As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the Korean dramas you might have missed. With so many amazing shows across various genres, this list highlights dramas that offer captivating stories, exceptional performances, and great production. Whether you enjoy romcoms, thrillers, or historical dramas, there’s something to suit every taste.
1. Death’s Game
Seo In-guk stars as a man exhausted by his failures, driven to suicide, which displeases Death, portrayed by Park So-dam. She sentences him to live multiple lives in different bodies, each of which meets an untimely end. If he survives in any of these bodies, he gets another chance at life. With a stellar cast, including Oh Jung-se, Kim Jae-wook, and Kim Ji-hoon, this show delivers outstanding performances. Available on Prime Video.
2. Marry My Husband
Starting with a grim premise, Marry My Husband evolves into a delicious do-over comedy starring Park Min-young and Na In-woo. Park’s character, facing death, discovers her husband’s affair with her best friend. She’s sent back in time to before her marriage, now equipped with more confidence and romantic options. The show’s highlight is Lee Yi-kyung’s portrayal of the comically terrible cheating husband. Available on Prime Video.
3. Shop for Killers
Non-stop action defines this series, which follows an orphaned girl, played by Kim Hye-jun, who grows up under the guidance of her uncle, Lee Dong-wook. Their lives take a dangerous turn when professional killers target them, though Kim’s character is unaware of why. The action scenes are intricate and creative, adding a unique flair to the show. Available on Hulu.
4. A Killer Paradox
In A Killer Paradox, Choi Woo-sik plays a mild-mannered man with a talent for tracking down and eliminating serial killers. This unusual ability doesn’t sit well with a determined detective, portrayed by Son Suk-kyu. The drama’s twisty, meticulously paced plot and visually engaging style make it an enthralling watch. Available on Netflix.
5. Queen of Tears
Queen of Tears follows a marriage in crisis with a screwball comedy twist. Kim Soo-hyun stars as a man who initially wants a divorce from his heiress wife, played by Kim Ji-won. When he learns she’s dying and he stands to inherit her wealth, his feelings change, leading to emotional turmoil. Kim Soo-hyun’s performance, filled with heartfelt tears, steals the show. Available on Netflix.
6. Lovely Runner
A surprise hit in 2024, Lovely Runner combines romance and time travel. Kim Hye-yoon plays a devoted fan of an idol who, after learning of his death, is sent back in time to alter his fate. The chemistry between Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok drives this time-travel fantasy that keeps viewers hoping for a happy ending. Available on Viki.
7. The Atypical Family
This family drama explores superheroes with psychological problems. Siblings, each with unique powers, struggle with personal issues like compulsive overeating, depression, and insomnia, which prevent them from using their abilities. They may find salvation with a con artist who helps them regain their powers. The show’s blend of neurotic humor and heart is charming. Available on Netflix.
8. Midnight Romance in Hagwon
Offering a glimpse into the world of Korean hagwons, or after-school study halls, this drama stars Jung Ryeo-won and Wi Ha-joon as instructors navigating their professional and romantic lives. Set against the backdrop of competitive education, it’s a slow-burn romance that offers an insightful look into Korea’s intense academic culture. Available on Viki.
9. Pyramid Game
In Pyramid Game, Bona plays Su-ji, a student who refuses to play by the rules at her new school. Faced with a dangerous game that determines the school’s power structure, she sets out to challenge the system. The show’s central theme of defying the established order is both compelling and empowering. Available on Paramount+.
10. The 8 Show
Eight down-and-out characters agree to participate in a real-life game show, only to find that the rules are rigged to favor the rich. The show rewards selfish behavior, and the consequences for those who don’t play along are severe. With standout performances from Ryu Jun-yeol and Chun Woo-hee, this drama is a thrilling ride. Available on Netflix.
11. Bitter Sweet Hell
This dark mystery features three strong performances by Kim Hee-seon, Lee Hye-young, and Yeon Woo. Lee plays a bestselling mystery novelist, while Kim portrays a psychiatrist whose own marriage could use some help. The show is cinematic, dramatic, and deliciously over-the-top. Available on Viki.
12. The Auditors
Shin Ha-kyun shines in this drama about auditors who tackle complex cases, turning the seemingly mundane profession into an action-packed adventure. His character brings enthusiasm to the job, and Lee Jung-ha, playing a rookie auditor, brings a refreshing contrast. Available on Viki.
13. The Perfect Family
Kim Byung-chul plays a chilling patriarch in this psychological thriller. The story revolves around a seemingly perfect family whose dark secrets begin to unravel when their daughter returns home covered in blood. The Rashomon-style retelling of the murder scene keeps viewers guessing. Available on Viki.
14. Good Partner
Jang Nara stars as a star divorce attorney navigating both her professional and personal life, including her own marital troubles. The series delves into the emotional complexities of divorce, offering a mix of drama, revenge, and catharsis. Yu-na’s performance as Jang’s daughter adds depth to the family dynamics. Available on Viki.
15. Pachinko: Season 2
Season 2 of Pachinko delves deeper into the life of Sunja, who must survive after her husband’s arrest. Her sons grapple with prejudice in the financial world, each choosing different paths to cope with their circumstances. With a stellar cast including Lee Min-ho and Kim Min-ha, this season enhances the rich narrative of the first. Available on Apple TV.
16. No Gain No Love
Shin Min A stars as a woman disillusioned with love, who asks a convenience store clerk, played by Kim Young-dae, to enter into a fake marriage for business reasons. What begins as a cynical arrangement blossoms into a heartfelt story about choosing family. The sharp writing and entertaining cameos make this one worth watching. Available on Viki.
17. Black Out
Byun Yo-han’s character, wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, returns to his small hometown to uncover the truth about the crime that ruined his life. The tense police procedural takes viewers on a journey of uncovering secrets, with Byun and Ko Jun delivering captivating performances. Available on Hulu.
18. Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
Set in the 1950s, this historical drama introduces the musical storytelling form of pansori. Kim Tae-ri stars as Jeongnyeon, a fishmonger with a beautiful voice who joins an all-female gugeuk troupe to change her fate. The performances are riveting, making this show a must-watch for those interested in Korean history and music. Available on Disney+.
19. Mr. Plankton
Mr. Plankton is a man who embraces life and death with a sense of abandon, offering others a lesson in how to live. Played by Woo Do-hwan, his impulsive decision to kidnap his ex-girlfriend at her wedding leads to a philosophical journey. This drama explores the meaning of life through its eccentric characters and unpredictable plot. Available on Netflix.
20. Gangnam B-side
This drama explores the dark underbelly of Gangnam, focusing on the seedy side of wealth, corporate greed, and murder. Ji Chang-wook plays a shady broker caught in a web of violence and revenge. The show’s stylish visuals, combined with its pulp fiction-inspired themes, make it an intriguing watch. Available on Hulu.
21. Family By Choice
This drama follows three childhood friends who reunite after ten years, facing new challenges and strained relationships. While some plot twists feel contrived, the engaging performances of Hwang In-yeop, Jung Chae-yeon, and Bae Hyun-sung make the series worth watching. Available on Viki.
For more updates on Korean dramas, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
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