Azumi and his colleagues must collaborate to resolve different cases near Tokyo Sky Tree in Oshiage, Tokyo. They are tasked with working at a branch office in the area, functioning as both a police station and a neighborhood police box. Dealing with the complex local environment and widespread police mistrust poses ongoing challenges for them in their work.

In a small town in Xinan, there have been two puzzling incidents that have left the community baffled. A female police captain teams up with a young detective to investigate these mysteries. Despite an apparent motive, they uncover a web of hidden truths. One of the cases involves a late-night ride booked through an online platform that takes a dangerous turn. As more clues come to light, the investigations become more complex and intertwined. In a race against time to find the real perpetrator, the past, present, and future of the town are closely interconnected through the unfolding events.

While vacationing in Australia, Doctor Dai Huan is accompanied by his wife, Doctor Tao Lu, son, and father-in-law. Upon arriving at their hotel room, he is shocked to find a mysterious box containing a loaded gun, a photo of a stranger, and instructions to carry out a murder. It becomes clear that Doctor Huan has been targeted by a secretive group called The Watchers, forcing him to participate in a deadly game where he must complete the task within a certain time frame to ensure the safety of his family. This storyline is a remake of the American TV series "Chosen" from 2013.

In 2008, there was a tragic incident involving the death of Sudo Isao, a dealer of pre-owned cars, in Shizuoka Prefecture. Detective Kusaka Satoru, working at Susuno Precinct of the Shizuoka Prefectural Police, begins investigating Sudo's background. Through his investigation, Kusaka discovers that Sudo had a son named Obata Mamoru from a previous marriage, who was tragically killed in a kidnapping case in Shizuoka back in 1974. In 1988, a special task force was established by the Shizuoka Prefectural Police, led by police chief Hashibami Yasuhide, just before the statute of limitations on the kidnapping case expired. Shigeto Seiichiro, a non-career officer who had risen to the position of superintendent, was appointed as the director of this task force, which consisted of six skilled detectives, to re-investigate the case. Kusaka is puzzled as to why Sudo, who had been living in Tokyo for over two decades following his son's death, was murdered in Shizuoka Prefecture. He believes that revisiting the kidnapping and murder of Sudo's son will bring clarity to the current case. Kusaka seeks help from Shigeto, who had left the police force long ago, and together they reach out to Mamoru's mother, Saeko, and her sister, Rie, as they get closer to uncovering the true culprit.

Michinari Shiga is employed as an assistant editor at the weekly publication Shukan Jiryu, which has experienced an increase in sales thanks to its coverage of various scandals. He leads a life dedicated to journalism ethics, until his own son, who is in university, commits a double murder before taking his own life. Now, instead of uncovering scandals, Shiga is thrust into the midst of one. Facing pressure from his colleagues, he is demoted to a monthly magazine and his marriage begins to deteriorate rapidly. Despite his challenging circumstances, Shiga is resolute in his mission to uncover the truth surrounding his son's actions.

Upon An Qiao's return from studying abroad, she joined the White Bird Newspaper where Qin Nan and Chen Bei Bei were also employed

Former police officer turned mystery author, Han Bing, discovered a disturbing pattern as his high school classmates began to die in the same manner as the characters in his novels. With suspicions mounting, Han Bing delved deeper into uncovering the dark secrets lurking behind the scenes.

The leader of the First Division 9th Sub-division is currently on a unique assignment, so an experienced teacher from the section's coroner has arrived to take his place

Twelve years ago, a series of murders shocked the city as the victims, all belonging to the lower class, were discovered in isolated locations. It is suspected that the same individual is behind these crimes, but due to their cunning nature, the case remains unsolved. After relentless investigations and gathering of evidence, the authorities gradually identified the prime suspect. Tragically, while on his way to meet his daughter Ling Ran, the detective Ling Bin was killed in the line of duty while pursuing the suspect. Fast forward twelve years, Ling Bin's daughter Ling Ran (portrayed by Yu Nan) works at the Polygraph Center within the Technical Division of the Criminal Police Detachment. Utilizing polygraph technology, she successfully cracked several major cases and gained recognition. Working alongside Chen Hu, the head of the Interpol Detachment Crime Unit (played by Xing Jiadong), the two partners, despite differing approaches to solving criminal investigations, share a deep understanding but are faced with a series of enigmas. Based on a true story, this series was produced by Xiaoran Pictures and Kujing Pictures, starring Yu Nan and Xing Jiadong in their second collaboration after many years.

