by Korean dramas AKA K-dramas, have become increasingly popular in recent years. With their gripping storylines, complex characters, and stunning visuals, K-dramas have something to offer everyone.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the 25 best Korean dramas of all time (this is just the episode one). These dramas are all highly rated and critically acclaimed, and they represent the best of what K-dramas have to offer.
Whether you are a new fan of K-dramas or a seasoned pro, you are sure to find something to your liking on this list. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
NB: The list is in no particular order.
1. Reborn Rich
- Released Year: 2022
- Other Names: The Chaebol’s Youngest Son
- Director: Jung Dae-Yoon
- Writer: San Kyeong (web novel), Kim Tae-Hee
- Network: JTBC
- Episodes: 16
Reborn Rich is a 2022 South Korean drama based on the web novel “Chaeboljib Maknaeadeul” by San Kyeong. It stars Song Joong-Ki as Yoon Hyun-Woo, a man who is reborn as Jin Do-Joon, the youngest son of a wealthy chaebol family. The drama follows his journey as he tries to reclaim his rightful place in the family and avenge the death of his parents.
Reborn Rich is a well-made drama with a strong cast. Song Joong-Ki gives a charismatic performance as both Yoon Hyun-Woo and Jin Do-Joon, and Shin Hyun-Bin is also excellent as Seo Min-Yeong, the woman who helps him to achieve his goals. The supporting cast is also good, with Park Jinyoung, Lee Tae-Hwan, and Kim Ye-Won all giving solid performances.
The drama is fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers engaged. The revenge plot is well-developed, and the characters are all well-motivated. The drama also tackles some interesting themes, such as class inequality and the power of family.
Why you should watch Reborn Rich
- Strong cast
- Fast-paced and exciting
- Well-developed revenge plot
- Interesting themes
Who should watch Reborn Rich?
I would recommend Reborn Rich to fans of the revenge drama genre. It is a well-made and entertaining drama with a strong cast.
2. Crash Landing On You
- Other Name: Love’s Emergency Landing (literal title)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: December 14, 2019 – February 16, 2020
Crash Landing on You is a 2019 South Korean romantic comedy-drama television series starring Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin. It follows the story of Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean chaebol heiress who crash-lands in North Korea while paragliding. She is rescued by Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean army officer, and the two fall in love.
Crash Landing on You is a well-made and heartwarming drama with a strong cast. The chemistry between Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin is undeniable, and the supporting cast is also excellent. The drama is funny, romantic, and suspenseful, and it will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
3. Itaewon Class (2020)
- Network: JTBC
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: January 31 – March 21, 2020
Itaewon Class is a 2020 South Korean drama series starring Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, and Yoo Jae-myung. It follows the story of Park Sae-royi, a young man who is expelled from school and sent to prison for punching a bully. After his release, he sets out to open a restaurant in Itaewon, a district in Seoul known for its diversity.
Itaewon Class is a powerful and inspiring drama about overcoming adversity. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The drama also features some great action sequences and stunning visuals.
4. Goblin (2016)
- Other Name: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: December 2, 2016 – January 21, 2017
- Genre: Fantasy / Romance
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (also known as Goblin) is a 2016 South Korean fantasy romance drama series starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, and Yoo In-na. It follows the story of Kim Shin, a goblin who is immortal and cannot die. He meets Ji Eun-tak, a high school student who can see ghosts. The two form a bond and help each other to find their way in the world.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is a beautiful and moving drama with a unique premise.
5 Mr. Queen (2020)
- Other Name: No Touch Princess (early English title) or Queen Cheorin (literal title)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 20
- Release Date: December 12, 2020 – February 14, 2021
Mr. Queen is a 2020 South Korean historical comedy-drama television series starring Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun, and Seol In-ah. It follows the story of Jang Bong-hwan, a chef from modern-day Seoul who is possessed by the soul of Kim So-yong, the queen of Joseon. Bong-hwan/So-yong must adjust to life in the Joseon era while trying to keep her true identity a secret.
Mr. Queen is a hilarious and heartwarming drama with a unique premise. The characters are well-developed and the story is both funny and suspenseful.
