30 Must-watch Korean Drama Series | Top K-dramas

Are you obsessed with K-dramas. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama (Korean drama series) enthusiast or a newbie looking for some binge-worthy content, we’ve got you covered. From heart-wrenching romances to thrilling mysteries, Korean dramas have a way of captivating audiences like no other. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to be hooked from the very first episode!

List of 30 Must-watch Korean Drama series | Top K-dramas

1: Love to Hate You

“Love to Hate You” is a Korean drama that aired in 2021. It follows the story of Oh Eun-sung, a successful CEO who has everything in life except for love. When she meets a quirky but talented game developer named Kang Tae-mu, their initial encounters are marked by conflict and animosity. However, as they are forced to work together on a project, their relationship begins to evolve, leading to unexpected feelings and complications. The drama explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. Have you watched it?

Also read: Top 10 Most Handsome Korean Film Actors

2: Stranger

“Stranger,” also known as “Secret Forest,” is a critically acclaimed Korean drama that premiered in 2017. It’s a gripping crime thriller centered around the investigation of a murder case and the uncovering of corruption within the police force and prosecutor’s office. The story follows the reserved prosecutor Hwang Si-mok, played by Cho Seung-woo, who teams up with the passionate police lieutenant Han Yeo-jin, played by Bae Doona, to solve the case.

3: Boys Over Flowers

“Boys Over Flowers” is a beloved Korean drama based on the Japanese manga “Hana Yori Dango.” It aired in 2009 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, not only in South Korea but also internationally. The series follows Geum Jan-di, a brave and kind-hearted girl from a poor family, who receives a scholarship to attend an elite high school dominated by the rich and powerful. There, she encounters the F4, a group of four wealthy and handsome boys who rule the school and are known for their arrogance and aloofness. Among them is Gu Jun-pyo, the leader of F4, played by Lee Min-ho, who initially clashes with Jan-di but later finds himself falling for her.

4: Black Knight

“Black Knight” is a fantasy romance Korean drama that aired in 2017-2018. The story revolves around a man named Moon Soo-ho, played by Kim Rae-won, who is a successful businessman with a tragic past. He encounters a woman named Jung Hae-ra, played by Shin Se-kyung, who works at a travel agency. Their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways when Soo-ho discovers a mysterious sword that connects him to a past life.

5: Descendants Of The Sun

“Descendants of the Sun” is a wildly popular Korean drama that aired in 2016. It tells the story of Captain Yoo Shi-jin, a skilled soldier played by Song Joong-ki, and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon, an intelligent and compassionate surgeon played by Song Hye-kyo. They meet in the fictional war-torn country of Urk, where Shi-jin is stationed as part of a peacekeeping mission and Mo-yeon is on a medical mission.

6: Untouchable

“Untouchable” is a Korean drama that aired in 2017-2018. The story revolves around the Jang family, one of the most influential families in the fictional city of Bukcheon. The drama begins with the murder of the mayor, which sets off a chain of events that expose the dark secrets and power struggles within the Jang family.

The series follows the eldest son of the Jang family, Jang Joon-seo, played by Jin Goo, who is determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s death and protect his family. Along the way, he teams up with a detective named Gu Tak, played by Kim Sung-kyun, who is also investigating the case.

7: Watcher

“Watcher” is a South Korean television series (Korean drama) that aired in 2019. It’s a gripping thriller that revolves around a group of people whose lives become intertwined as they seek justice and uncover corruption within the police force and prosecutor’s office.

The story follows three individuals: Do Chi-gwang, a former police officer played by Han Suk-kyu, Kim Young-goon, a police officer played by Seo Kang-joon, and Han Tae-joo, a prosecutor played by Kim Hyun-joo. Together, they form an unconventional team to investigate a series of mysterious events and unsolved cases.

8: The Legend of the Blue Sea

“The Legend of the Blue Sea” is a Korean drama that aired in 2016-2017. It stars Lee Min-ho as Heo Joon-jae, a skilled con artist in the modern era, and Jun Ji-hyun as Shim Cheong, a mermaid from the Joseon era who finds herself transported to the present day.

