Criminal Minds (2017) is a South Korean crime thriller series inspired by the popular American show of the same name. Developed by Studio Dragon, it aired on tvN from July 26 to September 28, 2017.
Plot Overview
The story centers on the National Criminal Investigation (NCI) team, a group of expert profilers who hunt down criminals and tackle complex cases. One year after a tragic mistake triggers a deadly hospital bombing, Kang Ki-hyung (Son Hyun-joo), the shaken team leader, returns to work. However, he and his colleagues quickly find themselves investigating a serial murder case.

At the same time, they partner with the Violent Crimes Unit, where they meet Kim Hyun-joon (Lee Joon-gi), a passionate but short-tempered police officer. The drama delves into psychological profiling, teamwork under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Why It Stands Out
- Fresh Adaptation: It reimagines the American Criminal Minds through a Korean lens.
- High-Stakes Cases: Each episode presents intense crime scenes that test the team’s abilities.
- Impressive Cast: Son Hyun-joo, Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-won, Yoo Sun, and Lee Sun-bin deliver strong performances.
Reception
Although some viewers felt the remake lacked the original show’s depth, many praised its action-packed approach and gripping suspense. For fans of psychological thrillers, Criminal Minds (2017) remains an engaging watch.
