Did you know that there are more than 305 K-dramas on Netflix? That remarkable number speaks to the bounty of standout Korean talent. But where do you start when faced with such an overwhelming catalog? Let us steer you to the best of the best.
Here are 44 of the most compelling scripted Korean dramas that Netflix has to offer, including: rom-coms, exhilarating thrillers and a few Korean zombies for good measure. Not included are some awesome reality shows like “Culinary Class Wars“, “Singles Inferno“, “Physical 100“, or “Love After Divorce“.
Some of these are classics and others are more recent beneficiaries of the phenomenon of Korean culture coming to dominate the world stage in television, music, movies, food… you name it.
But whenever a zeitgeist wave hits, there are plenty of duds that get churned out alongside the gems. This list–ordered from most recent to oldest–will help you avoid some of the lemons out there. And for you rookies, K-dramas are known to sometimes start off slow so be patient with the first couple of episodes and you won’t be disappointed.
Here we go!
(Dramas listed by date from most recent to oldest)
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025 Netflix Original): 9.0
When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a poignant romance that beautifully honors the strength of women across generations. Set in the breathtaking landscape of Jeju Island, the series follows Ae-sun (IU), a free-spirited woman aspiring to be a poet, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a quiet yet unwavering man who stands by her through life’s twists. Their love story spans decades, intertwining the legacies of Ae-sun’s late mother, grandmother, and daughter, showcasing the resilience and spirit passed through generations.
At just 10, Ae-sun lost her mother, who passed away young at 29 after a life of hardship. Though the loss left a deep void, her mother’s presence continues to guide her. Through cherished memories and inherited wisdom, Ae-sun understands the sacrifices made for her and the strength carried through generations, shaping her own journey as a mother.
The title, “When Life Gives You Tangerines”, reimagines the proverb “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Here, tangerines symbolize the sweetness and beauty of Jeju, representing hope and resilience through life’s challenges. With breathtaking cinematography and a deeply emotional narrative, the series is an ode to love, loss, and the enduring power of women, leaving a lasting impression
2. Melo Movie (2025 Netflix Original): 8.3
“Melo Movie” is a heartwarming romantic comedy that blends love, ambition, and the magic of cinema. Choi Woo-shik stars as Ko Gyeom, a passionate film enthusiast who starts as a movie extra and later becomes a film critic. Park Bo-young plays Kim Mu-bee, an aspiring director with a complicated past tied to the film industry. Their brief romance ends abruptly, only for fate to bring them back together years later.
As they navigate their rekindled feelings, their journey is intertwined with the struggles of their friends—Hong Si-jun, an overlooked composer played by Lee Jun-young, and Son Ju-a, a determined screenwriter portrayed by Jeon So-nee. Set against the backdrop of filmmaking, the series explores love, dreams, and the personal growth that comes with chasing one’s passion.
With its heartfelt storytelling and strong chemistry between the leads, “Melo Movie” has captivated audiences. The mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth makes it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas.
3. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025 Netflix Original): 9.1
“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” is a medical comedy drama fantasy that delivers action, humor, and heart. Ju Ji-hoon stars as Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, a trauma surgeon with battlefield experience who takes over a struggling trauma center. His unorthodox methods and supernatural abilities set him apart, creating both chaos and miracles in the high-pressure world of emergency medicine.
Beyond the medical crises, the series blends fantasy elements with comedy and heartfelt moments. Choo Young-woo plays Yang Jae-won, a passionate but inexperienced fellow, while Ha Young portrays Cheon Jang-mi, a dedicated nurse. Their dynamic with Dr. Baek leads to both hilarious clashes and touching growth, adding depth to the fast-paced action.
With a unique mix of medical drama, fantasy twists, and sharp humor, “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” brings fresh energy to the genre. From life-saving miracles to laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a must-watch for fans of innovative storytelling.