6. Signal (2016)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: January 22 – March 12, 2016
Signal is a 2016 South Korean crime thriller drama series starring Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong. It follows the story of a detective who is able to communicate with a detective from the past through a walkie-talkie. The two detectives team up to solve cold cases.
With great action, Signal is a well-made and suspenseful drama with a unique premise. The characters are well-developed and the story is both intriguing and thought-provoking.
Signal is recommended for fans of crime thrillers and mystery dramas.
7. Vincenzo (2021)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 20
- Release Date: February 20 – May 2, 2021
Vincenzo is a 2021 South Korean black comedy crime drama series starring Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-bin, and Taecyeon. It follows the story of Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian mafia consigliere who returns to South Korea after his mentor is killed. He teams up with a lawyer to take down a corrupt corporation. Vincenzo is a stylish and action-packed drama with a dark sense of humor.
Vincenzo is recommended for fans of action dramas and dark comedies.
8.Reply 1988 (2015)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 20
- Release Date: November 6, 2015 – January 16, 2016
Reply 1988 is a 2015–2016 South Korean slice-of-life television series starring Lee Hyeri, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-pyo, Ryu Jun-yeol, and Lee Dong-hwi. It follows the story of five friends growing up in the neighborhood of Ssangmundong in Seoul during the 1980s.
Reply 1988 is a heartwarming and nostalgic drama that will make you laugh and cry. The characters are relatable and the story is both heartwarming and bittersweet. The drama also features some great performances from the cast.
Reply 1988 is recommended for fans of slice-of-life dramas and coming-of-age stories.
9. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow (2023)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 10
- Release Date: December 10, 2022 – January 8, 2023
A fantasy drama about two souls who are switched at birth and the consequences that follow. Jang Wook (Lee Jae-wook) is the heir to the Jang clan, a powerful family of shamans. He is cold and ruthless.
Mu-deok (Jung So-min) is a powerful shaman who is trapped in the body of a weak and clumsy woman. She is determined to find a way to regain her true form.
Alchemy of Souls is recommended for fans of fantasy dramas and romance dramas.
10. Jirisan (2021)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: October 23 – December 12, 2021
Jirisan is a 2021 South Korean mystery thriller drama series starring Jun Ji-hyun and Joo Ji-hoon. It follows the story of Seo Yi-kang, a ranger at Mount Jirisan, and Kang Hyun-jo, a former police officer who joins the park ranger service. The two team up to investigate a series of mysterious deaths on the mountain.
Jirisan is recommended for fans of mystery thrillers and suspense dramas.
11. Sky Castle (2018)
- Network: JTBC
- Episodes: 20
- Release Date: November 23, 2018 – February 1, 2019
Sky Castle is a 2018 South Korean satirical black comedy drama series starring Kim Seo-hyung, Kim So-yeon, Yoon Se-ah, Lee Ji-ah, Oh Na-ra, and Kim Tae-ri. It follows the story of four wealthy families who live in Sky Castle, an elite neighborhood in Seoul. The families are all vying for their children to get into the best universities.
Sky Castle is recommended for fans of dark comedies and social commentary dramas.
12. Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 2 (2021)
- Network: TV Chosun
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: June 12 – August 8, 2021
Love ft. Marriage and Divorce is a South Korean television series starring Sung Hoon, Lee Ga-ryeong, Park Joo-mi, and Jeon Soo-jin. It is a sequel to the 2020 series Love ft. Marriage and Divorce. The series premiered on Netflix on June 12, 2022.
The drama follows the lives of three women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who are going through marital problems. The first season focused on the women’s individual stories, while the second season explores the aftermath of their divorces.
The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of marriage and divorce. It has also been criticized for its excessive melodrama.
Who should watch?
- Fans of Korean dramas about marriage and divorce.
- Viewers who enjoy realistic and emotionally intense dramas.
- People who are interested in learning more about Korean culture.
