19 Must-Watch South Korean Dramas to Dive Into After 'Squid Game'

While not a historical documentary, Kingdom offers a glimpse into Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, a period spanning several centuries until the early 20th century. Although there wasn’t an actual zombie outbreak during this time, the series takes creative liberties. The story begins with rumors of the king’s death, and Crown Prince Lee Chang is determined to uncover the truth. It turns out the king did die—of smallpox—but the Queen Consort and her influential father have a plan: they’ve administered a rare plant to revive him (you can guess where this leads) to buy time for the Queen to bear a son. As the son of a concubine, Lee Chang would lose his claim to the throne. The series masterfully blends horror with medieval political intrigue, creating a unique fusion of genres. Based on a webcomic by creator Kim Eun-hee, it’s Netflix’s first original South Korean series. Currently, there are two seasons and a special episode, with a third season in development.

Mental health conversations are often challenging worldwide, and South Korea is no different. While treatment options are more accessible than in many regions, societal stigma persists. This context makes Jo Yong and Park Shin-woo’s miniseries particularly impactful. Inspired by writer Jo’s personal experiences and extensive research, the show follows the evolving relationship between Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun), a caregiver for his autistic brother, and a renowned children’s book author (Seo Yea-ji) struggling with antisocial personality disorder. The series is both heartwarming and groundbreaking, even inspiring a line of children’s books based on the fictional author’s work.

This series feels like a less dystopian episode of Black Mirror. It centers on a cutting-edge augmented reality game with a unique twist: players engage in medieval battles set in and around Spain’s Alhambra fortress, where much of the show was filmed. A tech CEO travels to Spain to meet the game’s creator, only to discover he’s vanished. The creator’s sister, who runs a local hostel, joins forces with the CEO in a quest to find her brother. As their search unfolds, the boundaries between reality and the game blur. With stunning locations and impressive special effects, the series became a standout Korean hit.

Though only a few episodes have aired, this visually stunning and gripping saeguk features Park Eun-bin as a royal daughter who assumes the identity of her deceased twin brother to protect the throne. The plot thickens as she falls for her tutor, transforming the series into a grand historical romance. The first season is currently airing two episodes per week, with the season finale set for December.

The title is quite literal: the story begins with a paragliding accident that lands Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), a wealthy heiress and entrepreneur, in North Korea. After distancing herself from her family due to strained relationships, she finds herself rescued by a North Korean army captain. Their unexpected romance, combined with a nuanced depiction of life in North Korea, propelled this series to become a massive hit in South Korea and beyond.

While queer narratives are still emerging in South Korean pop culture, this series stands out as a significant step forward. Following the connection between a singer-songwriter and a keyboardist, the show features notable talents like K-pop idol Kang In-soo and actor Lee Sang-yoon. Netflix has packaged the eight-episode series into a single, seamless movie for viewers.

While many actors in these series are just gaining international recognition, Bae Doona is already a familiar face. Known for her roles in global hits like Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and The Host, as well as English-language projects such as Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending, and Sense8 (she also appears in The Kingdom, mentioned earlier), Bae shines in this gripping crime drama. She portrays a police lieutenant who partners with a stoic prosecutor to unravel a murder case that spirals into a sprawling conspiracy involving law enforcement and a major corporation.

Jang Tae-Jun (Lee Jung-Jae), a driven former detective, works as the top aide to a prominent lawmaker in the National Assembly. Kang Seon-Yeong (Shin Min-A), a newly elected politician and his rival, shares a secret romantic relationship with him. The series captures the intense, scheming atmosphere of political thrillers, reminiscent of House of Cards.

Itaewon Class is a bold example of South Korean storytelling, addressing complex social issues while delivering action and drama. Park Seo-joon plays Park Sae-ro-yi, a high school student whose life is upended by Geun-won, the heir to a powerful food empire. After standing up to the bully, Sae-ro-yi is expelled, and his father dies in an accident caused by Geun-won. Despite the injustice, Sae-ro-yi is imprisoned for retaliating against his father’s killer. Upon his release, he opens a bar in Itaewon, gathering a team of misfits—a transgender woman, a Guinean-Korean, and a fellow ex-convict—who find solace and belonging in their shared struggles. Together, they challenge the conglomerate that destroyed Sae-ro-yi’s life.

