An image from thriller webtoon ‘Phantom Whispers.’ Photo courtesy of Webtoon.
What’s best about thriller webtoons is that, more often than not, they have enigmatic characters with unknown agendas. Add elements of horror to the mix, and the narratives get even richer and darker. Complementing this, the striking artwork is a major draw—the more detailed the graphics, the stronger the intrigue. Listed below are five such thriller webtoons that I highly recommend reading.
Zombie X Slasher
Zombie X Slasher is a fascinating dystopian fiction that highlights the violation of rights, from exploitation to violence to discrimination, underscoring the need for fairness and security.
A gripping narrative and dynamic visuals drive the webtoon by Narack, illustrated by Hong Jun-ki, which tells the story of slumdog Kim Cheol-su. All he wants is a home he can call his own. But in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, prices spiral out of control, threatening to shatter that dream. The intrigue builds further as Cheolsu sets out to earn a fortune to buy a house—but first, he must slay zombies and face resistance from all sides.
My Girlfriend
Park Ci’s brainchild—My Girlfriend—is for you if you have a thing for horror thrillers. The narration and visuals intensify this psychological horror, delving into its protagonist’s psychological distress, tension, and trauma.
The plot unfolds with layers of intrigue and spooky elements as Jio’s life goes downhill when he unexpectedly finds his girlfriend, Miho, feasting on human flesh. While he’s still trying to wrap his head around what he saw, he meets his dear friend, whom he believed had been killed by Miho. As the eerie encounters intensify, Jio finds himself on the verge of losing his mind. But he’s determined to uncover the truth about his reality, especially when it comes to Miho.
The Gwichon Village Mystery
Hwang Yang blends fear and facets of shamanism into a nuanced narrative about human behavior, morality, and the unknown, with Lee Dae-han’s images adding to the overall impact.
The Gwichon Village Mystery follows Mumyeong Heo’s visit to his long-deceased grandmother’s home, where he is met with skepticism and contempt from the locals. As odd as it gets, he notices the property is quite well-kept, hinting that someone has been taking care of it. Mumyeong’s suspicions rise with strange rites being performed in the vicinity. Matters grow sinister when the neighbors abruptly start disappearing and a string of deaths takes place.
Phantom Whispers
Kim Moon-kyoung plunges Noa into a world of dread and mystery as her already difficult life, shaped by strange and scary whispers she’s heard since childhood, forces her to hunt down a murderer.
A mind-bending thriller, the webtoon addresses mental health struggles through Noa, who must overcome her fears to solve the case—but in doing so, risks giving in to the complexities of her mind.
To Drown in You
In his story, Jaengnwo explores ideas of love, ownership, and dominance, posing questions about the dynamics of relationships and human psychology. Sung Sil’s artwork brings it to life, making for an immersive read.
Sparks fly between island boy Hyeseong and a mermaid, Yunhae, who are soon torn apart. Years later, Yunhae’s magical power helps her track Hyeseong, only to learn that he has changed substantially and nothing between them is the same anymore. She isn’t ready for this, despite being told that he can’t return to his former self and commit to her. Soon, her feelings for Hyeseong turn into an obsession, escalating into erratic, unsettling behaviors.
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