Netflix homes an array of K-dramas, starting from beloved basic TV exhibits to common new releases. With the Korean wave in full swing and getting stronger, the necessity for Ok-dramas has solely elevated because the early 2000s.
Fortunately, the largest streaming platform on the earth not solely consists of unique Korean exhibits, but additionally some that had been first broadcast of their house nation and have become common with worldwide audiences.
The fantastic thing about Ok-dramas lies in how properly they steadiness their engrossing storylines with a number of character arcs. Whether or not it is a romantic sequence or an intense thriller, there are a number of Korean TV shows that are considered masterpieces.
If you’re getting into K-dramas or are already a seasoned fan, then Netflix is the proper place to take a look at a few of the greatest TV exhibits within the subgenre.
Hellbound (2021)
Genres: Fantasy, Thriller
Created by the sensible Yeon Sang-ho, who is legendary for his work on Practice to Busan, Hellbound is a supernatural sequence like no different. The TV present is ready in a world the place folks obtain declarations concerning the actual time they are going to die from an angel and are then dragged to hell by three hulking creatures when the aforementioned time arrives.
Like Yeon Sang-ho’s different work, the fantasy TV sequence delves into humanity’s interior workings and the way they react to phenomena they don’t perceive. Hellbound delves into non secular extremism, but additionally poses the query of morality and mortality. The sequence doesn’t clear up each thriller that it introduces, nevertheless it’s nonetheless probably the most mind-bending and related Ok-dramas on Netflix.
The Glory (2022)
Style: Thriller
Mercy For None has cemented its place as one of the best revenge K-dramas on Netflix, however The Glory nonetheless reigns supreme. Impressed by true-life occasions, the present focuses on Moon Dong-eun and her journey as she will get again at those that bullied her throughout her highschool years.
The Glory isn’t by any means a straightforward present to observe. It is darkish, brutal, and has violent scenes which can be disturbing. Nevertheless, it is such a brilliantly written TV present that’s made even higher by its compelling protagonist. Tune Hye-kyo is breathtaking as Moon Dong-eun and completely brings to life her ache in addition to her thirst for revenge.
Set off (2025)
Genres: Motion, Thriller
Set off didn’t outright turn out to be an enormous success when it debuted, nevertheless it deserves extra recognition. The gritty crime drama facilities on two characters: Kim Nam-gil’s Lee Do, a police officer tasked with investigating the unlawful fireplace commerce, and Kim Younger-kwang’s Moon Baek, a crafty arms seller.
Set off is violent, action-packed, and brutal, however what is going to actually maintain you drawn to the display are its main protagonists. Kim Younger-kwang’s Moon Baek is, by all accounts, a villain, however his attraction and intelligence make it simple to overlook that. The cat-and-mouse recreation between the 2 characters is a pleasure to observe, extra so due to how their tales unravel.
Karma (2025)
Style: Thriller
One of many most anticipated K-dramas of 2025, Karma weaves an online of deceit and penalties. Starring Squid Sport’s Park Hae-soo, the extraordinary thriller Ok-drama focuses on six characters whose lives are interconnected. Karma solely has six episodes, which makes it simple to binge.
What stands out about Karma is the way it unfolds its story and resolves its unfastened ends. From its first episode, the Ok-drama attracts audiences in and holds on till it involves a conclusion. Karma is a kind of TV exhibits with an ending that’s troublesome to foretell, and it is all because of how every character’s story finally ties collectively.
Kingdom (2019)
Genres: Historic, Horror, Motion
The primary Netflix original K-drama, Kingdom, performed an enormous function within the streaming platform investing in horror exhibits. Due to the zombie sequence, different Ok-dramas like All of Us Are Useless and Candy House grew to become profitable and garnered an enormous following. Tailored from The Kingdom of the Gods by Kim Eun-hee and Yang Kyung-il, the Ok-drama chronicles the unfold of a zombie plague in the course of the Joseon Dynasty.
Kingdom isn’t an strange zombie Korean show, because it blends horror components with a historic setting that creates a darkish and uneasy environment. The sequence is evenly paced and doesn’t rush to inform its story, nevertheless it’s price sticking with as a few of the slower moments are counteracted by the superbly choreographed motion scenes.
When Life Offers You Tangerines (2025)
Genres: Historic, Romance
The most effective Ok-dramas of 2025, When Life Offers You Tangerines is an emotional and delightful story that grips you from its very first episode. Resort del Luna’s IU stars as Oh Ae-sun, a younger lady with a dream of changing into a poet.
The sequence chronicles Ae-sun’s journey to reaching her dream, in addition to her advanced romantic relationship with Park Bo-gum’s Yang Gwan-sik. Each actors are on the prime of their video games in When Life Offers You Tangerines as they handle to not solely convey emotional depth to the multigenerational story, but additionally present some gentle moments to a present that might at instances be heavy.
Crash Touchdown On You (2019)
Style: Romance
Even earlier than Crash Touchdown On You was added to Netflix’s library, the sequence had garnered a degree of recognition like no different. The romantic present took the highest spot as tvN’s most-watched Ok-drama for six years, till Queen of Tears was launched.
With its forbidden love story between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean soldier, it is simple to see why Crash Touchdown On You stole many hearts. The romantic K-drama has an attention-grabbing assortment of characters, all of whom get sufficient display time to make audiences care about them. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, nevertheless, are the spotlight of the sequence as their chemistry stays unmatched.
Itaewon Class (2020)
Style: Drama
Battle For My Approach proved that Park Seo-joon is a versatile actor who can seamlessly embody no matter character he performs, however Itaewon Class is the Ok-drama that confirmed his emotional depth. What Itaweon Class does exceptionally properly is the way it fleshes out its characters and exhibits each their strengths and weaknesses.
The Ok-drama is extremely heartbreaking because it outlines the struggles that Park Sae-ro-yi goes by means of when establishing his restaurant, nevertheless it’s additionally inspiring. The themes of friendship, revenge, and romance drive the present’s narrative, which ends up in a comfy and heartwarming story that can take anybody by means of an emotional rollercoaster.
Goblin (2016)
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, Goblin was an enormous success each domestically and internationally, and stays so even to this present day. The fantasy K-drama focuses on a thousand-year-old goblin who falls for a human claiming to be his bride.
Goblin serves as an ideal instance of how incorporating totally different genres can work. The lore concerning the Grim Reaper and the goblin is intriguing, and the present’s sweeping love story is heartwarming. Goblin balances an emotional premise with moments of humor that can have you ever laughing out loud.
Squid Sport (2021)
Genres: Thriller, Motion
Kingdom, Love Alarm, and Candy House might need established Netflix as a contender in Ok-dramas, however Squid Sport utterly modified the sport for the streaming large. The Netflix unique sequence grew to become one of many most-watched Ok-dramas on the platform and transformed even those that weren’t followers of the subgenre.
Squid Game’s stellar cast, darkish tackle kids’s video games, compelling characters, and related themes ensured that it grew to become a cultural phenomenon. Whereas not all seasons of the Ok-drama are the identical, because the third installment of the present lacked the magic of its first run, there’s no denying that Squid Sport is the most effective Ok-drama to stream on Netflix.
Squid Game
8/10
- Launch Date
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2021 – 2025
- Community
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Hwang Dong-hyuk
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Lee Jung-jae
Seong Gi-hun / ‘No. 456’
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Wi Ha-jun
Detective Hwang Jun-ho
