Top 10 Korean Dramas You Must Watch: A Perfect Mix of Genres

In recent years, Korean dramas (K-dramas) have been showcasing their dominance across the globe. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just dipping your toes into this world of emotional highs and heartfelt moments, there’s something magical about how Korean dramas resonate universally. From tales of timeless love and friendship to gripping sagas of revenge and redemption, K-dramas revolve across various genres.

Here’s a carefully curated list of the ten best Korean dramas that have left an indelible mark on audiences. So, sit at your favorite corner and prepare to be swept away into the vibrant and emotional world of K-drama storytelling.

List of Best Korean Dramas

1: Business Proposal

Date of Release: February 28, 2022 – April 5, 2022

Director: Park Seon-ho

Lead Cast:

• Ahn Hyo-seop
• Kim Se-jeong
• Kim Min-kyu
• Seol In-ah

Number of Episodes: 12

Network: SBS TV

A Business Proposal, one of the best Korean dramas, is a delightful romantic comedy-drama based on a popular webtoon. The story follows Shin Ha-ri, an employee who agrees to go on a blind date in place of her friend, just to discover that her date is none other than her own boss. The drama captivated audiences with its unique sense of humor and relatable portrayal of workplace dynamics, adding depth to the character’s personal and professional lives.

During its television run, the show achieved remarkable commercial success, peaking in its ninth episode with record-high ratings. Its release on Netflix further expanded its global appeal, reaching number six on the platform’s weekly viewership chart for non-English TV shows.

2: Itaewon Class

Date of Release: January 31, 2020 – March 21, 2020

Director: Kim Seong-yoon

Lead Cast:

• Park Seo-joon
• Kim Da-mi
• Yoo Jae-myung
• Kwon Nara

Number of Episodes: 16

Network: JTBC

Itaewon Class is a gripping drama adapted from a webtoon of the same name, weaving a tale of resilience, ambition, and justice. The drama centers on Park Sae-ro-yi, an ex-convict determined to rebuild his life by establishing a street bar in the vibrant neighborhood of Itaewon, all while seeking revenge against the powerful family responsible for his father’s tragic death.

The drama earned widespread acclaim for its bold and realistic exploration of societal issues, such as prejudice against foreigners, discrimination faced by ex-convicts, and the unchecked privilege of chaebols.

Its impact was undeniable, with Itaewon Class becoming the #1 most-searched drama and entertainment program in South Korea in 2020, according to Google Trends.

3: Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Date of Release: February 12, 2022 – April 3, 2022

Director: Jung Ji-hyun

Lead Cast:

• Kim Tae-ri
• Nam Joo-hyuk
• Kim Ji-yeon
• Choi Hyun-wook
• Lee Joo-myung

Number of Episodes: 16

Network: tvN

Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a romantic and coming-of-age drama that spans decades, tracing the intertwined lives of five characters from 1998 to 2021. At its core is the story of Na Hui-do, a spirited teen fencer with big dreams, and Baek Yi-jin, a determined young man working to rebuild his life after hardships. Their journey begins when they meet at ages 18 and 22, eventually blossoming into a tender love at 21 and 25.

The drama achieved commercial success with its nostalgic charm, vividly recreating the 1990s through its retro-inspired props, fashion, and locations. This sentimental vibe resonated deeply, making Twenty-Five Twenty-One a commercial triumph.

4: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Date of Release: August 28, 2021 – October 17, 2021

Director: Yoo Je-won

Lead Cast:

• Shin Min-a
• Kim Seon-ho
• Lee Sang-yi

Number of Episodes: 16

Network: tvN

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a heartwarming romantic comedy and slice-of-life drama, reimagined from the 2004 South Korean film Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong. The drama follows Yoon Hye-jin, a pragmatic dentist who opens a clinic in a serene seaside village, where she encounters Hong Du-sik, a charming and resourceful local jack-of-all-trades. Despite their stark differences, the two gradually build a touching romance against the backdrop of picturesque coastal life.

Praised for its simplicity, stellar performances, and breathtaking cinematography, the drama resonated deeply with viewers. It dominated ratings throughout its run, ranking first for eight consecutive weeks, with its final episode achieving a 12.665% nationwide rating and drawing over 3.2 million viewers. Furthermore, its global release on Netflix cemented its status as one of the platform’s most-watched non-English television shows, making Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, one of the best Korean dramas.

5: The Uncanny Counter

Date of Release: November 28, 2020 – September 3, 2023

Director: Yoo Seon-dong and Park Bong-seop

Lead Cast:

• Jo Byeong-kyu
• Yoo Jun-sang
• Kim Se-jeong
• Yeom Hye-ran
• Ahn Suk-hwan
• Yoo In-soo

Number of Episodes: 28

Network: OCN (Season 1) and tvN (Season 2)

The Uncanny Counter is an electrifying Korean drama adapted from the Kakao Webtoon, combining elements of fantasy, mystery, thriller, and action. The story centers on So Mun, a disabled high school student who joins the Counters, a group of paranormal hunters tasked with capturing evil spirits that escape the afterlife to prey on the living.

