Unveiling the Ultimate Korean Drama Collection on Netflix

Content: The increasing popularity of South Korean pop culture is evident in the presence of the best Korean dramas on Netflix. Along with the worldwide phenomenon of K-Pop, K-drama series and movies are gaining more prominence in Western culture as well. Language is no longer a barrier, as subtitles allow viewers to indulge in as many Korean shows or movies as they desire.

In fact, many Western viewers may already be familiar with some of the top Korean movies on Netflix, such as Train to Busan, Parasite, and Okja. However, not all Netflix subscribers may be aware that there is a vast selection of K-dramas available on the streaming platform, waiting to be explored. Despite their name, not every K-drama revolves around intense drama; although, most do contain elements of romance or suspense that captivate audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats. Here are 25 of the finest Korean dramas currently streaming on Netflix.

25 Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

24 Kingdom (2019)

Woo Young-woo, a brilliant graduate from Seoul National University, defies expectations as an autistic lawyer. Despite her social ineptness, Woo's extraordinary intellect and photographic memory offer her a unique advantage in the 16 episodes of the show. Not only does Extraordinary Attorney Woo break barriers by representing those on the autism spectrum, but it also captivates audiences with its ethical exploration within the realm of law. As one of the top Korean dramas on Netflix, this legal procedural is a must-watch for fans seeking powerful female leads.

Kingdom stands out as one of the top Korean dramas available on Netflix by successfully blending two popular genres in South Korea - zombies and the Joseon era - resulting in a refreshingly unique and unforgettable experience. By intertwining 16th-century Korean history with supernatural zombies, Kingdom showcases the perfect synergy between these two genres throughout its two seasons and 12 episodes. The historical backdrop provides a solid foundation for the portrayal of zombies, drawing from Asian mythology, while the zombie outbreak serves as a catalyst to reveal the pervasive class struggles and intricate political maneuvering characteristic of Joseon era narratives. Additionally, Kingdom boasts exceptional costume designs and set pieces, making it a standout in the history of K-dramas.

23 Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

As a coming-of-age romance, Twenty-Five Twenty-One appears to be just another traditional K-drama with an unlikely love story. However, it goes beyond expectations by artfully delving into the intricate lives of five individuals from 1998 to 2021. With 16 80-minute episodes, Twenty-Five Twenty-One rightfully secures its spot among the best Korean dramas on Netflix. spanning two generations, this captivating series presents a delightful "riches-to-rags" narrative, straying from typical K-drama norms without alienating long-time K-drama fans. Notably, Twenty-Five Twenty-One stands as one of the highest-rated shows in South Korean cable television history.

22 Queenmaker (2023)

In an unexpected twist, Queenmaker defies a specific true story but effectively encapsulates the ruthless realm of mayoral politics in Seoul, South Korea. Drawing inspiration from the authentic politics, allure, and occasional violence that define election season in Seoul, Queenmaker chronicles the endeavors of Hwang Do-hee, a public image specialist, as she spearheads the campaign of Oh Kyung-sook, a human rights attorney known as the "Rhino of Justice," in his bid for the mayoral position. Over the course of 11 gripping episodes, Do-hee, Kyung-sook, and their team navigate not only the formidable landscape of Korean politics, but also put their lives on the line, all while nurturing the hope of a brighter future for both Seoul and themselves. For those seeking a meticulously crafted contemporary political saga, Queenmaker stands as one of the finest Korean dramas available on Netflix.

21 Hellbound (2021-present)

There are numerous supernatural K-dramas available on Netflix, but none can compare to the distinctiveness of Hellbound. Hellbound's premise revolves around the appearance of "angels" who reveal the precise time and date of individuals' deaths. Subsequently, imposing, humanoid "demons" emerge to carry out these decrees, burning the individuals alive and, presumably, transporting them to Hell. Taking inspiration from Korea's actual megachurches, cult leaders exploit this unexplained phenomenon to bolster their numbers and control over the public. Extremists, fueled by these prophecies, commit misguided acts of violence. Nevertheless, amidst the darkness, there remains a glimmer of hope as there are individuals determined to uncover the truth surrounding Hellbound's demons and decrees.

20 Mr. Queen (2020-2021)

Mr. Queen stands out as one of the top Korean dramas on Netflix due to its refreshing take on time travel, a frequently used plot device. The story revolves around Jang Bong-hwan, a skilled chef employed at the renowned Blue House. After encountering trouble at work and facing a near-death situation, Bong-hwan finds himself unexpectedly transported back to the Joseon era. Adding a unique twist, he not only travels through time but also inhabits the body of Chorin, the Queen of Joseon. As Bong-hwan navigates this unfamiliar situation, he must strive to find a way back to his present self, all the while developing a romantic connection with the king.

