'All of Us Are Dead' Premiered 3 Years Ago Today, Here are 10 More Zombie K-Dramas You'll Enjoy

From undead reality shows to eerie high-school battles.

By Magazine Desk
PUBLISHED January 28, 2025
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It has been three years since All of Us Are Dead first thrilled viewers worldwide with its unique premise of zombies overrunning a high school. Garnering over 474 million hours of view time in its first 30 days on Netflix, it became the fifth most popular non-English series on the platform during its initial 28 days.

Beyond the impressive numbers, its focus on young students fighting back against their undead peers captured fans’ imaginations. Although a season two is confirmed, filming is delayed until 2025.

Until then, here are 10 other zombie-related (or similarly themed) K-dramas to tide you over.


1. Revenant (2023)

K-drama Revenant: a profound story about suicide and survival | by  Margarita Beatrice | Medium

Gu San-yeong (Kim Tae-ri) is a student who works during the day and studies for a civil service exam during the night. Yeom Hae-sang (Oh Jung-se) is a folklore professor who was granted special sight when his mother was murdered by a demon. As a result, he can see spirits, ghosts, and other paranormal phenomena. He can also see that Hae-sang is possessed one day by an evil spirit. The two investigate mysterious deaths that have taken place in the city.

A horror drama, Revenant will keep viewers in suspense. The atmosphere of the drama is the best part, as it easily establishes a spine-chilling setting that will spook viewers. For those who enjoy paranormal-horror dramas with limited jumpscares, Revenant is the show to watch next.


2. Duty After School (2023)

Duty After School (TV Mini Series 2023– ) - IMDb

One day, an alien invasion begins. Instead of worrying about the CSAT, the students at Sungjin High School have to fight against the mysterious extraterrestrial creatures in the sky, making for one heck of a homework assignment for our young protagonists.

Admittedly, the title does not sound exciting at all; but, despite this, there is a lot to enjoy about Duty After School as it includes drama, comedy, action, and thrills—everything one needs in a great K-drama alien outbreak show. One more caveat: the CGI is surprisingly good, and taking place in a high school, this show feels very familiar to All of Us Are Dead.


3. Zombieverse (2023)

Is 'Zombieverse' on Netflix Real or Staged? | The Mary Sue

In Seoul, South Korea, a bunch of contestants work together to survive against a zombie outbreak in this thrilling reality TV series produced by Netflix. In the process, they must gather food and supplies, find transportation, and most importantly, avoid being bitten. Those who are bitten are left behind.

One thing to note about Zombieverse is that those who worked on All of Us Are Dead had a hand in this show. It’s not a serious show, seeing as it is a reality TV series, but it is definitely a super fun watch. It has a unique premise, and the results are very entertaining. For those who enjoy zombies, reality TV, and humour, this is the show worth a watch on your downtime.


4. Dark Hole (2021)

Dark Hole (TV Series 2021– ) - IMDb

When mysterious black smoke appears from a gigantic sinkhole from a petrochemical factory, Lee Hwa-sun (Kim Ok-vin) and Yoo Tae-han (Lee Joon-hyuk) both have to survive. They fight for their lives against the human-turned-mutants caused by breathing in the black smoke.

Though the show tends to suffer from some pacing issues, Dark Hole is an exciting experience that will thrill viewers from start to finish. The story and premise are all-around engaging, keeping viewers intrigued with the twists that occur throughout the show. After all, mutants are a step above zombies.


5. Sweet Home (2020-2024)

The Monsters of Netflix's Sweet Home and how they're made

When a tragedy strikes and kills his family, leaving him all alone, Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang) moves into an apartment complex known as the Green Home. However, one night, monsters begin appearing within and outside the complex, and Hyun-su must team up with the other residents so that they may all have a chance at survival.

Based on a webcomic of the same name, Sweet Home is a frightening K-drama that will leave viewers cowering in fear of the dark. Its CGI and monsters are terrifying, which is a gigantic pro, considering sometimes one or the other is not up to par with modern standards. Though not your ordinary monster story, Sweet Home has a complicated yet understandable plot that viewers won’t be able to get enough of.


6. Zombie Detective (2020)

Zombie Detective | Watch with English Subtitles & More | Viki

What does one do when bitten and turned into a zombie? Well for Kang Min-ho (Choi Jin-hyuk), it’s to return to work as a detective and find his murderer. Though he has no memories of his past self or who he was, Min-ho attempts to rediscover himself. Gong Sun-ji (Park Ju-hyun) learns his secret and helps him solve cases, all while attempting to uncover the mystery behind zombies.

Zombie Detective by premise alone is such a fun idea. It’s hilariously executed, and none can be expected less from Choi Jin-hyuk, who is known for his genuinely hilarious roles in Mr. Queen, Emergency Couple, and Tunnel. Still, Zombie Detective is a worthwhile watch if you’re not looking for anything too serious. A fun zombie show from start to end, Zombie Detective is the next best thing.


7. Squid Game (2021-2025)

Owing debt to debt collectors, people desperate for a way to break free from their financial problems join Squid Game, a competition where the wealthy watch the players compete in life-or-death scenarios so that they may win the big prize at the end.

Squid Game garnered plenty of popularity during its release in 2021. Viewers from around the world were tuning in to see which contestants in Squid Game would survive, and which of their favourite characters would be next to die. Both thrilling and emotional, Squid Game is a successful entry in the K-drama world, and it’s hard not to rewatch it over and over again.


8. Happiness (2021)

Happiness' K-Drama review: Apocalyptic thriller is an unexpected surprise -  The Hindu

Taking place in the near-distant future, KP-SOU member Sae-bom (Han Hye-joo) is immune to the zombie virus that is overtaking Korea. Striking a deal with a man named Tae-seok (Jo Woo-Jin), she is allowed to live in a newly developed apartment complex with Yi-hyun (Park Hyung-sik), her friend from high school. Although safe at first, the virus outbreak swarms the high rise.

Similar to All of Us Are Dead, Happiness takes place in an isolated environment: in this case, an apartment complex. Survival becomes a struggle, and viewers are left hoping the best for their favourite characters. The chemistry between the two leads is just as exciting, and both actors deliver enthralling performances.


9. Hellbound (2021-2024)

It’s the year 2022-27, and prophecies are being delivered to particular individuals. Those who receive these decrees are sent to hell by an angel, but it can be at any point in time, be it years, seconds, or minutes from receiving the decree. In this chaotic mess, two groups arise: New Truth Society and Arrowhead.

Originally a webtoon series, Hellbound is an enthralling Korean drama that blends a variety of subjects and genres, including religion, politics, family, and horror. This seamless mix creates a harrowing watch, while also offering social commentary. Above all, Hellbound stands out for its unique premise that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.


10. Kingdom (2019-2021)

Kingdom' Review on Netflix: Stream It or Skip It?

Taking place within the Joseon Dynasty, Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) sneaks into his father’s chambers and realises that he does not have smallpox as previously claimed; rather, something more dismal is afoot. Lee Chang must escape with his bodyguard in an attempt to find the royal physician. Meanwhile, the outbreak spreads even further.

A period piece combined with a zombie outbreak, Kingdom seamlessly merges historical drama with terrifying undead action. Ju Ji-hoon’s portrayal of a desperate crown prince is compelling, making Kingdom one of the most memorable entries in the genre. For viewers who crave historical settings and relentless zombie tension, this show is an absolute must-watch.


Whether you’re itching for more undead action, craving high-stakes tension, or simply want another K-drama fix, these 10 titles offer plenty of thrills and chills to hold you over until All of Us Are Dead season two finally lands.

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