Top 10 South Korean Dramas That Took Asia by Storm

It's Okay to Not Be Okay is a South Korean romantic drama written by Jo Yong and directed by Park Shin-woo, starring Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye Ji, Oh Jung-se, and Park Gyu-young. It was named by The New York Times as one of the “Best International Shows of 2020” and became a hit in South Korea, Vietnam, and many other countries.

It's Okay to Not Be Okay follows the story of Moon Kang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun), a psychiatric ward worker, and Go Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji), a children’s book author. One is too busy for love, and the other has never known it. The series explores their emotional growth and how they help each other heal. While some critiques were made about the second half of the series, the show was widely praised for its visuals and the performances of the talented cast, particularly Seo Ye Ji and Kim Soo Hyun. It received numerous nominations at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama and four acting categories.

DETAILS:

Year of Release: 2020

Director: Park Shin Woo

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye Ji, Oh Jung Se, Park Kyu

Episodes: 16

IMDb Rating: 8.6

Hospital Playlist follows the lives of five doctors, each with distinct personalities: Lee Ik Joon (Jo Jung Suk), Chae Song Hwa (Jeon Mi Do), Ahn Jung Won (Yoo Yeon Seok), Kim Jun Wan (Jung Kyung Ho), and Yang Seok Hyung (Kim Dae Myung). They met in medical school in 1999 and have been close friends ever since, now working together at YulJe Hospital. Each character faces personal challenges but always maintains a positive attitude. Lee Ik Joon, the comedian of the group, brings warmth both to his patients and his son.

Unlike other medical dramas that focus on surgical procedures, Hospital Playlist simply portrays the everyday events within a hospital, highlighting the lives of both doctors and patients. The show balances moments of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, life and death. Behind the stressful hospital scenes, the group of friends and other characters provide many charming, humorous moments centered around friendship, love, and family.

DETAILS:

Year of Release: 2020

Director: Shin Won Ho

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Cast: Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho

Episodes: 12

IMDb Rating: 8.8

Hotel Del Luna tells the story of a mysterious hotel where restless spirits linger, and strange, supernatural events unfold. The hotel is run by Jang Man Wol (played by IU), a stylish, cynical, and rebellious woman who, due to past sins, is chosen by the goddess Ma Go to be the hotel's president. After a thousand years of punishment, Ma Go selects Goo Chan Sung (Yeo Jin Goo) to become the 99th hotel manager, destined to guide Jang Man Wol's soul to her next life. Through their encounters, a romantic bond forms between the two characters.

Hotel Del Luna blends mystery and suspense with touches of horror, but at its core, it conveys deep messages about love, family, and friendship. The series encourages viewers to cherish their loved ones while they can, as the passage of time leaves no room for regrets.

DETAILS:

Year of Release: 2019

Director: Oh Choong Hwan

Genres: Comedy, Action, Drama

Cast: Lee Ji Eun (IU), Yeo Jin Goo, Kang Mina

Episodes: 16

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Goblin, a hit drama that premiered at the end of 2016 in South Korea, quickly became a sensation not only in Korea but across Asia. The series follows the tragic yet romantic journey of Kim Shin, a 900-year-old goblin and a war hero wrongly accused during the Goryeo Dynasty. Having lived for centuries, Kim Shin finally meets his bride, Ji Eun Tak, who holds the key to breaking his curse in modern times. Alongside their troubled romance, another love story unfolds between the Grim Reaper Wang Yeo and Kim Sunny, the reincarnations of a king and queen from Goryeo. This fantasy drama mixes elements of romance, humor, sorrow, and mysticism, offering a philosophical exploration of life, death, karma, and the cycle of reincarnation, leaving viewers deep in thought long after the series concludes.

DETAILS:

Year of Release: 2016 - 2017

Director: Lee Eung Bok

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Gong Yoo, Yoo In Na

Episodes: 16

IMDb Rating: 8.6

Descendants of the Sun is a South Korean drama that masterfully combines suspense and romance. From the very first episode, it became a sensation, with fans across Asia eagerly anticipating each new release. The show sparked countless discussions and debates on social media platforms.

Descendants of the Sun revolves around Yoo Shi Jin and Kang Mo Yeon. Yoo Shi Jin is the leader of a United Nations peacekeeping force, while Kang Mo Yeon is a member of Doctors Without Borders. Initially, their relationship is full of conflict and tension, but over time, their bond grows stronger. After facing many life-threatening situations together, they realize they are in love. The show also portrays the selflessness of soldiers and doctors, with powerful scenes showing soldiers who are injured yet still donate blood to save lives, and doctors rushing to treat the wounded. These moments evoke a deep sense of empathy, encouraging viewers to reflect on human compassion and the value of life.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Genres: Comedy, Action, Romance

Cast: Song Joong Ki, Song Hye-Kyo, Jin Goo

Episodes: 16

IMDb Rating: 8.2

Squid Game follows the story of Gi Hoon (Lee Jung Jae), a middle-aged man struggling with unemployment, gambling addiction, and a mountain of debt. To pay off his creditors, Gi Hoon accepts an invitation to participate in a mysterious game on a remote island. Alongside 455 other players, he must navigate through six deadly rounds for a prize of 45.6 billion won. The rules are simple: only one winner can survive, and those who lose will meet their end at the hands of the organizers or their fellow players.

