15+ KDrama Similar to Signal You Should Checkout in 2020
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If you loved Signal, one of those KDramas that pulls you in, shakes you to your core, and keeps you on the edge of your seat, then you’re likely searching for something with a similar vibe. Shows like Signal are few and far between, and finding ones that match that blend of suspense, excitement, and emotional depth can be challenging.
Look no further! We’ve put together a list of KDramas similar to Signal that will help you expand your watchlist. So, if you’re eager for thrilling, mysterious stories with captivating characters, here are some fantastic recommendations. If you enjoy these suggestions, don’t forget to share them with your friends. Now, let’s dive into the list!
15. 365: Repeat the Year
This 2020 KDrama follows ten people who get the chance to go back one year into their past. But as their fates start to shift, strange and suspenseful events unfold. Like Signal, this show explores altering future events, though in this case, it’s through time travel rather than a mysterious walkie-talkie. Both dramas feature detectives and are packed with suspense. With stellar acting and a plot that intensifies with each episode, this show is perfect for those who love intricate mysteries.
14. Missing Noir M
Gil Soo Hyun, a former FBI agent and prodigy, now leads South Korea’s Special Missing Persons Unit, handling high-stakes cases with his experienced partner, Oh Dae Young. While Signal leans toward supernatural thriller, Missing Noir M dives into dark, realistic cases without a supernatural twist. It’s a crime drama with gripping murder mysteries that will linger in your mind.
13. Tell Me What You Saw
After a tragic loss caused by a serial killer, profiler Oh Hyun Jae lives in isolation, but when a new case appears with a similar pattern, he teams up with a detective with a photographic memory to hunt down the killer. The thriller vibes in Tell Me What You Saw closely mirror those of Signal, drawing you in from the first episode and keeping you captivated until the end.
12. Confession
Choi Do-Hyun becomes a lawyer to uncover the truth behind his father’s murder accusation. This drama shares Signal’s intensity, with leads driven by a deep personal motivation and the weight of their past. Confession offers a thoughtful take on power dynamics and justice, with complex characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists.
Detective Kim Woo Hyun tackles cybercrimes and gets entangled in a dangerous game with an elusive hacker. With its mix of action, mystery, and unexpected twists, Let’s Fight, Ghost offers a unique, suspenseful story, complemented by a gripping soundtrack and strong performances. Fans of Signal will appreciate the high-stakes thriller elements in this series.
10. Stranger
Prosecutor Hwang Shi-Mok, known for his cold and rational demeanor, partners with Lieutenant Han Yeo-Jin to solve a serial murder case and expose corruption. Like Signal, Stranger delivers a tightly woven, thought-provoking plot where every detail matters. With brilliant pacing and a focus on power struggles, this drama is a must-watch for crime thriller fans.
09. Evil Minds
Fang Mu, a brilliant criminal psychologist, teams up with a detective to solve disturbing murder cases that eventually lead him to face his own inner demons. Evil Minds is a psychological thriller with intricate, unpredictable crime plots, making it a fantastic pick for those who enjoyed Signal’s intense storyline and mind-bending twists.
08. Pied Piper
This drama follows a police negotiation team working to resolve volatile situations without violence. Facing cases from attempted suicides to terrorism, they navigate high-pressure scenarios daily. Like Signal, Pied Piper has riveting cinematography and tension-filled scenes, delivering a suspenseful narrative that’s both captivating and underrated.
07. Voice
Moo Jin-Hyuk, once a celebrated detective, now carries deep guilt over his wife’s murder. Unable to forgive himself for failing to protect her, his life falls into turmoil. Kang Kwon-Joo, a top police academy graduate, started her career at the emergency call center for 112 calls. During her tenure, her own father was murdered in a case linked to Jin-Hyuk’s wife’s death. Following this tragedy, she goes to the U.S. to train as a voice profiler and returns to seek justice.
Together, they pursue the criminal responsible for their loved ones’ deaths. Signal and Voice stand out in the crime KDrama genre, focusing on intense thriller plots without a romantic storyline. In Signal, the element of a walkie-talkie makes the story unique, while Voice features a female lead with the extraordinary skill of sound visualization, adding a powerful layer to the story.
While covering a climbing expedition in Nepal, reporter Min-Young meets Sun-Woo, who unexpectedly kisses her. He soon comes across nine incense sticks that allow him to travel 20 years into the past. Sun-Woo uses this chance to alter his family’s fate, but these changes bring unforeseen consequences in his present life.
If you enjoyed Signal, you’ll likely appreciate Nine for its emotional depth and unexpected twists. With its suspenseful moments and heartwarming scenes, this KDrama makes you ponder the true impact of our actions over time.
05. Special Affairs Team TEN
This team tackles South Korea’s most gruesome crimes, with a mere 10% arrest rate. Led by Yeo Ji-Hoon, a former renowned detective, the team includes Nam Ye-Ri, skilled in psychological manipulation; Baek Do-Sik, a seasoned detective with sharp intuition; and rookie detective Park Min-Ho, whose reasoning skills catch Ji-Hoon’s attention.
If you found Signal’s suspense captivating, Special Affairs Team TEN should be next on your list. With its complex mysteries and stellar cast, the series keeps you engrossed and delivers powerful performances.
04. Time Renegades
This drama follows Ji-hwan, a teacher in 1983, and Gun-woo, a detective in 2015. After both men survive life-threatening incidents on the same day, they start having visions of each other’s lives. Gun-woo discovers a record of Ji-hwan’s girlfriend’s murder from 1983, and the two join forces to prevent her death across time.
Both Signal and Time Renegades involve characters using communication across different timelines to save loved ones. This show’s gripping time-bending plot is packed with suspense, making it a perfect follow-up for fans of Signal.
03. Hello Monster
Prodigious profiler Lee Hyun returns to Korea, joining a team investigating a complex case. His colleague Cha Ji-an has her own reasons for finding Lee Joon Young, a man who murdered Lee Hyun’s father and made his brother disappear. Together, they unravel secrets in a dangerous game of truth versus evil.
Hello Monster shares Signal’s deep dive into society’s darker corners, tackling themes of corruption and betrayal. Though the characters differ, the psychological depth and thrilling plot make it a must-watch for Signal fans.
Inspired by Frequency, this drama follows Ho Tin Gwong, who finds his father’s old phone. During a storm, he discovers that he can communicate with his father, 20 years in the past. Together, they solve murder cases spanning from the 1980s to the present.
Much like Signal, this KDrama uses time-spanning communication to solve mysteries, but instead of a walkie-talkie, the characters connect through a cell phone. To Get Unstuck in Time is highly engaging, with an intricate storyline that makes for addictive viewing.
01. Tunnel
In 1986, detective Park Gwang-Ho chases a serial killer and, upon passing through a tunnel, finds himself in 2017, where the killer has continued his crimes. He partners with a psychology professor and a modern detective to catch the criminal, bridging the past and present.
Tunnel delivers a similarly thrilling vibe as Signal, combining crime-solving with a time-travel twist. The characters’ relationships and strong mystery elements make it captivating, with well-crafted bromances and dynamic character interactions that add to its charm.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
