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There are so many great Korean dramas that have flooded streaming services, plenty of which fall into a few fan-favorite genres, such as historical, comedy, melodrama, romance, and fantasy. Many of these Korean dramas have spiked in popularity due to their endearing romances, high-stakes plots, and emotional rides. Then there are the classics, where the hype for Korean dramas initially started.
But of all the Korean dramas that are being produced, the market has been completely flooded and overrun. This is a good thing, of course. This means more variety, more uniqueness, and more dramas to fall in love with. But this can also be intimidating for new viewers (and even casual ones). Where does one start or begin? Which K-dramas have the right romance? Which ones are actually worth the watch, since they rely on similar tropes? No worries, we've got you covered. Here are the best Korean dramas to date that are definitely worth the watch.
18 'The Heirs' (2013)
Directed by Kang Shin-hyo and Boo Sung-chul
Image by SBS TV After a falling out with his brother, Jeguk Group heir Kim Tan (Lee Min-ho) is exiled to the U.S. There, he meets Cha Eun-sang (Park Shin-hye) who is searching for her sister. In a world of the elite and wealthy, Kim Tan and Eun-sang mistakenly fall in love, leaving them with absolute hardship.
The Heirs is a Korean drama with a star-studded cast, including Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Choi Jin-hyuk, and Kim Woo-bin, among many others. Thanks to their great performances, viewers will undoubtedly enjoy the realistic and outstanding acting and chemistry between the characters. Both a hilarious and addicting watch, The Heirs is a fun romantic comedy to binge.
Release Date October 9, 2013
Cast Park Shin-Hye , Lee Min-ho , Kim Woo-bin , Kim Ji-won , Kang Min-hyuk , Choi Jin-hyuk , Krystal Jung , Kang Ha-neul , Park Hyung-sik , Choi Tae-hwan , Jeon Soo-jin , Hwang Bo-Mi , Jo Yoon-woo , Yang Seung-Pil , Jeong Dong-hwan , Kim Mi-kyeong , Choi Jin-ho , Choi Won-young , Im Joo-eun , Kim Sung-ryung , Park Joon-geum , Seo Yi-sook , Lee Yeon-kyung , Jung Won-joong , Ra Mi-ran , Choi Eun-kyeong , Baek Seung-hyeon , Kim Seung-wook , Yoon Son-ha , Moon Ah-ram , Jung Ga-ram , Chanwoo
Seasons 1
17 'The Glory' (2022)
Directed by Ahn Gil-ho
Image via Netflix Semyeong Elementary School homeroom teacher Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) is no stranger to trauma. In her high school years, she found herself to be a victim of bullying, so much so that she was forced to drop out. Now that she teaches the children of her tormentors, Dong-eun has a long-waited revenge to carry out.
The Glory, starring veteran Song Hye-kyo, is a dark and intense thriller that is rather disturbing and violent. A dark drama, the premise and story itself are very engaging, and Song Hye-kyo puts on an unbelievably emotional performance as a woman who suffered greatly at the hands of bullies. Both thought-provoking and intriguing, The Glory is worth the watch if not for Hye-kyo’s performance alone.
Release Date October 30, 2022
Creator(s) Ahn Gil-ho , Kim Eun-sook
Cast Song Hye-Kyo , Lee Do-Hyun , Lim Ji-yeon , Yeom Hye-ran , Park Sung-hoon , Jung Sung-il
Seasons 2
16 'Signal' (2016)
Directed by Kim Won-seok
Image via tvN In 2015, criminal profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) discovers a walkie-talkie that allows him to speak to missing detective Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong) who disappeared in the early 2000s. This garners the interest of Jae-han’s former partner, Soo-hyun (Kim Hye-soo), who was in love with Jae-han. Together, Hae-young and Jae-han solve cold cases while uncovering the mystery behind Jae-han’s disappearance.
Signal is a thrilling Korean drama that grabs the attention of viewers almost immediately with its unique and enthralling premise. Hooking viewers every episode, Signal is one of the best thrillers to release in K-drama history, and this is especially true thanks to the stellar performances of the cast. Original and suspenseful, Signal is a binge-worthy drama and one of the best to release in the last decade.
