The truth has finally been revealed, but the scars remain unhealed. What began as a spine-chilling crime thriller, gradually evolved into a heavy commentary on the systemic tragedies caused by serial atrocities. The Scarecrow looked past the raw brutality of the infamous Lee Chun-jae serial murders, a case that shook South Korea, to examine the abuse of institutional power and the enduring grief of the victims’ families.

If you’re looking for another series with that same emotional weight, here are four excellent crime K-dramas that explore justice, survival, and the darker side of human nature.

Gapdong (2014)

Like The Scarecrow, Gapdong draws inspiration from the real-life Lee Chun-jae case. However, while The Scarecrow approaches the subject with a socially critical lens, Gapdong chooses to maximize the genre appeal of a pure crime thriller by focusing on specific elements of the actual investigation. The series ups the tension by introducing a copycat killer into the already high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse between a haunted detective and an elusive murderer.

The performances significantly elevate the drama, showcasing the early roles of Lee Joon and Kim Ji-won, both of whom have since become top-tier actors. Lee Joon delivers a chilling, breakout performance as a psychopathic killer, while Kim Ji-won brings a vital spark to the otherwise bleak and heavy atmosphere as a bright, cheerful high school student.

Tunnel (2017)

If Detective Kang Tae-joo (Park Hae-soo) from The Scarecrow had slipped through time to the present day, he might have uncovered the full truth of his case much sooner. Tunnel thrives on that exact of desperate imagination. Also heavily influenced by the Lee Chun-jae murders, this sci-fi infused thriller follows Park Gwang-ho (Choi Jin-hyuk), a 1986 detective who pursues a serial killer into a mysterious tunnel, only to find himself transported 30 years into the future. There, he forms an unlikely partnership with a modern-day investigator, Kim Sun-jae (Yoon Sun-min).

Though early episodes drew inevitable comparisons to the hit drama Signal due to its time-slip premise, Tunnel quickly established its own identity with a steady, confident plot that boldly reveals the culprit’s identity early on. Much like The Scarecrow, the series never loses sight of its humanity, offering comfort to the victims whose suffering was hidden behind the brutal headlines.

Voice 2 & 3 (2018–2019)

Have you ever made an urgent phone call in an unexpected crisis? Voice explores the lives of the emergency call center agents serving as the frontline of criminal investigations. The concept of “voice profiling,” uncovering the truth entirely through sound, provides a unique and thrilling layer to the otherwise standardized procedural format. Across all four seasons, Lee Ha-na anchors the show as a profiler gifted with perfect hearing. The show keeps things fresh by pairing her with different high-profile co-stars like Jang Hyuk, Lee Jin-wook, and Song Seung-heon.

Every season has strong characters, but Seasons 2 and 3 shine because of Detective Do Gun-woo, a brilliant investigator fighting his own psychopathic tendencies. Lee Jin-wook masterfully navigates the complex emotions of his lone-wolf character. If you want to experience Lee’s signature charm at its absolute best, this two-season arc is highly recommended.

Catch the Ghost (2019)

If you are looking for a break from the heavy, grim narratives, Catch the Ghost offers a lighter option by blending a criminal investigation with comedy and romance. The series follows a subway police squad tracking down a serial killer known as the “Subway Ghost” while still handling everyday crimes that occur beneath the bustling streets of Seoul.

The drama turns the mundane, everyday subway system into a crime scene, making the setting instantly intriguing. However, the real heart of the show is the chemistry between Moon Geun-young and Kim Seon-ho as two detectives who find themselves falling for each other over the course of their investigations. Moon delivers a convincing, grounded performance that cuts through her character’s occasionally frustrating traits, while Kim Seon-ho earns widespread praise by bringing his signature smile and pure-hearted romantic charm to the screen.

All the series featured in this article can be watched for free on Amasian TV.