4. Squid Game Season 2 (2024 Netflix Original): 8.4
The deadly game returns in “Squid Game Season 2”, the most anticipated Netflix show in history. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae), vowing to expose the game’s creators, removes a hidden tracker and joins forces with loan shark Mr. Kim (Kim Pub-Lae) to hunt the mysterious recruiter. Meanwhile, Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-Joon), miraculously surviving his fall, reignites his investigation.
Their search leads to a chilling showdown where the Recruiter (Gong Yoo) manipulates the homeless with cruel choices and forces deadly games of Russian roulette. As secrets unravel and lives hang by a thread, Gi-hun faces the recruiter in a final, fatal confrontation—leaving him with a crucial lead to the elusive Front Man (Lee Byung-Hun).
Tense, thrilling, and packed with twists, the fight for survival has only just begun.
5. The Trunk (2024 Netflix Original): 8.0
In “The Trunk”, Noh In-ji (Seo Hun-jin) works at NM (New Marriage), a company that arranges unique contract marriages. She struggles with a profound sense of loneliness despite her carefully curated life. On the other side of the equation is Han Jeong-won (Gong Yoo), who enters into a contract marriage with the hope of salvaging his broken past. Their lives take a sharp turn when a mysterious trunk is discovered in a lake, unraveling secrets that tie them to the clandestine matchmaking service. As truths surface and fates intertwine, this drama delves into the complexities of love and deceit.
6. When the Phone Rings (2024 Netflix Original): 8.8
“When the Phone Rings” follows the tense and complex life of a woman trapped in a marriage that was never of her choosing. For three years, Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin) and her husband, Baek Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok) have lived as a “show window” couple, presenting the image of a perfect union to the outside world while remaining strangers in their own home. Communication has been completely absent, and emotional distance defines their relationship. But everything changes when an unexpected phone call from a kidnapper shatters the fragile silence between them, sending their lives spiraling into chaos.
In a moment of desperation, the female lead seizes the opportunity to use the kidnapper’s threat as a means to escape the confines of her unwanted marriage. She begins to manipulate the situation, attempting to regain control of her life and her freedom, believing that this could finally be her chance to break free. But as the situation escalates, her plan begins to unravel, and she finds herself trapped in a dangerous game of manipulation, where every decision she makes seems to draw her deeper into a web of lies and deceit.
As the lines blur between victim and instigator, she begins to question whether she is the one in control—or if she has become a pawn in a far more intricate and perilous game. The very phone call that she believed would be her ticket to freedom now threatens to be the trap that seals her fate. With her emotions, past secrets, and her growing paranoia all intertwining, the female lead faces a heart-stopping dilemma: can she escape the chains of her marriage, or will she become ensnared by the very web she thought she could control?
7. Mr. Plankton (2024 Netflix Original): 8.7
“Mr. Plankton” is a romantic comedy that follows the unlikely journey of Jae-mi, the world’s most unlucky woman, who has spent her life caught in a whirlwind of misfortunes. Jo Jae-mi’s (Lee Yoo-mi) life takes yet another unexpected turn when she is reluctantly enlisted by Hae-jo (Woo Do-hwan), a man with his own tragic twist of fate—born as the result of a botched artificial insemination. He discovers that he is terminally ill and has only a short time left to live. In a desperate bid to find peace before his passing, Hae-jo forces Jae-mi to accompany him on a final journey, a trip neither of them wants but both need in ways they don’t yet understand.
However, Jae-mi’s own life takes an even darker turn when she learns that she, too, is facing a devastating medical condition—one that changes everything. As they travel together, their shared misfortune sparks an unexpected bond between them, filled with humor, heartache, and moments of bittersweet comedy. Through their chaotic and often absurd journey, Jae-mi and Hae-jo are forced to confront not only their personal demons but also the possibility of redemption and love in the most unlikely of circumstances. But with their time running out, will they discover that sometimes the greatest gift lies in finding joy in the most unexpected places?