Release Date January 22, 2016
Creator(s) Kim Eun-hee , Kim Won-suk
Cast Lee Je-hoon , Kim Hye-soo , Cho Jin-woong , Jang Hyun-sung , Jung Hae-kyun
Seasons 1
15 'Tale of the Nine Tailed' (2020)
Directed by Kang Shin-hyo & Jo Nam-hyung
Image via Studio Dragon Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook), former gumiho guardian of Baekdu-daegan, decodes to live in the big city where humans roam and he is aided by fellow gumiho and other supernatural creatures. He then meets Nam Ji-ah (Jo Bo-ah), a producer who is the reincarnation of his first true love.
A beautiful Korean drama examining the loss of one’s true and first love, The Tail of the Nine Tailed stars the famous Lee Dong-wook who is famous for his roles in My Girl, Touch My Heart, Goblin, and Life. With his exceptional performance, Tale of the Nine Tailed is an emotionally moving drama that examines what love is worth and what sacrifices are made to simply keep it.
Release Date October 7, 2020
Directors Kang Shin-hyo
Cast Ahn Kil-kang , Lee Dong-wook , Kim Hee-jung , Jo Bo-ah , Jang Won-hyung , Jung Yi-seo , Kim Bum , Kim Yong-ji , Hwang Hee , Kim Jung-nan , Kim Kang-min , Lee Tae-ri , Kim Gwi-seon
Seasons
14 'Mr. Queen' (2020-2021)
Directed by Yoon Sung-sik
Image via Studio Dragon TvN Modern-day chef Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk) is on the run from police when he is transported to a different time period. Except, unlike most time-period dramas, Bong-hwan wakes up as a Joseon queen. In an attempt to return to his time, he navigates the court politics and customs, attempting to influence the king of that period.
Mr. Queen is a K-drama unlike any other. While there are plenty of body-switching K-dramas (Scarlet Heart, Secret Garden), this drama is a more comedic take, thanks to Choi Jin-hyuk’s performance as he tries to be a queen despite lacking the proper mannerisms and knowledge of the era. A thrilling and exciting watch, Mr. Queen is one of the best historical dramas that has a primary focus of comedy.
Release Date December 12, 2020
Seasons 1
13 'The King's Affection' (2021)
Directed by Song Hyun-wook
Image via Netflix When a princess bears twins one fateful night, she must get rid of the daughter due to a superstition. Years after sending her daughter away, she returns to the kingdom as a court maid named Dam-yi (Park Eun-bin) who must take her brother's place as Crown Prince Lee Hwi after a murder scheme has gone wrong. However, suspicions begin to arise, and Dam-yi, and so do assassination attempts.
The King's Affection is a beautifully tragic drama that explores court politics in a fun and entertaining way. It leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, giving a thrilling ride as tensions between characters rise and characters begin to fall for one another. The court is a dangerous place, and Dam-yi learns the hard way through various assassination attempts that will remind viewers of the dangerous situation that Dam-yi is really in. Heartbreaking and beautiful all at once, The King's Affection is one of the best historical K-dramas out there.
Creator(s) Lee So-Young
Cast Park Eun-Bin , Kim Ro-Woon , Nam Yoon-Su , Byungchan , Bae Yoon-kyoung , Jung Chae-yeon , Choi Myung-bin , Hao Feng
Seasons 1
12 'Squid Game' (2021-2024)
Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk
Image via Netflix In a dystopian world, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) competes in Squid Game, a game show based on survival and luck, where its many competitors are just like Gi-hun: in extraordinary debt. However, while the cash prize is incredible, the consequences of playing Squid Game and losing are not. Gi-hun and others must fight to survive against unspeakable odds so that they may escape from Squid Game.
Squid Game is one of the most popular K-dramas to release in recent years. This drama is the one that started the increasing global expansion of K-dramas, eliciting viewers who weren't already into the genre. A sad story and a thrilling ride from start to finish, viewers will find themselves attached to particular characters. A game of survival, Squid Game is a drama to watch for suspense and thrills.
Release Date September 17, 2021
Directors Hwang Dong-hyuk
Cast Wi Ha-joon , Anupam Tripathi , Oh Yeong-su , Heo Sung-tae , Park Hae-soo , Jung Ho-yeon , Lee Jung-jae , Kim Joo-ryoung
Seasons 1
11 'Gu Family Book' (2013)
Directed by Shin Woo-chul and Kim Jung-hyun
Gu Wol-ryung (Choi Jin-hyuk) is a gumiho who has fallen for Seo-hwa (Lee Yeon-hee), a woman tainted by scandal. Though he attempts to become a human so that he can be with her, he is murdered later on due to false accusations, and Seo-hwa gives birth to his son Kang-chi (Lee Seung-gi), who is then rehomed to a noble family. Half-gumiho, Kang-chi also fights to become a human, falling in love with Dam Yeo-wool (Suzy Bae) in the process.