Plot:
The second season of Love ft. Marriage and Divorce picks up where the first season left off. The three women, Song Won-ju (Lee Ga-ryeong), Lee Si-eun (Jeon Soo-jin), and Boo Hye-ryung (Park Joo-mi), are now divorced and trying to rebuild their lives.
Song Won-ju is struggling to raise her two children on her own. She is also dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s infidelity. Lee Si-eun is trying to find her way in the world after her divorce. She is also dealing with the death of her father. Boo Hye-ryung is trying to move on from her divorce, but she is still haunted by her ex-husband’s abuse.
The three women find support in each other as they navigate the challenges of divorce. They also learn to stand up for themselves and fight for what they want.
13. Hospital Playlist (2020)
- Other Name: Wise Doctor Life
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 12
- Release Date: March 12 – May 28, 2020
Hospital Playlist is a 2020–2021 South Korean medical drama series starring Jo Jung-suk, Jung Kyung-ho, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do. It follows the story of five doctors who are best friends and also colleagues at Yulje Medical Center. The drama explores the doctors’ personal and professional lives as they work together to save lives.
Hospital Playlist is recommended for fans of medical dramas and ensemble casts.
14. Encounter (2018)
- Other title: Boyfriend
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: November 28, 2018 – January 24, 2019
Encounter is a 2018 South Korean romantic drama series starring Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum. It follows the story of Cha Soo-hyun, a divorced businesswoman, and Kim Jin-hyeok, a free-spirited man who works as a tour guide. The two meet in Cuba and fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by their different social backgrounds.
Encounter is recommended for fans of romantic dramas and beautiful visuals.
15. Memories of the Alhambra (2018)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: December 1, 2018 – January 20, 2019
Memories of the Alhambra is a 2018 South Korean fantasy mystery thriller drama series starring Hyun Bin and Park Shin-hye. It follows the story of Yoo Jin-woo, a CEO of a successful investment company, who travels to Granada, Spain to investigate a new augmented reality (AR) game. He meets Jung Hee-joo, a hostel owner who helps him to solve the mystery behind the game.
Memories of the Alhambra is recommended for fans of fantasy dramas, mystery thrillers, and action dramas.
16. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)
- Other title: Strong Girl Bong-Soon
- Network: JTBC
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: February 24 – April 15, 2017
About the Drama: Strong Girl Bong-Soon
Strong Girl Bong-Soon (Korean: 힘쎈여자 도봉순; RR: Himssenyeo Dobongsoon) is a 2017 South Korean television series starring Park Bo-Young, Park Hyung-Sik, and Ji Soo. It aired on JTBC from July 24 to September 14, 2017.
The series follows the story of Do Bong-Soon (Park Bo-Young), a woman who possesses superhuman strength. She uses her strength to help people and to fulfill her dream of becoming a webtoon author.
Plot:
Do Bong-Soon is a 21-year-old woman who has superhuman strength. She inherited her strength from her mother and grandmother. Bong-Soon has always used her strength to help people, but she has kept her secret from everyone.
One day, Bong-Soon meets Ahn Min-Hyuk (Park Hyung-Sik), the CEO of a gaming company. Min-Hyuk is impressed by Bong-Soon’s strength and asks her to become his bodyguard. Bong-Soon agrees, and she begins to work for Min-Hyuk.
Bong-Soon also meets In Guk-Doo (Ji Soo), a police officer who is investigating a series of kidnappings. Bong-Soon and In Guk-Doo work together to solve the kidnappings, and they begin to develop feelings for each other.
Who should watch Strong Girl Boong Soon?
- Fans of Korean dramas about superheroes.
- Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies.
- People who are looking for a feel-good drama.
Here are some of the things that people liked about the drama:
- Park Bo-Young’s performance as Bong-Soon.
- The chemistry between Park Bo-Young and Park Hyung-Sik.
- The humor in the drama.
- The action sequences.
17. King the Land (2023)
- Network: JTBC
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: June 17 – August 6, 2023
About the korean drama King The Land
King the Land (Korean: 킹더랜드; RR: Kingdeoraendeu) is a 2023 South Korean television series starring Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah. It premiered on JTBC on June 17, 2023, and airs every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 (KST). It will also be available for streaming on TVING in South Korea and on Netflix in selected regions.
