TheKorean wavecontinues to captivate the world, with its influence reaching far beyond just music and comics. As people worldwideimmerse themselves in Korean manhwaand get addicted to the beats of K-pop, another aspect of this cultural phenomenon is soaring to unprecedented heights -Korean dramas.
RELATED:Best Anime Based On Manhwa
With gripping storylines, brilliant performances, clichés we love to hate, and a diverse range of genres, K-drama have earned a dedicated global fanbase. Picking only one favorite is an impossible task, as each one of them offers its own unique and mesmerizing experience.
10Mr. Queen
Mr Queenis a captivatinghistorical dramathat takes a hilarious and heartwarming twist. The soul of amodern-day manpossesses the body ofQueen Cheorin. She, in turn, gets entangled withKing Cheoljong, a seemingly gentle figurehead hiding a powerful persona.
Amidstpolitical intrigueand witty humor, their chemistry shines, making it a must-watch for historical drama enthusiasts. Although some scenes may seem slow, theunconventional relationshipbetween the main characters will undoubtedly win the hearts of viewers.
9Crash Course In Romance
Crash Course in Romanceis a modern-day drama that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with scenes that will make you cry, laugh, and rage. Thisfeel-good love storybetween two middle-aged people is both heartwarming and tear-jerking.
The drama tells the story of acelebrity math tutor Cho Chi YeolandNam Hang-saen, asingle motherrunning her own side-dish store. The duo ends up meeting each other and forming a closer relationship, whenhe becomes the tutorof Hang-saen’s daughter.
8Mr. Sunshine
Mr Sunshineis a breathtaking historical drama set during the 1871Shinmiyangyo incident, also known as the United States expedition to Korea. A youngboy born into slaveryescapes to the USA and returns as a Marine Corps officer.
Falling inlove with an aristocrat’s granddaughter, he gets entangled in a tale of love, friendship, and patriotism.Based on real historical events, this masterpiece portrays the resilience of a nation facing colonization.
7Under The Queen’s Umbrella
Under the Queen’s Umbrellastands out as another exceptionalperiod dramain Korea’s impressive repertoire. This series delves into the lives of ambitious mothers and children vying for the position ofheir in the Joseon kingdom, where talent and merit are keys to success.
RELATED:Thought-Provoking Movies Like Oppenheimer
AsQueen Hwa-ryeong’s eldest son falls ill, she must ensure herfour younger sonsare prepared to secure their position and lives. With stunning cinematography and acaptivating storyline, this historical drama blends the allure of a soap opera with the richness of a period drama, making it another must-watch for fans of K-dramas.
6Bloodhounds
Bloodhoundsdelivers a thrilling action-filled crime drama set in theaftermath of pandemic lockdowns.Boxers Gun-woo and Woo-jinteam up with a benevolent lender to take down the ruthlessloan shark, Myeong-gil, who preys on the financially desperate.
With its crispness,thought-provokingnature, and emotive storytelling, this 2023 series has earned a devoted fanbase.Woo Do-hwan’s comebackperformance and Lee Sang-yi’s perfect acting only added to the show’s allure.
5Crash Landing On You
Crash Landing on Youemerged as a game-changer for Korean dramas, captivating audiences worldwide when it landed on Netflix in 2019.Son Ye-jin’s portrayalof a wealthySouth Korean CEOaccidentally landing inNorth Koreaand forming a heartwarming connection with alocal army captaincaptured hearts globally.
Beyond itsgripping romanceandcomedic moments, the drama showcased the tale of a love transcending barriers. Thisunforgettable love storyeven inspired real-life romance between the lead actors.
4Reborn Rich
Reborn Richis a grippingrevenge dramathat keeps you on the edge of your seat. Withbetrayal,murder, and a compelling plot, it’s a satisfying watch till the end. The remarkable performances bySong Joong-kiandLee Sung-minshine, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Thesupernatural elementadds an exciting twist to the tale, and the well-crafted relationships between the characters make the story even more enthralling. A standout drama with a perfect balance ofsuspense, emotions, and superb acting, Reborn Rich is a must-watch.
3Sky Castle
Sky Castlestands as one of the greatest K-dramas, captivating audiences with itsuniqueandthought-provoking plot. The series delves into the lives offour womenand their families, showcasing the pressures and struggles withinSouth Korean high society.
RELATED:Video Games That Deserve TV Adaptations
With powerful performances and multidimensional characters, the drama skillfully exploreshuman emotionsand relationships. The well-written script and humor add depth to the narrative, making it impossible not to be emotionally invested.
2Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Extraordinary Attorney Woois a heartwarming and unique K-drama that beautifully portraysWoo Young-woo, a younglaw prodigy on the spectrum. Park Eun-bin’s portrayal of Young-woo is both endearing and commendable, highlighting her intelligence and memory skills.
The show stands out for itssweet momentsof romance and friendship, leaving viewers emotionally invested. Moreover, it serves as an educational platform, increasing understanding andawarenesstowards individuals on the spectrum. The story follows young Young-woo on her journey to become a great attorney, while forming new bonds on the way.
1The World Of The Married
The World of the Marriedhas earned its status asthe highest-rated Korean dramadue to its exciting plot and stellar acting. The unique storyline keeps viewers intrigued, exploring complex themes likeclass,gender, andmarriage. The exceptional performances by the cast bring authenticity to the characters' emotions.
The drama skillfully delves intointense psychological tension, making the audience feel deeply connected to the story. With itsdark and twistedelements, this series stands out among others, making it a must-watch for those seeking betrayal, thriller, romance, and heartache in one captivating series.