A beautiful story that follows the love story of two generations, Gu Family Book is a story of resilience and true love in its purest form. It includes plenty of conflict between the cast of characters as they fight for what they believe in, and though sad at times, it tells a beautiful tale of love and heartache. Not to mention, the soundtrack is absolutely beautiful, and the cinematography is stunning. Though heartbreaking and tragic, Gu Family Book is another great historical K-drama that immerses its viewers fully into its magical and wonderful world.
Release Date April 8, 2013
Creator(s) Kang Eun-kyung
Cast Lee Seung-gi , Bae Suzy , Lee Sung-jae , Sung Joon , Yoo Yeon-seok
Seasons 1
10 'While You Were Sleeping' (2017)
Created by Park Hye-ryun
Image via SBS TV Journalist Hong-joo (Suzy Bae) has premonitions in her dreams. Then one day, she wakes up to discover she has new neighbors across the street. Her new neighbor is none other than the man she has been seeing in her dreams: Jae-chan (Lee Jong Suk). After meeting Hong-joo, Jae-chan also begins having odd premonitions, with his first one involving Hong-joo falling to her death. Together, with Han Woo-tak (Jung Hae-in), they try to prevent these premonitions from becoming reality.
While You Were Sleeping was popular at its initial release, and for good reason. It starred the successful musical artist Suzy Bae, known for her other roles (Uncontrollably Fond, Dream High, Gu Family Book), and Jong Suk, another popular actor known for his spectacular performances in various dramas (Doctor Stranger, W, The Hymn of Death). Both actors are known for their versatile performances and often on-screen chemistry with the other leads. Romantic, suspenseful, and heartbreaking all at once, While You Were Sleeping is the drama to watch at least once in your life; it has gorgeous cinematography, a heartfelt soundtrack, and wonderful on-screen chemistry between the two biggest heartbreakers of the situation.
Release Date September 27, 2017
Creator(s) Oh Choong-hwan, Park Hye-ryun
Cast Lee Do-gyeom, Son San, Lee Sang-yeob, Shin Jae-ha, Park Jin-joo, Hwang Young-hee, Min Sung-wook, Lee Bong-ryeon, Oh Eui-sik, Jung Hae-in, Pyo Ye-jin, Lee Yoo-jun, Bae Hae-seon, Bae Suzy, Kim Won-hae, Ko Sung-hee, Lee Jong-suk, Lee Ki-young
Seasons 1
Genres Drama, Comedy, Fantasy
9 'Fated to Love You' (2014)
Directed by Lee Dong-yoon and Kim Hee-won
Image via Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation After being mysteriously intoxicated, both successor Lee Gun (Jang Hyuk) and secretary Mi-young (Jang Nara) wake up in bed with each other the next morning. Shortly after this encounter, Mi-young finds out she is pregnant, with the child being Lee Gun's. Both must deal with the consequences and decide to get married. However, marriage is not as easy as it seems, especially when other people are added to the equation.
Fated to Love You is a real heartbreaker of a drama; it will bring viewers to tears. Though it is filled with common TV tropes (accidental pregnancy, car accident, rivals to lovers), it executes these successfully, creating an emotionally tense drama. Not to mention, with a charming second male lead (Choi Jin Hyuk), it's hard not to feel torn at the romance and on-screen chemistry between the main cast of characters. Prepare to start sobbing and dying of laughter as you watch Fated to Love You.
Release Date July 2, 2014
Seasons 1
8 'Full House' (2004)
Directed by Pyo Min-soo
Due to her awful, sketchy friends, Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-kyo) loses her father's house to famous actor Lee Young-jae (Rain). The two strike a deal, and Ji-eun ends up in a contract marriage with Young-jae, though things prove to be difficult as the two fall for each other.
Full House is an instant classic; it stars Song Hye-kyo who is well-known in the K-drama world.
Full House is an instant classic; it stars Song Hye-kyo who is well-known in the K-drama world. After all, she has starred in plenty of fan favorites, such as Descendants of the Sun, Autumn in My Heart, The Glory, and That Winter, The Wind Blows. It's a straight rivals-to-lovers love story, where viewers can't help but laugh at the performances between Hye-kyo and Rain as they run into trouble when with each other. Through the misunderstandings and heartache, viewers will love watching one of Hye-kyo's best performances.
