K-dramas have become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique storytelling, captivating performances, and heartwarming romances. Here’s a list of the top 10 K-dramas (in no particular order) that have left a lasting impact on viewers:
- “Descendants of the Sun” (2016): A military romance drama featuring the love story between a special forces captain and a doctor, set against the backdrop of a disaster-stricken country. The show’s gripping storyline and charismatic lead actors Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo made it an international hit.
- “Goblin” (2016-2017): Combining elements of fantasy, romance, and drama, “Goblin” tells the story of an immortal goblin and a high school girl who can see ghosts. This visually stunning series captivated audiences with its enchanting narrative and stellar performances by Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun.
- “Itaewon Class” (2020): Based on a webtoon, this drama follows the journey of a determined young man who opens a restaurant in Itaewon to seek revenge against a powerful food corporation. “Itaewon Class” gained praise for its strong characters, societal themes, and the breakout performance of Park Seo-joon.
- “Crash Landing on You” (2019-2020): A unique cross-border romance that brings together a South Korean heiress and a North Korean military officer. The drama’s compelling storyline, emotional depth, and the sizzling chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin resonated with viewers worldwide.
- “Reply 1988” (2015-2016): Part of the “Reply” series, this heartwarming drama focuses on the lives of five friends and their families in the 1980s. Known for its nostalgic charm, strong character development, and ensemble cast, “Reply 1988” touched the hearts of many viewers.
- “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016): A historical fantasy romance based on a Chinese novel, this drama tells the story of a modern-day woman who time travels to the Goryeo era and becomes entangled in political intrigue and love affairs with princes. Lee Joon-gi’s powerful performance was a highlight of the series.
- “My Love from the Star” (2013-2014): A fantasy romance that revolves around an alien who has been living on Earth for centuries and a top actress. This captivating drama received widespread acclaim for its unique plot, stellar acting by Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun, and its touching portrayal of love and sacrifice.
- “Mr. Sunshine” (2018): Set during the late 19th century, “Mr. Sunshine” follows the journey of a Korean-born American soldier who returns to his homeland as a U.S. Marine officer. This epic historical drama received praise for its rich storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and strong performances by Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri.
- “Signal” (2016): A riveting crime thriller that combines elements of time travel, “Signal” follows a team of detectives who communicate with each other across time to solve cold cases. The drama’s intelligent writing and engrossing performances by Lee Je-hoon and Kim Hye-soo earned it critical acclaim.
- “Hotel Del Luna” (2019): A fantasy drama set in a supernatural hotel catering to ghosts, “Hotel Del Luna” tells the story of the hotel’s enigmatic owner and her interactions with the living and the dead. IU’s captivating portrayal and the show’s stunning visuals and unique concept made it a standout hit.
Note: The popularity and impact of K-dramas can vary, and there have been many exceptional series beyond this list. For the latest recommendations, it’s best to check out the most recent and trending K-dramas as of the current date.
