Korean dramas have become increasingly popular among people of all ages with their unique mix of powerful storytelling, emotional stories, and relatable and charming characters. Regardless of what you prefer to watch, K-dramas offer something for everyone, from action to romance to thrillers.
Whether you’re new to K-dramas and are looking to dip your toes into this world, or you’re a seasoned connoisseur searching for your next favourite show to binge watch, these must-watch K-dramas are streaming right now on Netflix, Prime Video, and beyond!
Familiar Wife (2018)
What if you could change your past and start over? When a man in an unhappy marriage gets the opportunity to go back in time and marry his first love, he jumps at the chance. But fate has other plans. Familiar Wife is a romantic fantasy drama that is a great pick for someone who loves second chance love stories.
This show dives deep into the dynamics of a relationship, emotional growth, and taking responsibility. Familiar Wife starts on a slow note, but persevering through the early episodes will lead to the emotional payoff, which is absolutely worth watching. Though it has a ‘fantasy’ element in terms of the time travel, compared to Goblin, it’s small and only serves as a tool to highlight the importance of becoming the right person, and not just choosing the right person.
Hello, My Twenties! (2016)
Hello, My Twenties! Is a coming-of-age drama that follows five completely different girls living together in a shared house during their twenties, navigating their own trials and tribulations. This drama is emotional, with moments of heartfelt friendship blooming between the characters as they come to realize that not all families are blood-related.
Hello, My Twenties! Is perfect for fans of character-driven and grounded shows like Reply 1988 or Girls. However, if you’re someone who’s looking for a fast-paced drama, like Vincenzo, this might not be the best pick. The show’s biggest strength is its characters, where each one brings their own distinct and authentic personalities to the screen, making them feel real and easy to connect with.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Boys Over Flowers is a gateway drama for all K-drama fans. It tells the story of Jan-di, a poor girl who attends an elite high school, where she repeatedly clashes with the school’s most popular group, the F4, and their leader Jun-pyo. If you’ve never watched a K-drama before, this might be a great first choice. It’s got the classic rich boy-poor girl enemies-to-lovers banter trope that most fans love.
The writing can feel a bit too dramatic at times and some of the plot lines might leave you frustrated, but if you’re looking for a messy drama that’ll have you rooting for the main characters’ seemingly impossible love story, then this one is for you. But if you’re looking for a more straightforward drama without a splashy story arc, then Strong Woman Do Bong-soon would be a better pick. The Boys Over Flowers soundtrack, however, definitely deserves a special mention as well; you’ll be humming the tunes for weeks after you’ve finished watching the show.
Goblin (2016)
When a cursed goblin crosses paths with a high school student who claims she’s his chosen “bride” and the one who can end his eternal life, you already know you’re in for an unforgettable ride. Goblin defined 2016 for K-drama fans with its masterful exploration of love and letting go.
The amazing narration, beautiful soundtrack, and hilarious bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper makes this drama timeless. Though Goblin has its seriously funny moments, it never loses track of the emotional core. If you liked shows like Hotel Del Luna or even Twilight (though Goblin has higher stakes and better writing) and are a fan of slow-burn love stories like in Crash Landing On You, then this drama will win you over!
Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (2017)
When a seemingly delicate Bong-soon (who actually has superhuman strength passed down from her family) is hired by a CEO as his bodyguard, a chilling mystery begins to unfold involving missing women in her town. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon is the perfect choice for fans of a sweet romcom blended with fantasy and a good thriller. Like Boys Over Flowers, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon also has a love story at its core, but while Jan-di can sometimes come across as a damsel in distress, Do Bong-soon flips that trope on its head by saving the male lead several times.
The villain arc may be a bit darker than what viewers might expect, especially in comparison with the cute, slow-burn romance. If you liked Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo or strong (literally!) female leads like Jessica Jones, then this one’s for you. It’s also a perfect pick if you love an unabashed, quirky heroine, electric chemistry between the main leads, and a love triangle that’ll have you torn over who to root for.
Vincenzo (2021)
Song Joong-ki stars as the Korean-Italian mafia consigliere Vincenzo Cassano who returns to Seoul to recover a pile of hidden gold—and ends up waging war against a corrupt conglomerate. Fans of crime and courtroom dramas with exciting twists and morally gray, antihero characters like Walter White in Breaking Bad and Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders will enjoy this witty and intense drama.
The ragtag supporting cast also steals the show with their quips and quirks. While Vincenzo balances crime themes with dark comedy seamlessly, Signal focuses more on intense storytelling with rare moments of humour. That said, both shows share a similar tone with their sights set on the overarching theme of justice. Though Song Joong-ki delivers a charismatic performance in Vincenzo, there is one other performance that requires equal applause—but you’re going to have to watch to find out who!
Love Next Door (2024)
Seok-ryu returns to her hometown after leaving her high paying job and breaking things off with her fiancé in America, much to the chagrin of her mother. She soon learns that home isn’t always a place; sometimes, it’s a person.
Love Next Door is a mellow romance about childhood friends who fall in love with each other amidst career, health, and family chaos. This show isn’t plot-heavy or melodramatic, so people in search of a high stakes drama may skip this one. It sits right next to Familiar Wife, where, just like Love Next Door, the main couple’s journey of finding their way back to each other is the central theme. If you also like the best friends-to-lovers slow-burn trope, and a drama that captures the joy of uncomplicated love, this is a comfort watch.
Signal (2016)
Signal is a crime thriller that connects a modern-day detective with a detective from the past through a mysterious radio. They work together to solve cold cases that are based on real-life events. The drama was very well-received for its intense suspense and critical investigations.
Fans of shows like Mind Hunter or Broadchurch will be hooked, as each episode is essential and flawlessly layered. If you’re searching for a cozy drama that can be a light and casual watch, Signal might not be the ideal choice; Love Next Door, which sits on the complete opposite end of the spectrum might scratch that itch instead. However, if you’re looking for a Korean mystery drama that will keep you guessing until the end with its remarkably written plot lines and characters, Signal is one of the best in the genre.
Crash Landing On You (2019)
A South Korean heiress literally lands into trouble when she’s blown off course while paragliding and “crash-lands” into a North Korean soldier’s arms, who then decides to help her hide and return home across the border. Crash Landing on You is a top-tier drama filled with complicated relationships, humour, and action. It’s dramatic, but at the same time, it isn’t over-the-top.
This drama is a great choice for those who love star-crossed romance and want to escape into such a setting (also watch: Descendants of the Sun). Like Goblin, Crash Landing On You is a love story set against impossible circumstances, but unlike Goblin, it’s rooted in real world conflict rather than fantasy.. Though the plot does lag a bit in the middle, the emotional dynamics make this a worthwhile watch. If you’re an experienced Korean drama viewer or a novice, this one should definitely be on your watch (and rewatch) list!
Hospital Playlist (2020)
Hospital Playlist follows five doctors who have been best friends since medical school, now working at the same hospital. The magnetic and heartwarming chemistry between the five leads makes the show. It’s the kind that makes you feel as though you’re part of the group. Hospital Playlist mimics the grounded tone set by Hello! My Twenties with both dramas surrounding a group of friends figuring out life.
Hospital Playlist is a cozy drama without too many twists or cliffhangers, but brings comfort to the forefront. If slower paced dramas aren’t your thing, then this might not be the right fit for you. This drama is the perfect choice for fans of Grey’s Anatomy or the medical drama genre in general with its comedic and human moments.
