The rise of Korean dramas, often known as K-dramas, has captured a significant global following in recent years.
The world of Korean dramas is a captivating and diverse realm. The South Korean entertainment industry has been steadily gaining international prominence
wK-pop acclaimed films like Parasite and Minari, and television series from Korea are making waves globally.
To help you dive into this expanding world of television, here is a curated list of the best Korean dramas available on Netflix, both original productions and licensed content.
1. Title: Celebrity
Release: 2023
Director: Kim Cheol-kyu
Runtime: Seasonal
Celebrity is a thrilling South Korean mystery series that showcases the talents of Park Gyu-young (known for her role in The Devil Judge) in the lead as Seo Ah-ri, a social media influencer. Ah-ri’s relentless pursuit of fame attracts not only attention but also the perils of envy and animosity from her fellow influencers. However, the challenges she faces pale in comparison to the unfolding conspiracy that threatens not just her life but also her coveted celebrity status. The show offers a gripping portrayal of the intense pressures faced by public figures in Seoul’s cutthroat influencer industry.
2. Title: Crash Course in Romance
Release: 2023
Director: Yoo Je-won
Runtime: Seasonal
Crash Course in Romance is a delightfully chaotic South Korean dramedy penned by Yang Hee-seung, known for collaborating with director Yoo Je-won. With its clever incorporation of bittersweet romance tropes, the series captures a universal charm that appeals to a wide audience. The show stars Jung Kyung-ho in the role of Choi Chi-yeol, a renowned math instructor and celebrity at the prestigious Pride Academy. Alongside him, Jeon Do-yeon portrays Nam Haeng-seon, a kind-hearted small business owner who unexpectedly develops feelings for the famous mathlete. Supported by a talented cast including Lee Bong-ryeon and Roh Yoon-seo, Crash Course in Romance delivers an endearing and heartwarming first season.
3. Title: Queenmaker
Release: 2023
Director: Oh Jin-seok
Runtime: Seasonal
Queenmaker is an enthralling political drama co-created by Oh Jin-seok and Moon Ji-young. Comparable to a Korean version of Scandal, Queenmaker centers around a skilled fixer who, driven by a crisis of conscience, relinquishes her influential position in a powerful business conglomerate to enter the world of politics. Her mission is twofold: to transform a determined civil rights attorney into the next mayor of Seoul and to bring down her former employer in the process. The series stars Kim Hee-ae as the brilliant image-maker Hwang Do-hee and Moon So-ri as the “rhino of justice” Oh Seung-sook, a lawyer dedicated to human liberties.
4. Title: Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Release: 2022
Director: Jung Ji-hyun
Runtime: Seasonal
Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a captivating South Korean teen series that takes place in the late 1990s, offering creators Jung Jee-hyun and Kwon Do-eun the opportunity to weave a fictional narrative within the backdrop of real events. Anchored by the talented Kim Tae-ri in the role of Na Hee-do, an ambitious high school student and prodigious fencer, the series explores the impact of the 1997 IMF crisis on these young individuals. As circumstances force Na to transfer schools, she encounters Baek Yi-jin
5. Title: The Fabulous
Release: 2022
Director: Kim Jung-hung
Runtime: Seasonal
In The Fabulous, we delve into the vibrant lives of a close-knit group of best friends in Seoul as they embark on a journey to fulfill their aspirations and find their place in the glamorous world of fashion. Reminiscent of The Bold Type, this series explores not only their professional ambitions but also their intricate interpersonal relationshi ps, romantic encounters, and exhilarating nighttime escapades in the bustling city. Starring Choi Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Seong Park, and Jacqueline Misaye.
6. Title: The Good Bad Mother
Release: 2023
Director: Shim Na-yeon
Runtime: Seasonal
The Good Bad Mother is a heartwarming drama that explores the concept of second chances, beginning in a dark place but evolving into a touching tale of reconciliation. The story revolves around Choi Kang-ho (played by Lee Do-hyun), a cold-hearted attorney who experiences memory loss in an accident, reverting to a childlike state. Unable to care for himself, he returns to his hometown to live with his estranged mother, Jin Young-soon (portrayed by Ra Mi-ran), who views this as an opportunity to become the mother she always yearned to be.
7. Title: My Girlfriend is a Gumiho
Release: 2010
Director: Boo Sung-chul
Runtime: Seasonal
This captivating series intertwines elements of romance and fantasy, perfect for those seeking an emotional journey and a taste of otherworldly love stories. Drawing from the legendary myth of the nine-tailed fox, the narrative revolves around the evolving relationship between Gu Mi-ho (Shin Min-a), a fox longing to become human, and Cha Dae-woong (Lee Seung-gi), initially fearful of her supernatural nature.
8. Title: The Doctors
Release: 2016
Director: Oh Choong-Hwan, Park Soo-Jin
Runtime: Seasonal
For those interested in the medical field, “The Doctors” offers a compelling narrative that combines romance and motivation. Through the journeys of Yoo Hye-jung (Park Shin-hye) and Hong Ji-hong (Kim Rae-won), the show highlights the challenges they face as aspiring doctors. Yoo Hye-jung’s transformation from a rebellious student to a successful neurosurgeon is particularly inspiring.
9. Title: The Glory
Release: 2022
Director: Ahn Gil-ho
Runtime: Seasonal
Joining Netflix’s captivating lineup of K-dramas, “The Glory” stands out with its exceptional cast and its basis on real-life bullying incidents. With Song Hye-kyo portraying the protagonist Moon Dong-eun, the series delves into her harrowing experience of high school bullying orchestrated by Park Yeon-jin (Lim Ji-yeon) and her clique, and her eventual quest for revenge. “The Glory” confronts the disturbing reality of bullying in South Korea, showcasing both its grotesque nature and the underlying corruption within privileged circles.
10. Title: SKY Castle
Release: 2018
Director: Jo Hyun-tak
Runtime: Seasonal
“SKY Castle,” a thought-provoking K-drama, offers a profound reflection on Korean society, particularly the class system and academic pressures. Set in an affluent area of Seoul, the series follows a group of mothers who go to extreme lengths to secure their families’ success. The show’s exploration of the corrupt behavior and insatiable greed of the wealthy sheds light on the class disparities in South Korea.
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