Korean dramas, often referred to as K-dramas, have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with their captivating storytelling, compelling characters, and high production values. Each year, numerous new dramas are released, offering a diverse range of genres and themes for viewers to enjoy. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 12 Korean dramas of the year, highlighting their unique qualities, popularity, and why they stand out in the competitive landscape of Korean entertainment.
Before we delve into the top dramas of the year, let's define what makes Korean dramas so special. K-dramas are television series produced in South Korea, known for their serialized format, typically spanning one season of 16 to 20 episodes. They cover a wide range of genres, including romance, comedy, thriller, fantasy, and historical dramas, catering to diverse audience preferences.
1. Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing on You took the world by storm with its unconventional premise and heartwarming romance. The series follows the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea, where she meets a North Korean army officer. As they navigate the complexities of their forbidden love, they must overcome cultural differences and political tensions.
- Notable for its stellar cast and breathtaking cinematography.
- Explores themes of love, identity, and reconciliation.
- Received widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.
Synopsis
After getting into a paragliding accident, South Korean heiress Yoon Se Ri crash lands in North Korea. There, she meets North Korean army officer Ri Jung Hyuk, who agrees to help her return to South Korea. Despite the tension between their countries, the two of them start falling for one another.
2. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
It's Okay to Not Be Okay garnered praise for its bold storytelling and complex characters. The series revolves around a psychiatric ward caregiver with antisocial personality disorder and a children's book author with a traumatic past. As they embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, they confront their inner demons and learn to embrace love and acceptance.
- Known for its unique blend of romance, psychology, and fairy tale elements.
- Explores themes of mental health, trauma, and redemption.
- Received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative and stellar performances.
Synopsis
Moon Gang Tae is a community health worker at a psychiatric ward who was blessed with everything including a great body, smarts, ability to sympathize with others, patience, ability to react quickly, stamina, and more. Meanwhile, Ko Moon Young is a popular writer of children’s literature who, due to suffering from an antisocial personality disorder, seems extremely selfish, arrogant, and rude.
Moon Gang Tae denies love and Ko Moon Young doesn’t know it. The two defy fate and fall in love, finding their souls and identities in the process.
(Source: Soompi & Koreandrama.org)
MDL Rating: 8.9
3. Start-Up
Start-Up captured audiences with its compelling portrayal of the startup industry and youthful ambition. The series follows a group of young entrepreneurs as they navigate the competitive world of tech startups in South Korea's Silicon Valley. Amidst fierce competition and romantic entanglements, they chase their dreams and confront the harsh realities of success and failure.
- Notable for its relatable characters and dynamic storytelling.
- Explores themes of entrepreneurship, friendship, and love.
- Garnered praise for its fresh take on the startup culture and career aspirations.
Synopsis
Set in one of the world’s most advanced tech sector, “Start Up” tells the tale of the razor-thin margins between ultimate success and abject failure. The story takes place in the fictional Sandbox Company, where the journey of four unique people is told.
After a revolving door of unfulfilling retail jobs, Seo Dal Mi is unsatisfied with the current trajectory of her life. Her soul longs for a grand adventure that sees her at the top and managing her own company. Although she does not have much to offer, she has big dreams, red hot ambition, and the soul of a pioneer.
A constant source of his family's pride as a child, Nam Do San as an adult is the founder of Sam San Tech, a fledgling start-up company that is looking to transition into bigger endeavors. But a vague dream and limited ambition see his company flounder. Unknown to him, the tailwinds of fate has begun to fill up SST's sails.
Han Ji Pyeong, a man who does not want to owe anyone anything, owes a large debt to one special person who helped him greatly in the past. His role in the start-up world sees him as Judge, Jury, and Executioner, as his pragmatic advice sees the futures of start-ups either rise into greatness or fall into obscurity.
Tired of doing all the work, but seeing the credit go to someone else, Won In Jae yearns to prove herself in a male-dominated industry, as a capable woman who can succeed without the advantages her privileged childhood has given her.
(Source: Kimsamsoom at MyDramaList)
MDL Rating: 8.1
4. Hospital Playlist
Hospital Playlist resonated with viewers for its heartwarming depiction of friendship and camaraderie among medical professionals. Set in a hospital, the series follows five doctors who have been friends since medical school as they navigate the challenges of their personal and professional lives. Through laughter and tears, they support each other through life's ups and downs.
- Known for its ensemble cast and slice-of-life storytelling.
- Explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of excellence.
- Received praise for its realistic portrayal of the medical profession and emotional depth.
