40 Must-Watch K-Dramas on Netflix for Desi Fans

Korean dramas, also known as K-Dramas, have taken the world by storm in recent years.

The global popularity of Korean dramas continues to rise.

As a result, streaming sites such as Netflix and Amazon have started to include more K-Dramas.

Such platforms are also making more original content to satisfy the growing addiction that the audience has.

Netflix revealed that in 2023, more than 60% of all its members watched Korean titles.

With stunning visuals, divine costumes, and compelling scripts, K-Dramas across genres are unmissable.

There is a K-Drama for every genre and mood.

Miriam Ali, a British Pakistani, stated: “K-Dramas can be great bits of escapism, light and fun or dark and absorbing.

“Others have stories and characters that are so relatable.

“Something for everyone. Stuff I don’t watch that friends and some family love, and the same vice-versa.”

Some Korean dramas can be compact, with 16 to 24 episodes, while others have a season or more of 30 plus episodes.

Here, DESIblitz lists 40 K-dramas available on Netflix that fans should watch.

The list includes Netflix originals and Korean dramas which Netflix distributes internationally.

Crash Landing On You (2019)

Crash Landing On You is a Korean romantic comedy that was a global hit and remains popular.

It consists of 16 episodes and has become a cult classic. It was directed by the famous Lee Jung-Hyo.

The series initially aired simultaneously on tvN in South Korea.

Yoon Se-Ri (Son Ye-Jin) is the heiress of a South Korean conglomerate. One day, while paragliding, she is involved in an accident caused by strong winds.

The accident leads her to make an emergency landing in North Korea.

In North Korea, Se-Ri meets Ri Jeong-Hyeok (Hyun Bin), a prominent North Korean army officer.

Over time, the pair fall in love. However, with the two belonging to two different nations in conflict, can they have a happy ever after?

The chemistry between the main characters sizzles off the screen. Fans were delighted when the stars in the leading roles, Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin, married in 2022.

Crash Landing On You is considered one of the best K-Dramas of its generation.

Therefore, it is a highly recommended watch for those new to or fans of Korean dramas.

When The Camellia Blooms (2019)

When the Camellia Blooms is a delightful romantic comedy and thriller with 40 episodes.

It originally aired on KBS2, owned by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).

The story focuses on Oh Dong-Baek (Kong Hyo-Jin), a single mother in the small town of Ongsan.

She runs the bar-restaurant Camellia while caring for her son, Pil-Gu (Kim Kang-Hoon).

The people of Ongsan frequently gossip about Dong-Baek. Her status as a single mother and her running a bar lead to whispers and judgment.

Local police officer Hwang Yong-Sik (Kang Ha-Neul) falls deeply in love with Dong-Baek. Raised by a single mother himself, he does not judge her.

As Dong-Baek tries to find happiness, the return of her ex, Kang Jong-Ryeol (Kim Ji-Suk) brings tension. Simultaneously, danger lurks in the shadows.

The drama has relatable characters, especially single mother Dong-Baek and a sense of realism that makes it an engaging watch.

Simrun, from India, stated: “I love the dynamics between the main characters.

“And Dong-Baek as a character is amazing.”

The K-Drama wonderfully explores the socio-cultural stigma and the struggles single parents can face.

At the same time, it has some lovely sprinkles of humour and charm, making it a must-watch.

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay (2020)

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay is a dark fairy-tale and romantic comedy of 16 engrossing episodes. It first aired simultaneously on Netflix and tvN.

Moon Gang-Tae (Kim Soo-Hyun) is a health worker at a psychiatric hospital. His only family is his elder autistic brother, Moon Sang-Tae (Oh Jung-Se), who he has spent his life taking care of.

Gang-Tae silently struggles through life, trying to do his best.

His world is turned upside down when he meets Go Moon-Young (Seo Yea-Ji), an antisocial children’s author.

Moon-young is unashamedly sex-positive and assertive.

She is also haunted by the darkness of her childhood.

This K-Drama touches on issues of neurodiversity and mental health, which require greater focus and discussion in Desi communities.

Moon-Young herself is diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). She is not shown as evil or as a villain.

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay gained significant praise internationally upon release. It is very entertaining and a must-watch.

Extracurricular (2020)

The Netflix original K-Drama consists of 10 compelling episodes.

The drama follows a group of high school students who choose a life of crime and face the dangerous consequences of their choices.

Oh, Ji-Soo (Kim Dong-Hee) is a model student who wanders into a life of crime to save money for college. He finds an accomplice in a fellow student and crush, rich girl Gyuri (Park Ju-Hyun).

Kwak Ki-Tae (Nam Yoon Su), the school’s bad boy and bully and his girlfriend Seo Min-Hee (Jung Da Bin) have extracurricular activities of their own.

