| Native Title | 악몽 |
| Also Know as | Akmong |
| Director | Lee Dan |
| Writer | Kim Kyu-Won |
| Distributor | SBS |
| Air Time | Friday, Saturday 21:50 |
| Content Rating | Not Yet Rated |
| Genre | Si-Fi, Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Detective |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
"Nightmare" is an eagerly anticipated 2027 Korean sci-fi thriller that promises to deliver a fresh take on justice, dreams, and the blurred lines between reality and the subconscious.
"Nightmare" (native title: Akmong or 악몽) is an SBS drama set to premiere in 2027. Directed by Lee Dan and written by Kim Kyu-won, the series blends elements of science fiction, crime, mystery, and thriller genres. It explores a world where advanced technology allows vigilantes to trap criminals – those who evade conventional justice – inside inescapable nightmares, manipulating the subconscious to deliver punishment.
The story follows a detective and a police officer who partner with a vigilante group, crossing boundaries between dreams and reality to pursue their own form of justice. Production involves Studio S and A to Z Entertainment, with filming beginning in May 2026. The drama is slated to air on Fridays and Saturdays.
After a prolonged undercover operation, Detective Kim Tae-yi returns to the Nambu Police Station a changed man – his personality, speech, and lifestyle transformed – yet his relentless drive to catch villains remains intact. He joins forces with a vigilante group that designs nightmares to punish criminals beyond the reach of the law.
Jang Gyu-eun, a police officer specializing in victim support, leads a double life. Shy and timid in the real world, she becomes a ruthless "nightmare architect" or "designer" in dreams, inflicting brutal torment on unpunished offenders. Together, Kim Tae-yi and Jang Gyu-eun navigate cases that blur the line between legal justice and personal retribution, confronting conspiracies involving dream-manipulating technology and the weaponization of human fears and desires.
The series aims to provide catharsis by punishing evasive criminals in a hellish dream realm they cannot escape until death.
As a pre-release project scheduled for 2027, "Nightmare" has generated significant buzz among fans for its innovative sci-fi concept and the pairing of its lead actors. Early discussions highlight comparisons to mind-bending stories like Inception, praising the unique vigilante justice angle and dream-reality themes.
The drama marks Kim Nam-gil's return to SBS after a couple of years and Lee Yoo-mi's first SBS drama in eight years.
It features advanced AI technology that infiltrates human dreams, turning fears into tools for justice.
First stills released in 2026 showcased the intense atmosphere, building anticipation for the visual spectacle of nightmare sequences.
The production emphasizes immersion through the dynamic partnership between the detective and the nightmare designer.
"Nightmare" stands out as a bold, genre-bending drama that challenges traditional notions of justice while offering thrilling psychological depth. With strong leads in Kim Nam-gil and Lee Yoo-mi, and a premise that dives deep into the human mind, it has the potential to be a standout sci-fi thriller in the 2027 lineup. Fans of crime procedurals with supernatural or technological twists will likely find it particularly compelling.
"Nightmare" is expected to air on SBS in South Korea.
Discover the rich world of Korean cinema on our Korean Movie Review Page — your trusted source for thoughtful, spoiler-free reviews of the latest K-dramas, blockbuster films, and independent masterpieces from South Korea. From gripping thrillers and heartfelt romances to historical epics and groundbreaking storytelling, we dive deep into each film's plot, direction, performances, cinematography, and cultural impact. Whether you're a longtime fan of Korean movies or just getting started, our reviews help you explore the best of what Hallyu has to offer. We also highlight must-watch classics, award-winning films, and hidden gems, while providing ratings, trailers, and user comments to help guide your viewing choices. Stay up to date with the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Korean cinema — all in one place.