The stories of people going through their days are seemingly ordinary but actually special at the hospital, a place known as the microcosm of life, where someone is being born and someone's life meets its ending. The five doctors are long-time friends of 20 years who started their undergrad in 1999 in the same medical school and now are colleagues in the same hospital and have a band together. (Source: Korean = Naver || Translation = YeoNiverse at MyDramaList) MDL Rating: 9.1
5. Penthouse: War in Life
Penthouse: War in Life gripped audiences with its intense melodrama and shocking plot twists. The series follows the residents of a luxury apartment building, where greed, ambition, and betrayal reign supreme. As secrets unravel and dark truths come to light, the characters become embroiled in a web of lies and deceit with deadly consequences.
- Notable for its suspenseful plot and morally ambiguous characters.
- Explores themes of power, wealth, and revenge.
- Became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions and debates among viewers.
Synopsis
The residents of Hera Palace, a luxury penthouse apartment with 100 floors, have many secrets and hidden ambitions. Sim Su Ryeon, who was born into wealth, is the queen of the penthouse apartment. Cheon Seo Jin, the prima donna of the residence, does all she can to give everything to her daughter. Oh Yoon Hee comes from a poor family background, but she strives to enter high society by becoming the queen of the penthouse, the pinnacle of success in her eyes. A battle for wealth, power, and prestige at Seoul’s most coveted penthouse begins.
(Source: KOCOWA)
MDL Rating: 8.7
6. Vincenzo
Vincenzo captivated audiences with its unique blend of dark comedy, action, and romance. The series follows an Italian mafia consigliere who returns to South Korea and becomes embroiled in a battle against corrupt conglomerates and villains. With the help of a resourceful lawyer, he seeks justice while navigating his own conflicted moral compass.
- Known for its charismatic lead performance and intricate plot.
- Explores themes of justice, morality, and the pursuit of redemption.
- Received praise for its engaging storyline and dynamic characters.
Synopsis
At the age of eight, Park Joo Hyeong left for Italy after being adopted. Now an adult, he is known as Vincenzo Cassano and employed by a Mafia family as a consigliere. Due to warring Mafia factions, he flies to South Korea where he gets involved with lawyer Hong Cha Young. She is the type of attorney who will do anything to win a case. Now back in his motherland, he gives an unrivalled conglomerate a taste of his own medicine—with a side of his own version of justice.
(Source: Netflix, AsianWiki)
MDL Rating: 8.9
7. Navillera
Navillera touched the hearts of viewers with its poignant portrayal of friendship and dreams deferred. The series follows a retired mailman who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer in his golden years and a young ballet prodigy who struggles with his own ambitions and family expectations. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and pursue their passion for dance.
- Notable for its heartwarming storyline and emotional performances.
- Explores themes of aging, regret, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Received acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of intergenerational relationships.
Synopsis
A 70-year-old with a dream and a 23-year-old with a gift lift each other out of harsh realities and rise to the challenge of becoming ballerinos.
Shim Deok Chul has had a life long dreaming of performing ballet. He is 70-years-old and retired from his job as a post office employee. Due to life situations, he put aside his dream of becoming a ballet dancer and worked a normal job to support his family. Now, Shim Deok Chul makes the decision to pursue his dream again. His family, including his wife and adult children, are not happy with his decision, but Shim Deok Chul does not waver in pursuing his life long dream. He joins a ballet company to learn ballet. There, he meets Lee Chae Rok.
Lee Chae Rok is a 23-year-old man. While growing up, he played different sports like baseball, swimming, and soccer, but he wasn't talented in any of those activities. He then became interested in ballet. His mother was a ballet dancer, but she died from a disease when Lee Chae Rok was young. His father later went bankrupt. Lee Chae Rok learned that he has a talent for ballet, but, after pursuing ballet, he barely has contact with his father and he has a hard time supporting himself financially. Going through hard times, his desire for ballet fades away. At this time, Sim Deok Chul appears in front of him.
(Source: Netflix, AsianWiki)
MDL Rating: 8.9
8. Mr. Queen
Mr. Queen captured audiences with its whimsical premise and comedic take on time travel. The series follows a modern-day chef who gets transported back in time to the Joseon era and inhabits the body of a queen. As she navigates the treacherous politics of the royal court, she must adapt to her new identity while trying to find a way back to her own time.
- Known for its lighthearted humor and gender-bending storyline.
- Explores themes of identity, love, and cultural clash.
- Became a commercial success, attracting a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
Synopsis
In these special episodes, the viewers get to watch some secret stories of the beloved characters of Mr. Queen. Find out about the first encounter between So Yong and King Cheol Jong, the competitive relationship between Byeong In and Prince Yeong Pyeong, and Lady Hwa Jin’s secret that steals the hearts of all the women in the palace.
