Have you ever enjoyed a gripping crime thriller K-drama that left you breathless, only to discover that it’s over? You might find yourself on a quest for that same electrifying experience, but it feels elusive. Tunnel embodies this sensation perfectly! Buckle up as we guide you through a realm filled with crime, fantasy, and mind-bending mysteries to satisfy your Tunnel cravings! Here are 20+ K-dramas similar to Tunnel that you can binge-watch right away!
Before we dive into our recommendations, let’s revisit the storyline of Tunnel. The series follows the passionate and skilled detective Park Gwang-ho from the Hwayang police station in 1986. While pursuing a serial killer, he mysteriously travels 30 years into the future, landing in 2016. When similar murders begin occurring, Gwang-ho teams up with an eccentric partner and a criminal psychologist to unravel the mysteries surrounding the crimes, believed to be linked to the original killer!
Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Psychological, Crime, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Detective, Investigation
20. He Is Psychometric (2019)
Synopsis
He Is Psychometric follows Lee Ahn, a young man who possesses psychometric abilities that allow him to see the memories associated with the objects he touches. His life is forever altered when a tragic fire claims the lives of his parents, leaving him with unresolved trauma. He meets Yoon Jae-in, whose father was wrongfully accused of being involved in the fire, and Kang Sung-mo, a detective who becomes embroiled in their lives. As they work together to unravel the mysteries tied to their shared past, they confront hidden truths and seek justice. Their collaboration is fraught with emotional revelations and danger as they delve into unresolved cases related to their childhood.
Similarity with Tunnel
He Is Psychometric shares Tunnel‘s crime thriller, mystery, and suspense themes, featuring strong female leads. While it lacks time travel, the supernatural elements of psychometry and the group’s collaboration to uncover the murderer resonate with the investigative dynamics seen in Tunnel.
19. Voice (2017)
Synopsis
Voice centers on Moo Jin-hyuk, a skilled detective whose life is shattered when his wife is murdered during a call he receives while on duty. Fueled by grief and anger, he partners with Kang Kwon-joo, a talented voice profiler whose father was also a victim of a brutal crime. Together, they form the “Golden Time Team,” dedicated to capturing criminals within the critical first 72 hours of a case. Their journey is intense and personal as they confront their traumas while unraveling chilling mysteries.
Similarity with Tunnel
Both Voice and Tunnel explore the complexities of hunting serial killers, highlighting compelling female characters alongside determined detectives. While Voice does not delve into fantasy, its intense plot, gripping performances, and popularity led to multiple seasons, making it essential viewing for fans of crime thrillers.
18. Tell Me What You Saw (2020)
Synopsis
Tell Me What You Saw follows Oh Hyun-jae, a reclusive criminal profiler who has been living in isolation since his fiancé was murdered by a serial killer known as the “peppermint killer.” When this killer resurfaces five years later, Hyun-jae reluctantly partners with rookie detective Cha Soo-young, who has a photographic memory. Together, they navigate a tangled web of clues and psychological games to bring the killer to justice while confronting their own demons. The series artfully blends suspense and psychological elements, creating a gripping narrative.
Similarity with Tunnel
Sharing crime, thriller, and mystery genres, this K-drama highlights a strong female lead with unique skills that contribute to solving the case. The serial killer theme and the urgency to stop the criminal align closely with Tunnel‘s narrative, as both series explore the emotional toll of chasing justice.
17. Witch’s Court (2017)
Synopsis
Witch’s Court features Ma Yi-deum, a fierce and ambitious prosecutor who is determined to win at all costs, often using unorthodox methods. She is assigned to a special task force focused on sex crimes, where she partners with rookie prosecutor Jin-wook. Together, they tackle severe offenses and work to bring justice to victims in a system that often fails them. The series confronts ethical dilemmas and societal issues, showcasing the dark underbelly of crime in a compelling courtroom drama.
Similarity with Tunnel
While Witch’s Court focuses more on legal battles than traditional police investigations, it shares themes of crime, justice, and investigation. The strong character of the female lead parallels that of Tunnel‘s protagonist, creating a similar intensity in their respective pursuits of justice.
