Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent paranormal-themed K-drama is action-packed fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Uncanny Counter
What's the Story?
Based on the Korean web cartoon Amazing Rumor, THE UNCANNY COUNTER (aka Gyeongiroun Somun) is a Korean drama series about a young man who's enlisted to join a group of quirky paranormal-hunters. So Mun (Byeong-gyu Jo) was a young boy when a car accident killed his parents and left him permanently injured. Now in high school, he lives with his maternal grandparents and hangs out with best friends Kim Woong Min (Kim Eun-Su) and Im Too-Yvon (Lee Ji Won). He also has to deal with violent bullies like Kwon Too Ho (Lee Chan-Hyeong). But after a strange encounter with a cold energy force, Mun starts having weird dreams, has strange marks on his hands, and is developing immense strength. Now a group of noodle shop employees who chase down evil spirits who have escaped the afterlife and survive by eating humans -- Do Ha Na (Se-Jeong Kim), Ga Mo Tak (Joon Sang-Yoo), and Choo Mae-ok (Yeom Hye-ran) -- are instructed to recruit him. The responsibility that comes with joining the "Counters" weighs on So Mun, but the opportunity gives him a chance to help people.
Is It Any Good?
The entertaining Korean series (available subtitled in English) offers a creative narrative that combines action, fantasy, gangster-like conflicts, and family drama. So Mun (Byeong-gyu Jo) is a likable character who you can't help but root for from the beginning of the story. Meanwhile, the Counter is a quirky group of personality-filled individuals that add some humor. But The Uncanny Counter is also filled with violent and bloody scenes, and there are moments that seem to come out of a horror movie. Some folks may find it a little hard to follow at the beginning because there are so many characters, and it takes time for their storylines to converge. Nonetheless, the beginning is worth wading through because it leads to an energetic and diverting series that's well worth the watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the paranormal. Why do people find stories about connecting with the afterlife entertaining, even it's scary? What cultures and religions believe that spirits, demons, and other entities from the beyond can interact with humans?
How does The Uncanny Counter differ from the web cartoon it was adapted from? Are there things that can be done in animated form that wouldn't work in a live-action format, and vice versa?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 28, 2020
- Cast : Byeong-gyu Jo , Se-Jeong Kim , Jun Sang-Yoo , Yeom Hye-ran
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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