(Source: VIU)
MDL Rating: 8.7
9. Run On
Run On charmed viewers with its refreshing take on romance and self-discovery. The series follows a former sprinter turned sports agent and a subtitle translator with a passion for literature as they navigate the complexities of love and communication. Against the backdrop of the entertainment industry and sports world, they learn to overcome their differences and find common ground.
- Notable for its realistic portrayal of modern relationships and career aspirations.
- Explores themes of communication, ambition, and personal growth.
- Received praise for its diverse cast and nuanced storytelling.
Synopsis
Ki Sun Gyeom is a sprinter on the national team who was forced to quit due to legal issues. Oh Mi Joo writes translated subtitles for movies. She was thrilled to see her name listed among the credits when she first started. Ki Sun Gyeom had just quit sprinting when he encountered Oh Mi Joo, who felt that destiny most certainly brought them together.
Seo Dan Ah is the CEO of a sports agency and the rightful successor to the Seomyung Group. Despite this, she is held back from advancing in the company due to her gender. She fiercely wishes to reclaim what is rightfully hers and lives her life accordingly. Lee Young Hwa, a university art major who enjoys movies and drawing soon enters her life.
Could romance be in the cards for these two couples?
(Source: AsianWiki; edited by Lee C)
MDL Rating: 8.2
10. Beyond Evil
Beyond Evil captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and psychological depth. The series follows two detectives with dark pasts as they investigate a series of murders in a small town plagued by secrets and mistrust. As they delve deeper into the case, they confront their own demons and unravel a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear.
- Known for its atmospheric setting and complex character dynamics.
- Explores themes of morality, guilt, and the nature of evil.
- Received critical acclaim for its suspenseful plot and powerhouse performances.
Synopsis
Meet the two fearless men willing to go to extreme lengths in their pursuit of a serial killer that has shaken up their quiet city: Lee Dong Sik, a once capable detective, is now demoted to perform menial tasks at the Manyang Police Substation. Just as he is beginning to settle into a peaceful life, his new superior, Detective Han Joo Won, is transferred in. Joo Won is an elite detective whose father is the star candidate for the National Police Agency’s next chief. Despite his admirable qualities and high social standing, Joo Won harbors a long-held secret.
When a string of gruesome killings occurs, a pattern takes shape that is oddly reminiscent of some cold serial-murder cases from 20 years prior. Dong Sik and Joo Won team up, vowing to stop this vicious culprit in his tracks. As their investigation proceeds, they are forced to look far deeper than what the evidence suggests, questioning the culpability of all those surrounding the case, including their own.
(Source: Kdramapal)
MDL Rating: 8.7
11. Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver impressed viewers with its thrilling premise and vigilante justice storyline. The series follows a mysterious taxi company that caters to clients seeking revenge on behalf of victims of injustice. Led by a former special forces operative, the team of drivers takes on corrupt individuals and delivers swift justice to those who have evaded the law.
- Notable for its action-packed scenes and morally ambiguous protagonists.
- Explores themes of justice, redemption, and the power of collective action.
- Became a ratings hit, attracting a loyal following and spawning discussions on social issues.
Synopsis
Do Gi has lived more honestly than anyone else as an officer in the Special Forces. Yet, when a serial killer murders his mother, he spends his days in agony. While feeling wronged and broken, Do Gi meets Jang Sung Chul, who recruits Do Gi to work for his company, Rainbow Taxi. Far from an ordinary taxi service, Rainbow Taxi is a secret organization that avenges victims whom the law didn’t protect. Here, Do Gi becomes a star driver who delivers satisfying revenge. Meanwhile, Ha Na is a prosecutor who investigates Rainbow Taxi. She is furious with their lawless behavior, but at the same time, she feels confused about seeing them solve cases that the law cannot. Between those who believe that revenge embodies true justice and those who pursue the outlaws, Do Gi seeks what justice truly means.
(Source: Viki)
MDL Rating: 8.8
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of Korean dramas continues to captivate audiences with its diverse array of stories, compelling characters, and high production values. From heartwarming romances like *Crash Landing on You* and *It's Okay to Not Be Okay* to intense melodramas like *Penthouse: War in Life* and *Beyond Evil*, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
As we reflect on the top 11 Korean dramas of the year, we are reminded of the power of storytelling to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. Whether you're a longtime fan of K-dramas or new to the genre, these series offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Korean culture and society, inviting viewers on a journey of laughter, tears, and everything in between.
So, grab some snacks, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the magic of Korean dramas. With so many incredible series to choose from, the only challenge is deciding which one to watch first.
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