8. A Virtuous Business (2024 Netflix Original): 8.1
“A Virtuous Business” follows the inspiring journey of the four Bangpan Sisters, who, in 1992, defy societal norms in a rural village by starting a door-to-door business selling adult products—an act that challenges the deeply ingrained taboos of their community. In a time when sex is still considered a forbidden topic, the sisters take bold steps toward independence, self-discovery, and empowerment.
As they navigate the obstacles of running an unconventional business, each sister faces personal struggles and societal pushback, but their unbreakable bond of sisterhood helps them persevere. Through their shared experiences, they grow stronger, rediscover their self-worth, and challenge the restrictive roles placed on women. Their courage not only transforms their own lives but also inspires those around them, sparking change in a community that never imagined such a shift was possible.
A tale of resilience, friendship, and breaking free from tradition, “A Virtuous Business” explores the power of sisterhood and the courage to live life on one’s own terms.
9. Love Next Door (2024 Netflix Original): 8.7
“Love Next Door” is a romantic comedy that explores the unexpected reunion of childhood friends Choi Seung-Hyo (Jung Hae-in) and Bae Seok-Ryu (Jung So-min). Seung-Hyo is one of South Korea’s most celebrated young architects, running his own successful atelier called “In.” Not only is he known for his architectural brilliance, but he also possesses charm, good looks, and an admirable personality. Despite his seemingly perfect life, Seung-Hyo carries the weight of embarrassing memories from his past—most of which involve his childhood friend, Seok-Ryu.
Their mothers were, and remained, close friends, which led Seung-Hyo and Seok-Ryu to spend a lot of time together growing up, much to his discomfort. From awkward moments like bathing together at women’s bathhouses, Seung-Hyo has always viewed Seok-Ryu as a source of his most cringeworthy memories.
Now, as adults, the two cross paths again after years apart. Seok-Ryu, once a star student who always ranked first in school and a driven project manager at a large company, has since quit her job and is facing uncertainty in her life.
As Seok-Ryu and Seung-Hyo reconnect, their childhood history adds both humor and tension to their evolving relationship. “Love Next Door” navigates the ups and downs of rekindled friendships, past regrets, and the spark of potential romance, all wrapped in lighthearted moments and heartfelt discoveries. Will they be able to move beyond their awkward past to build something new in their present?
10. The Whirlwind (2024 Netflix Original): 8.1
“The Whirlwind” is a gripping political thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of South Korea’s power dynamics. Park Dong-Ho (Sul Kyung-gu), the Prime Minister, is at its center, fueled by a relentless desire to rid his country of corruption. Disillusioned by the president’s deep ties to chaebols—powerful family-owned conglomerates that control the economy and influence politics—Dong-Ho makes a radical decision: to assassinate the president and dismantle the corrupt system that has plagued the nation for decades.
Opposing him is Jeong Su-Jin (Kim Hee-ae), the fiercely intelligent and unyielding deputy prime minister. Su-Jin, driven by her own sense of justice, is determined to stop Dong-Ho from taking such an extreme step, even though she shares his disdain for the president’s collusion with the corporate elite. As these two political titans clash, a fierce battle of wits and strategies unfolds, with each trying to outmaneuver the other while maintaining their public personas.
The drama paints a vivid portrait of power, ambition, and the moral gray areas within politics. As Dong-Ho’s plan moves forward and Su-Jin closes in on him, “The Whirlwind” explores how far people are willing to go to achieve their vision of justice, even at the cost of their own humanity. With high-stakes tension, shifting allegiances, and shocking twists, this series keeps viewers on edge as it navigates the complex and dangerous game of political survival.
11. Miss Night and Day (2024 Netflix Original): 8.1
“Miss Night and Day” is a fantasy romance drama that follows the unusual life of Lee Mi-Jin (Jung Eun-ji), a 20-something woman struggling to find a stable job. Despite her efforts to gain skills and work part-time, Mi-Jin’s career prospects remain dim. One fateful morning, she wakes up in the body of a woman in her 50s, and from that day on, she experiences a bizarre transformation: by day, she becomes her older self, and by night, she reverts to her youthful 20s appearance.