Set during the final years of the Joseon Dynasty, Mr. Sunshine is a riveting historical drama that intertwines the fight for Korean independence with a poignant love story. The series follows a former vassal who returns to Korea as an American Marine and falls for the granddaughter of a prominent aristocrat. Over 24 episodes, the narrative weaves through pivotal historical events, offering a Korean perspective on global history. This epic tale combines political intrigue, romance, and breathtaking period detail, making it a standout in the genre.

Nam Se-hee (Lee Min-ki), a socially awkward IT professional burdened by mortgage payments, and Yoon Ji-ho (Jung So-min), a struggling writer in need of housing, enter into a marriage of convenience with a strict two-year contract. What begins as a purely financial arrangement gradually evolves into something deeper, though not without complications. This heartfelt comedy-drama challenges traditional views on marriage, exploring the pressures of societal expectations and the realities of modern relationships. The series offers a nuanced portrayal of love, independence, and personal growth.

This series takes a unique twist on teenage drama, blending dark humor, action, and relationship tension. Oh Ji-soo, a seemingly ordinary high school overachiever, secretly operates a prostitution ring to make extra money. His life takes a dangerous turn when his wealthy friend Gyu-ri discovers his secret and wants in on the operation. As rivals and law enforcement close in, the stakes rise, plunging the teens into a perilous situation.

Despite its cozy title, Sweet Home is a gripping apocalyptic thriller. The story follows Cha Hyun-soo, a high school student who moves into an apartment building after losing his family in a tragic accident. As a monstrous plague sweeps the world, turning people into various creatures, the building’s residents band together for survival. Hyun-soo, however, discovers he can control his infection, gaining extraordinary abilities. Based on a wildly popular webtoon, this series combines horror, action, and emotional depth.

The US romantic comedy genre could use a dash of danger, and When the Camellia Blooms delivers just that. Oh Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), a single mother, relocates to a quaint town and opens a bar, sparking a romance with a local policeman. While he welcomes her presence, the town’s conservative women disapprove of her unconventional lifestyle. The series subtly critiques outdated societal norms while weaving in a suspenseful subplot involving a serial killer who may target Dong-baek. Despite being labeled as one season, the show spans 40 episodes and four specials, condensed into 20 episodes on Netflix, making it a binge-worthy yet lengthy watch.

Cha Eun-ho, a successful author and editor, is unaware that his childhood friend Kang Dan-i, a former advertising star, is now struggling as an unemployed single mother. When he seeks a housekeeper, Dan-i secretly takes the job to support herself. Her deception eventually unravels, leading her back into the workforce, where she faces gender and age discrimination. This romantic comedy balances heartfelt moments with a realistic portrayal of professional challenges.

In a parallel universe, Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), the ruler of a unified Korea, seeks vengeance against his uncle, who murdered his father. Using a magical flute, he crosses into an alternate version of Korea, where he teams up with a police officer. Their partnership soon blossoms into romance. Despite mixed reviews in South Korea, the series stands out for its imaginative premise and star-studded cast.

Adopted into an Italian mafia family as a child, Park Joo-hyung adopts the name Vincenzo Cassano and rises to become a trusted consigliere. After his adoptive father Don Fabio passes away, Fabio’s biological son targets Vincenzo, viewing him as a threat. Forced to flee, Vincenzo heads to Seoul in search of hidden wealth. Along the way, he encounters both romance and a formidable enemy in a corrupt conglomerate that deserves to be dismantled. This series offers a fresh take on the classic mob drama, blending action, intrigue, and dark humor.

South Korean entertainment, as seen in hits like Squid Game and Parasite, excels at critiquing the elite, a lesson the US could learn from. Mine offers a glamorous yet biting portrayal of the ultra-wealthy, never losing sight of its critique of power and privilege. Lee Bo-young and Kim Seo-hyung star as daughters-in-law in a powerful conglomerate family, navigating the challenges of a patriarchal system while striving for independence. This soap opera is both lavish and thought-provoking, perfect for fans of HBO’s Succession.

Operating out of a humble noodle shop, a team of demon hunters recruits So Mun, a justice-driven high school student with a physical disability, to join their mission. By day, he’s an ordinary student, but by night, he assists The Counters in combating malevolent spirits that possess humans and drive them to commit violent acts. This series is packed with excitement and features a rich mythology that will captivate fans of supernatural shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.