20 Popular Korean Dramas to Add to Your Watchlist Today

20 Popular Korean Dramas to Add to Your Watchlist Today

Korean dramas have taken the world by storm with their unique storytelling, amazing acting, and beautiful production. These shows offer everything from heart-fluttering romance to edge-of-your-seat thrillers that keep you clicking ‘next episode’ until sunrise. Whether you’re new to K-dramas or looking to expand your watching list, these 20 popular shows are guaranteed to hook you from the very first episode.

1. Crash Landing on You

A South Korean heiress accidentally paraglides into North Korea during a storm and falls in love with a North Korean army officer. Their impossible romance blooms despite the dangerous political situation.

The chemistry between the lead actors (who later married in real life!) makes this show extra special. You’ll laugh, cry, and hold your breath as they navigate their star-crossed relationship.

Beyond the romance, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into North Korean daily life, with details researched through North Korean defectors. The supporting characters add depth and humor to this unforgettable story.

2. Itaewon Class

After his father’s death at the hands of a powerful food company CEO, Park Saeroyi opens a bar-restaurant in the trendy Itaewon district to fulfill his dreams and seek revenge. His journey from ex-convict to successful businessman inspires viewers to never give up.

The diverse cast of characters breaks K-drama norms by including individuals from different backgrounds and identities. Each character brings their own struggles and growth to the story.

Themes of perseverance, found family, and standing up against discrimination make this more than just a revenge tale. The vibrant Itaewon setting adds energy to this underdog story.

3. Vincenzo

Returning to his homeland, a mafia lawyer with Korean and Italian roots uses his criminal know-how to challenge powerful villains beyond the law. Vincenzo mixes sharp comedy and thrilling action as he delivers justice and grows close to a fierce female attorney.

The show brilliantly balances humor with serious themes of corruption and morality. You’ll find yourself cheering for an anti-hero who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty for the greater good.

Memorable side characters and a tight-knit community in an old building create heart in this otherwise gritty story. The stylish cinematography and Song Joong-ki’s charismatic performance make this a must-watch for thriller fans.

4. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

An immortal goblin searches for his human bride, the only one who can end his cursed existence by removing the sword from his chest. Meanwhile, a grim reaper dealing with his own mysterious past crosses paths with the goblin.

Fantasy elements blend with historical flashbacks to create a rich, magical world. The bromance between the goblin and grim reaper provides comic relief amid the emotional romance.

Beautiful cinematography and a haunting soundtrack elevate this story about fate, forgiveness, and eternal love. The writer’s poetic dialogue and attention to symbolic details make this a K-drama masterpiece that rewards multiple viewings.

5. Start-Up

Set in Korea’s fictional Silicon Valley, this drama follows young entrepreneurs trying to make it in the competitive tech world. A case of mistaken identity creates a love triangle between a startup founder, a genius developer, and a successful investor.

The show realistically portrays the struggles and triumphs of startup culture. Technical jargon is explained in accessible ways that make viewers feel smart rather than confused.

Family relationships, especially between sisters and with parental figures, add emotional depth beyond the business storyline. The characters’ growth from dreamers to professionals makes for a satisfying watch that might inspire your own entrepreneurial spirit.

6. Stranger

Unable to experience emotions because of a brain disorder, a prosecutor teams up with a kind-hearted detective to crack murder cases and reveal corruption, learning new perspectives on justice along the way.

Unlike typical crime dramas, the focus here is on methodical investigation rather than action sequences. The complex political machinations keep viewers guessing until the very end.

The lead actors deliver subtle, powerful performances without relying on typical K-drama tropes. This critically acclaimed series proves that K-dramas excel not just in romance but in creating intelligent thrillers that respect the audience’s intelligence.

7. Hotel Del Luna

In a hotel that welcomes only ghosts, a beautiful but cursed woman has ruled for centuries. A disciplined hotel manager arrives and helps lingering spirits find closure.

The stunning visual design creates a hotel that shifts between modern luxury and eerie otherworldliness. Each ghost’s story provides a moving mini-narrative within the larger plot.

Lead actress IU shines in elaborate costumes that change with the decades she’s lived through. The blend of horror, comedy, historical flashbacks, and romance creates a unique supernatural drama that explores grief, revenge, and ultimately, forgiveness.

8. My Mister

An unlikely bond forms between a depressed young woman struggling with debt and a middle-aged engineer dealing with his own life disappointments. Their connection helps both find meaning and healing in their difficult lives.

The series tackles heavy themes like poverty, workplace bullying, and family obligations with remarkable sensitivity. Stunning cinematography uses shadow and light to reflect the characters’ emotional states.

Despite minimal dialogue between the leads, their growing connection feels deeply authentic. This critically acclaimed drama stands out for its realistic portrayal of ordinary people finding dignity and connection in a harsh world, making it one of the most emotionally resonant K-dramas ever made.

9. Signal

Connected by a strange walkie-talkie, a present-day cop and a detective from years ago team up to crack cold cases, but their work causes unexpected and dangerous changes to history.

Based partly on real Korean criminal cases, the show creates genuine tension and mystery. The time-travel element adds complexity without becoming confusing, as the detectives race against the clock in two different decades.

Strong performances and thoughtful writing elevate this beyond a typical procedural drama. The exploration of how the past affects the present and whether fate can truly be changed makes Signal both an exciting thriller and a thought-provoking drama.

10. Reply 1988

Five families living in the same neighborhood in 1988 Seoul share their joys and sorrows as their children grow up together. The nostalgic setting captures Korea during a time of significant change, including the Olympics and important political movements.

Family dinners, neighborhood gossip, and teenage crushes create a warm blanket of nostalgia even for viewers who didn’t grow up in Korea. The parents’ stories are given equal weight to the coming-of-age tales of their children.