The drama tells the story of Goo Won (Lee Jun-ho), the heir to the King Group, a luxury hotel conglomerate. Goo Won is a genius with a cold personality. He is also a perfectionist who is always striving for the best.
Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah) is a hotelier who is always smiling. She is kind and cheerful, and she always tries to see the best in people.
Goo Won and Cheon Sa-rang meet when Cheon Sa-rang starts working at the King Hotel. They are initially at odds, but they eventually start to fall in love.
Who should watch King The Land?
- Fans of Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah.
- Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies.
- People who are interested in the hotel industry dramas.
Here are some of the things that people liked about the drama:
- The chemistry between Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah.
- The humor in the drama.
- The visuals of the drama.
- The story of the drama.
18. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 24
- Release Date: July 7 – September 30, 2018
About the drama Mr. Sunshine
Mr. Sunshine (Korean: 미스터 션샤인; RR: Miseuteo Shunshain) is a 2018 South Korean television series starring Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-ha, and Byun Yo-han. It aired on tvN from July 7 to September 30, 2018.
The drama is set in the late 19th century and tells the story of Eugene Choi (Lee Byung-hun), a Korean-American who returns to Joseon (Korea) as a U.S. Marine Corps officer. He falls in love with Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), a Joseon aristocrat who is fighting for Korea’s independence.
Who should watch?
- Fans of historical dramas.
- Viewers who enjoy romance dramas.
- People who are interested in Korean independence movement related dramas.
Plot:
Eugene Choi is a Korean-American who was adopted by an American family after his parents were killed during the U.S. expedition to Joseon in 1871. He returns to Joseon as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, but he is conflicted about his identity. He is torn between his American upbringing and his Korean heritage.
Go Ae-shin is a Joseon aristocrat who is fighting for Korea’s independence. She is a skilled marksman and a member of a secret society that is dedicated to overthrowing the Joseon government.
Eugene and Go Ae-shin meet when Eugene saves Go Ae-shin from being attacked. They are initially at odds, but they eventually fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by their different backgrounds and their different goals.
19. The World Of The Married
- Other title: Couple’s World (literal title)
- Network: JTBC
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: March 27 – May 16, 2020
About the drama: The World Of The Married
The World of the Married (Korean: 부부의 세계; RR: Boobbooui Sekye) is a 2020 South Korean television series starring Kim Hee-Ae, Park Hae-Joon, Han So-hee, Park Sun-young, and Kim Young-min. It aired on JTBC from March 27 to May 16, 2020.
The drama is a remake of the British television series Doctor Foster (2015). It tells the story of Ji Sun-woo (Kim Hee-Ae), a family medicine doctor who is betrayed by her husband, Lee Tae-Oh (Park Hae-Joon).
Who should watch?
- Fans of suspenseful dramas.
- Viewers who enjoy marital affairs.
- People who are interested in Korean culture.
Plot:
Ji Sun-woo is a successful family medicine doctor. She is married to Lee Tae-Oh, a director of an entertainment company. They have a son together. Sun-woo seems to have everything, including a successful career and a happy family, but she is betrayed by her husband.
Tae-Oh has been having an affair with a younger woman named Yeo Da-Kyung (Han So-hee). Sun-woo is devastated when she finds out about the affair. She decides to take revenge on Tae-Oh and Da-Kyung.
The drama explores the dark side of marriage and infidelity. It shows how betrayal can destroy a family and a person’s sense of self.
20. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
- Other title: Seaside Village Chachacha
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
Hometown Cha Cha Cha is a 2021 South Korean romantic comedy-drama series starring Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho. It follows the story of Yoon Hye-jin, a dentist who moves to the seaside village of Gongjin, and Hong Doo-shik, a jack-of-all-trades who helps out the locals. The two fall in love while helping each other through their personal problems.
Hometown Cha Cha Cha is recommended for fans of heartwarming dramas and feel-good stories.