Sara Masaki, a detective in Investigation Team 1 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, faces the tragic loss of his colleague, Detective Saito Kota, during a murder investigation. Following this, Masaki is reassigned to Personnel Department 1 within the Inspection Division, still grappling with the death of his coworker. Despite his grief, Masaki encounters hostility from his coworkers. When a mysterious letter arrives at the personnel department accusing Detective Minaguchi Nako of leaking confidential information, Masaki launches his own investigation. This leads him to delve into the unresolved case of his colleague's death.

In the quiet streets of a coastal town, a shocking murder occurred late at night. Guan Jing Tang, a respected elder in the community, was found brutally murdered in his own home. Detective Captain An Ping was swiftly put on the case, with assistance from Shang Jie, a talented graduate from the local police academy. Together, they meticulously investigated the murder, uncovering a web of conflicting clues including a missing sum of money, a mysterious woman in a red dress, blood-red floral patterns, and complex family dynamics within the Guan household. As they dug deeper, they discovered a series of related murders, all connected to Guan Jing Tang. Feeling the pressure mounting, An Ping and Shang Jie decided to revisit the case from the beginning, leading them to an old, unsolved mystery that had ties to An Ping's mentor, who happened to be Shang Jie's late father. Through their relentless efforts, An Ping was able to unravel the truth behind the murders, exposing the twisted motives of the culprit and bringing them to justice. In the process, Shang Jie found closure for her past and chose to follow in her father's footsteps by teaming up with An Ping to fight crime together.

The tranquil city of Luzhou is disturbed by a string of murders purportedly motivated by a quest for justice. In response, officials establish the 909 Special Task Force, dedicated to diligently peeling back the complexities of this harrowing cycle of revenge killings.

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.

Detectives Jiang Guang Ming and Shi Luo are tasked with investigating a case that appears to mirror the crime scene described in a novel penned by Gu Yu Ming. As they delve deeper into the investigation, the lines between fiction and reality blur. Could this uncanny resemblance be purely coincidental?

Before becoming police officers, each member of the Ninth Section of the First Investigative Division faces personal challenges and difficulties. Despite their individualistic nature leading to conflicting approaches in investigations, they are bound together by a shared commitment to justice. While their actions may seem disjointed, they all dedicate themselves to apprehending criminals and tackling complex cases with unwavering determination.

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.

The lifeless body of a woman is discovered wrapped in a beige sheet and suspended from the roof of a dilapidated apartment building. A note claiming responsibility for the act is attached to the sheet, stating, "Today, I caught a frog and experimented with a bagworm." This peculiar incident captures the attention of the media. Kotegawa Kazuya, a rookie detective, and the experienced Watase from the Saitama Prefectural Police's First Investigation Division are assigned to the case. Criminal psychiatry expert Omaezaki Munetaka notes the immaturity of the crime and suggests it may lead to more murders. As Kotegawa and Watase search for the perpetrator, another killing occurs, with a mutilated body found in a car trunk at a scrapyard. A similar message is left behind, instilling fear and confusion among the public. Can Kotegawa and Watase uncover the identity of the elusive "Frog Man" and bring him to justice?

Kaburagi Keiichi was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and given the death penalty. He managed to escape from prison during transport, but instead of fleeing, he helped the individuals he encountered in his hiding spot. As these individuals discovered Kaburagi's identity as a death row escapee, they questioned whether he was truly a killer.

The unusual "Mannequin Serial Murders" involve a disturbing combination of corpses and mannequins. A similar shocking case has emerged within a particular family. Police officer Shimizu Takuya, who has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to this case due to his peculiar obsession, suspects that the culprit is among the five individuals present during the incidents. He teams up with young police officer Hasui Kyoya, who has been assigned to the case by a mysterious individual named Hashimoto Junki. As Kyoya tries to rein in the intense and erratic Shimizu, he begins to uncover the peculiar truth behind the situation. Meanwhile, Shimizu encounters the cryptic phrase "the one who ends it," leading the case to take an unforeseen turn.

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.

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

As law enforcement hurries to apprehend suspects in a highly publicized murder investigation, the enigmatic death marks the onset of a cascade of sinister truths waiting to be revealed. The narrative centers on Dalah, a fashionable floral designer tasked with creating flower arrangements for the eagerly awaited wedding of Ohm, the frontrunner for Prime Minister, and his fiancée Risa. Their impending marriage has garnered widespread media attention as it is set to merge two of the nation’s most influential families. However, when the groom is discovered deceased on the day of the wedding, all attendees find themselves under suspicion in the murder inquiry. Caught in a tangled web of clandestine relationships and elite scandals, Dalah takes it upon herself to investigate, uncovering dark secrets and a conspiracy that connects to her own history.

The ongoing investigation into a homicide from a decade ago exposes the depths of human depravity and reveals a carefully orchestrated act of vengeance. Feng Lang, a brilliant detective, uncovers a disturbing plot linked to a pharmaceutical company from the past while working on various cases. Teaming up with the youthful officer Fan Yun and a team of investigators, they must use their intellect and determination to unravel the enigma.