Seizing this strange opportunity, Mi-Jin adopts the identity of Lim Sun and secures an internship at the Seohan District Public Prosecutors’ Office. There, she works under the perfectionist prosecutor Gye Ji-Ung (Choi Jin-Hyuk), a sharp and handsome man feared for his rigid work ethic and zero tolerance for mistakes. Although he’s known for driving away staff with his intense demeanor, Lim Sun’s competence and versatility quickly earn her a spot in his team, making her an invaluable asset in handling the office’s toughest cases.
As Mi-Jin juggles her two identities, a complicated relationship unfolds between her and Ji-Ung. By day, she impresses him as the capable intern Lim Sun, and by night, she encounters him as Lee Mi-Jin, unaware that she’s the same person. “Miss Night and Day” weaves a compelling story of identity, love, and the challenges of living a double life, as Mi-Jin navigates the chaos of her surreal reality while coming to terms with who she truly is.
12. The 8 Show (2024 Netflix Original): 7.7
Eight severely indebted individuals find themselves trapped in a mysterious 8-story building, compelled to participate in a bizarre and dangerous game. The rules seem simple: survive and earn money as time passes. However, they soon discover the reality is far harsher and more brutal than they ever imagined, changing their lives forever.
Based on the Naver webtoons “Money Game” and “Pie Game” by Bae Jin-soo, this psychological mystery drama follows the participants as they navigate an extreme setting, cut off from all social infrastructure. Forced to cooperate and compete against each other, the game takes a dark turn, ending only with someone’s death. Fans of “Squid Game” will definitely enjoy this intense drama.
13. The Atypical Family (2024 Netflix Original): 8.5
“The Atypical Family” is a Korean fantasy romance drama that follows the lives of a seemingly ordinary family, each member facing unique personal challenges. The parents, deeply rooted in traditional values, struggle to keep up with the rapid changes of modern society. Meanwhile, their three children are each on their own distinct journeys, navigating the complexities of adulthood, personal identity, and societal pressures.
The eldest daughter, a career-driven woman, feels the weight of expectations from both her family and society. She’s torn between her ambitions and the traditional path her parents envision for her. The middle son, a socially anxious but brilliant student, faces his own battles with self-worth and communication, while the youngest daughter, a rebellious free spirit, constantly challenges family norms and expectations, bringing conflict but also a new perspective.
As the family faces financial struggles, emotional conflicts, and the pressures of keeping up appearances, they come to realize that their differences make them stronger. Through humor, heartbreak, and moments of tender connection, The Atypical Family delivers a heartfelt portrayal of family life, showing that while no family is perfect, love and understanding can help them thrive together.
14. Queen of Tears (2024 Netflix Original): 8.8
In this compelling narrative, we follow the story of Baek Hyun-Woo (Kim Soo-Hyun) and his wife Hong Hae-In (Kim Ji-Won), as they confront a challenging phase in their married life.
Hyun-Woo holds the position of legal director at Queens Group, a prominent conglomerate. Originating from the village of Yongdu-ri, he is celebrated as a symbol of success within his community. Hae-In, on the other hand, is the daughter of the influential family behind Queens Group and is known for her strong presence as the ‘Arrogant Queen’ at Queens Department Store.
This rom-com unfolds the tumultuous crisis and heartwarming revival of love between Hae-in, a third-generation heiress of Queens Group, and Hyun-woo, a successful son of humble farmers.
15. Doctor Slump (2024 Netflix Original): 8.3
During his school days, Yeo Jeong-Woo (Park Hyung-Sik) consistently topped the academic charts and later enrolled in the country’s premier medical school. Now a sought-after plastic surgeon, his life takes an unexpected turn after a mysterious medical incident pushes him to the brink. It’s during this trying time that he reconnects with Nam Ha-Neul (Park Shin-Hye), a former rival who crosses his path when he’s at his lowest.
