In the new and latest Korean dramas, prepare to be blown away by unexpected twists! The person you thought was your perfect match? Brace yourself, they turn out to be your long-lost sibling. The underprivileged girl? Hold onto your seats, she’s actually the missing daughter of Korea’s wealthiest clan. These mind-boggling plot twists may sound cliché, but in Korean dramas, they’re the norm!
From the addictive My Love from the Star to the captivating I Hear Your Voice, the Korean entertainment industry never fails to deliver gripping dramas. Despite the outlandish storylines, fans of Korean dramas can’t get enough of the sheer excitement they bring. These must-watch K-dramas showcase the talents of beloved Korean stars like Gong Yoo, Kim Soo-hyun, Park Shin-hye, Song Hye-ko, Song Joong-ki, Jun Ji-hyun, and many more. Prepare to laugh, swoon, and be on the edge of your seat as you dive into a diverse range of genres, from side-splitting comedies to enchanting romance fantasies and heart-pounding crime thrillers.
Delve into the world of brilliant Korean dramas featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Do you have a personal favorite from this incredible lineup? Check out the list below and share your top pick!
1. Crash Landing on You
In this heartwarming tale, love knows no boundaries. Hyun Bin plays a North Korean soldier and Son Ye-jin portrays a South Korean heiress who finds herself in North Korea by accident while paragliding. Their love story is unlikely, as they come from different backgrounds. But despite the obstacles they face, their journey unfolds beautifully. The entire ensemble cast delivers top-notch performances, while the cinematography is breathtaking. The plot is so engaging that it keeps you hooked until the very end. It’s no surprise that this drama became an instant classic.
Premiered: December 14, 2019
Actors: Hyun-bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye
2. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
This hit series was a perfect blend of action, romance, and humor that had us glued to our screens. Park Bo-young’s performance as the titular character was absolutely stellar and won the hearts of viewers worldwide. She played a woman with superhuman strength who becomes a bodyguard for a rich heir, portrayed by Park Hyung-sik, and her portrayal was truly captivating.
The chemistry between the two lead actors was undeniable and added an extra layer of excitement to the show. But it wasn’t just the main characters who made this series shine. The supporting cast also brought depth to the story and made it even more enjoyable to watch.
During its run, this show received rave reviews and earned high ratings. And even today, it remains a fan favorite. It’s easy to see why this series has stood the test of time with its perfect mix of action, romance, and humor.
Premiered: 2017
Actors: Park Bo-young, Park Hyung-sik, Ji Soo
3. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
This feel-good drama received a lot of praise for its authentic portrayal of college life and competitive sports. It truly captured the essence of youth, exploring themes of friendship, romance, career aspirations, and personal growth. Lee Sung-kyung did an outstanding job as Kim Bok-joo, the passionate weightlifting prodigy, while Nam Joo-hyuk charmed viewers with his portrayal of swimmer Jung Joon-hyung. The undeniable chemistry between these two athletes has not only won over fans on-screen but also off-screen.
Premiered: 2016
Actors: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk, Lee Jae-yoon
4. Fight My Way
This refreshing series is a testament to never giving up on your dreams, no matter what obstacles come your way. It follows the journey of four childhood friends as they navigate adulthood and pursue their passions, despite the challenges that life throws at them. Park Seo-joon shines in the role of an aspiring MMA fighter, while Kim Ji-won captures hearts as his best friend-turned-love interest, who aspires to become an announcer. Their on-screen chemistry and camaraderie with the rest of the cast create an unforgettable viewing experience. This drama has a relatable storyline, exceptional acting, and heartfelt messages about friendship and love, making it a fan favorite.
Premiered: 2017
Actors: Park Seo-joon, Kim Ji-won, Ahn Jae-hong
5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
This romantic comedy is truly captivating as it takes you into the world of corporate culture. It beautifully explores themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. Park Seo-joon’s portrayal of a narcissistic vice-chairman who can’t comprehend why his secretary, played by Park Min-young, wants to quit after years of dedicated service is both heartwarming and hilarious. The chemistry between the lead actors and the supporting cast is outstanding, making this show an instant classic in the realm of Korean dramas.
Premiered: 2018
Actors: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young, Lee Tae-hwan
6. The Legend of the Blue Sea
Get ready to be swept away by a captivating story that combines romance, fantasy, and mystery. Starring the talented Lee Min-ho as a genius scam artist and Jun Ji-hyun as a mermaid who finds herself in modern-day Seoul, this enchanting tale is a perfect blend of genres.
From the very beginning, the breathtaking cinematography and engaging plot will have you hooked. As their unlikely love story unfolds, the chemistry between the lead actors is simply outstanding. Not only that, but the supporting cast also delivers memorable performances that will leave a lasting impression.
With a perfect balance of romance, fantasy, and mystery, this series has something for everyone. It’s a true gem that will keep you captivated from start to finish. Don’t miss out on this incredible show that showcases the best of its lead actors and a talented ensemble cast.