Tanuma Yuriko is a homemaker residing with her spouse Kazuo, their two kids, and mother-in-law Hatsue. When Saori, the spouse of Kazuo's friend Kusumoto Masafumi, is found murdered, Kazuo admits to having an affair with her. Yuriko suspects him of being responsible for Saori's death. Despite Kazuo's attempt to turn himself in to the authorities, Yuriko stops him, choosing to conceal his crime to maintain their family's tranquility. As Yuriko grapples with the situation, a newfound determination to protect her family emerges within her.

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.

Upon his release from prison, a enigmatic man wanders through the city that once held fond memories for him, now filled with bitterness. Driven by the desire to lay his daughter to rest and seek revenge on those who ruined his life, he embarks on a dark path. The lives of hematologist Li Xiao Feng, insurance agent Ji Fan, career woman Li Ruo Nan, rebellious daughter Wang Yi Han, and financial elite Liu Ge become intertwined in a kidnapping case that will alter their fates.

Shirakawa Jiro, a renowned author specializing in mystery novels filled with intricate plots, finds himself facing writer's block while working on his 100th book, following the success of his previous 99 bestsellers. Adopting the persona of skilled interviewer Aonuma Kiryu, he delves into the perplexing Tulip Murders - a series of gruesome homicides targeting housewives occurring a year apart. Utilizing his keen intellect and the support of his editor, he delves into the hidden secrets of the town, pursuing a real-life mystery rather than mere facts.

Moo Yeom works as a detective. Two decades prior, he was a Buddhist monk, but he found himself in a difficult situation involving a man named Gap Dong. In an effort to sever his connection with him and eliminate any negative karma that might stem from their association, Moo Yeom chose to become a detective. Once the statute of limitations had lapsed, Gap Dong resurfaced. Determined to apprehend him for good, Moo Yeom embarks on a mission inspired by the "Hwaseong serial murder case."

Toko Kisaragi, a fresh addition to the female detective team, recently joined the 11th Section of the 1st Investigation Division at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, fulfilling her desire to follow in her father's footsteps. A murder case was reported on March 9, with the victim's body discovered encased in cement. The following day, the perpetrator, who goes by the name Toremi, boldly contacts the police department. Kisaragi is appointed as Toremi's point of contact, as he continues to disrupt the investigation by providing details about his crimes. Toremi eventually leads the police to another crime scene where another victim's body is found cemented.

Nearly two decades ago, the beloved sister of the Xuan family met a tragic end through a mysterious murder. The case went unsolved for years, leaving the culprit free. Consequently, the Xuan family dispersed across the country, living separate lives. Fast forward 19 years, a peculiar incident in a small town draws the Xuan family back together, forcing them to confront their past in their hometown. As the truth behind the old case slowly emerges, long-standing tensions among the siblings come to the surface. Will the family of four find a way forward? Can they unravel the mysteries and escape the dense fog that surrounds them? (iQiyi)

Following her sister's tragic suicide, a note left behind triggers a series of suicides in the family

With the rise of advanced criminals and intricate crimes, law enforcement is required to utilize faster and more advanced methods of analyzing evidence and identifying suspects. This is where forensic laboratories play a crucial role. Mariko Sakaki, a skilled forensic scientist, faces challenges such as stereotypes and negative remarks from experienced detectives.

After being reassigned from the Metropolitan Police Department First Investigation, Satoshi Itomura finds himself working at the Tsukishima Police Station. A shocking incident unfolds in the typically tranquil Tsukishima District when Megumi Kagami, a colleague at the station, is abducted. The situation escalates when Megumi's father, Kyo Kagami, receives a threatening phone call regarding his daughter's safety. Concerned for Megumi's well-being, Satoshi rushes to Kyo's home to offer his assistance. The kidnapper sends a distressing video showing Megumi unconscious, putting her at risk due to a recent kidney transplant. As the investigation unfolds, Chief Detective Kyoko Mizusawa and Yuji Sakuma take charge while Satoshi delves into a mysterious article discovered at the crime scene. Despite facing resistance from Detective Masayoshi Machida, Satoshi enlists the help of Shigeru Muraki to analyze the item. The analysis reveals a connection to a past case involving Kyo Kagami, prompting Satoshi to suspect a link between the current kidnapping and events from five years ago.

Detective Satoshi Itomura has a tendency to work at his own speed, but his sharp eye for detail and unwavering resolve to solve cases make up for it

Itomura Satoshi has returned, this time in Kyoto with a fresh team. He has joined the 1st Investigation Division of the Kyoto Prefectural Police Station, where they handle the most challenging cases.