7 Korean Cult Thriller Dramas Similar to “Save Me”
- Disha Paul
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Cult thriller K-dramas like Save Me, The Guest, Hellbound, Priest, Strangers from Hell, and Revenant have captured K-drama fans for decades.
If you enjoyed the intense psychological tension and disturbing cult storyline of Save Me, you’re probably looking for more dramas that explore manipulation, blind faith, and dark secrets. Cult thriller K-dramas combine suspense, religion, psychological horror, and emotional storytelling to create gripping narratives that stay with you long after watching.
Here are 7 cult thriller K-dramas like Save Me that deliver chilling atmosphere and powerful storytelling.
1. The Guest
The story follows psychic Yoon Hwa-pyung (Kim Dong-wook), Catholic priest Choi Yoon (Kim Jae-wook), and detective Kang Gil-young (Jung Eun-chae) who join forces to stop a mysterious evil spirit responsible for brutal crimes. Each of them is connected to past tragedies caused by the same entity.
As they investigate, they uncover a hidden network of believers and ritualistic killings linked to cult-like faith and possession. The drama blends exorcism, psychological horror, and religious manipulation, similar to Save Me.
Aired: September 12 – November 1, 2018
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Kim Dong-wook, Kim Jae-wook, Jung Eun-chae
Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
2. Hellbound
When supernatural beings suddenly appear and condemn people to hell, society falls into chaos. Religious organization The New Truth rises in power, led by Jung Jin-soo (Yoo Ah-in), who claims the events are divine judgment.
As fear spreads, extremist followers create cult-like groups that punish sinners. The drama explores how blind faith and mass hysteria lead to dangerous belief systems, echoing the unsettling tone of Save Me.
Aired: November 19, 2021
No. of Episodes: 6
Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-ah
Streaming Platform: Netflix
3. The Cursed
Reporter Im Jin-hee (Uhm Ji-won) investigates a powerful IT company suspected of occult practices. During her search, she meets Baek So-jin (Jung Ji-so), a girl with the supernatural ability to curse people using names and photographs.
Their investigation uncovers a secret organisation using spiritual rituals and fear to control powerful figures. The drama blends cult ideology, supernatural horror, and conspiracy-driven storytelling.
Aired: February 10 – March 17, 2020
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Uhm Ji-won, Jung Ji-so, Sung Dong-il
Streaming Platform: Viki, iQIYI
Yoon Jong-woo (Im Si-wan) moves to Seoul and stays at a cheap dormitory filled with unsettling residents. Among them is the suspicious dentist Seo Moon-jo (Lee Dong-wook), whose behaviour makes Jong-woo increasingly uncomfortable.
As disturbing incidents unfold, Jong-woo realizes he is surrounded by dangerous individuals who psychologically manipulate him. The isolated environment and group mentality create a cult-like atmosphere similar to Save Me.
Aired: August 31 – October 6, 2019
No. of Episodes: 10
Cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Dong-wook, Lee Jung-eun
Streaming Platform: Netflix
5. Priest
Catholic priest Oh Soo-min (Yeon Woo-jin) performs exorcisms to stop evil spirits possessing innocent victims. He teams up with Dr. Ham Eun-ho (Jung Yoo-mi) after she witnesses unexplained medical incidents.
Together, they uncover a secret religious group operating within the church. As they confront possession cases, they also uncover corruption and dangerous cult beliefs hidden behind faith.
Aired: November 24, 2018 – January 20, 2019
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Yeon Woo-jin, Jung Yoo-mi, Park Yong-woo
Streaming Platform: Viki
6. Children of Nobody
Child counsellor Cha Woo-kyung (Kim Sun-a) begins experiencing strange visions after a mysterious accident. Her life becomes intertwined with detective Kang Ji-heon (Lee Yi-kyung), who is investigating unusual murder cases.
As they uncover clues, they discover a group driven by twisted beliefs about justice. The psychological themes and dark moral conflicts create a disturbing tone similar to Save Me.
Aired: November 21, 2018 – January 16, 2019
No. of Episodes: 32 (half episodes)
Cast: Kim Sun-a, Lee Yi-kyung, Nam Gyu-ri
Streaming Platform: Viki
7. Revenant
Ku San-young (Kim Tae-ri) becomes possessed by a mysterious evil spirit after receiving belongings from her late father. Folklore professor Yeom Hae-sang (Oh Jung-se) recognises the presence of the entity and helps her uncover the truth.
Their investigation reveals rituals, hidden beliefs, and mysterious deaths connected to cult-like traditions. The drama blends folklore horror with psychological thriller elements.
Aired: June 23 – July 29, 2023
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se, Hong Kyung
Streaming Platform: Disney+
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed the dark and unsettling themes of Save Me, these cult thriller K-dramas offer similar tension, psychological depth, and chilling storytelling. From supernatural conspiracies to manipulative religious groups, each drama explores how belief and fear can control people.
These shows are perfect for viewers who enjoy slow-burning suspense with disturbing twists.
Have you watched any of these cult thriller K-dramas? Which one gave you the most chills?
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