Here’s a deep dive into the 10 best Korean dramas of all time.
1. Crash Landing on You (2019 – 2020)
There are love stories and then there is Crash Landing on You. Safe to say, it has captivated audiences across continents. The story follows Yoon Se Ri (Son Ye Jin). She is a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea after a freak tornado. The businesswoman lands directly in the path of the stoic yet warm-hearted Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun Bin). What makes this drama unforgettable isn’t just the plot, it’s the electric chemistry between the leads. Also, the nuanced portrayal of life in the North and the balanced mix of romance, humor and political tension are the highlights as well. It’s a drama that makes you laugh, cry and believe in the charm of K-dramas all over again.
2. Goblin / Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016 – 2017)
You cannot talk about legendary K-dramas without mentioning Goblin. One should know that it is written by Kim Eun Sook. She is known for crafting some of Korea’s most iconic romances. The show blends mythology, fantasy, humour and deep emotional storytelling. Gong Yoo plays Kim Shin, an immortal goblin cursed with eternal life. Kim Go Eun plays Ji Eun Tak, his destined “goblin’s bride.” Every aspect, from the cinematography to the OST, became a cultural moment. The bromance between the goblin and the grim reaper (Lee Dong Wook) is one of K-dramaland’s finest pairings. Goblin is poetic, philosophical, heartbreakingly beautiful and its core, human.
3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Part action drama, part romance, Descendants of the Sun cemented Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo as pan-Asian megastars. It is set against the backdrop of military life and medical missions in a fictional war-torn country. The series follows the high-stakes relationship between Captain Yoo Si Jin and Dr. Kang Mo Yeon. The mix of disaster scenes, humour, swoon-worthy moments and strong secondary characters made this drama a worldwide hit. It revived the Korean wave in many countries and remains one of the most rewatched shows of all time.
4. My Love From the Star (2013 – 2014)
Do Min Joon (Kim Soo Hyun) is a centuries-old alien. Cheon Song Yi (Jun Ji Hyun) is a glamorous and a slightly chaotic superstar actress. Together, they created one of the most iconic romantic pairings in K-drama history. The drama’s quirky humour, heartfelt moments and supernatural premise set it apart from its contemporaries. Cheon Song Yi became a global character phenomenon because of her fashion, mannerisms and personality spawning trends across Asia. This drama was pivotal in expanding K-drama popularity globally and made Kim Soo Hyun a household name.
5. Reply 1988 (2015 – 2016)
If there’s one drama that captures the nostalgia of youth, family and growing up in a way that speaks universally, it is Reply 1988. Unlike most K-dramas driven by romance, this one thrives on everyday warmth. It is set in a small neighborhood in Seoul and follows five families and their children navigating school, friendship, first love and the shifting cultural landscape of the late ’80s. The drama feels like a gentle hug and it is funny, emotional and relatable. It also features one of the most talked-about ‘husband reveals’ in K-drama history. Fans still debate the ending to this day.
6. Itaewon Class (2020)
7. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
You cannot discuss K-drama history without including the gateway drama for millions of fans around the world. Boys Over Flowers defined an era and introduced the iconic F. Also, it cemented the rich-boy-poor-girl trope in Hallyu culture. Lee Min Ho became an instant superstar for his role as Gu Jun Pyo, while Ku Hye Sun’s Geum Jan Di inspired the classic resilient female lead archetype. Yes, it’s dramatic. Yes, it’s a little over-the-top. But its impact is undeniable.
8. Winter Sonata (2002)
This is one of the earliest dramas to spark the global Hallyu wave. So, one can say Winter Sonata is a melancholic masterpiece that defined early 2000s romance. It features Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo in unforgettable roles. Also, the drama explores themes of first love, loss, amnesia and emotional healing. Its sweeping cinematography, emotional soundtrack and intense storytelling made it immensely popular. It was especially popular in Japan, where it helped establish the entire Korean wave. Even decades later, its influence on romantic K-dramas is unmistakable.
9. Stranger (Secret Forest) (2017)
Not all iconic Korean dramas are romances. Stranger is one of the most tightly written crime thrillers ever produced in South Korea. Starring Cho Seung Woo and Bae Doona, the drama delves into corruption within the prosecution office and police force.
10. Sky Castle (2018 – 2019)
Sky Castle is part dark comedy and part social satire. It explores South Korea’s elite education system and the lengths to which wealthy families go to ensure their children’s success. The show became a national sensation and its ratings peaked in in cable TV history. It begins as a witty examination of privilege and quickly turns into a gripping mystery with psychological depth. The performances, especially from the ensemble cast of mothers, were widely acclaimed. Sky Castle is entertaining and holds up a mirror to society. It forces viewers to question ambition, morality and family pressure as well.
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