Unlike other survival-themed shows, Squid Game stands out by incorporating traditional childhood games. The six challenges in the show are based on real-life games like marbles and the “Red Light, Green Light” game, which were popular in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s. The tension in the show increases with each round, and every game forces the players to risk their lives. Some games involve a high degree of luck, such as walking on glass or separating candy, making the outcome unpredictable. Each round concludes with shocking deaths, and the cliffhangers at the end of each episode keep viewers hooked, eager to see what happens next.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2021

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk

Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery

Cast: Lee Jung Jae, Park Hae Soo, Wi Ha Joon, HoYeon Jung

Episodes: 9

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Since the end of 2020, the Korean drama scene has been set ablaze with the hit show Penthouse – The Battle of the Upper Class, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The show is filled with drama, centered around the intense conflicts in the lives of the wealthy elite.

Set in a luxurious world of the rich and powerful, Penthouse focuses on the lives of three women—Shim Soo Ryeon, Cheon Seo Jin, and Oh Yoon Hee—and their families. Although each woman comes from a different background with unique lifestyles, they share one common goal: the pursuit of wealth, fame, and power. The series begins with a heartbreaking and mysterious tragedy involving Shim Soo Ryeon’s kidnapped daughter, a plot that unravels over two seasons, exposing the dark secrets and crimes driven by ambition among the wealthy class. The show highlights the darker side of their opulent lives, portraying how greed and the thirst for status can lead to betrayal, broken marriages, and the loss of one's true self.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2020 - 2021

Director: Joo Dong Min

Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery

Cast: Lee Ji Ah, Kim So Yeon, Kim Yoo Jin (Eugene), Kim Young Dae, Cho Su Min

Episodes: 90

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Mouse is a thrilling crime drama series from South Korea that premiered in 2021. Set in a fictional version of South Korean society, the show revolves around advanced DNA technology that helps identify individuals who are likely to become future serial killers. In the past, a DNA test revealed that two unborn babies—one the child of a notorious serial killer, the brilliant doctor Han Seo Joon (Ahn Jae Wook), and the other the child of a hospital nurse—both shared unusual genetic markers. Jung Ba Reum was once a beloved and dedicated police officer, admired by his peers. He was part of a close-knit group of friends united by their desire to serve the community. However, everything changes when one of his friends falls victim to a serial killer.

Mouse takes viewers on a wild journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. As the plot unfolds, the audience is drawn into the sharp, logical deductions of detective Go. The alternating fast-paced and slow moments create a thrilling rollercoaster ride, keeping viewers on edge with its suspenseful highs and reflective lows.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2021

Director: Choi Joon-bae

Genres: Action, Crime, Mystery

Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Park Joo-hyun

Episodes: 20

IMDb Rating: 8.7

Nevertheless is based on the popular webtoon of the same name, starring the stunning duo Song Kang and Han So Hee. The series follows the classic “bad boy-good girl” motif, which many viewers will recognize. However, unlike other typical romance stories, Nevertheless breaks the mold, keeping the audience hooked despite the frustrating twists that unfold.

The show centers around the female protagonist Yoo Na Bi (Han So Hee), who has just gone through a painful breakup with her deceitful boyfriend, causing her to lose faith in love. Despite this, deep inside, Na Bi still longs for affection and hopes to meet a good man. On the other hand, Song Kang portrays Park Jae Eon, a charming young man known for his good looks and flirtatious nature, yet he has no interest in serious relationships. After Na Bi’s breakup, the two meet, and although their initial encounter seems fleeting, they are soon drawn to each other. They passionately dive into a complicated relationship, but neither defines what they are to each other, leaving Na Bi exhausted. Will Jae Eon change and pursue a genuine relationship?

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2021

Director: Kim Ga Ram

Genres: Romance, Drama

Cast: Chae Jong Hyeop, Han So Hee, Lee Yeol Eum, Song Kang

Episodes: 10

IMDb Rating: 7.2

Itaewon Class is a fresh, inspiring drama about a group of young people who are headstrong and courageous, always striving to overcome the unfairness of life. Set in the vibrant Itaewon district of Seoul, these individuals work together to launch a small food business. Each episode mixes humor with intense drama, taking viewers on a rollercoaster of surprises while delivering meaningful messages about life’s challenges.

Itaewon Class is more than just a tale of love or personal desires. Through these personal stories, the audience can see reflections of themselves – the ambitious youth chasing their passions, with the essential support of friends to navigate life’s hurdles. The characters’ journey in the bustling neighborhood of Itaewon represents their path to growth and self-improvement, as they confront both dreams and the harsh realities of life.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2020

Director: Kim Seong Yoon

Genres: Drama, Romance

Cast: Park Seo Joon, Kim Da Mi, Nara, Yoo Jae

Episodes: 16

IMDb Rating: 8.2