Ha-Neul, an anesthesiologist known for her intellect, was labeled a genius in her youth. Devoted solely to her studies and work, she finds herself questioning her happiness and longing for change. Their paths intersect during a challenging moment for both, leading to a bond that transcends their past rivalry and evolves into a budding romance.
This medical rom-com skillfully showcases the chemistry between Ha-Neul and Jeong-Woo, evolving from past rivals to present lovers. It’s a delightful K-drama that’s hard not to adore!
16. Captivating the King (2024 Netflix Original): 8.3
Lee In (Jo Jung-suk) is a prince. His older brother is King Lee Sun. Vowing loyalty to his older brother, Lee In is taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty. But palace intrigue sways King Lee Sun to view his younger brother’s loyalty as betrayal and begins to hate him.
Lee In endures deep emotional pain because of this. Then through twists and turns, Lee In becomes the king himself. He wears the crown with political strength but finds himself on less certain gound personally and emotionally.
When Kang Hee Soo (Son Hyun-joo) was gaining fame as an unknown Go player, she met Prince Lee In and fell in love. Through a vortex of fate, she becomes a spy. She approaches King Lee In to get her revenge.
17. Gyeongseong Creature (2023 Netflix Original): 8.4
A sci-fi period thriller with irresistibly charismatic leads blends many genres impressively. Be warned, however, that this suspenseful action periodic drama is one of Netflix’s most bingeable shows.
18. Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023 Netflix Original): 8.6
After a scandal shakes her world, a famous and celebrated photographer takes an unexpected detour from her demanding life in Seoul and returns to her long-avoided hometown on Jeju Island. There, she bumps into childhood friends, a first love and discovers how deep roots can go.
With a winning all-star cast, gorgeously lush settings and fun plot twists, this series is the best of what people expect from K-dramas. The familiarity is the best part. New ground isn’t broken but it’s a feel good sure thing.
19. Mask Girl (2023 Netflix Original): 8.6
Tarantino meets Park Chan Wook in this brutally stylish revenge series. Mask Girl portrays the eventful life of Kim Momi, an ordinary office worker who is deeply insecure about her looks. She gets caught up in some twisted unintended consequences when she livestreams with her face masked every night. A dark fascinating critique of Korea’s unforgiving beauty-focused culture. Definitely not appropriate for kids.
20. Bloodhounds (2023 Netflix Original): 8.1
Two young boxers band together with a reformed moneylender to take down a ruthless loan shark who preys on the financially desperate. Bloodhounds is like a great mix of two Korean hit movies Outlaws and Midnight Runners. You’ll love the juxtaposition of the wholesome hard-working boxers who are forced to risk their lives to fight a powerful criminal loan industry.
This crime/action drama which is based on the popular webtoon will be the perfect weekend binge-watching K-drama for you.
21. The Good Bad Mother (2023 Netflix Original): 8.1
A fateful accident leaves a striving, successful city prosecutor with the mind of a child. Prior to his accident, he was estranged from his strict mother who raised him on a farm. What will this good bad mother do with her unexpected second chance to fix the mistakes that led to her broken family?
22. Queenmaker (2023 Netflix Original): 8.0
A powerful public relations “fixer” sets her ambitions on polishing a civil rights lawyer into a mayorial candidate. Does it matter that she wants to take down her former employer as much, if not more, than achieve victory for her new boss?
23. The Glory (2022 Netflix Original): 8.3
Years after surviving horrific abuse in high school, a woman puts an elaborate revenge scheme in motion to make the perpetrators pay for their crimes. The season finale of The Glory delivered a deeply satisfying conclusion to the remarkably popular series about getting revenge on high school bullies.