7 'Boys Over Flowers' (2009)
Directed by Jeon Ki-sang
After saving a student from suicide, poverty-stricken Jan-di (Ku Hye-sun) is invited to attend Shinhwa High, a prestigious school meant for the wealthy and successful. However, Jan-di quickly learns about the F4, the top four prestigious men in the school whose job is to make students' lives hell. Due to her determined and resilient nature, Jan Di faces off against F4’s arrogant leader, Jun-pyo (Lee Min-ho), and their lives become interlinked as they fall for one another.
Though a bit outdated for its time, Boys Over Flowers is the go-to series for new fans and casual viewers looking for an easy Korean drama to rewatch. It has everything a typical K-drama fan enjoys, including second lead syndrome, amnesia, heartache, rags to riches, and the evil mother-in-law. Not to mention, the love triangle is one of the best seen in K-dramas, featuring the charming Kim Hyun-joong and Lee Min-ho as the respective leads in this title. With an engaging storyline, this is the beginning of most K-drama fans.
Release Date January 6, 2009
Cast Ku Hye-Sun , Lee Min-ho , Kim Hyun-joong , Kim Bum
Seasons 1
6 'Healer' (2014-2015)
Directed by Lee Jung-sub and Kim Jin-woo
Image via KBS2 Jung-hoo (Ji Chang-wook), also known as Healer, is an illegal night courier who has been assigned a new job: to protect Young-shin (Park Min-young), a young internet reporter. However, while protecting her, Jung-hoo also falls for her, which creates a difficult situation of hidden identity.
Healer is a one-of-a-kind drama; it plays off the hidden identity trope exceptionally well, creating not only a thrilling drama, but also a suspenseful one. While romance is a key feature, it also focuses a lot on the story it is trying to tell and the secrets that begin to unfold with each passing episode. Though Park Min-young and Ji Chang-Wook have grown considerably as actors, their performances and on-screen chemistry will make viewers laugh and fall in love with their charismatic characters.
Release Date December 8, 2014
Cast Ji Chang-Wook , Park Min-young , Tae-Mi , Yoo Ji-tae , Kim Mi-kyung , Woo Hee-Jin , Oh Gwang-Rok , Park Won-sang
Seasons 1
5 'Autumn in My Heart' (2000)
Directed by Yoon Seok-ho
Image via KBS2 After an accident that switches Eun-suh (Song Hye-kyo) and Shin-ae (Han Chae-young) at birth, Eun-suh and Joon-suh (Song Seung-heon) grow up together as siblings. Years later, when the two are teenagers, both families learn that Shin-ae and Eun-suh were switched at birth when Eun-suh needed a blood transfusion due to an accident. After this realization, both girls return to their biological families, and their lives are reversed. Eun-suh and Joon-suh meet again down the road, this time falling in love with each other, though Eun-suh soon learns that she has leukemia.
Autumn in My Heart is an emotionally devastating K-drama. While a lot of K-dramas tend to lean on the emotional side, nothing competes with the emotional intensity that Autumn in My Heart has. The power this drama has over viewers can also be attributed to its beautiful OST, which reminds viewers of the tragic story that is unfolding. Be prepared to be immersed in a beautifully tragic love story, where there is no happy ending.
Release Date September 18, 2000
Creator(s) Oh Soo Yun
Cast Song Seung-heon , Song Hye-Kyo , Won Bin , Han Chae-young , Han Na-na , Choi Woo-hyuk , Moon Geun-young , Lee Ae-jung , Sunwoo Eun-Sook , Jeong Dong-hwan , Lee Han-wi , Kim Hae-sook , Kim Na-woon , Kim Hyeong-jong , Seo Yoon-jae , Ahn Seo-jung
Seasons 1
Main Genre Drama
4 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' (2016)
Directed by Kim Kyu-tae
Image via SBS TV
Ha-jin (IU) is just starting to get over a breakup when she attempts to save a drowning kid. While he is pulled aboard, Ha-jin sinks, drowning, when she comes to the surface for air. Only this time, as she takes in her surroundings, she realizes she is no longer in the modern era. Rather, she is now a woman named Hae-soo, and she has woken up in the Goryeo era. There, she is surrounded by the princes of Goryeo, some of which develop feelings for her, including that of the 4th Prince, Wang So (Lee Joon-gi).