19 Vincenzo (2021)

Vincenzo Cassano, also known as Park Joo-hyung, was merely 8 years old when he was adopted by Don Fabio, the head of the Cassano crime family. With time, Vincenzo climbed the ranks and ultimately became Don Fabio's trusted advisor and right-hand man. However, chaos ensues after Don Fabio's demise as his biological son attempts to assassinate Vincenzo. Fleeing to Seoul, Vincenzo embarks on a quest to unearth the 1.5 tons of gold he had concealed beneath a building, only to discover that it has been unlawfully seized by the Babel Group. Leveraging his expertise acquired as both a seasoned criminal and a legal counsel for his Italian crime family, Vincenzo endeavors to dismantle the Babel Group and reclaim what is rightfully his.

18 Narcos-Saints (2022)

In Suriname, previously known as Narcos-Saints, Kang In-gu, a civilian entrepreneur, is enlisted by the authorities to assist in apprehending Jeon Yo-Hwan, the Korean drug lord who reigns over the entirety of South America. In-gu swiftly adapts to his new role as an undercover agent for the National Intelligence Service of Korea, gradually infiltrating Yo-Hwan's inner circle throughout the six episodes of Narcos-Saints. This gripping Korean drama, reminiscent of the captivating narratives of Narcos and Narcos: Mexico, is also inspired by a true story. Cho Bong-haeng, the real-life drug lord who held control over Suriname from the late '90s to the early 2000s, serves as the basis for Yo-Hwan's character. Interestingly, the identity of the brave civilian who managed to apprehend Cho Bong-haeng remains undisclosed for their own safety.

17 Mystic Pop-Up Bar (2020)

16 My Name (2021)

To make amends for a horrific crime she committed half a millennium ago, the fiery-tempered Weol-ju finds herself under a curse to appease the grievances of 100,000 tormented souls. Consequently, she becomes the proprietor of the enchanting Mystic Pop-Up Bar. Assisting Weol-ju in managing this mystical pojangmacha is Crown Prince Yi-hon, a former officer of the Afterlife Police Agency who harbors a deep love for Weol-ju, and has been granted the privilege of working as the bar's manager to remain by her side. Completing the trio of staff members at the Mystic Pop-Up Bar is Han Kang-bae, a young man gifted with the ability to extract confessions from anyone he touches. Unquestionably one of the finest Korean dramas available on Netflix, Mystic Pop-Up Bar is an enjoyable supernatural series immersed in the depths of Korean mythology.

Yoon Ji-woo, as a young child, tragically witnesses the death of his gangster father. Consumed by a burning desire for vengeance, Ji-woo transforms into a formidable killing machine in the thrilling series My Name. Assuming the identity of Oh Hye-jin, a police officer operating covertly within his father's criminal organization, Ji-woo embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the unsettling truths surrounding his father's murder. Renowned as one of the top Korean dramas available on Netflix, My Name not only captivates viewers but also stands as a remarkable addition to the crime noir genre in the realm of streaming services. Spanning an enthralling narrative across 8 gripping episodes, My Name masterfully weaves Ji-woo's quest for retribution, a heartrending romance, the gritty depths of the South Korean underworld, and intense, blood-soaked fight sequences, delivering all the elements essential to a timeless noir tale.

15 Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)

14 My First First Love (2019)

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung is currently one of the top K-Dramas available on Netflix. Premiering in 2019, this captivating series consists of a remarkable 40 episodes. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, spanning from around 1392 to 1897, the show immerses viewers in an intriguing historical backdrop. As one of the finest K-Dramas for newcomers, the narrative revolves around Goo Hae-ryung, a courageous female intern within the government's historian department. Her pursuit of knowledge and authority in a time where such aspirations were frowned upon makes her position truly extraordinary.

My First First Love, an outstanding Korean drama on Netflix, has captivated viewers since its release in 2019. This series serves as a revamp of the previous K-Drama, My First Time, which aired in 2015. Perfect for romance and drama enthusiasts, My First First Love showcases the lives of five friends who coincidentally end up sharing the same house due to various circumstances. Their close proximity leads to unforeseen encounters and a flurry of intense emotions, encompassing both heartaches and budding friendships.