16. The Good Detective (2020)
Synopsis
The Good Detective explores the conflict between detectives who strive to uncover the truth and those who attempt to hide it. The series follows the story of detective Ji Hyun-joon, who, alongside his partner, delves into various cases while navigating personal struggles and the murky waters of police corruption. As they confront criminals and face challenges from within their own department, the series raises questions about morality and integrity in law enforcement. The gripping narrative combines crime-solving with deep character development, making it a thought-provoking watch.
Similarity with Tunnel
With its themes of mystery and thriller, this K-drama features detectives tackling injustice within the police force. Although it lacks supernatural elements, it maintains a connection with Tunnel through its investigative narrative and exploration of moral dilemmas in the pursuit of truth.
15. Alice (2020)
Synopsis
Alice draws parallels to the German series Dark, depicting a time travel agency that allows clients to revisit deceased loved ones. The story begins with agents Yoon Tae-yi and Yoo Min-hyuk, who travel back to 1992 in search of a prophetic book that holds secrets to the past. However, their journey leads to unforeseen consequences, intertwining their fates with the lives of those they seek to save. The series intricately weaves a narrative of love, loss, and the ethical implications of time travel.
Similarity with Tunnel
Both series explore time travel, crime, and the search for truth, though Alice requires viewers to suspend logic for enjoyment, much like Tunnel. Both dramas delve into the consequences of altering the past while grappling with suspenseful storylines that captivate audiences.
14. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel (2013)
Synopsis
Nine: Nine Times Time Travel follows Park Sun-woo, a successful TV anchor who stumbles upon a set of nine incense sticks that grant him the power to travel back in time. After a tragic event strikes his family, he decides to revisit key moments from 20 years ago to prevent further misfortune and protect his loved ones. However, as he alters the past, he soon discovers that meddling with time comes with severe and unforeseen repercussions, affecting not just his life but the lives of those around him. The series delves into the ethical dilemmas of time travel, emphasizing the weight of choices and their consequences.
Similarity with Tunnel
Like Tunnel, this drama features suspense and the fascinating concept of time travel, but it diverges by focusing more on personal conflict and the emotional stakes involved in altering significant life events rather than on detective work and crime investigation.
13. Circle: Two Connected Worlds (2017)
Synopsis
Circle: Two Connected Worlds intricately weaves together the stories of two brothers living in different timelines—2017 and 2037. The brothers, one a dedicated detective and the other a tech-savvy student, find themselves investigating their father’s mysterious disappearance. As they dig deeper, they encounter an advanced alien technology that threatens to alter humanity’s future. The narrative explores themes of connection and the impact of technological advancement, presenting a gripping tale that transcends time and space.
Similarity with Tunnel
Although primarily a sci-fi drama, Circle: Two Connected Worlds features a mysterious and gripping narrative where detectives work to solve past cases. This element parallels Tunnel in its exploration of unknowns and the intertwining fates of its characters as they navigate through complex timelines.
12. Missing: The Other Side (2020)
Synopsis
Missing: The Other Side follows Kim Wook, a charming swindler who unexpectedly finds himself in Duon Village, a mysterious place where deceased individuals linger as spirits due to their unlocated bodies. Gifted with the ability to see these spirits, Wook becomes involved in their unfinished business, helping them uncover the truth behind their untimely deaths. Alongside a group of unique individuals, he navigates a series of mysterious cases, blending elements of fantasy and investigative drama as they confront their pasts and seek closure.
Similarity with Tunnel
While Kim Wook is not a traditional detective, he embodies investigative qualities that mirror the protagonist of Tunnel. The series fits well within the mystery and thriller genres, focusing on unraveling mysteries surrounding death and unfinished business, much like the investigative pursuits seen in Tunnel.