Authentic details from 80s culture and genuine chemistry among the cast make the neighborhood feel real. This beloved series captures universal experiences of friendship, first love, and family bonds that transcend cultural boundaries.

11. The World of the Married

A successful doctor’s perfect life shatters when she discovers her husband’s affair with a younger woman. Her quest for revenge spirals into a psychological war that reveals the dark side of marriage, trust, and community appearances.

Unlike typical infidelity dramas, this series delves into complex moral territory where no character is entirely innocent. The fast-paced plot twists keep viewers constantly guessing who to root for.

Kim Hee-ae delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman rebuilding her identity after betrayal. This record-breaking drama became Korea’s highest-rated cable series by fearlessly exploring the damage that lies and secrets inflict on relationships.

12. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

When a children’s author with antisocial personality disorder meets a caretaker dedicated to his autistic brother, their unlikely friendship leads them to confront childhood traumas and open their hearts.

Mental health issues are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance rarely seen in television. The fairy tale elements, including animated sequences and dark storybook illustrations, create a unique visual style.

The drama subverts typical gender roles with a female lead who is bold, prickly, and fashion-forward while the male lead is nurturing and emotionally available. Their growth as individuals is as important as their romance, making this a refreshingly mature love story.

13. Mr. Sunshine

During a pivotal period of Japanese colonialism, a Korean-born U.S. marine comes back to Korea and falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter secretly working for independence, their romance forbidden yet powerful.

Breathtaking cinematography and meticulous historical detail transport viewers to early 1900s Korea. The supporting characters – a hotel owner, a samurai, and a sniper – each have compelling storylines that enrich the historical tapestry.

This epic drama honors the unsung heroes who fought for Korean sovereignty. The blend of history, romance, action, and political intrigue creates a sweeping narrative that feels both intimate and grand in scale.

14. Kingdom

As a plague resurrects the dead in medieval Korea, a crown prince’s investigation reveals a perilous political conspiracy threatening the realm.

This groundbreaking series combines zombie horror with historical political drama. The gorgeous period costumes and settings contrast sharply with the terrifying zombie sequences.

Beyond the scares, Kingdom offers sharp commentary on class inequality and corrupt leadership. The unique concept of fast zombies in a Joseon-era setting created a global sensation that proved K-dramas could successfully venture into horror territory while maintaining their trademark production quality and character development.

15. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo

A female college weightlifter navigates first love, friendship, and finding her identity beyond her sport. Her childhood connection with a competitive swimmer blossoms into romance as they support each other through the pressures of being student-athletes.

Based loosely on the life of Olympic gold medalist Jang Mi-ran, the show captures the dedication required in elite sports. The friend group dynamics feel authentic to the college experience, with plenty of silly moments and inside jokes.

This coming-of-age story tackles body image issues with sensitivity, showing a female lead who is strong both physically and emotionally. The natural chemistry between the leads and the show’s lighthearted humor make this a comfort watch that leaves viewers smiling.

16. 100 Days My Prince

After an assassination attempt erases his memory, an arrogant crown prince lives as a commoner in a village, only to discover he’s married to a determined woman by a decree he once made.

The fish-out-of-water comedy comes from watching the prince struggle with simple tasks and gradually learn empathy for his subjects. Historical details about Joseon-era marriage customs and village life add authenticity to the fantasy premise.

EXO’s D.O. showcases his acting range as the prince whose personality transforms through his experiences. The romance develops naturally as the leads overcome the vast differences in their backgrounds and expectations.

17. Her Private Life

Leading a double life as an art curator and K-pop fan site master, she faces new challenges when her boss discovers her secret, turning workplace tension into romance.

The show celebrates fan culture rather than mocking it, showing how passion for art exists in many forms. Workplace scenes in the art gallery provide a sophisticated backdrop to the developing romance.

Refreshingly, the drama avoids typical misunderstandings that drag out unnecessarily. Instead, the mature leads communicate honestly and support each other’s interests and careers. This rom-com offers both swoon-worthy moments and thoughtful commentary on public perception versus private passion.

18. Romance Is a Bonus Book

A once-successful advertising copywriter finds herself divorced, homeless, and struggling to rejoin the workforce due to age discrimination. She secretly moves in with her younger childhood friend, now a successful author and publishing company editor.

The world of book publishing creates a cozy backdrop filled with literary references and the satisfaction of creative work. Supporting characters at the publishing house add workplace comedy and their own charming subplots.

This noona romance (between an older woman and younger man) tackles ageism and career reinvention with warmth and humor. Book lovers will especially appreciate the drama’s celebration of the written word and the people who bring stories to life.

19. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon

Born with superhuman strength, a petite woman becomes the bodyguard for a gaming company CEO while trying to catch a neighborhood kidnapper. Her strength, passed down through the women in her family, becomes both her greatest asset and challenge.

The contrast between Bong-soon’s cute appearance and her ability to throw grown men across rooms creates plenty of comedic moments. A serial kidnapping subplot adds thriller elements that balance the romantic comedy aspects.

Park Bo-young’s charming performance makes the superpowered character relatable as she learns to embrace her strength rather than hide it. The drama playfully subverts gender expectations while delivering a sweet love story and satisfying action sequences.

20. Extraordinary You

Discovering that her life is scripted by a comic book author, a high school girl joins forces with another awakened character to take control of their destinies.

The clever concept allows for meta-commentary on romance tropes as the characters recognize and rebel against clichés. Scenes shift between the manhwa’s scripted events and the characters’ “shadow” moments when they’re off-page and free to act independently.

The fantasy premise explores deeper questions about fate, free will, and whether secondary characters deserve their own stories. Fans of high school dramas will enjoy this fresh take that combines romance, comedy, and existential questions in a visually striking package.