While being a time travel K-drama, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is another tragic love story taking place during the Goryeo period. While most historical dramas are complex, Moon Lovers is a bit different; sure, there are the complexities of the various princes, but it is still a complex and tragic love story at heart. Featuring tough, dark, and scarred characters like Wang So, it's hard not to enjoy the rivals-to-lovers romance between Hae-soo and Wang So. Viewers will hope for a happy ending, but unfortunately, this drama explores the tragedy inside a competitive kingdom.
Release Date August 29, 2016
Creator(s) Hua Tong
Cast Lee Joon-Gi , IU , Kang Ha-neul , Nam Joo-hyuk , Ji Soo , Yoon Sun-woo
Seasons 1
3 'Goblin' (2016-2017)
Directed by Lee Eung-bok and Kwon Hyuk-chan
Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) is an immortal goblin who helps others. Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) is a nineteen-year-old who can see spirits and summon the goblin at will. Though they lead very different lives, Kim Shin starts to unravel the mystery behind Eun-tak, who might just be the one to save his soul from eternal damnation.
Goblin is one of the best K-dramas to come out in recent years. It has everything from comedy, bromance, historical fantasy, romance, and of course, tragedy. The comedic duo of Dong-wook and Gong Yoo will make viewers laugh at every scene, while Gong Yoo and Go-eun's chemistry is one to swoon over. With mesmerizing cinematography and a beautiful soundtrack, Goblin is an unforgettable drama that will lead viewers to tears.
Release Date December 2, 2016
Creator(s) Kim Eun-sook , Lee Eung-bok
Cast Jo Hyun-sik , Gong Yoo , Kim Go-eun , Lee Dong-wook , Yoo In-na , Yook Sung-jae , Lee El , Kim Seong-gyeom , Kim Byung-chul , Jo Woo-jin , Yeom Hye-ran , Jung Young-ki , Choi Ri , Choi Woong , Kim Ki-doo , Kim Chang-hwan , Yoon Da-young , Go Bo-gyeol , Park Kyung-hye , Kim Min-young , Han Seo-jin
Seasons 1
2 'Descendants of the Sun' (2016)
Directed by Lee Eung-bok and Baek Sang-hoon
After capturing and hospitalizing a thief, Yoo Si-Jin (Song Joong-ki) meets Doctor Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo). Hitting it off immediately, the two try to date, but realize that their differences are far too great, so they go their separate ways. Then one day, they meet again in a country ravaged by war.
Descendants of the Sun was wildly popular when it was first released, with many immediately hailing it among the best K-dramas of the 21st century. Fans would not stop talking about it, and for good reason; it's a drama that has high stakes, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The combination of suspense and romance makes for an entertaining and drama, with an unforgettable romance.
Release Date April 8, 2016
Cast Song Hye-kyo , Song Joong-ki , Kim Ji-won , Jin Goo , Onew , Kang Shin-il , Cho Tae-kwan , Jo Jae-yun , Hyun Jyu-ni , Jeon Soo-jin , Lee Seung-joon , Kim Min-seok , Ahn Bo-hyun , David Lee McInnis , Lee Yi-kyung , Kim Byung-chul , Park Hwan-Hee , Elena Zhernovaya , Jo Woo-ri , Tae In-ho , Seo Jeong-yeon , Park Hoon , Choi Woong , Shin Dong-hoon , Kim Hyo Myung
Seasons 1
1 'Crash Landing on You' (2019-2020)
Directed by Lee Jung-hyo
Image via Netflix After a paragliding accident, South Korean heiress Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) finds herself on the Northern border. Captain Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin) is stationed at the border, and he chases Se-ri; with her life in his hands, he promises to help her hide.
One of the best love stories in recent years, Crash Landing on You is based loosely on a true story. It’s a beautiful story of two people from opposite sides of a border falling in love despite the politics and differences. It's heartwarming, it's thrilling, and it's a sad story that highlights the tragedy of leading two very different lives. Crash Landing on You is the story of true love in its purest form, one that is worth the sacrifice and courage. It's a love story that will change viewers emotionally.
Release Date December 14, 2019
Creator(s) Lee Jung-hyo , Park Ji-eun
Cast Hyun Bin , Son Ye-jin , Seo Ji-hye , Kim Jung-hyun
Seasons 1
English (US) ·