K-Dramas, with their compelling narratives and diverse characters, have gone beyond borders to capture the hearts of audiences around the world. One of the most prominent espionage genres is Korean dramas involving National Intelligence Services (NIS) agents.
This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the intriguing world of K-dramas that involve undercover operations, spies, and the complex web of espionage. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, these gripping stories are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
List of The Best Korean Dramas Involving National Intelligence Services Agents
1. The Worst of Evil
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Seoul, “The Worst of Evil” thrusts viewers into the dark underbelly of the city’s nightclubs, where a former DJ becomes entangled with a powerful drug cartel.
Rural police officer Park Jun Mu takes center stage as he infiltrates the organization, uncovering not only the drug cartel’s secrets but also a personal connection that adds a layer of complexity to his mission.
This K-drama not only explores the thrilling world of undercover operations but also delves into the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice.
This with the undercover agent was released in 2023 and has 12 episodes. You can watch it on Disney Plus. Stars Ji Chang Wook, Wi Ha Joon, and Im Se Mi.
2. Vagabond
“Vagabond” follows Cha Dal Gun, an awakened tiger seeking the truth behind his nephew’s mysterious death in a plane crash. As he embarks on a journey to unravel a massive cover-up, he crosses paths with Go Hae Ri, a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent.
Together, they expose a web of corruption that goes beyond the plane crash, showcasing the intricate workings of espionage and the high-stakes missions undertaken by NIS agents.
This one of the best Korean dramas involving national intelligence services agents was released in 2019 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix. Stars Lee Seung Gi, Bae Suzy, and Shin Sung Rok.
3. Snowdrop
Set in 1987, “Snowdrop” weaves a tale of love and sacrifice as a bloody man seeks refuge in a women’s university dormitory. Young Ro, a university student, becomes entangled in a dangerous situation as she discovers the secret of the mysterious man, Soo Ho.
Their journey involves espionage, danger, and the resilience of love against the backdrop of political turmoil. Released in 2021 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Disney Plus. Stars Jung Hae In, Kim Ji Soo, Jang Seung Jo, and Yoo In Na
4. Terius Behind Me
“Terius Behind Me” takes a unique approach to espionage as Go Ae Rin, a single mother, becomes unintentionally involved in a spy war after the unexpected loss of her husband.
Kim Bon, a legendary black ops agent for the NIS, goes undercover to uncover a massive conspiracy. The series explores the intersection of ordinary life and covert operations, making it a standout in the genre.
This one of the best Korean dramas involving national intelligence services agents was released in 2018 and has 32 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix. StarS So Ji Sub, Jung In Sun, Son Ho Jun, and Im Se Mi.
5. Man to Man
“Man to Man” introduces us to Kim Sul Woo, a mysterious NIS agent with a few superiors aware of his true identity. Tasked with infiltrating a private party, he becomes the elite bodyguard for world star Yeo Woon Guang.
This K-drama combines espionage with unexpected humor and explores the dynamics between a seemingly perfect bodyguard and a conceited world star.
This Korean drama with NIS was released in 2017 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix. Stars Park Hae Jin, Kim Min Jung, and Park Sung Woong.
6. Narco-Saints
“Narco-Saints” takes viewers on a life-saving journey involving a Korean drug king in South America and a businessman engaged in a secret operation by the NIS. This international tale of espionage showcases the reach and influence of intelligence services beyond national borders.
This one of the best Korean dramas involving national intelligence services agents was released in 2022 and has 6 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix. Stars Ha Jung Woo, Hwang Jung Min, and Park Hae Soo.
7. Undercover
“Han Jung Hyun, an agent at the Agency for National Security Planning, faces a whirlwind of challenges when his wife, Choi Yeon Soo, is nominated for a high-ranking government post.
The series explores the delicate balance between family life and the secrets of espionage, as the past threatens to unravel the tightly woven fabric of their lives.
Released in 2021 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix. Stars Ji Jin Hee, Kim Hyun Joo, Yeon Woo Jin, and Han Sun Hwa.
8. Vigilante
“Vigilante” introduces Kim Ji Yong, who takes justice into his own hands after witnessing his mother’s killer receive a lenient sentence. This unique K-drama explores the duality of Ji Yong’s life as a model student during the week and a vigilante during the weekends, all while being pursued by Detective Cho Heon.
This one of the best Korean dramas involving national intelligence services agents was released in 2023 and has 8 episodes. You can watch it on Hulu. Stars Nam Joo Hyuk, Yoo Ji Tae, Kim So Jin, and Lee Joon Hyuk.
9. Healer
“Healer” follows Seo Jung Hoo, a special night courier known as “Healer,” as he unravels the mystery of his shared past with two reporters. This classic K-drama combines espionage with romance, as the protagonists delve into a dangerous world of secrets and conspiracies.
This Kdrama Undercover Agent was released in 2014 and has 20 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix. Stars Ji Chang Wook, Park Min Young, and Yoo Ji Tae.
10. The K2
“The K2” introduces Kim Je Ha, a former mercenary wrongly accused of murder. As he seeks revenge, he becomes a bodyguard for Choi Yoo Jin, the owner of JSS Security. This action-packed series explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and justice in the world of politics and espionage.
This one of the best Korean dramas involving national intelligence services agents was released in 2016 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix. Stars Ji Chang Wook, Im Yoon Ah, Song Yoon Ah, and Jo Sung Ha.
That’s the list of Korean dramas involving National Intelligence Agency agents offering a variety of narratives, ranging from political intrigue to personal drama, all woven by the common thread of espionage. Thank you for reading this article, enjoy watching!
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