Lily Grace Tabanera, reviewing the K-Drama for Cosmopolitan in 2020, asserted:

“I’ve been feeling like I need a break from all the romance K-Dramas (I still love ’em, of course), so this series was like a breath of fresh air.

“Because I love dark, socially relevant, and disturbing movies and shows, I had high hopes for Extracurricular —and it definitely did not disappoint.”

She continued: “It’s one of the most disturbing, messed-up, and stressful dramas I’ve ever seen.

“I love how brave the writers and actors were to create something like this!”

The drama highlights the pressure students face and how teenagers can be at risk.

Extracurricular reminds the viewer of the dangers of keeping things locked up inside and to never judge a person by what they see.

Itaewon Class (2020)

Itaewon Class first aired via Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company (JTBC), later making its way onto Netflix.

With 16 episodes, it is a powerful drama that examines bullying, corruption, fighting against the odds, and more.

High school student Park Sae-Ro-Yi (Park Seo-Joon) stands up to wealthy and arrogant bully Jang Geun-Won (Ahn Bo-Hyun), taking his life in a dark direction.

Geun-Won’s father, CEO Jang Dae-Hee (Yoo Jae-Myung), expels Park Sae-Ro-Yi and ensures his father loses his job.

When Geun-Won causes a motorcycle accident that kills Sae-Ro-Yi’s father, Sae-Ro-Yi beats Geun-Won.

Subsequently, Sae-Ro-Yi is sent to jail for assaulting Geun-Won.

Upon his release, Sae-Ro-Yi is determined to succeed and opens a restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul.

His path crosses with Jo Yi-Seo (Kim Da-Mi) as he strives to succeed and protect those he loves.

The drama highlights how friendship can create a family, and genetics alone does not make a family.

The K-Drama gives hope as the underdogs navigate and struggle to succeed.

Itaewon Class also provides critical social commentary, which Desi viewers will relate to.

Sweet Home (2020)

Sweet Home is an apocalyptic horror K-drama with 10 intriguing episodes.

The story frames around Cha Hyun-Su (Song Kang), a reclusive high school student.

He moves into the rundown Green Home apartment complex after the tragic death of his family.

Just as Hyun-Su is on the brink of giving up, a mysterious apocalypse turns humans into monsters.

In the chaos, Hyun-Su and the other residents of Green Home are forced to band together to survive. However, not everyone is as they seem.

The drama highlights how the real monsters can be utterly human.

The K-Drama wonderfully explores themes of humanity, loyalty, survival, and the thin line between good and evil.

In the words of Mohammed, a British Pakistani in Coventry:

“Season 1 was top-notch. The tension, characters and pacing worked to have me hooked.”

The show’s popularity led to a second season, which aired on Netflix in 2023 with eight episodes.

The third season will be released on July 19, 2024.

Hyena (2020)

Hyena is a legal drama that originally aired on SBS.

The 16-episode K-Drama focuses on the intense rivalry and complicated relationship between two skilled and ambitious lawyers.

Jung Geum-Ja (Kim Hye-Soo) is a shrewd and resourceful lawyer who isn’t afraid to bend the rules to win her cases.

Known for her sharp wit and relentless determination, Geum-Ja represents the wealthy and powerful. She often uses unconventional methods to secure victory.

On the opposite side is Yoon Hee-Jae (Ju Ji-Hoon), a brilliant and confident lawyer from a prestigious law firm.

He is well-versed in law and highly respected in the legal community.

Despite his polished exterior and previous courtroom success, Hee-Jae finds himself repeatedly outsmarted by Geum-Ja’s cunning tactics.

The dynamic between Geum-Ja and Hee-Jae shifts between rivalry and attraction, adding layers of complexity to their characters and stories.

This is an underrated K-Drama that delves into themes of power, ambition, and morality.

Hyena is one K-Drama that will entertain those looking for drama and intensity.

Squid Game (2021)

Squid Game is a dystopian action thriller, horror, and survival drama.

The nine-episode Netflix original was a smash hit and garnered critical acclaim.

Seong Gi-Hun (Lee Jung-Jae), is a divorced father and gambler. He accepts an invite to play a series of children’s games for a large cash prize.

He finds himself among 455 other players who are all in deep financial trouble.

None of them know the dangerous and highly deadly game they have entered into.

Jaspreet, who has rewatched the K-Drama more than once, told DESIbitz:

“My first K-Drama and it was first-rate. Pacing was on point, acting stellar, and the plot had me obsessed.”

The psychological twists in this K-Drama are spine-tinglingly good.

Squid Game had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous memes, discussions, and even Halloween costumes.

It also sparked conversations about social and economic inequality.

