Amazing K-Dramas That Are Worth Watching

Seoul Searching? Start Here

In 1962, South Korea came up with its first TV drama, The Gate of Heaven, and trust me, that “gate” has seen millions of fans walk right in. Even if you haven’t watched a K-Drama ever before, just reading the following storylines will get you interested. Let’s try.

Squid Game (2021)

You haven't watched Squid Game yet? Drop everything and start now! This wild series dropped in 2021 and is about 456 desperate people who compete in life-or-death kids' games for $38 million. Lee Jung-Jae as Gi-hun is something you can’t miss out on.

Squid Game | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix

Squid Game (2021) (Cont.)

He plays the role of a struggling dad who's just trying to make it and will definitely tug at your heartstrings. It totally calls out society while focusing on socio-economic inequality. And guess what? Season 2 drops on December 26, 2024. Stay tuned.

Squid Game | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix

Crash Landing On You (2019-2020)

The leading stars of the show, Son Ye-jin, and Hyun Bin, have such amazing chemistry that they ended up getting married for real in 2022. It’s no surprise their drama became one of the highest-rated cable shows in Korea. You could call it a tale of forbidden romance.

Republic of Korea, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Crash Landing On You (2019-2020) (Cont.)

This show is about a super-rich heiress (Yoon Seri) who accidentally ends up paragliding into North Korea (crazy, right?). There, she is rescued by an incredibly handsome captain (Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok). Those North Korean villagers will make you laugh and cry all in one scene!

NewsInStar, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Hospital Playlist (2020-2021)

Need a break from intense medical shows? Here’s your medicine! Five besties from medical school now work together AND have their own band named Mido and Parasol. Instead of non-stop emergencies, you get to hang out with these doctors between surgeries and jam sessions. 

Hospital Playlist | Official Teaser | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content

Hospital Playlist (2020-2021) (Cont.)

The show, which aired from March 12, 2020, to September 16, 2021, is known for its heartwarming portrayal of friendship. You get to see Lee Ik-jun (Jo Jung-suk), Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok), Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho), Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-myung), and Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do).

Hospital Playlist | Official Teaser | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content

Moving (2023)

This superhero drama stretches over several decades and focuses on super-powered parents (played by Zo In-sung and Han Hyo-joo). They are basically about protecting their talented high-school kids. The show does a great job of blending family struggles with government secrets.

MOVING Official Trailer (2023) by Movie Trailers Source

Moving (2023) (Cont.)

So, you need to see this 2023 Disney+ show if you think superheroes are getting boring, especially because the action scenes are crazy. It became Disney+'s biggest Korean hit with a production budget of $36.3 million to $47.2 million. Fair warning: you'll probably watch it twice. 

Moving | Official Trailer | Disney+ Hotstar Indonesia by Disney+ Hotstar Indonesia

The Glory (2022 - 2023)

Netflix's global top 10 hit had everyone yelling at their screens. Dropping in 2022, this intense drama features Song Hye-Kyo in a completely different role than we’re used to seeing her in. She plays Moon Dong-eun, who becomes a teacher to take revenge on her high school bullies.

티비텐 TV10, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Glory  (2022 - 2023) (Cont.)

And man, she really knows how to play the long game. The mistreatment she suffered was so brutal she had to drop out, crushing her dreams of becoming an architect. The series is divided into two parts, with Part 2 released in March 2023.

The Glory | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Park Eun-bin is fantastic as Woo Young-woo, a smart rookie lawyer on the autism spectrum. She’s incredible at solving cases with her distinct outlook, which uses photographic memory and crazy knowledge about whales. You'll be rooting for her from episode one, I promise.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) (Cont.)

This all goes down at the Hanbada Law Firm in Seoul. Each episode dives into different cases while taking us with Young-woo through office drama and potential romance. The balance between showing her savant-like brilliance and her challenges is noted as critical.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content

Hotel Del Luna (2019)

If you’re into fantasy, this is for you. IU plays the role of Man-wol, the CEO of Hotel Del Luna, who is cursed to run her spooky place for 1,000 years. Then enters Yeo Jin-goo as the new human manager, who literally has the ability to see ghosts.

Hotel Del Luna | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Hotel Del Luna (2019) (Cont.)

That’s not it. Each of these ghosts have their own emotional backstory. Anyway, the hotel helps souls move on to the afterlife, but Man-wol's story is pretty heartbreaking. Also, the costumes worn are luxurious and refined with rich textures and colors.

Hotel Del Luna | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Business Proposal (2022)

This series turned out to be the biggest hit of the year in 2022 because it mixes comedy with some seriously cute romantic moments. It's about a food researcher who pretends to be someone else on a blind date to help out her friend. But then…

Business Proposal | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix Asia

Business Proposal (2022) (Cont.)