The drama intertwines two parallel storylines: one set in the present day, where Joon-jae and Cheong meet and develop a complicated relationship, and another set in the Joseon era, which reveals the backstory of Cheong’s past. As Joon-jae and Cheong navigate their feelings for each other, they must also confront various obstacles, including enemies from Cheong’s past and secrets from Joon-jae’s own history.

9: Happiness

“Happiness” is indeed a Korean drama series. The drama revolves around the lives of people who work at a publishing company. It follows their journey as they face various challenges and strive to find happiness in both their personal and professional lives.

The main characters include Yoon Sae-bom (played by Han Hyo-joo), a rookie editor with a positive attitude; Kim Jeong-woo (played by Park Hyung-sik), a talented writer with a troubled past; and Han Tae-sung (played by Jo Woo-jin), the chief editor who is determined to save the struggling publishing company.

10: The Ghost Detective

“The Ghost Detective” is a Korean drama series that aired from September to November 2018. The story follows Lee Da-il, a private detective played by Choi Daniel, who possesses the ability to see ghosts. He teams up with Jung Yeo-wool, a cheerful and tenacious detective played by Park Eun-bin, to solve mysterious cases involving supernatural elements.

As they delve into various paranormal incidents, they uncover dark secrets and confront vengeful spirits. Along the way, they also encounter a mysterious woman named Sunwoo Hye, played by Lee Ji-ah, who seems to have a connection to Da-il’s past.

11: Squid Game

“Squid Game” is a highly acclaimed Korean drama series that premiered on Netflix in September 2021. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series quickly became a global sensation. It follows the story of a group of financially struggling individuals who are invited to participate in a mysterious and deadly survival game called “Squid Game” for the chance to win a massive cash prize.

The contestants, who are all facing desperate circumstances in their lives, must compete in a series of children’s games with deadly consequences for failure. As the games progress, they are forced to confront their darkest fears and make difficult moral choices in order to survive.

12: All of Us Are Dead

“All of Us Are Dead” is a South Korean drama series that premiered on Netflix in January 2022. Based on the webtoon “Now at Our School,” the series is set in a high school that becomes the epicenter of a zombie outbreak. As the infection spreads rapidly, a group of students must band together to survive and navigate the dangers both inside and outside the school.

The series explores themes of friendship, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It combines elements of horror, suspense, and coming-of-age drama, offering a fresh take on the zombie genre.

13: The Silent Sea

“The Silent Sea” is a South Korean (Korean drama) sci-fi mystery thriller series that premiered on Netflix in December 2021. The story is set in a future dystopian world where Earth is suffering from severe water shortages. To find a solution, a team of researchers is sent to a research facility located on the moon’s surface. Their mission is to retrieve mysterious samples from an abandoned lunar base.

As the team embarks on their mission, they encounter various challenges and mysteries surrounding the lunar base, including hidden agendas, dangerous secrets, and unexpected threats. The series delves into themes of survival, humanity, and the consequences of scientific exploration.

14: Mr. Sunshine

“Mr. Sunshine” is a South Korean television series (Korean drama) that aired in 2018. It was written by renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, the same duo behind the popular dramas “Goblin” and “Descendants of the Sun.” Set during the late 19th century, the drama tells the story of Eugene Choi (played by Lee Byung-hun), a Korean-born American soldier who returns to his homeland as part of the United States Marine Corps expedition to Korea.

Eugene encounters Go Ae-shin (played by Kim Tae-ri), a noblewoman and sniper for the righteous army, and they become intertwined in the struggles of the time, including the resistance against Japanese imperialism. The drama explores themes of love, patriotism, and identity against the backdrop of historical events such as the Shinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea) and the Donghak Peasant Revolution.

15: Love Alarm

“Love Alarm” is a South Korean drama series based on the webtoon of the same name by Chon Kye-young. The series premiered on Netflix in August 2019. Set in a fictional world where a mobile app called “Love Alarm” alerts users if someone within a 10-meter radius has romantic feelings for them, the story revolves around the lives of three main characters: Kim Jo-jo (played by Kim So-hyun), Hwang Sun-oh (played by Song Kang), and Lee Hye-young (played by Jung Ga-ram).

