Brief Summary
This video presents a countdown of the highest-rated K-dramas on Netflix from 2018 to 2024. It covers a variety of genres, including romance, thriller, historical drama, and fantasy, highlighting the unique elements and key actors that contributed to their success. The list includes both Netflix originals and acquired titles that have resonated with audiences in South Korea and globally.
- The dramas span various genres, including romance, thriller, historical drama, and fantasy.
- Several dramas are adapted from webtoons, indicating a trend in K-drama production.
- Many dramas feature strong ensemble casts and compelling storylines that resonate with viewers.
Mr. Sunshine
"Mr. Sunshine" is a military romance mellow drama set in 1871, notable for its stunning cinematography and visually captivating scenes. The story follows a young boy who escapes to the United States, becomes a US Marine officer, and returns to Korea. There, he falls in love with an aristocrat's daughter while uncovering a plot that threatens Korea. The drama features hidden identities and a sweeping historical narrative.
Crash Landing on You
"Crash Landing on You" is a beloved romantic K-drama that portrays the romance between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean army captain. The heiress crash lands in North Korea due to a paragliding weather accident. The drama showcases a heartfelt love story and the strength of friendships, with the lead actors even marrying in real life.
Kingdom
"Kingdom" is a historical thriller set against the backdrop of Joseon Palace politics and a zombie outbreak. The story begins with the king's mysterious death, leading the Crown Prince and his Royal Guard to uncover the truth. They encounter an assistant physician and a mysterious man as they investigate a horrifying disease in a village. The drama features adventure, action, and visual effects.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
"It's Okay to Not Be Okay" is a psychological rom-com that explores the relationship between an independent female lead with an antisocial disorder and a community health worker with empathy. The story focuses on how these opposites attract, challenging fate and finding love despite their differences. The stark contrast between the characters is a key element that viewers appreciate.
The Uncanny Counter
"The Uncanny Counter," also known as "Amazing Rumor," is a webtoon adaptation that gained popularity for its action, mystery, and supernatural elements. The story revolves around counters, individuals gifted with unique abilities to thwart evil spirits. These counters, from various backgrounds, rely on teamwork to defeat these beings. The drama's success led to a second season and a drama special.
Mr. Queen
"Mr. Queen" is a Netflix-acquired TVN drama that offers a fresh and amusing take on a historical theme with a gender-swapping twist. A present-day chef travels back in time and ends up in the body of a young queen. The story follows his journey to live as a woman and a queen, providing refreshing comedy and fantasy that engages viewers.
Hospital Playlist 2020
"Hospital Playlist 2020" blends music, medical drama, and enduring friendship with slice-of-life elements. The story revolves around five friends who were undergraduates in 1999 and now work at the same hospital 20 years later. They also form a band together. The drama's authentic and relatable portrayal of everyday patient stories, romance, and healing led to a second season, a special, and a spin-off.
Vincenzo
"Vincenzo" is a law and crime drama that combines humor and seriousness, starring Song Joong-ki as Vincenzo, a mafia consigliere. Vincenzo returns to Korea from Italy to face off against a corrupt conglomerate, delivering justice and revenge. The drama features standout characters and villains, adding depth to the plot.
DP
"DP," also known as "DP Dog Day," is a webtoon-inspired action and military drama that focuses on the military defector team responsible for arresting deserters. The story addresses sensitive cases such as PTSD and the reasons for desertion. This noir miniseries was followed by a second season.
My Name
"My Name" is a crime, mystery, and action drama featuring a female lead with a hidden identity seeking revenge for her father's murder. As a police officer, she goes undercover in an organized crime ring, where a crime boss helps her with unknown motives. The story is full of twists and turns.
Move to Heaven
"Move to Heaven" is a touching slice-of-life drama based on an essay about a trauma cleaner. The story focuses on a father and his autistic son who run a business that handles the personal items of the deceased. After the father's death, guardianship is given to his ex-con uncle, and the story follows their lives as they impact others while keeping the business going.
Squid Game
"Squid Game" is a thriller and action story that became a worldwide phenomenon in 2021. The drama depicts 456 people at their lowest financial points, recruited to win a large cash prize in deadly games. The action-packed episodes led to widespread binging upon its Netflix release, and a second season is anticipated.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
"Extraordinary Attorney Woo" is a touching K-drama about a young lawyer with autism who proves her skills in the courtroom. The drama tells a charming story of Woo Young-woo, who makes a big impression on those around her, and features a slow-burn romance. This slice-of-life legal drama garnered high ratings.
All of Us Are Dead
"All of Us Are Dead" is a webtoon adaptation that became an instant success by offering a fresh concept to the zombie survival genre. A high school becomes Ground Zero for a deadly outbreak, and students must fight to stay alive. The drama features action, horror, and thriller elements, with a second season highly anticipated.
Alchemy of Souls
"Alchemy of Souls" is a historical action fantasy where an elite assassin's soul is trapped in a weaker body after using a forbidden spell. She becomes a servant to a male lead with a prominent position and a scandalous secret. Together, they forge a new destiny as master and disciple. The drama is highly rated and recommended by viewers.
The Glory
"The Glory" is a dark, thrilling melodrama about a high school student who suffers gruesome bullying and seeks revenge as an adult. Based on true events, the drama follows the female lead as she rises up and takes matters into her own hands to avenge her tormentors.
Bloodhounds
"Bloodhounds" is a crime and action plot adapted from a webtoon. An honest young boxer befriends a fellow Marine, and later finds his mother caught in a fraudulent business scam. He faces off against a gang of thugs and becomes involved with a dangerous money lender, leading to a path of danger and justice.
Daily Dose of Sunshine
"Daily Dose of Sunshine" is a touching drama based on a webtoon about a nurse who transfers to a neuropsychiatry ward. The story focuses on her understanding of different patients and the slice-of-life situations that befall those needing mental health care. The nurse offers warmth and encouragement, inspiring those around her.
Queen of Tears
"Queen of Tears" is a rom-com and slice-of-life drama about a legal director from a humble background who marries an heiress of a department store conglomerate. Their relationship becomes rocky, but a sudden diagnosis of a severe illness changes everything, uniting their families in a comedic and enduring way.
Lovely Runner
"Lovely Runner" is a time travel romance and comedy drama adapted from a webtoon. The story follows a disabled female lead who is a fan of an idol. When the idol suddenly passes away, she travels back in time to save him, sharing undeniable chemistry with him.