She finds out her date is actually the new president of her company. Wow. The office romance trope has never been more fun. Kim Se-jeong and Ahn Hyo-seop have lovely chemistry for sure, but the second lead romance is adorable, too. 

Business Proposal | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix Asia

Under The Queen's Umbrella (2022)

"Game of Thrones" meets helicopter parenting? Kind off.  The political schemes, family drama, and cool outfits are sure to keep you engaged. It’s basically like a royal mom trying to get her kids into an Ivy League school, just that this one has swords involved.

Under the Queen's Umbrella | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix Asia

Under The Queen's Umbrella (2022) (Cont.)

Kim Hye-soo owns the role of Queen Hwa-ryeong as she battles to keep her rowdy princes safe in the ruthless palace. When her oldest son gets sick, she needs to get the younger ones in line fast or risk losing everything. This drama is set during the Joseon Dynasty.

Under the Queen's Umbrella | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix Asia

Healer (2014-2015)

Ready for some serious action romance? Meet the mysterious "Healer," portrayed by Ji Chang-wook, a night courier who'll do anything except murder for the right price. Teaming up with a brilliant hacker, he runs into a fearless tabloid reporter (Park Min-young).

Trailer | Healer | Viu by Viu Philippines

Healer (2014-2015) (Cont.)

After this meeting, their lives suddenly get tangled in unexpected ways. A reviewer on The Fangirl Verdict expressed their admiration: "Healer checks so many of the right boxes that it’s not only easy to forgive its flaws but also really easy to lose your heart to it."

Trailer | Healer | Viu by Viu Philippines

My Mister (2018)

My Mister holds a user rating of 89/100 on AsianWiki, so why not? IU stars as Ji-an, a debt-ridden young woman who works multiple jobs to support her ill grandmother. On the other hand, Parasite's Lee Sun-kyun plays Dong-hoon, a middle-aged engineer dealing with his own struggles. 

MY MISTER - OFFICIAL TRAILER | IU, Lee Sun Gyun, Jang Ki Yong, Oh Na Ra by Viki Global TV

My Mister (2018) (Cont.)

Their unlikely friendship will make you cry and believe in humanity again. This isn't your typical romance—it's a beautiful story about healing and finding connection in unexpected places. It aired from March 21 to May 17, 2018, and is also known as My Ahjussi. 

MY MISTER (2018) - TRAILER by Ani-Hongo

Mr. Queen (2020-2021)

Here, a guy chef from today, Jang Bong-hwan (Shin Hye-sun), suddenly finds himself in the body of a queen, Kim So-yong, from the Joseon era. The show is adapted from a Chinese web drama titled Go Princess Go, which also features a similar body-swap premise.

Mr. Queen | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Mr. Queen (2020-2021) (Cont.)

The historical details mixed with modern humor are great. There is King Cheoljong, who is shown as a more interesting character than he was in real life. While he might seem like a puppet king at first, he uncovers his smarts and skills as the story goes on.

Mr. Queen | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)

Park Bo-young stars as Bong-soon, a tiny woman with incredible strength that’s been passed down in her family’s women. She scores a gig as a bodyguard for a gaming CEO, Ahn Min-hyuk, played by Park Hyung-sik, and their evolving connection is worth watching.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Trailer | Watch now on iflix by iflix Malaysia

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017) (Cont.)

There's also this intense serial kidnapper plot that really ramps up the excitement. You’ll see her trying to use her powers for good, all while keeping it under wraps. By calling her a "strong woman," the show turns the usual damsel-in-distress clichés.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Trailer | Watch now on iflix by iflix Malaysia

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

It’s early 1900s Korea, the cinematography is great, the politics are intense, and the love story will wreck you. This show is about a former slave, who becomes a U.S. Marine officer (starring Lee Byung-hun). He goes back home and starts to fall for a noblewoman (Kim Tae-ri).

Mr. Sunshine | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix by Netflix Asia

Mr. Sunshine (2018) (Cont.)

Every scene here feels like a movie. It is directed by Lee Eung-bok, who is known for his work on Descendants of the Sun. Besides, even though the series had 24 episodes, the main couple, Eugene and Ae-shin, never shared a kiss throughout the series. 

Mr. Sunshine | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix by Netflix Asia

Pachinko (2022)

This Apple TV+ show follows a Korean family across four generations. It's inspired by Min Jin Lee's novel, which is the same name, and has an interesting storyline that moves between Korea in the 1910s, when Japan was in control, and Tokyo in the 1980s.

Pachinko — Official Trailer | Apple TV+ by Apple TV

Pachinko (2022) (Cont.)

Pachinko tells the epic tale of family, survival, and identity revolving around Koreans in Japan. You’ve got Oscar winner Yuh-jung Youn alongside up-and-coming star Kim Min-ha. With Season 2 coming this summer, fans are already emotional.