Song Hye-gyo won the Best Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards for her role as a victim of severe bullying, and her antagonist Lim Ji Yeon won the Best Supporting Actress award.
Check out our full review of The Glory.
24. Our Blues (2022 Netflix Original): 9.0
Han-soo’s return to his hometown is a journey that is mirrored by several other characters in this expansive ensemble cast series. With over a dozen main leads, Our Blues explores what it means to go back home at different stages of life. What do love, security, and family mean at pivotal moments when the odds seem stacked against you?
Featuring an all-star cast and the gorgeous backdrop of Jeju Island, Our Blues follows compelling characters at different crossroads. Life may get you down but you can always find a reason to celebrate if you’ve got the right people sharing your adventure.
Check out our full review of Our Blues.
25. Twenty Five Twenty One (2022 Netflix Original): 8.7
If you are looking for a retro drama that will bring back the butterflies of falling in love for the first time, you’re in luck. Hee-Do and Yi-Jin fall in love in a way you may not have seen before. Their love is pure, sweet, and genuine – however, it is something that is new to both of them.
This refreshing love story is worth bingeing. The ending has proven to be somewhat controversial but when the final credits roll, you’ll be glad you got to re-visit first love through the eyes of Hee-Do and Yi-Jin.
26. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022 Netflix Original): 8.5
Brilliant attorney Woo Young Woo tackles challenges in the courtroom and beyond as a new hire at an elite law firm and a woman on the autism spectrum. As you follow her rookie year, Young Woo becomes a hero you root for because of her autism, not despite it. From the get-go, she slays prejudices held, both subconsciously and overtly, toward those who are neurodivergent.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo swept at the Baeksang Awards winning 11 categories including the Grand Prize in TV and the Grand Prize for Best Actress. Season 2 of the series has been confirmed but a release date is still unknown.
Check out our full review of Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
27. Narco-Saints (2022 Netflix Original): 8.4
An ordinary man named Kang In-gu has clawed his way out of poverty and wants nothing more than to live a normal middle-class family life. But, alas, it is not meant to be and a series of unfortunate events leads Kang instead into the deadly world of international narcotics.
Based on a true story, the six-part Netflix series cost $5 million per episode and it shows. Impressive, slick, and riveting, Narco-Saints is reminiscent of many of the best drug lord movies, yet remains true to its unique Korean style. Many top stars shine throughout the drama and the excellent directing by Yoon Jong-bin results in some excellent chemistry among the cast.
Check out our full review of Narco-Saints.
28. Squid Game (2021 Netflix Original): 8.7
This drama has earned accolades and smashed previous benchmarks in viewership. Squid Game became a global sensation and still claims the top spot as Netflix’s most-watched series (1.65 billion hours in its first four weeks).
The main protagonist, Ki-Hoon, is a man who is drowning in debt and needs a way out. He gets scouted by a strange man on a subway. Days later, Ki-Hoon finds himself playing Korean children’s games that could win him a spectacular grand prize… or cost him his life. This unflinching, and at times grisly, drama shows how far capitalism and desperation could push us.
Check out our full review of Squid Game.
29. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021 Netflix Original): 8.4
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a love story about what happens when an ambitious big city dentist meets a seaside village handyman who’s not impressed with her credentials. When suddenly forced out of her big city practice the dentist opens one in a small town. Helping her adjust to small-town life is our unflappable handyman.
This romantic comedy is a perfect feel-good drama. Almost without exception, every encounter between the leads will make you laugh or smile. Also, the heroine’s stylish wardrobe is another compelling reason to catch Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
Check out our full review of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
30. My Name (2021 Netflix Original): 8.3
If you’re looking for an action-packed noir crime drama, this one will surprise you. A beautiful young woman, Ji Woo, finds herself working as a spy for an underground world of gangs after her father is brutally murdered.
Vengeful and magnificent, Ji Woo is ready to do whatever it takes to find who killed her father. Will she succeed? You’ll have to watch to find out.
