Serial killers are chilling, and one sometimes wonders what goes on in their minds that pushes them to derive joy or satisfaction from killing their fellow humans. In order to classify an individual as a serial killer, they must have murdered more than three victims and be actively killing, giving them a few weeks before they strike again. Some serial killers have trademarks, while others do not.
These manhwas about serial killers captivate readers with their dark art, intriguing plot, and devious characters. These characters often have deep trauma that pushes them to carry out unthinkable acts. The story is told from the point of view of either the serial killer, an investigator, or someone close to the killer.
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7 Vigilante
A ‘Good’ Serial Killer
- Creator: Kim Kyusam and CRG
- Number of Chapters: 141
Serial killers are always the bad guys, and it is the police's job to track them and make sure they face the wrath of the law. However, these law enforcement officers might not be as spotless as society paints them to be. They have the means and the backing to take matters into their own hands and play it off as ‘doing their job.’
It might be safe to classify Kim Ji Yong as a serial killer, but because he is a police officer, his violent actions are overlooked and sometimes praised. Kim Ji Yong, under the guise of justice, violently attacks criminals and has killed some in the process, but he gets away with it. Vigilante sheds light on the twisted sense of morality a serial killer might have.
6 Unhinged
A Wrong Accusation Changes The Protagonist’s Life
- Creator: Kim Biva
- Number of Chapters: Still Publishing
Unhinged is quite fascinating and captivating, as it tells the story of Erika and an encounter that changes her life. Erika is not the serial killer in this manhwa, but after serving her prison sentence for the murder of her husband (whom she didn’t kill), Erika is released and is hell-bent on finding her husband’s killer. A visit to her suspect’s house gets her recruited by a gang of killers.
The gang in which she finds herself includes Box, Paul, and Boom. Box is the leader who sends Paul and Boom to carry out her dirty deeds. Boom and Paul are the serial killers in this manhwa, with a long list of kills to their name. Boom killed his mom and uncle, and has a basement filled with the body parts of his victims. Paul kills whenever something or someone triggers him, as seen when he kills a driver and his friend for yelling at him about his driving. He also reveals that he killed his parents.
5 Killing Stalking
Kind On The Outside, But A Cruel Killer Behind Closed Doors
- Creator: Koogi
- Number of Chapters: 67
Sangwoo’s real character is not known by many. The few who know his true nature are either six feet under, or stuck in his basement with a broken ankle. The latter is Bum, who has been in love with Sangwoo since he saved him from getting assaulted by some superiors in the military. Bum's obsession pushes him to break into Sangwoo’s house, where he becomes his homekeeper, lover, victim, and accomplice.
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Sangwoo grew up in an abusive home, and he accidentally killed his father after walking in on him beating his mom. He kills his mother after he discovers that she has been slowly feeding him rat poison. After her death, he goes on quite a killing spree. He doesn’t have criteria for his victims, as he picks them as he wishes. He takes them to his basement and tortures them before brutally killing them.
4 Doomed
Years of Abuse Transformed The Main Character Into A Serial Killer
- Creator: Taebal and Dollkong
- Number of Chapters: 72
This manhwa contains a lot of mature and sensitive content.
Su-ae’s only crime is being an orphan. She lived in an orphanage, but she could not leave because the director kept her there against her wishes, in order to satisfy his desires. He constantly forced himself on Su-ae, as did the other men in the orphanage. Su-ae was 20 when the director’s friend helped her escape, but not after taking his turn with her. He wanted to keep Su-ae for himself, but luckily, she was able to escape from him.
Su-ae starts life afresh, meets Jin, and they fall in love. But when money problems began, he started selling her off to other men. Jin started dating another girl, Aram, and called Su-ae filthy, which pushed her to the edge. She snapped and went on a killing spree, killing all the men responsible for hurting her.
3 An Uncomfortable Truth
Boy Believes Killing Can Get His Brother’s Love And Attention
- Creator: Eerun
- Number of Chapters: 75
An Uncomfortable Truth tells the story of how a quiet high school boy, Yoseob, kills eight civilians. Jaeha knows just how dangerous his younger brother is, but hides it because he does not want his brother, Yoseob, taken away from him. Jaeha hiding the truth from everyone puts his childhood friend Taeoh, and his crush Yura, in danger, as Yoseob hurts them in order to get them to stay away from Jaeha.
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As the manhwa progresses, fans catch a glimpse of Yoseob’s past and why he is so obsessed with Jaeha. When Jaeha finally decides to seek help for Yoseob, it is already too late, as Yoseob catches wind of what is happening and tries to kill Taeoh. A bus accidentally kills Jaeha in the process of him trying to talk Yoseob out of killing Taeoh, and Yoseob takes his anger out on the people that gathered around Jaeha. Yoseob ends up killing eight people that day, but all of this could have been avoided if Jaeha shared the uncomfortable truth about Yoseob’s behavior with his parents.
2 Death Row Boy
Serial Killer Has A Problem With Happy Families
- Creator: Kin Soong-Nyeon
- Number of Chapters: Still Publishing
To avoid the wrath of Shin Kim, one would have to be in an unhappy family. This serial killer has it out for families that are happy, and has successfully targeted and killed 28 individuals from different families. It is quite difficult to escape from a serial killer, but Shin Kim is so nice that he gives his victims a chance to escape. While torturing the parents, he tells them to sing a lullaby. If they can complete it as he is torturing them, he will let their child or children live.
No parent wants their children to die, but with the level of torture Shin Kim subjects them to, they end up dying alongside their kids. However, there is always an exception, and Ji-woo’s father is able to complete and save his kid’s life. Ji-woo grows up and vows to pay Shin Kim a murderous visit for what he did to his family.
1 Bastard
A Murderous Father And His Unwilling Sidekick, His Son
- Creator: Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan
- Number of Chapters: 94
Imagine living with a serial killer. Such a thing would be a living nightmare. Unfortunately, this is the life of Jin, as he lives with a serial killer who happens to be his father. However, with the number of kills Jin has under his belt, he is also a serial killer, whether he likes it or not. This manhwa delves into the sick mind of Dongsoon from his son Jin’s perspective, as Dongsoon forces Jin to carry out his sick and devious plans.
Dongsoon is quite thirsty for women’s blood, but he has no problem killing any man who challenges him. He also has criteria for the women he kills: these women have natural hair colors and minimal to zero makeup on their faces. He likes them looking cute, gentle, and innocent, which is why Kyon Yoon catches his attention. He would do anything to add her to his long list of deceased victims. Jin will do anything to protect Kyon Yoon from his father, and he is training to be stronger so that he can stop his father and protect Kyon Yoon.
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