If you love thrilling fight sequences, high-stakes missions, and unstoppable main characters, then Korean action dramas are exactly what you need. These shows combine fast-paced storytelling with heroes (and heroines) who never back down, making them a must-watch for action fans.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 Korean Action Dramas With Badass Leads you can binge right now!
1. Vagabond (2019)
⭐ Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery
When a stuntman (Lee Seung-gi) loses his nephew in a plane crash, he uncovers a massive corruption conspiracy. Packed with daring stunts and explosive action.
📺 Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Healer (2014–2015)
⭐ Genre: Action, Romance, Mystery
Ji Chang-wook plays a “night courier” with incredible combat skills who gets entangled in a decades-old conspiracy. Action + romance = perfection.
📺 Where to Watch: Viki
3. The K2 (2016)
⭐ Genre: Action, Political Thriller
A former mercenary (Ji Chang-wook again!) becomes the bodyguard of a politician’s wife and gets pulled into intense battles of power and betrayal.
📺 Where to Watch: Viki
4. Vincenzo (2021)
⭐ Genre: Crime, Dark Comedy, Action
Song Joong-ki plays a Korean-Italian mafia consigliere who serves justice his way when he returns to Seoul. Stylish, violent, and unforgettable.
📺 Where to Watch: Netflix
5. City Hunter (2011)
⭐ Genre: Action, Revenge, Romance
Lee Min-ho takes on a role as a vigilante hacker and fighter with a mission to avenge his father’s death. A classic action-packed K-drama.
📺 Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu
6. My Name (2021)
⭐ Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
A young woman (Han So-hee) joins a gang to avenge her father’s death and infiltrates the police. Gritty, dark, and with some of the best female fight scenes in K-drama history.
📺 Where to Watch: Netflix
7. Bad Guys (2014)
⭐ Genre: Crime, Thriller, Action
A detective assembles a team of criminals to hunt down dangerous offenders. Each lead is as badass as it gets.
📺 Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
8. IRIS (2009)
⭐ Genre: Action, Spy, Romance
A legendary spy thriller starring Lee Byung-hun, filled with espionage, betrayal, and non-stop action. Still one of Korea’s most iconic action dramas.
📺 Where to Watch: Viki
9. Athena: Goddess of War (2010–2011)
⭐ Genre: Action, Spy Thriller
A spin-off of IRIS, this drama focuses on a terrorist organization threatening global security. High production value and tons of action scenes.
📺 Where to Watch: Viki
10. The Devil Judge (2021)
⭐ Genre: Action, Legal, Thriller
Ji Sung stars as a “judge” who punishes corrupt elites through a dystopian live courtroom broadcast. Dark, intense, and filled with action-packed sequences.
📺 Where to Watch: Viki
Final Thoughts
From vigilante fighters to mafia anti-heroes and fearless spies, these Korean action dramas with badass leads prove that K-dramas aren’t just about romance—they can deliver explosive action with characters who kick serious butt.
👉 Which of these dramas is your favorite? And who’s your favorite badass lead? Let me know in the comments!