31. D. P. (2021 Netflix Original): 8.2
Based on a popular Korean webtoon, D.P. Dog’s Day, D.P. stands for Deserter Pursuit and the show is about a newly enlisted private who is assigned to capture army deserters.
This drama will most likely strike a chord with virtually every Korean male, since all between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve for at least 18 months in the Korean military. This show is not for the faint hearted. It deals with dark and weighty issues, including hazing and inequalities on Korean military bases and in Korean society in general.
This well-made drama will continue to resonate after you finish watching and could be disturbing since it portrays the dark side of how unfair and harsh Korean society can be. However, this gripping drama will still touch your heart and offer some hope for a better future.
32. Vincenzo (2021 Netflix Original): 8.2
Bringing his mafia past back with him to South Korea, a notorious Korean-Italian lawyer, Vincenzo, isn’t afraid to lend his bloodstained hands to best supposedly untouchable conglomerate leaders. Finding that sparks fly with a partner, in law and crime, just makes the dangerous gamesmanship more fun.
Season 2 of Vincenzo has been ordered but a release date has not been confirmed.
33. Itaewon Class (2020 Netflix Original): 9.1
This is an incredibly inspiring story of Park Saeroyi, who has big dreams of making his Itaewon restaurant a massive success. Those ambitions are put on pause when Geun-Won, the son of Jang Dae-hee (CEO of Jangaa group) kills Saeroyi’s father. But it is Saeroyi who ends up in jail for his attempt to avenge his father.
As an ex-convict, Saeroyi plans to get revenge on Jang Dae-hee by growing his small Itaewon restaurant to first compete with then to overtake Jangaa Group, Korea’s largest food corporation.
The storyline is well written and the diverse characters (including a Black-Korean character and a transgender character) are simply brilliant! Jo Yi-Seo, the female lead, is an extremely intelligent, tough, and cool character. The only drawback was the lack of romantic chemistry between the two main leads. But if you watch the series with an eye toward the action, and not romance, you will love it.
34. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020 Netflix Original): 8.7
Lee Gon is the King of the Kingdom of Korea who uncovers a portal into a parallel world, the Republic of Korea. He soon discovers that his nemesis is running a business of transferring people from one world to another to give them new lives, but their parallel selves must be killed in the process.
The story, understandably, does get confusing at times with the time travel layered on top of the parallel worlds. But, that said, the execution is beautiful and mesmerizing, and overall the series is transfixing to watch. In particular, look out for the King’s bodyguard, who steals every scene he’s in.
35. Crash Landing On You (2019 Netflix Original): 8.5
A paragliding accident lands a fabulously successful, beautiful, and charming South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri, in North Korea where she meets a military officer, Ri Jung-hyuk, who helps her hide and escape.
Crash Landing on You is one of the most-watched series (not just K-dramas!) on Netflix, so I suspect many of you have probably already seen it. But if you have not yet watched it, it should be at the top of your list.
Crash Landing on You is the perfect drama that can be watched over and over again. It has an original, powerful, and moving storyline and there’s never a dull moment. The acting is amazing and it has the best chemistry between the two leads who, perhaps not surprisingly, ended up marrying each other in real life!
36. Kingdom (2019 Netflix Original): 8.2
Kingdom is a thrilling historic, political, horror, zombie drama that showcases well-scripted storylines with great actors and breathtaking cinematography. This multi-dimensional series will take you to the Joseon dynasty (around 1601). This series spanned 2 seasons and a special episode.
This show will grip you from the first scene with a king who has a mysterious disease. You will then find yourself empathizing with the crown prince as he tries to uncover the cause of the king’s disease. He is also on a journey to find a cure for the mysterious plague spreading through the south of Korea.
This show has great action scenes and the acrobatic movements of Korean zombies will impress and scare at the same time. Also, the Joseon royalty costumes and palaces on the show are quite stunning.