Pachinko — Official Trailer | Apple TV+ by Apple TV

Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)

Some scenes might remind you of The Ring (good way). This show does a fine job of mixing Korean mythology with today’s world, while the chemistry between these lovers from past lives is intense. A sequel titled Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 also premiered in May 2023.

Tale of the Nine Tailed | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020) (Cont.)

So, if you're into supernatural romance with a spooky twist, you definitely need to queue this. Lee Dong-wook plays Lee-yeon, a nine-tailed fox living in modern-day Seoul, and Jo Bo-ah plays Nam Ji-ah, a documentary filmmaker who has a past life connection with him.

Tale of the Nine Tailed | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Uncle Samsik (2024)

Song Kang-ho makes his TV debut as the stunning power broker known as "Uncle Samsik." He’s the guy who kept everyone fed during tough times. Teaming up with a US-educated bureaucrat, they're set to shake up Korea's economy with some shady deals.

Uncle Samsik | Official Trailer | Hulu by Hulu

Uncle Samsik (2024) (Cont.)

The mix of political drama and history will definitely have you looking up Korean history while you binge-watch. The show takes place in the 1960s and is written and directed by Shin Yeon-shick, with a production budget of about $29.1 million.

Uncle Samsik | Official Trailer | Hulu by Hulu

The Red Sleeve (2021-2022)

Get ready for an emotional historical romance like no other! Based on a true story, it’s about Crown Prince Yi San (played by 2 PM's Junho) falling for court lady Sung Deok-im (Lee Se-young). But she’s definitely not your typical historical drama heroine. 

The Red Sleeve - OFFICIAL TRAILER 3 | Korean Drama | Junho, Lee Se Young by Viki Global TV

The Red Sleeve (2021-2022)

And that’s because she actually refuses the prince in order to be able to live freely. The series is inspired by real historical events and people, mainly zeroing in on King Jeongjo (Yi San) and his relationship with Uibin Seong, a title given to Sung Deok-im.

The Red Sleeve - OFFICIAL TRAILER 3 | Korean Drama | Junho, Lee Se Young by Viki Global TV

Lovely Runner (2024)

It's like every fangirl's dream but with such emotional depth. This one was released on April 8, 2024, and is based on the web novel Tomorrow's Best by Kim Bbang. It is a new time-travel romance featuring Im Sol, a 34-year-old wheelchair user.

Lovely Runner | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Lovely Runner (2024) (Cont.)

The main character gets magically transported back to 2008 when her favorite K-pop star suddenly dies. Now she's back in high school near her idol Ryu Sun-jae, trying to prevent his future passing. The series initially started out as a web novel on KakaoPage.

Lovely Runner | Official Trailer | CJ ENM by CJ ENM Global

Queen of Tears (2024)

You won't believe it, but this show has a whopping 8.2 out of 10 rating on IMDb.  Its original title was Sunjae Eobgo Tweeeo. Written by Park Ji-Eun and co-directed by Jang Young-woo and Kim Hee-won, Queen of Tears is about a chaebol heiress (Kim Ji-won).

Queen of Tears | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content

Queen of Tears (2024) (Cont.)

Also included is her down-to-earth husband, Kim Soo-hyun. Their once fairytale marriage is starting to fall apart after just three years. But, just when they're heading for divorce, dramatic circumstances force them together. 

Queen of Tears | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content

Doctor Cha (2023)

The show brilliantly balances medical drama with personal redemption, and that plot twist midway? You'll be screaming at your screen. It was aired on JTBC from April 15 to June 4, 2023, and portrays a doctor who is juggling a “perfect” life on two different fronts.

Doctor Cha | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix K-Content

Doctor Cha (2023) (Cont.)

The series follows Cha Jeong-suk, played by Uhm Jung-hwa, who is a twenty-year-old housewife. After surviving a health crisis, she chooses to return to her medical profession as a first-year resident. One of the reviews on IMDb also called this “A diamond waiting to be discovered”.

Doctor Cha | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix K-Content

Hit the Spot (2022-2023)

This one's spicy! Two best friends apparently run a podcast about intimacy and relationships, and it gets pretty real. Son Hee-jae (Hani) is in this dull five-year relationship in contrast to Lee Mi-na (Bae Woo-hee), who is all about those no-strings-attached hookups. 

《Hit the Spot》第1集│Hani向好友坦白 從來沒有體會過性高潮│Viu韓劇線上看 by Hong Kong

Hit the Spot (2022-2023) (Cont.)

Watching them explore an intimate relationship while hosting this podcast is both hilarious and surprisingly deep. In a way, the series also addresses female intimacy openly, challenging societal taboos and misconceptions. It is directed by Yoon Ra-young and is rated 7.2/10.

《Hit the Spot》第1集│Hani向好友坦白 從來沒有體會過性高潮│Viu韓劇線上看 by Hong Kong