13 Memories Of The Alhambra (2018 - 2019)

Memories of the Alhambra, an immensely popular Korean drama available on Netflix, captivated audiences from December 2018 to January 2019 with its gripping storyline spread across 16 episodes. Set primarily in the enchanting landscapes of Spain, this compelling series takes an unexpected turn as some episodes draw the audience into the heart of South Korea. Follow the journey of Yoo Jin-woo, a determined businessman embarking on a quest to meet the enigmatic mastermind behind an extraordinary augmented reality (AR) game. Amidst his thrilling adventure, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Jung Hee-joo, the charismatic owner of the hostel where he seeks refuge. Together, they unravel a mind-boggling mystery that surpasses their wildest imagination.

12 When The Camellia Blooms (2019)

When the Camellia Blooms, a Korean drama available on Netflix, garnered a total of 40 episodes. Its appeal lies in its unique plot, blending the elements of a classic k-drama rom-com with thrilling twists. The storyline revolves around Dong-baek, a single mother who establishes a bar called Camellia in the town of Ongsan. However, her life takes a complicated turn when a police officer visits Camellia and falls deeply in love with her, relentlessly pursuing her affections despite Dong-baek's lack of interest. The complication intensifies due to Dong-baek's status as a single mother. As if that weren't enough, the situation becomes even more intricate when a mysterious killer starts terrorizing Ongsan, further complicating matters for them both.

11 Part-Time Idol (2017)

Undoubtedly, K-Pop is a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide. With their immense popularity, groups like Red Velvet, BTS, and BLACKPINK have taken the music scene by storm. It comes as no surprise then that K-Pop idols often venture into the world of K-Dramas. One such captivating drama available on Netflix revolves around the lives of these idols. The storyline revolves around a seasoned music producer who temporarily steps away from the entertainment industry. However, upon his return, he stumbles upon a group of talented trainees within his company. Intrigued by their potential, he takes them under his wing, guiding and mentoring them to ultimately debut as a remarkable co-ed K-Pop group.

10 Oh My Ghost (2015)

Na Bong-sun, a young woman who lacks popularity and confidence, undergoes a life-changing experience when she becomes possessed by a spirit named Shin Soon-ae. Shin Soon-ae, unable to move on to the afterlife due to a lack of romantic relationships while alive, takes advantage of Bong-sun's body to make up for lost time and find love. This Korean drama on Netflix is a must-watch for fans of supernatural k-dramas.

9 The Miracle (2016 - 2017)

8 Crash Landing On You (2019 - 2020)

The Miracle stands out among the top K-Dramas currently available on Netflix due to its endearing charm and captivating storyline. With a total of 12 episodes, each spanning approximately 15 minutes, it is an ideal choice for indulging in a binge-watching session. Inspired by the cultural fascination with pop idols, this short and self-contained narrative revolves around the lives of two sisters, Kwon Shi Ah and Shi Yeon, who possess contrasting personalities. While Kwon Shi Ah aspires to achieve stardom as an idol, Shi Yeon simply wishes to navigate her way through school without any hurdles. However, a spellbinding mishap leads to a life-altering switch between the siblings, resulting in a complex series of events.

Crash Landing on You, one of the top Korean dramas currently available on Netflix, is an engrossing series with episodes running for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes each. It combines charm and drama, bringing a compelling storyline with high stakes and a captivating level of suspense. The plot revolves around Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean heiress, who undergoes a perilous paragliding mishap that forces her to crash-land in North Korea. In this unfamiliar territory, she encounters Ri Jung-hyuk, a member of the North Korean army, and their connection deepens as he aids her in concealing her presence throughout the course of 16 episodes.

7 Divorce Attorney Shin (2023)

6 Chocolate (2019 - 2020)

Divorce Attorney Shin is currently one of the most captivating Korean dramas available on Netflix. Spanning a total of 12 one-hour episodes, this captivating series offers a refreshing break from the stereotypical K-drama formula. Highlighting the importance of authentic Korean drama friendships, the narrative commences with Lee Seo-jin's decision to seek legal representation from divorce attorney Shin Sung-han amidst her intricate divorce proceedings. Although Divorce Attorney Shin encompasses a diverse cast, the story predominantly revolves around the complexities of Shin's personal relationships, further intensifying his own struggles.

Chocolate, an acclaimed K-drama on Netflix, premiered in November 2019. It has gained widespread recognition as one of the best K-Dramas available. The series aired for a total of 16 episodes, each lasting slightly over an hour. With an emotionally driven storyline and a talented cast, Chocolate revolves around the life of Lee Kang, who initially aspired to be a chef but ended up pursuing a career in neurosurgery instead. Moon Cha Young, a young woman, was deeply moved by Lee Kang's culinary skills when they first met and tasted his dish, which served as her inspiration to become a chef as well. As fate brings these two characters together as colleagues, their bond gradually strengthens.