11. Come and Hug Me (2018)
Synopsis
Come and Hug Me tells the poignant love story of Yoon Na-moo and Gil Nak-won, whose childhood romance is tragically cut short when Na-moo’s father, a serial killer, murders Nak-won’s parents. The trauma of that event scars both of them, leading to years of separation. Years later, Na-moo has become a dedicated detective while Nak-won has emerged as a famous actress. Their paths cross once again, forcing them to confront their past and the pain that has lingered in their hearts. The series masterfully blends romance with elements of crime thriller, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Similarity with Tunnel
Come and Hug Me shares the crime thriller essence with Tunnel, featuring suspense and a chilling serial killer narrative. It combines the urgency of solving a crime with a profound romantic angle, echoing the emotional depth found in Tunnel‘s storyline.
10. God’s Gift: 14 Days (2014)
Synopsis
God’s Gift: 14 Days follows the gripping tale of Kim Soo Hyun, a mother devastated by the kidnapping and murder of her daughter, Han Saet Byul. In a miraculous turn of events, time rewinds 14 days before the tragedy, granting Soo Hyun a second chance to save her child. With the help of Ki Dong-chan, a detective turned private investigator, she races against time to uncover secrets and prevent the tragedy from repeating. The tension escalates as they confront dangerous obstacles and unravel a web of lies to change her daughter’s fate. This heart-wrenching thriller explores themes of maternal love and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.
Similarity with Tunnel
Like Tunnel, God’s Gift: 14 Days is a crime thriller that incorporates a time-travel element. Both dramas feature strong female leads and detectives working together to uncover the truth behind kidnapping and murder cases, creating an intense and emotional narrative that resonates with viewers.
09. 365: Repeat the Year (2020)
Synopsis
365: Repeat the Year follows the lives of ten individuals who are given a unique opportunity to travel back in time by one year in hopes of resetting their lives. Each character seeks to undo past mistakes, but their decisions lead to a chain of unforeseen consequences, resulting in mysterious and dangerous events. As they confront their choices, they must grapple with the implications of altering time and the secrets that begin to unravel. The series combines elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological drama, compelling viewers to ponder the nature of fate and free will.
Similarity with Tunnel
365: Repeat the Year shares similar themes of suspense, crime, and fantasy with Tunnel. Both series feature detective protagonists navigating complex scenarios, but while Tunnel focuses on a singular time-travel narrative, 365 expands the concept to multiple characters dealing with the ramifications of their actions in an interconnected storyline.
08. The Guest (2018)
Synopsis
The Guest introduces Yoon Hwa Pyung, a psychic from a family of shamans, who faces a terrifying demon named “Son” that possesses individuals, compelling them to commit heinous acts. Joined by Choi Yoon, a former detective, and Kang Kil-young, a determined police officer, Hwa Pyung embarks on a mission to stop the demon’s reign of terror. As they delve into the dark and unsettling past linked to the demon, the trio confronts both external threats and their own inner demons. The series combines elements of horror and crime thriller, offering a chilling exploration of good versus evil.
Similarity with Tunnel
Although The Guest lacks supernatural elements like time travel, it aligns with Tunnel in its thriller and mystery themes. Both series feature a strong female lead detective and center around a quest to uncover dark truths, highlighting the struggles against malevolent forces that threaten society.
07. Memorist (2020)
Synopsis
Memorist centers on Dong Baek, a detective with a unique ability to read memories through touch. When he encounters Han Su Mi, a brilliant criminal profiler, they form an unlikely partnership to track down a cunning and elusive serial killer. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover hidden connections between the victims and the killer, leading them into a web of intrigue and danger. The series combines crime thriller elements with fantasy, creating a suspenseful atmosphere as the duo faces challenges that test their skills and resolve.
Similarity with Tunnel
Memorist and Tunnel share similar crime thriller themes, focusing on serial killers and the partnership between a detective and a strong female lead. While Memorist incorporates fantasy elements, both series maintain a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, drawing viewers into the complexities of crime and investigation.
06. Train (2020)
Synopsis
Train follows Seo Do-won, a dedicated detective who uncovers buried corpses at an old train station, leading him to discover that the train serves as a portal to a parallel universe where his loved one is still alive. As he navigates between two realities, he must protect her while also tracking down a serial killer who threatens their lives. The series blends elements of fantasy with gripping crime thriller drama, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the impact of choices.