Premiered: November 16, 2016
Actors: Lee Min-ho, Jun Ji-hyun
7. While You Were Sleeping
In this supernatural romance thriller, we have Lee Jong-suk playing the role of a prosecutor. He’s got this incredible ability to dream about future events. And guess what? Bae Suzy, who plays a reporter, has the same prophetic visions too. It’s like they’re connected in some mysterious way.
As they team up, they find themselves unraveling life-changing mysteries. But it’s not all smooth sailing for them. They have to navigate through tough times and face adversity together.
One thing that really stands out in this show is the powerful performances by the lead actors. Lee Jong-suk and Bae Suzy really bring their A-game to the table. And let’s not forget about the outstanding supporting cast. They add an extra layer of depth to the story.
What sets this show apart is its unique narrative structure. It’s not your typical romance thriller. The way the story is told captivates viewers and keeps them hooked. No wonder it has received widespread critical acclaim.
Premiered: 2017
Actors: Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Jung Hae-in
8. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Get ready for an emotionally charged drama that delves deep into mental health issues, skillfully brought to life by the brilliant performances of Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji. Follow these complex characters on their personal journeys towards healing, all while navigating the ever-changing dynamics of their relationship. This unconventional romantic drama has received high praise for its sensitive portrayal of mental health, its nuanced characters, and its visually stunning cinematography. With the lead actors delivering powerful performances and an enthralling storyline, this series is an absolute must-watch.
Premiered: 2020
Actors: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, Oh Jung-se
9. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
This historical fantasy romance takes you on a captivating journey back to the Goryeo dynasty. Brace yourself for an unforgettable love story that unfolds in the backdrop of ancient Korea. With Lee Joon-gi playing the role of the misunderstood fourth prince and IU as a modern-day woman who magically travels through time, this series brings together a perfect blend of history and romance.
One of the reasons why this series has garnered immense popularity is its incredible ensemble cast. Each actor brings their A-game to the table, breathing life into the complex and intriguing characters. You’ll find yourself emotionally invested in their stories, as they navigate through the complexities of love and power.
The plotlines of this series are intricately woven, keeping you hooked from beginning to end. Every episode is filled with suspense, drama, and unexpected twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. You won’t be able to resist the urge to binge-watch the entire series in one go.
In addition to the gripping storyline, the stunning costumes in this series are a feast for the eyes. The attention to detail in recreating the fashion of the Goryeo era is remarkable. From majestic royal robes to intricately designed traditional attire, every costume adds to the authenticity and visual appeal of the show.
It’s no wonder that fans have fallen head over heels for this historical fantasy romance. The combination of a compelling love story, a talented cast, intricate plotlines, and breathtaking costumes creates an irresistible viewing experience. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be transported to a world of love and adventure in ancient Korea.
Premiered: August 29, 2016
Actors: Lee Joon-gi, Lee Ji-eun, Kang Ha-neul
10. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
This show is truly captivating and has managed to capture hearts all over the world. It tells a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and redemption. Gong Yoo’s portrayal of an immortal goblin who is desperately searching for his bride, played by Kim Go-eun, is truly remarkable. The way their poignant love story unfolds is truly touching.
But that’s not all there is to it. The show also introduces an intriguing subplot involving Lee Dong-wook as a Grim Reaper with a mysterious past. This adds an extra layer of excitement and mystery to the already captivating plot.
One of the reasons why this show became an instant classic in the world of Korean dramas is its stellar cast. Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, and Lee Dong-wook deliver outstanding performances that will leave you in awe. Their chemistry on-screen is simply mesmerizing.
Not only is the cast outstanding, but the plot itself is also incredibly captivating. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly waiting to see what will happen next. The way the story unfolds is truly breathtaking.
And let’s not forget about the cinematography. The visuals in this show are simply stunning. Every scene is beautifully shot, adding an extra layer of beauty and depth to the story.
All in all, this show is a must-watch for any fan of Korean dramas. Its spellbinding tale of love, loss, and redemption, along with its stellar cast and breathtaking cinematography, make it an instant classic.
Premiered: 2016
Actors: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook
11. Descendants of the Sun
This drama is truly groundbreaking. It captivated global audiences by showcasing the irresistible on-screen chemistry between Song Joong-ki’s charismatic special forces captain and Song Hye-kyo’s skilled doctor in the midst of a war-torn setting.
What makes this tale so heart-stirring is its ability to expertly blend action, romance, and human relationships. The story unfolds beautifully, with the lead actors delivering exceptional performances that leave a lasting impact.
But it’s not just the main characters that shine in this drama. The supporting roles played by Kim Ji-won and Jin Goo are also memorable, adding depth and nuance to the overall narrative.
Overall, this drama is a must-watch for anyone looking for a well-crafted story, incredible chemistry between actors, and a perfect balance of action, romance, and human emotions.
Premiered: February 24, 2016
Actors: Song Joong Ki, Song Hye-Kyo