Alice in Borderland
This tends to be the first Asian drama people watch after completing Squid Game, and for good reason. Alice in Borderland is similar to Squid Game in the context that the characters in the show are playing games with their lives on the line. However, the games in Alice in Borderland are miles more extreme than the simple, child-like games as featured in Squid Game. As you can probably gather from the title of the show, Alice in Borderland is a play-on-words with Alice in Wonderland, with each of the main characters in Alice in Borderland mirroring a character from the latter (e.g. Arisu = Alice). This Japanese drama is packed with action and tense moments, and will definitely tug on your heart strings. It is for those reasons that it will always be my number one recommendation when it comes to Asian tv shows. Alice in Borderland will have a third season released at some point in 2025.
All of Us Are Dead
Another show that follows people's will to live is the thrilling Korean drama, All of Us Are Dead. This tv show focuses on a group of students as they try and navigate a zombie apocalypse that has broke out at their school. I know sometimes the zombie trope can be cliche and boring, but the producers behind this show did so well at keeping it interesting and enjoyable, which made it a hit after it first released in 2022. And if you're like me and you're a sap for some romantic pining in a tv show, this drama makes sure to sprinkle in a healthy amount of it. After the filming of season two was postponed, fans are hoping that we are able to see All of Us Are Dead return to our screens either late 2025, or early 2026. Without saying too much... I need a second season.
The Trunk
If you became obsessed with The Salesman, Gong Yoo, after watching season two of Squid Game, then you will love The Trunk. Our beloved Gong Yoo gets more screen time in this series as he stars as Han Jeongwon. In this show, Han Jeongwon is forced into a year-long contracted marriage with Noh Inji (played by Seo Hyeonjin) due to his own personal struggles with his current wife. The couple's newfound companionship seems peaceful until they discover a strange trunk. Ironically, the trunk doesn't appear very often in its own show, but this evokes a level of curiosity from the audience. The visuals and storytelling from director Kim Kyutae are also incredible, and though The Trunk doesn't follow a similar plot or concept to Squid Game, I still believe it is absolutely worth the watch.
Hellhound
It comes as no surprise as the iconic director Yeon Sangho, who produced previous masterpieces such as Train to Busan, gets a mention on this list. If you struggle to stay focused when watching tv shows, then don't fret; the opening on Hellbound will most definitely keep you hooked. Hellbound is about angels who foretell the date and time of people's deaths, and confront them about the sins they have committed. Otherworldly beasts later hunt these people down and brutally attack them, dragging them to hell. Though this concept alone is absolutely terrifying, Yeon Sangho navigates how, in true Black Mirror fashion, such a situation can become even worse thanks to social media spreading misinformation, etc. Despite there being no confirmation for a season three yet, fans are still eager to see Hellbound's return.
Some of my other personal favourite shows, that are not necessarily Squid Game related, include: Silenced; Weighlifting Fairy Kim Bokjoo; Extracurricular; Somebody; and Bloodhounds.
I hope one of these dramas sparked your interest! If not, Squid Game has recently confirmed for season three to premiere on 27 June 2025, so you can always just hold on until then.