Are you a K-Drama enthusiast or someone looking to dive into the captivating world of Korean dramas? Look no further! We’ve curated an epic list of the top 25 highest-rated K-Dramas that you absolutely must watch before you die. Before we embark on this exciting journey, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications, so you never miss our latest recommendations. If you’re a fan of reactions, check out Yaboyrocklee Reactions for more K-drama and K-POP insights. Now, let the K-Drama odyssey begin!
25. Hotel del Luna
Our adventure begins with the enchanting 2019 dark fantasy, “Hotel del Luna.” Imagine a hotel that caters exclusively to ghosts. Written by the Hong Sisters and featuring stars like Lee Ji-eun and Yeo Jin-goo, this series set records as the most-viewed tvN drama of 2019. Dive into the mysterious realm of Hotel del Luna and experience a storyline that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
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24. The Good Bad Mother
Released in April 2023, “The Good Bad Mother” takes us on a rollercoaster ride with Choi Kang-ho, a prosecutor facing amnesia and a childlike mind. Witness the emotional journey as Kang-ho and his mother, Jin Young-soon, navigate mending their broken relationships. This drama has achieved commercial success, marking its place as one of the highest-rated series in Korean Cable television history.
The Good Bad Mother on AsianWiki Watch The Good Bad Mother Trailer
23. The Lady In Dignity
Join Woo Ah-jin, portrayed by Kim Hee-sun, in “The Lady In Dignity,” released in 2017. Woo Ah-jin’s pursuit of a luxurious life takes an unexpected turn after a devastating betrayal by her husband. This drama quickly became one of the highest-rated series on the JTBC network, thanks to its captivating plot and remarkable acting.
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22. Signal
Inspired by real-life criminal activities, “Signal” (2016) is a riveting K-Drama based on the 2000 film Frequency. Join two detectives from different eras as they solve puzzling crimes through a mysterious walkie-talkie. With a top viewership rating of 12.544%, this series has received international acclaim for its compelling story and stellar performances.
Signal Wikipedia Signal on AsianWiki
21. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Transport yourself to the picturesque world of “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,” a romantic comedy released in 2021. Follow the story of an accomplished dentist who returns to her hometown after life takes an unexpected turn. Not only did it secure the number one position throughout its run, but it also became one of the most-watched non-English series on Netflix.
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20. King The Land
Claiming the 20th spot is the romantic comedy “King The Land,” starring Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoo-ah. Released in 2023, it has gained popularity both locally and internationally. Available on Netflix, this delightful series promises a captivating watch that’s worth every moment.
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19. Hospital Playlist
As the second installment of the Wise Life series, “Hospital Playlist” follows the lives of five doctors in their forties. Achieving a viewership rating of 10.0007%, it set a record for the highest premiere rating in the history of the tvN network. This heartwarming series provides a glimpse into the dramatic interplay of life in the medical scene.
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18. 100 Days My Prince
Coming in at number 18, “100 Days My Prince” is a historical romantic comedy starring Doh Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-hyun. Released in 2018, it quickly became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable TV history. Immerse yourself in this captivating tale of an idealistic crown prince who undergoes a transformative journey.
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17. Our Blues
Released in 2022, “Our Blues” offers an omnibus format depicting the sweet and bitter lives of people on Jeju Island. With a high rating and a captivating plot, it remains a must-watch series in the Korean movie scene. If you’re craving a series with an engaging plotline and exceptional acting, “Our Blues” is the perfect choice.
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16. Vincenzo
Released in 2021, “Vincenzo” features Jeon Yeo-been, Ok Taec-yeon, Kim Yeo-jin, and Kwak Dong-yeon. This crime drama takes you through the tales of Park Joo-hyung, adopted by an Italian family and becomes a lawyer for the mafia. With a finale rating of 14.6%, it’s the 11th highest-rated K-Drama in the history of cable television.
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15. Agency: Rising Through the Ranks
“Agency” kicks off our list with the inspiring story of Go Ah-in, portrayed by the talented Lee Bo-young. Witness her meteoric rise to become the first female executive member of VC Planning, a prominent advertising agency. Released on January 7, 2023, “Agency” has become an instant hit, captivating audiences with its compelling plotline and a stellar cast that includes Lee Bo-young, Son Na-eun, Jo Sung-ha, and Han Joon-woo.
Agency on AsianWiki Agency Wikipedia Watch Agency Trailer
14. Under The Queen’s Umbrella: Royalty and Rowdiness
Released on October 15, 2022, “Under The Queen’s Umbrella” takes us back to the Joseon Dynasty. This black comedy drama unfolds the spirited tale of a queen determined to train her unruly sons for the throne. Dive into this historical gem, available on Netflix, which has soared to become one of the highest-rated series in the K-Drama scene.
