Top 10 Korean Dramas with the Highest Ratings You Must Watch

Reply 1944 (The Reply 1944) is set in South Korea during the year 1944. Though its pace is slow, those who truly appreciate it will discover its hidden beauty. The story revolves around a character nicknamed 'Trash,' whose warmth and kindness light up the hearts of everyone around him. He is the eldest son in his family, always caring for and loving each member.

Most notably, there's his 'little sister' Na Jung, a straightforward and cheerful girl who has been secretly in love with her 'older brother' for more than 20 years. The strong connections between the characters, each with their unique traits, weave together to create a rich tapestry of emotions and personalities.

Smart Prison Living (Prison Life) is a unique comedy series set in a prison. The show presents two contrasting worlds: one is full of warmth and kindness, as the prison wardens treat the inmates with compassion, while the other shows the harsh, unforgiving lives of the inmates and the judgmental gaze of society on them.

Director Shin has skillfully brought to life the unfamiliar and intriguing world of prisons through his impressive storytelling in each episode.

Starting with a modest rating of only 1.7%, Sky Castle (Ambition Castle) saw its viewership soar to an impressive 23.8% by the end, making it one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in history.

The series revolves around wealthy housewives living in an upscale neighborhood called Sky Castle. They are determined to raise their children to become the elite and top figures in modern society.

One of the most talked-about dramas in the first half of 2020, Crash Landing on You (Emergency Love Landing), captivated both Korean and international audiences with its romantic plot and a cast of handsome men and beautiful women. The story follows the cross-border romance of North Korean soldier Ri Jung Hyuk (Hyun Bin) and South Korean businesswoman Yoon Se Ri (Son Ye Jin), a relationship filled with both beauty and obstacles.

The drama won several awards, including the Popularity Award for the lead couple, Best Supporting Actress for Kim Sun Young, and the Bazaar Icon Award for Seo Ji Hye, all of which demonstrate its immense popularity among viewers.

When talking about the drama that made waves in the first half of 2020, Itaewon Class is certainly a must-watch, thanks to its thrilling plot, gripping storyline, and smooth performances from its cast. The show gained attention for its fresh take on the female lead, who deviates from the typical female character tropes seen in Korean dramas.

The story follows Park Sae-royi, played by Park Seo Joon, a young man with strong principles who is oppressed by the powers of wealth and status. Despite the hardships he faces, he rises up to avenge his father’s death. Throughout his journey, the female lead stands by his side as a loyal and powerful ally.

The penultimate episode of Penthouse 2 reached an impressive nationwide rating of 22.9%, with the two airings of the season even surpassing the first season's viewership. Oh Yoon Hee returns after being exonerated from the crime of murdering Sim Su Ryeon. Remarrying her former lover, she re-enters the luxurious Hera Palace as a member.

The power struggles and hidden secrets behind the lavish lifestyle at Hera Palace continue to deliver shocking twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Descendants of the Sun tells the story of Yoo Shi Jin and Kang Mo Yeon. Yoo Shi Jin is the captain of a United Nations peacekeeping force, while Kang Mo Yeon is a member of Doctors Without Borders. Their fates intertwine when a spirited soldier falls for a talented surgeon they meet in a hospital. Although their differing life philosophies drive them apart, destiny has other plans for them.

In the beginning, their constant clashes and misunderstandings create tension, but over time, their relationship evolves. After facing many dangers together, they come to realize their love for one another.

Reply 1988 (also known as Lời hồi đáp 1988) is a heartwarming story that revolves around five families living in a small neighborhood, set in the 1990s South Korea. Alongside Bora and Sunwoo's enduring love story, and Duksun's first crush on her two friends, Taek and Junghwan, the 20-episode drama explores family bonds and the deep connections within a close-knit community.

This poignant series serves as a beautiful reminder of cherished memories and the passage of time. Each family tells a unique story, yet all are intricately woven together to create the unforgettable tapestry of “Reply 1988.” It’s a show that will leave an indelible mark on viewers’ hearts.

Goblin (also known as Yêu tinh) features a star-studded cast including Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, Kim Go Eun, Yoo In Na, and Yook Sung Jae. The story blends elements of fantasy, moving from historical times to the present, with the central focus on the romance between the main characters, Kim Shin and Eun Tak.

The drama follows a 900-year-old man and a 19-year-old girl, creating a mixture of comedy, tragedy, romance, and bittersweet moments. This series became a huge hit among audiences and is perfect for fans of supernatural beings set in a modern world.

Signal (Tín hiệu) is a detective thriller inspired by the real-life Hwaseong serial murder case in South Korea. The series follows three detectives as they unravel chilling secrets behind the polished facade of the South Korean police force.

The storyline cleverly connects five major cases, each more surprising than the last, while also weaving in touching themes of family, teamwork, and camaraderie, offering a rich emotional depth to the narrative.