So, you’ve scratched the surface of the South Korean pop culture craze. You’ve tried at least ten brands of the ever-more alluring beauty products that come in such cute packages that you want to squeeze each time you get your hands on new ones. You’ve probably tried to memorize the lyrics of at least a couple of BTS, BLACKPINK, or Twice songs. To no avail, of course, as it’s in Korean, and your tongue just cannot make the shapes required to pronounce most of the sounds. You’ve also probably watched the now-mainstream Korean movies such as the Parasite and Train to Busan, or even a few lesser-known gems like Tale Of Two Sisters. Also, tried Korean foods (or added them to your daily menu), adopted a couple of fashion trends, and maybe even saved up for a trip to Seoul. But you still have the gnawing feeling of having missed something. And you’re right - you haven’t yet watched a South Korean drama or K-drama yet (or watched too little of them)! No worries, though, as we are here to resolve this blunder by presenting you a list dedicated to only the very best Korean dramas!
If you’re already acquainted with the K-drama phenomenon, scroll right down below to check out our list. If it’s your first time hearing about it - be seriously warned, as the series you’re about to glance at are positively addictive. With plots as thick as jam, amazing visual aesthetics, heartwarming and tear-jerking love stories, K- dramas will surely make your evening exciting. These shows also don’t shy away from heavy substance, as mental health and stark social commentary are often used as pivotal topics. So, without any further ado, skip right on to our list of the very best Korean dramas and pick your choice of the evening!
This post may include affiliate links.
#21 Kill Me, Heal Me
Kill Me, Heal Me (Korean: 킬미, 힐미) follows Cha Do-hyun, a business heir, who after several traumatic life experiences developed dissociative identity disorder. He tries to regain control of his life with help from Oh Ri-jin, a first-year psychiatric resident. But, of course, nothing is as simple as it looks. Loaded with heavy topics such as mental health and child abuse, Kill Me, Heal Me is not an easy (in a good way) watch.
Report
36points
#22 Oh My Ghostess
Oh My Ghostess (Korean: 오 나의 귀신님) follows Na Bong-sun - an extremely timid assistant chef. Because of her shaman grandma, she often sees ghosts and, of course, gets possessed by one of them. And though possessions aren’t usually a fun thing, this time it’s a ghost of a lustful virgin ghost that completely uproots Na Bong-sun’s life. As per usual, Oh My Ghostess entertains the viewers with ridiculously good love stories peppered with murders and mysteries.
Report
35points
#23 The Heirs
The Heirs (Korean: 왕관을 쓰려는 자, 그 무게를 견뎌라 – 상속자들) follows a group of uber-rich and very privileged high school students as they overtake their families’ business empires. And though it is sometimes unpleasant to see the lives of the elite, The Heirs manages to show it in a very endearing way with the help of its star-studded cast. Love, billions, difficulties, and decisions - there’s plenty more than the whims of the rich shown in the series.
Report
34points
#24 Flower Of Evil
Flower Of Evil (Korean: 악의 꽃) follows a seemingly picture-perfect family - Beak Hee-sung, his detective wife Cha Ji-won, and their adorable daughter. But, as you already know, everybody has their dirty little (or not so little this time) secrets. Just a couple of minutes in, you’ll discover hidden identities, nasty secrets, and unexplained murders.
Report
31points
#25 Boys Over Flowers
Boys Over Flowers (Korean: 꽃보다 남자) is a series based on the Japanese shojo manga series of the same name. The story follows a working-class girl who gets thrown into the world of the uber-rich. And with such a story, you just know that deceit, despise, and love is just a step away. We promise - you’ll get absorbed into Geum Jan-di’s story more and more with each episode.
Report
30points
#26 She Was Pretty
She Was Pretty (Korean: 그녀는 예뻤다) is a romantic comedy based on a true story - you don’t often see that in the world of dramas. But you know, such an unbelievable love story could’ve only happened in real life and not in some writer’s head! Love triangles, deception, loss of dignity, and workplace challenges are all crammed into the plot of She Was Pretty.
Report
29points
#27 My Mister
My Mister (Korean: 나의 아저씨) is a tale of miseries. And though it might not sound entertaining, My Mister is a thoroughly gripping series with an ending to die for. It follows the story of an impoverished and debt-laden young woman and her platonic relationship with her equally wretched supervisor. It turns out that their relationship was exactly the thing to turn both of their lives around!
Report
29points
#28 Dr. Romantic
Dr. Romantic (Korean: 낭만닥터 김사부) is a story of a certified surgeon, working at a top-rated facility, who gets involved in a traumatic experience. Right after, he changes his name and disappears to work at a tiny provincial hospital. But that’s not it - together with his changing life, new challenges, and troubles arriving - there’s no rest for the series’ protagonist.
unknown
Report29points
#29 Master's Sun
Master’s Sun (Korean: 주군의 태양) follows Joo Joong-won, a cold CEO of a large conglomerate who meets the gloomy Tae Gong-shil. To make it even better, she sees ghosts that disappear only when she’s touching Joo Joong-won. As their lives intertwine, they help each other with their problems and take on new challenges as an exceptionally dynamic duo.
Report
27points
#30 Love In The Moonlight
Love In The Moonlight (Korean: 구르미 그린 달빛) is a historical, coming-of-age romance story set during the 19th-century Joseon Dynasty era. The tale itself is based on the novel called Moonlight Drawn By Clouds and this series isn’t the first serialization of the book. Love In The Moonlight follows Crown Prince Lee Yeong’s growth into a monarch and his unlikely relationship with eunuch Hong Ra-on.
Report
25points
#39 Sweet Home
unknown
Report6points