Similarity with Tunnel
Train parallels Tunnel with its combination of fantasy and crime thriller genres. Both dramas feature strong leads collaborating to solve serial murder cases amid thrilling and suspenseful events, showcasing the emotional and psychological challenges that arise in their pursuits of justice.
05. Life on Mars (2018)
Synopsis
Life on Mars tells the intriguing story of Han Tae Joo, a forensic scientist who, after a life-altering accident, finds himself mysteriously transported back to 1988. In this unfamiliar and retro world, he must solve a complex serial murder case without the modern technology he is accustomed to. As he navigates the challenges of the past, he confronts his own beliefs about justice and morality, all while searching for a way back to his original time. The series artfully combines elements of crime, drama, and nostalgia, presenting a unique perspective on law enforcement and personal growth.
Similarity with Tunnel
Life on Mars shares the time travel motif with Tunnel, featuring detectives working on serial murder investigations. Both series are set within the crime thriller genre, emphasizing suspense, character development, and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists as they unravel mysteries that transcend time.
04. Kairos (2020)
Synopsis
Kairos centers on Han Ae Ri, a young woman whose life is thrown into chaos when she receives a mysterious call from Kim Seo-jin, a man living a month in the future. Both characters are grappling with personal tragedies: Ae Ri is desperately searching for her missing mother, while Seo-jin is dealing with the kidnapping of his daughter. As they form a unique partnership, they work together to alter their fates and prevent further disasters across their respective timelines. The series masterfully blends elements of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, exploring themes of hope and the impact of choices on destiny.
Similarity with Tunnel
Kairos resonates with Tunnel through its themes of crime and suspense, involving characters connected across different time periods. Although it lacks traditional physical time travel, the narrative captures a similar mysterious essence as the protagonists navigate their tragedies in a race against time.
03. Stranger (2017)
Synopsis
Stranger follows Hwang Shi Mok, a cold and analytical prosecutor who has lost his ability to express emotions due to a past surgery. When a murder case leads him to uncover systemic corruption within the prosecutor’s office, he teams up with the determined Police Lieutenant Han Yeo-jin. Together, they delve deep into the investigation, confronting powerful figures and navigating the murky waters of justice. The series combines intricate plotting with strong character development, making it a gripping legal thriller.
Similarity with Tunnel
Stranger shares a crime thriller and mystery focus with Tunnel, featuring strong lead characters working to unravel a complex murder case. Although it lacks time travel, both series explore themes of justice, corruption, and moral dilemmas, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking the truth.
02. Flower of Evil (2020)
Synopsis
Flower of Evil tells the gripping tale of Do Hyun Soo, who has assumed a new identity to escape the shadow of his past as the son of a notorious serial killer. As he marries the determined detective Cha Ji Won, his concealed identity comes under threat when she is assigned to investigate a series of murders that may be linked to him. The series skillfully intertwines romance and suspense, exploring the complexities of love, trust, and the lengths one will go to protect their secrets.
Similarity with Tunnel
While Flower of Evil does not include fantasy elements, it shares a similar cat-and-mouse dynamic with Tunnel. Both dramas involve detectives pursuing serial killers and feature strong female leads, all set against a backdrop of police procedural investigation and moral ambiguity.
01. Signal (2016)
Synopsis
Signal follows Park Hae Young, a skilled criminal profiler who discovers a functioning walkie-talkie that connects him to Detective Lee Jae Han from 1989. As they form an unlikely partnership across time, they work together to solve cold cases and attempt to alter the past, all while grappling with the ethical implications of their interference. The series intricately weaves together multiple storylines and characters, creating a rich tapestry of suspense, mystery, and emotional stakes.
Similarity with Tunnel
Signal is closely related to Tunnel, as both shows explore crimes from the past through connections between different time periods. Each series features serial killers, strong leads, and profound themes of justice, consequence, and the moral dilemmas faced when attempting to change history.
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.
