The Ultimate Must-Watch List of K-Dramas on Netflix

Netflix offers a wide range of K-Dramas, from timeless favorites to modern hits. As the popularity of Korean TV shows continues to rise globally, even Netflix has joined in and produced its own original series. While K-Dramas may be stereotypically seen as predictable love stories, the ones on Netflix prove that they can explore much deeper themes. In addition to romantic relationships, these shows delve into topics such as platonic friendships, family dynamics, and professional challenges. K-Dramas like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Love Alarm, and other classic titles on Netflix showcase not only entertaining storylines but also provide insight into the society and culture of both North and South Korea. For example, Reply 1988 portrays the aspirations of a Korean community in the 1980s, while Gangnam Beauty highlights the societal pressure faced by young Koreans to conform to beauty standards. With their longer runtimes and ensemble casts, these K-Dramas have the advantage of exploring a wider range of subjects compared to their Western counterparts.

10 Reply 1988 (2015-2016)

9 Something In The Rain (2018)

Set in the titular year of 1988, Reply 1988 is a heartwarming portrayal of life in a Northern Seoul neighborhood, where multiple families live together. The series beautifully captures the significance of the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the impact of Westernization on the country during that era. Reply 1988 serves as a delightful time capsule, transporting viewers to 80s-era South Korea. It not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons to both the older and younger generations of characters. The show avoids preaching and instead delivers its message through poignant scenes and an emotionally powerful soundtrack. Only those with hearts of stone would be able to resist shedding tears by the time the finale arrives.

Behind its initial appearance as a sentimental K-Drama romance, Something In The Rain reveals itself to be a sophisticated tale of love. Set against the backdrop of a Korean corporate world and societal conservatism, the show follows the journey of Jin-ah, a diligent professional facing the challenges of a mid-life crisis. While Jin-ah discovers joy in an unexpected relationship with her best friend's younger brother, Joon-hee, their love becomes the target of public judgment. Despite the mere three-year age difference, their forbidden romance explores the intersection of heartfelt moments and reflections on sexism in Korean society.

8 SKY Castle (2018-2019)

One of the highest-rated K-Dramas based on Nielsen ratings,

7 Love Alarm (2019-2021)

SKY Castle challenges K-Drama conventions by deviating from the usual romantic narrative. Instead, it presents a satirical depiction of the affluent Korean society and their excessive focus on education. The husbands and wives residing in the titular neighborhood are all accomplished individuals who aspire to pass on their success to their naive children. However, tensions escalate when the teenage students become burdened by the constant pressure exerted by their ambitious parents. With its witty humor and gripping family conflicts, SKY Castle is a must-watch for those seeking a refreshing departure from traditional K-dramas.

Love Alarm, one of Netflix's pioneering K-Dramas, redefines the conventional romantic K-Drama narrative through its groundbreaking mobile application referenced in the title. Love Alarm envisions a South Korea where every individual possesses a "love detection" app integrated into their mobile phones. With this app's capability to inform users if someone within a 10-meter radius has feelings for them, Love Alarm presents a delightful blend of humorous and poignant love triangles. While portraying an innocent love story between a young woman and her two admirers, Love Alarm also serves as a satirical commentary on a generation obsessed with dating apps. This immensely successful series on Netflix sparks meaningful conversations on the subject of data protection.

6 Hotel Del Luna (2019)

5 Crash Landing On You (2019-2020)

: Hotel del Luna - A Captivating and Sentimental K-Drama for Beginners

Hotel del Luna, a captivating and sentimental K-Drama, offers a visually stunning and emotionally touching experience. The show revolves around a supernatural hotel exclusively dedicated to providing solace to the tormented souls of departed beings. Serving as a temporary stopover, these restless spirits must resolve their unresolved matters before finding peace in the afterlife. Portraying the strong-willed owner, Jang Man-wol, IU, a prominent K-Pop idol and actor, delivers a compelling performance. As the protagonist, Jang Man-wol is haunted by her past actions, which include the murder of numerous individuals, and must seek redemption. Interacting with a myriad of ghosts and the latest human manager, Koo Chan-sung (superbly portrayed by Yeo Jin-goo), Hotel del Luna guarantees an enthralling and delightful viewing experience.

Netflix's Crash Landing On You skillfully explores the differences and disputes between South Korea and North Korea through an unexpected and enchanting meet-cute romance. The story revolves around Yoon Se-ri, an extroverted and successful South Korean business executive who accidentally finds herself paragliding into North Korea. Seeking safety, she meets Ri Jyeong-hyeok, a responsible and reserved army captain, who becomes her shelter and the catalyst for a cross-border love story. The show's strengths lie in its audacious premise and the undeniable on-screen chemistry between the lead actors, Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin, who even tied the knot in real life during 2022.

4 Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Woo Young-woo, a rookie lawyer, is a truly extraordinary individual. With autism and an astounding IQ of 164, she defies all expectations. In the captivating series "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," we witness Woo's professional pursuits at a prestigious law firm and her fascinating interactions with her neurotypical peers. Seamlessly balancing humor and thoughtfulness, each episode revolves around a compelling legal case that Woo tackles using her exceptional intellect and photographic memory. The show's episodic structure effectively adds to its appeal, while the overarching narrative presents an inspiring coming-of-age journey for our instantly likable protagonist. Park Eun-bin, who has been honing her acting skills since childhood, delivers a powerful and accomplished performance in her role as Extraordinary Attorney Woo, showcasing her incredible growth as a K-Drama star.

3 Boys Over Flowers (2009)

Love triangles are an integral part of K-Dramas, and Boys Over Flowers exemplifies this perfectly. Released in 2009, this classic drama features Koo Hye-sun as Geum Jan-di, a young woman from a humble background who manages to secure a place in a prestigious high school. However, navigating the realm of love within this institution proves to be a daunting task for her, especially with the presence of the F4, a group comprising the school's wealthiest boys. While the leader of the F4 finds himself drawn to Geum Jan-di, she develops feelings for his best friend instead. This captivating love triangle captivated K-Drama fans and played a crucial role in the massive popularity of the "Korean Wave" that swept Asia and later, the rest of the world.

2 Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

A reconstructed version of the romantic comedy Mr. Handy Mr. Hong from South Korea, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha showcases Yoon Hye-jin, a dentist in Seoul who makes the decision to relocate from the bustling city to the picturesque coastal village of Gongjin. Setting up her own dental clinic in this serene location, she encounters Hong Du-sik, a cheerful handyman with a wide range of skills and a beloved figure in the village. Through Hong's infectious smile and popularity, the dentist rediscovers the joyous aspects of her life. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a delightful series that can be enjoyed even by those who have not previously immersed themselves in the world of K-Dramas. In fact, its portrayal of mismatched lovers draws parallels to classic Hollywood romances from the 1980s, such as Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally.

1 Gangnam Beauty (2018)

Gangnam Beauty, a highly acclaimed K-Drama adaptation of the webtoon with the same name, broke new ground by incorporating societal concerns into the romantic genre. Im Soo-hyang portrays Kang Mi-rae, a timid and self-conscious high-school student who becomes the victim of bullying due to her appearance. To overcome this, she undergoes plastic surgery in hopes of improving her looks. Unfortunately, she faces a new form of bullying as others view her as superficial. The story primarily focuses on her romantic journey and her eventual path to self-acceptance. With the prevalence of young Koreans resorting to cosmetic procedures to alter their appearance, Gangnam Beauty received immense praise for its exploration of society's emphasis on superficial beauty standards.