Gangnam B-Side is a K-drama that premiered on November 6, 2024, and exclusively streamed on Disney+. Directed by Park Noo-Ri, best known for Money, the show stars Ji Chang-Wook, Jo Woo-Jin, BIBI, and Ha Yoon-Kyung. The eight-episode show is about an investigation into the notorious Gangnam drug cartel.
The story follows three main characters: Ji Chang-Wook as Yoon Gil-Ho, a mysterious broker controlling the Gangnam area, Jo Woo-Jin as Kang Dong-Woo, a demoted elite detective who finds himself wrapped in a complex crime story, and Ha Yoon-Kyung as Min Seo-Jin, a prosecutor on a meteoric rise. The trio must put aside their differences and work together to bring down the powerful drug ring, making for a high-stakes chase filled with intense drama and crime-solving action scenes.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with powerful character dynamics and all-out action like Gangnam B-Side, check out these seven K-Dramas.
1) Vincenzo
Starring Song Joong-Ki as the titular character, Vincenzo blends crime, dark comedy, and action. The story follows an Italian mafia lawyer, Vincenzo Cassano, who returns to Korea to recover hidden gold but gets involved in a battle against a corrupt conglomerate. Like Gangnam B-Side, this drama features power struggles with the mafia, mixed with sharp wit and explosive action scenes, added with slight comedy and complex character relationships.
2) The Devil Judge
For those who love tense courtroom battles and psychological twists, The Devil Judge is a must-watch. Set in a dystopian future, Ji Sung plays a ruthless judge who turns the courtroom into a live televised spectacle, where citizens vote on the fate of criminals. The show critiques justice, morality, and corruption, making it a perfect match for fans of Gangnam B-Side's incredible exploration of crime and power.
3) Mouse
Starring the award-winning singer-actor Lee Seung-gi, Mouse is a psychological thriller that explores the concept of psychopaths in a world where law enforcement grapples with dangerous criminals. The show follows a police officer on the trail of a serial killer whose identity remains a chilling mystery.
Just like Gangnam B-Side, Mouse makes viewers dive deeper into the concept of humanity and whether criminals deserve a second chance in life.
4) Bad And Crazy
Lee Dong-wook and Wi Ha-joon starrer Bad And Crazy is a series that brings together elements of crime and supernatural thrills. It follows the story of a morally conflicted police officer who faces off against a mysterious alter ego called "K."
Like Gangnam B-Side, Bad And Crazy involves a lot of suspense, action, and surprising character development, making it a great pick for viewers who enjoy complex villain-turned-hero storylines.
5) The K2
Ji Chang-wook stars in The K2, a political thriller drama about a former soldier hired to protect a politician's wife. Filled with action and concepts of betrayal, this series gives a similar vibe to Gangnam B-Side, especially in its unique depiction of corruption and hidden alliances within the political and criminal world. The K2 also stars Girls' Generation's YoonA, Jo Sung-ah, and Song Yoon-ah.
6) The Glory
The Glory, led by superstar Song Hye-kyo, depicts the story of a woman who meticulously plans her revenge on those who tortured her in high school. It explores the themes of justice, abuse of power, and vengeance, with a slow-burn narrative that will captivate fans of psychological and crime thrillers.
7) Signal
Signal takes the crime drama genre to the next level with its time-bending investigation story. Starring Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong, the series follows detectives from different eras who communicate through a mysterious walkie-talkie to solve cold cases.
Featuring gripping investigative twists and a deep dive into criminal psychology, Signal will resonate with fans of Gangnam B-Side's tense atmosphere and crime-solving elements, while also delivering an emotional punch.
Gangnam B-Side concluded on November 27, 2024, with eight episodes. All episodes are available for online streaming through Disney+.