37. When The Camellia Blooms (2019 Netflix Original): 8.3
Let’s imagine: you are an orphan and a single mom in the country’s oceanside. Life seems to want to grind you into dust every chance it gets. Many might be overwhelmed by such circumstances but Camelia is not like other women.
This drama focuses on a young woman who is trying her best to get by when she becomes an eyewitness to a famous serial killer, the Joker. Camelia navigates treacherous waters while dealing with prejudice and life itself. She is charming, sometimes pathetic, but wonderfully herself. If you are in the mood for a pick-me-up, this one will do the trick.
38. My Mister (2018 Available on Netflix): 9.8
My Mister is indeed a complete drama. One where heartbreak and sorrow are balanced with humor and optimism and our pick for absolute best Korean drama on Netflix.
This series is superbly cast with leads and supporting actors who nimbly pull off both weightier issues and comedy with ease. The main protagonist, Ji-An, struggles with poverty and the care of her grandmother. But her evolving relationship with Dong Hoon is life-affirming. You end up rooting for the whole cast who lean on each other to get through this journey of life with all the bittersweet pain, joy, and hope, that it entails
Check out our full review of My Mister.
39. Mr. Sunshine (2018 Netflix Original): 9.0
This K-drama follows a Korean-born slave, Eugene Choi, who returns to Korea after rising to the rank of a military officer in the US. He comes back at a turning point in Korean history during the early 1900s. During his time in Korea, Eugene falls in love with a Korean aristocrat’s daughter, Ae-Shin. While focusing on history, it unveils the harsh as well as humane parts of Korean culture.
40. SKY Castle (2018 Available on Netflix): 9.1
Within the exclusive community of SKY Castle, success is everything. For the families here, there’s no room for mistakes and no consolation prize for second place. Ambition and ruthlessness are the air and gravity of this neighborhood.
41. Something in the Rain (2018 Available on Netflix): 8.2
At the heart of this series is the relationship between a 35-year-old career woman, Yoon Jin-ah, and her best friend’s younger brother, Seo Joon-hee, who is seven years younger. The couple struggles to hide their relationship and gain acceptance from their families. In this unconventional pairing, the leads have great chemistry and are easy to root for.
The interesting part of this drama is the struggle of the female professionals dealing with the bad behavior of cringy, loser men at the company where Jin-ah works. You may find yourself frustrated, wishing the female characters were stronger in dealing with the awful creepy men at work. But, overall, it was heartwarming and compelling.
42. Stranger (2017 Available on Netflix): 8.1
Stranger is another great political criminal suspense drama that you will love. This well-made thriller is about a jaded prosecutor, incapable of empathizing with others, who ends up assigned to work with his polar opposite, a sympathetic and idealistic female detective. They are paired together to try and solve a case that involves more than just murder.
The drama dives into the dark side of politics and highlights the fight against inequality, injustice, and corruption. This drama will capture your imagination from the beginning and will make you wonder, at the end, who the real villain is.
43. Reply 1988 (2015 Available on Netflix): 9.7
The year is 1988 and Korea is the place to be. The economy is booming, the Olympics are happening and dreams are being pursued. In this series, the story is set in a small neighborhood in Ssang Mun Dong. Seen through the perspectives of high school best friends and the dysfunctional families found in this tight-knit neighborhood, this drama charmingly tells a story of Korea in the 80s. Definitely a contender for absolute best Korean drama on Netflix.
Check out our full review of Reply 1988.
44. Boys Over Flowers (2009 Available on Netflix): 8.7
Geum Jan-di comes from a poor family but gets deeply involved in the lives of a group of rich boys in her high school who are treated like celebrities. Ok, this drama is the ultimate K-drama cliche, but it is on the list because it is an essential K-drama 101 classic. It aired in 2009 and is still considered one of the most popular Korean dramas of all time. Boys Over Flowers catapulted Lee Min Ho’s career and his acting here shows why he’s the star he is today.