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13. Crash Course in Romance: Love and Academia
“Crash Course in Romance,” released on January 14, 2023, swiftly gained commercial success. This romantic comedy delves into the bittersweet relationship between a shop owner and a top hagwon instructor, both entangled in the war of Korea’s college entrance exam. With heartwarming moments and comedic twists, it’s no wonder this series has secured its spot among the highest-rated K-Dramas.
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12. Mr Queen: A Royal Body Swap
“Mr Queen” presents a fresh take on the body swap plotline, following the story of a free-spirited chef stuck in the body of a Joseon Queen. With an average nationwide rating of 17.371% and over 4 million in viewership, this series has etched its place in K-Drama history. Released on the tvN network, it set records as the 5th highest-rated series, making it a must-watch.
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11. Extraordinary Attorney Woo: Defying Expectations
Released in 2022, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” features Park Eun-bin in the role of Woo Young-woo, a female rookie attorney with autism. Watch as her life takes a remarkable turn after joining a major law firm in Seoul. This series, deemed the highest rated on the ENA network, showcases Woo’s exceptional intelligence and photographic memory as she handles challenging cases.
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10. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God – A Cultural Phenomenon
“Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” achieved unparalleled success upon its release, becoming a cultural phenomenon in South Korea. This fantasy series follows the journey of a 940-year-old immortal goblin in search of his bride, offering a unique blend of romance and supernatural intrigue. Gong Yoo’s stellar performance earned him a Best Actor award at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards.
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9. Reply 1988: Nostalgia and Friendship
“Reply 1988,” set in the year 1988, explores the lives of five friends and their families in the same neighborhood. This heartwarming series beautifully depicts the interplay of friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up. Since its release on November 6, 2015, it has garnered critical and audience acclaim, securing its place as the highest-rated TV drama of its time.
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8. Mr Sunshine: Love and Survival
Taking the 8th spot is “Mr Sunshine,” a riveting story that follows Eugene Choi, played by Lee Byung-hun. Born into slavery in Joseon, Choi escapes to the United States in 1871, becoming a Marine Corps officer. Immerse yourself in this epic tale of love and survival, which remains one of the highest-rated series in the K-drama scene.
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7. Doctor Cha: A Twist of Fate
Released in 2023, “Doctor Cha” unfolds the dramatic life of Cha Jeong-suk, a housewife turned first-year medical student. With a star-studded cast and a gripping plot, this series promises an engaging watch that defies expectations.
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6. Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce): Complexities of Love
“Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)” delves into the lives of three married couples navigating the complexities of marriage, love, and betrayal. Since its release, this series has achieved astronomical success, ranking as one of the most-watched K-Dramas in the scene.
Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) Wikipedia Watch Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) Trailer
5. Crash Landing on You: Love Across Borders
“Crash Landing on You” secures the 5th position in our top 25 list. This gripping series tells the story of a South Korean businesswoman who accidentally lands in the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea. With themes of love and survival, this Netflix sensation is the highest-rated South Korean drama on tvN.
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4. Sky Castle: Satirical Luxury
“Sky Castle” takes us into the opulent lives of four housewives in a high-class neighborhood known as SKY Castle. This satirical series explores their relentless efforts to make their children stand out. With multiple awards, exceptional acting, and a captivating plot, “Sky Castle” is a must-watch.
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3. Reborn Rich: A Tale of Revenge
Adapted from an original web novel, “Reborn Rich” features Song Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min, and Shin Hyun-been. The series follows the story of a loyal employee who, after being murdered, is reborn as the youngest son of a family. With an impressive 26.9% nationwide rating, it remains one of the most-watched K-Dramas ever released.
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2. Healer: Unveiling Secrets
“Healer” takes the 2nd spot in our list of top 25 K-Dramas. This South Korean action thriller, released on December 8, 2014, gained massive popularity overseas. The story revolves around an illegal night courier, a reporter, and a journalist as they uncover the secrets of a mysterious event in 1992.
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1. The World of the Married: Betrayal and Redemption
Claiming the top spot in our ranking is “The World of the Married,” a 2020 South Korean series based on the BBC One series “Doctor Foster.” Featuring Kim Hee-ae, Park Hae-joon, and Han So-hee, the drama explores themes of betrayal, revenge, forgiveness, grief, and healing. With a nationwide rating of 28.371%, it stands as the highest-rated K-drama in the history of Korean cable television.
The World of the Married Wikipedia The World of the Married AsianWiki
Thank you for joining us on this thrilling exploration of the top 25 highest-rated K-Dramas. Whether you’re a seasoned K-Drama fan or a newcomer, these series offer a perfect blend of romance, drama, and excitement. Don’t forget to subscribe for more K-Drama recommendations, and if you enjoy reaction videos, check out Yaboyrocklee Reactions for additional K-pop and K-Drama insights. Until next time, happy watching!