21. Hotel del Luna (2019)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: July 13 – September 1, 2019
About Hotel Del Luna
Hotel Del Luna is a fantasy drama about a hotel that caters to ghosts. The drama is visually stunning and has a unique premise, and it has been praised for its heartwarming story and charming characters.
Drama Plot
Jang Man-wol (IU) is the CEO of Hotel Del Luna, a hotel that caters to ghosts. Man-wol is a centuries-old ghost who is cursed to run the hotel for all eternity. She is joined by Goo Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-goo), a human who becomes the hotel manager. As Chan-sung and Man-wol work together, they learn to let go of their pasts and find redemption.
Hotel Del Luna is a visually stunning drama with a unique premise. The characters are charming, and the story is heartwarming.
22. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: February 12 – April 3, 2022
About Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a coming-of-age drama about two young people who fall in love in the 1990s. The drama is heartwarming and nostalgic, and it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of friendship and first love.
Drama Plot
Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) is a fencing prodigy who dreams of competing in the Olympics. Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) is a former fencing prodigy who lost his family’s fortune during the IMF crisis. Hee-do and Yi-jin meet in 1998 and become friends. As they grow up, they fall in love and support each other through their personal and professional struggles.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a sweet and heartwarming drama. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a feel-good show to watch.
23. The Uncanny Counter (2021)
- Other title: Amazing Rumor
- Network: OCN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: November 28, 2020 – January 24, 2021
About the Uncanny Counter
The Uncanny Counter is a supernatural drama about a group of demon hunters who work at a noodle restaurant. The drama is action-packed and suspenseful, and it has been praised for its unique concept and likable characters.
Drama plot
Four people with special abilities work as counters at a noodle restaurant. The counters are able to see and fight evil spirits, and they use their abilities to help people who have been possessed by evil spirits. The four counters are: So Mun (Joo Ji-hoon), a teenage boy who was possessed by an evil spirit but was saved by the counters; Ga Mo-tak (Yu Jun-sang), a former police officer who was killed in the line of duty but was revived by the counters; Do Ha-na (Kim Se-jeong), a former prosecutor who was killed by an evil spirit but was revived by the counters; and Choi Jang-mool (Yoo Jae-myung), the owner of the noodle restaurant and the leader of the counters.
The Uncanny Counter is a lot of fun. The action scenes are well-choreographed, and the characters are all likable.
24. Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) (2021)
- Other title: Marriage Lyrics and Divorce Music
- Network: TV Chosun
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: January 23 – March 14, 2021
About Love ft. Marriage & Divorce
Love ft. Marriage & Divorce is a makjang drama that tells the story of three women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who are all going through marital problems. The drama is full of twists and turns, and it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of marriage and divorce.
Drama Plot
Three women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are all going through marital problems. Ji Sun-woo (Kim Hee-ae) is a successful lawyer who is married to a successful doctor, Lee Tae-oh (Park Hae-joon). Song Won-jeong (Lee Ga-ryeong) is a housewife who is married to a high school teacher, Park Hae-ryun (Jeon No-min). Boo Hye-ryung (Park Joo-mi) is a successful businesswoman who is married to a chef, Sa Pi-young (Kim Sun-kyun). As the women navigate their marital problems, they discover that they are not alone and that they can find strength in each other.
Love ft. Marriage & Divorce is a wild ride from start to finish. If you’re looking for a drama that will keep you guessing, this is the one for you.
25. Stranger 2 (2020)
- Network: tvN
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: August 15 – October 4, 2020
About Stranger 2
Stranger 2 is a sequel to the popular 2017 drama Stranger. It stars Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona as two prosecutors who team up to investigate a series of mysterious deaths. The drama is known for its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and suspenseful atmosphere.
Stranger 2 Plot
When a series of mysterious deaths occur, two prosecutors, Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo) and Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona), team up to investigate. Si-mok is a cold and logical prosecutor who lacks emotions, while Yeo-jin is a warm and compassionate prosecutor who is driven by her emotions. As they investigate the cases, they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens to upend the entire justice system.
Stranger 2 is a must-watch for fans of the first season. The plot is even more complex and suspenseful this time around, and the characters are even more well-developed.