Kim Jo-jo is a high school student who finds herself caught in a love triangle between the popular and wealthy Sun-oh and his loyal and caring friend Hye-young. As the Love Alarm app becomes increasingly popular, it affects their relationships and complicates matters of the heart.

16: Sweet Home

“Sweet Home” is a South Korean horror thriller series (Korean drama) based on the webtoon of the same name by Kim Kan-bi and Hwang Young-chan. The series premiered on Netflix in December 2020. It follows the story of Cha Hyun-soo (played by Song Kang), a reclusive high school student who moves into a rundown apartment building after the death of his family.

However, Hyun-soo soon discovers that his new home is not as ordinary as it seems. The residents of the building are plagued by terrifying monsters that represent their deepest fears and desires. As the apocalypse unfolds outside, the residents must band together to survive and uncover the mysteries behind the monstrous invasion.

17: Hello, Me!

“Hello, Me!” is a South Korean television series (Korean drama) that aired in 2021. It is based on the webtoon “Annyeong? Naya!” by Kim Hye-jung. The drama follows the story of Ban Ha-ni (played by Choi Kang-hee), a 37-year-old woman who feels stuck in life and regrets her past decisions.

One day, Ha-ni encounters her 17-year-old self, played by Lee Re, who mysteriously appears in front of her. This younger version of herself is vibrant, energetic, and full of dreams. Together, the two Hani’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, as they learn from each other and confront their past and present selves.

18: Kingdom

“Kingdom” is a South Korean television series (Korean drama) that premiered on Netflix in January 2019. It is a historical horror thriller set in Korea’s Joseon period. Created by Kim Eun-hee and directed by Kim Seong-hun, “Kingdom” is based on the webcomic series “The Kingdom of the Gods” by Kim Eun-hee.

The story is set in the late 16th century and revolves around a mysterious plague that turns people into flesh-eating monsters. Crown Prince Lee Chang, played by Ju Ji-hoon, becomes embroiled in a political conspiracy surrounding the spread of the disease. As he investigates, he uncovers dark secrets and battles both human and supernatural foes to save his kingdom.

19: My First First Love

“My First First Love” is a South Korean drama series that premiered on Netflix in April 2019. It follows the story of five friends who navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and adulthood as they experience their first romantic relationships.

The main characters include Yoon Tae-oh (played by Ji Soo), a college student who unexpectedly finds himself living with his childhood friend Han Song-yi (played by Jung Chae-yeon) after she is kicked out of her house. As Tae-oh and Song-yi navigate their changing relationship, they become entangled with their other friends, including the ambitious and hardworking Seo Do-hyun (played by Jung Jin-young), the free-spirited Choi Hoon (played by Kang Tae-oh), and the quirky and lovable Oh Ga-rin (played by Choi Ri).

20: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama series (Korean drama) that aired in 2021. It stars Shin Min-a as Yoon Hye-jin, a pragmatic and ambitious dentist who moves to the seaside village of Gongjin to start a new life after facing setbacks in Seoul. There, she encounters Hong Doo-sik, played by Kim Seon-ho, a jack-of-all-trades known for his kindness and helpfulness.

As Hye-jin settles into her new life in Gongjin, she forms a close bond with Doo-sik and the quirky residents of the village. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of life, form friendships, and discover the true meaning of community and love.

21: Under the Queen’s Umbrella

“Under the Queen’s Umbrella” is a South Korean historical drama series (Korean drama) that aired in 2022. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the drama follows the story of a noblewoman named Jo Joon-hyang (played by Lee Ji-ah), who rises to power as the queen dowager and becomes a powerful political figure in the royal court.

As Jo Joon-hyang navigates the complex and often treacherous world of palace politics, she faces various challenges and adversaries who seek to undermine her influence. Along the way, she forms alliances, outmaneuvers her enemies, and protects her family and the throne.

22: The Fabulous

It’s a tale of individuals immersed in the fashion world, battling to carve their place and endure its challenges. Ji Woo-Min (played by Minho) operates as a freelance photo retoucher, enhancing images with skill and charm. Though proficient, he lacks passion both in his profession and in matters of the heart.