The drama captivated audiences worldwide with its unique premise, thrilling action sequences, and heartfelt character development. Its blend of genres and compelling storytelling made it a standout success, earning it the highest ratings in OCN history. It’s also available on Netflix.

6: Start-Up

Date of Release: October 17, 2020 – December 6, 2020

Director: Oh Chung-hwan

Lead Cast:

• Bae Suzy
• Nam Joo-hyuk
• Kim Seon-ho
• Kang Han-na

Number of Episodes: 16

Network: tvN

Start-Up is an inspiring and heartwarming Korean drama set in the high-stakes world of startup companies. The drama follows Seo Dal-mi, a determined young woman aspiring to become a successful entrepreneur. Her journey unfolds amidst a compelling love triangle involving two men—one who is secretly her first love and another pretending to be. Balancing romantic drama, comedy, and slice-of-life moments, Start-Up explores the challenges of chasing dreams while navigating personal relationships.

The show’s blend of ambition and emotion struck a chord with viewers, earning accolades from critics and fans alike. The South China Morning Post ranked it #10 among the top K-dramas of 2020, while Teen Vogue featured it in their list of the 11 Best K-dramas of the year.

7: What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim

Date of Release: June 6, 2018 – July 26, 2018

Director: Park Joon-hwa

Lead Cast:

• Park Seo-joon
• Park Min-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Network: tvN

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a romantic comedy based on Jung Kyung-yoon’s 2013 novel, later adapted into a popular webtoon by Kakao Page in 2015. The story revolves around Lee Young-joon, the self-assured vice-chairman of a major corporation whose world is turned upside down when his dedicated secretary (Kim Mi-so) chooses to resign after nine years of service. Determined to change her mind, Lee Young-joon embarks on an amusing and heartfelt journey to win her back.

It is one of the best Korean dramas that stands out for its visually appealing approach, with costume designs and aesthetics closely mirroring the webtoon’s iconic cover art. The promotional stills and vibrant imagery further captivated audiences, adding to the show’s immense popularity and making it a fan favorite in the romantic comedy genre.

8: Nevertheless

Date of Release: June 19, 2021 – August 21, 2021

Director: Kim Ga-ram

Lead Cast:

• Han So-hee
• Song Kang

Number of Episodes: 10

Network: JTBC

Nevertheless is a romantic drama based on a webtoon of the same name, originally published on Naver Webtoon. The drama delves into the uncertain romance between Yoo Na-bi, a heartbroken woman trying to heal from her past, and Park Jae-eon, a charming yet commitment-phobic man who complicates her emotional journey.

The drama garnered widespread attention and excitement for its open and relatable approach, allowing viewers to lose themselves in a romance that feels both authentic and escapist. Available on Netflix, each episode captures the ups and downs of an intense, fairy-tale-like relationship that speaks to many.

9: Queen of Tears

Date of Release: March 9, 2024 – April 28, 2024

Director: Jang Young-woo

Lead Cast:

• Kim Soo-hyun
• Kim Ji-won
• Park Sung-hoon
• Kwak Dong-yeon
• Lee Joo-bin

Number of Episodes: 16 + 2 special

Network: tvN

Queen of Tears is a romantic comedy television drama that depicts the story of a married couple in a crisis. The drama is also available on TVING in South Korea and on Netflix. It has reached a nationwide rating of 24.850% for its final episode and became the highest-rated tvN drama.

Queen of Tears became the third-highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history in viewership ratings and the second-highest by viewer count. The drama ranked seventh on Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV Non-English category. According to Netflix’s biannual Engagement Report, Queen of Tears became the most-watched K-drama of all time on Netflix, with 682.6 million hours viewed in total.

10: Squid Game

Date of Release: September 17, 2021 – Present

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk

Lead Cast:

• Lee Jung-jae
• Park Hae-soo
• Wi Ha-joon
• HoYeon Jung
• O Yeong-su
• Heo Sung-tae
• Anupam Tripathi
• Kim Joo-ryoung

Number of Episodes: 9

Network: Netflix

Squid Game is a thriller horror television drama that centers on a secret contest where 456 financially struggling players risk their lives by participating in a deadly series of children’s games, all for a chance to win a staggering 45.6 billion won. The title of the series is inspired by a popular Korean children’s game of the same name.

The show became Netflix’s most-watched drama, surpassing Bridgerton as the platform’s most-watched program in 94 countries. In its first four weeks, it attracted over 142 million member households and garnered 1.65 billion viewing hours. Squid Game has not only captivated audiences globally but has also earned numerous awards, cementing its status as one of the best Korean dramas of all time.