K-dramas known around the world

Crash Landing on You aired on tvN from 2019 to 2020. It follows a South Korean heiress who crash-lands in North Korea after a paragliding accident and falls for a North Korean army officer. The drama became widely known abroad and raised interest in the division of the Korean Peninsula. Check official sources for broadcast details.

Goblin, also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, aired on tvN from 2016 to 2017. This fantasy romance follows an immortal goblin who has lived for over 900 years and a young woman destined to be his bride. A grim reaper character and the soundtrack also drew attention. Check official sources for details.

Kingdom, a series released in 2019, is a historical drama that combines the Joseon era with a zombie plague. Many reports said international viewers became fascinated with the gat, the traditional Joseon-era hat worn by characters. Check official sources for release information and how the series was received in different countries.

Reply 1988 aired on tvN from 2015 to 2016 and follows five families and a group of friends living in an alley in Ssangmun-dong, Seoul, in 1988. It portrays everyday life of that era and the warmth between family and neighbors, and it became much loved. Check official sources for broadcast details.

SKY Castle aired on JTBC from 2018 to 2019 and satirizes wealthy families locked in fierce competition to get their children into top universities. It reportedly set a ratings record for a non-terrestrial drama at the time. Check the research firms' data for exact ratings figures, since numbers differ by basis.

Itaewon Class aired on JTBC in 2020 and follows a young man who opens a small bar in Itaewon, Seoul, and pursues his dream against powerful rivals. It is based on a webtoon of the same name. There were also reports of remakes produced abroad, including in Japan. Check official sources for broadcast details.

Descendants of the Sun aired on KBS in 2016 and drew attention for premiering on the same day in Korea and China, although it aired in Korea first because of the time difference. It tells a love story between a soldier deployed to a fictional country and a doctor. Check official sources for details on how it was broadcast and received.

Boys Over Flowers aired on KBS in 2009. Based on a Japanese manga, it follows an ordinary girl who enters a school attended by wealthy students. It reportedly became popular in many Asian countries. The same manga has also been adapted into dramas in several other countries.

The Glory, released in 2022 and 2023, follows a woman who suffered severe bullying in high school and spends years planning revenge on those who tormented her. The series is credited with raising public awareness of school violence in Korea. Check official sources for release details and the full cast and episode information.

Mr. Sunshine aired on tvN in 2018. Set in the final years of the Joseon era, it follows a Joseon-born man who returns as a US Marine officer and a noblewoman involved in the righteous army resistance. Its period costumes and scenery drew attention. Check official sources for broadcast details.

My Mister aired on tvN in 2018. It follows a middle-aged man carrying the weight of life and a young woman in difficult circumstances who come to comfort each other. This quiet human drama continues to be widely discussed both in Korea and abroad. Check official sources for broadcast details and episode information.

Full House aired on KBS in 2004. This romantic comedy follows a top star and an aspiring writer who end up living together in the same house. It is often mentioned as a Korean Wave drama that became popular across Asia in the 2000s. It is based on a Korean comic of the same name.

Vincenzo aired on tvN in 2021. It follows a Korean-born man who became a lawyer for the Italian mafia, then returns to Korea and takes on a corrupt corporation using unconventional methods. The drama blends dark comedy with action. Check official sources for broadcast details, cast and episode information.

Queen of Tears aired on tvN in 2024. It follows a chaebol heiress and her husband from the countryside who rediscover their love while facing a crisis in their marriage. It reportedly set a record at the time for the highest rating of any tvN drama. Check research firm data for exact figures.

Coffee Prince aired on MBC in 2007. It follows a woman who is mistaken for a man and gets a job at a coffee shop, leading to a romance. It is often mentioned as a drama that showcased Seoul's cafe culture. For information on filming locations, check local tourism information since places may have changed.

When Life Gives You Tangerines, released in 2025, follows the lives of a woman and a man born in 1950s Jeju through decades of social change. The Korean title is a Jeju dialect phrase said to mean you have worked so hard. Check official sources for release details and further information about the series.

Romance, family drama, historical drama, thriller and fantasy have all gained international recognition. Early on, romance and family stories led the way, but recently genre works such as survival stories, zombie dramas and crime thrillers have drawn major attention. Popular genres also differ by country depending on viewers' tastes.

Yes, several Korean dramas have been remade in other countries. A well-known example is the medical drama Good Doctor (KBS, 2013), which was remade in the United States under the same title. Remakes usually adjust the setting and characters to fit the local culture, so they can differ quite a bit from the original.

The most accurate source is the official website or social media of the broadcaster or production company. Basic details such as broadcast year, episode count and cast are sometimes listed differently across websites. For awards, check the records published by the organizers of the awards ceremony rather than fan wikis or social media posts.

Rather than naming a single best drama, it is better to start with a genre you already enjoy. If you like romance, try a romantic comedy; if you prefer suspense, start with a thriller or historical drama. Choosing a series with fewer episodes can also make it easier to finish your first K-drama.