Pyo Ji-Eun (portrayed by Chae Soo-Bin) has harbored dreams of a career in fashion since childhood. As the section chief of a luxury brand promotion agency, she grapples with the demands of the industry. Yet, buoyed by her sunny disposition and unwavering positivity, she persists amidst the struggle.

23: The King: Eternal Monarch

“The King: Eternal Monarch” is a South Korean television series (Korean drama) that aired in 2020. It is a fantasy romance drama created by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, known for her work on popular dramas like “Descendants of the Sun” and “Goblin.”

The story revolves around two parallel universes: the Kingdom of Corea, a constitutional monarchy, and the Republic of Korea, a modern democracy. Emperor Lee Gon, played by Lee Min-ho, of the Kingdom of Corea, discovers a mysterious portal that leads him to the Republic of Korea. There, he meets Detective Jung Tae-eul, played by Kim Go-eun, and they become entangled in a complex web of politics, power, and destiny.

24: Behind Every Star

“Behind Every Star” is a South Korean drama series that aired in 2021. The drama revolves around the lives of several individuals who work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry to support and propel the careers of Korean celebrities.

The main characters include managers, stylists, makeup artists, and other staff members who play crucial roles in the success of their clients. As they navigate the challenges and pressures of their jobs, they form close bonds and confront personal and professional dilemmas.

25: Crash Course in Romance

“Crash Course in Romance” is a South Korean drama series that aired in 2021. The drama follows the story of Lee Min-kyu, a handsome and successful CEO of a matchmaking company, and Yoon Song-ah, a talented photographer who struggles with romantic relationships.

When Min-kyu’s business faces a crisis, he decides to hire Song-ah as his personal dating coach to help him improve his romantic skills and save his company. As they spend more time together, they develop a close bond and start to discover unexpected feelings for each other.

26: Trolley

Nam Joong-Do and Kim Hye-Joo are married. Nam Joong-Do is a member of the National Assembly and wants to help people. Kim Hye-Joo runs a shop fixing books. She has a secret that even her husband doesn’t know. Kim Hye-Joo just wants a calm life. Even though her husband is a politician, she doesn’t want attention from the media. But because of a situation, Kim Hye-Joo’s secret gets out to the public.

27: Extraordinary Attorney Woo

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” was a TV show (Korean drama) that aired on the new Korean channel ENA from June 29 to August 18, 2022. It later became available on Netflix. The show is about a lawyer with autism and shows different parts of Korean life. In August 2022, it became the most loved K-drama in a Korean Gallup poll, breaking a record.

28: Alchemy of Souls

“Alchemy of Souls” is a unique South Korean drama that delves into the mystical world of alchemy and its intersection with human emotions and relationships. The series explores the journey of individuals who discover the power of alchemy and its transformative effects on their lives.

As they delve deeper into the mysteries of alchemy, the characters grapple with their own inner demons, confront past traumas, and forge new connections with each other. Through their experiences, they learn valuable lessons about love, redemption, and the true nature of the human soul.

29: Once Upon a Small Town

“Once Upon a Small Town” is a heartwarming South Korean drama that takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the lives of ordinary people in a small town. Set against the backdrop of a quaint and close-knit community, the series follows the interconnected stories of various characters as they navigate life’s joys and challenges.

From budding romances to lifelong friendships, from family bonds to personal growth, “Once Upon a Small Town” captures the essence of everyday life in a charming and relatable way. Through its well-developed characters and heartfelt storytelling, the drama celebrates the beauty of simple moments and the power of human connection.

30: Little Women

“Little Women” is a South Korean drama series that reimagines Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel of the same name. Set in modern-day Seoul, the series follows the lives of four sisters from the March family as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, pursue their dreams, and learn the true meaning of family and sisterhood.

The drama explores themes of love, friendship, ambition, and independence as the four sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, each embark on their own unique journeys. From Jo’s aspirations to become a successful writer to Meg’s desire for a traditional family life, from Beth’s passion for music to Amy’s pursuit of art, the sisters’ diverse interests and personalities drive the narrative forward.