D.P. (2021)

D.P. is a Netflix military action drama consisting of six episodes and is set in 2014.

The story follows An Jun-Ho (Jung Hae-In), a quiet and observant soldier assigned to the Deserter Pursuit (D.P.) unit.

Tasked with capturing military deserters, Jun-Ho teams up with the more experienced Han Ho-Yeol (Koo Kyo-Hwan).

Together, they uncover harsh truths about military life and the struggles of the deserters.

Some of the men left to protect their families. However, most of them deserted to escape the torture of their fellow soldiers.

The K-Drama is based on the hit webtoon D.P: Dog Days by Kim Bo-Tong. The author wrote the webtoon based on memories of his own military service.

Its setting in 2014 is no coincidence. Two significant incidents occurred in the South Korean military in 2014.

A soldier was beaten to death by higher-ranking officers, while another soldier attacked his bullies, killing five.

The drama highlights issues of bullying, hazing, abuse, and mental health within the military.

D.P. is a penetrating exploration of the stark and dark realities facing those living through military life.

A second season with six episodes was released on Netflix in 2023.

Vincenzo (2021)

Vincenzo is a comedy, crime, and law drama that first aired on tvN.

It consists of 20 episodes and has a good blend of quirkiness, action, humour and romance.

Adopted at the age of eight, Park Joo-Hyeong goes to Italy. As an adult he is called Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong-Ki).

Vincenzo is a lawyer who works for the Mafia as a consigliere. Tensions with the new mafia leader have him choosing to leave Italy for South Korea.

In South Korea, he meets lawyer Hong Cha-Young (Jeon Yeo-Bin). The two fight for social justice.

Secondary characters, such as Jang Joon-Woo (Ok Taec-Yeon), also help entertain. Joon-Woo is an ambitious and ruthless Babel Group executive.

The drama makes it clear law and justice are not always the same thing.

With unconventional characters and dark humour, this is an entertaining watch.

The quirky nature of the drama makes it a fun watch for K-Drama newbies and fans of Korean dramas that blend genres well.

My Name (2021)

A Netflix original, My Name is a nail-biting action crime thriller with eight episodes.

The series follows Yoon Ji-Woo (Han So-Hee), a young woman who joins a drug cartel to avenge her father’s murder. She faces brutal challenges in her quest for revenge.

Under the guidance of Choi Mu-Jin (Park Hee-Soon), the cartel’s leader, she infiltrates the police force with a new identity.

Ji-Woo works closely with Detective Jeon Pil-Do (Ahn Bo-Hyun) as she navigates a dangerous double life.

As the episodes progress Ji-Woo uncovers dark truths, which turn her life upside down.

Sonia, a Canadian Indian based in Birmingham adores the K-Drama:

“I’ve lost count of rewatches, it’s on my forever watchlist. Ji-Woo is one of my favourite leads.”

In 2021, S. Poorvaja reviewing the film said:

“The Netflix K-Drama on the surface might be a simple, straightforward revenge saga, but is one that benefits from the lead star and some superlative action sequences.”

Nevertheless (2021)

Nevertheless is a romance drama with 10 episodes and first aired on JTBC.

The story follows the tumultuous relationship between Yoo Na-Bi (Han So-Hee) and Park Jae-Eon (Song Kang).

Jae-Eon is a charming and flirtatious classmate who doesn’t believe in dating but enjoys flirting and seems to play the field.

The sexual tension between the main characters is high.

The ‘friends with benefits’ relationship soon becomes complicated by feelings and desires.

Their relationship faces numerous challenges and misunderstandings.

Some viewers have called Jae-Eon and Na-Bi’s relationship toxic. Nevertheless, many have happily devoured each episode.

The drama is based on a popular webtoon of the same name first published on Naver Webtoon.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Hometown Cha Cha Cha is a romantic comedy with 16 episodes that first aired on tvN.

The series is a remake of the South Korean movie Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong (2004).

One of the main characters is Yoon Hye-Jin (Shin Min-A), a dentist who moves to the seaside village of Gongjin.

There, Yoon Hye-Jin meets Hong Du-Sik (Kim Sun-Ho).

Du-Sik (Kim Seon-Ho) is a jack-of-all-trades. He always helps the local residents, who refer to him as Chief Hong.

Hye-Jin and Du-Sik are opposites in personality, yet romance soon blossoms.

The K-Drama was a commercial hit. The light-hearted tone of the drama drew audiences in.

Maya, a Bangladeshi undergraduate student in Birmingham, adored the drama:

“It’s perfect escapism. The main dimples of the characters weren’t the only thing that charmed me.

“Such a feel-good watch.”

Hometown Cha Cha Cha is wonderful viewing. It is perfect for any Desi fan who wants a light-hearted romance with a good dash of humour.

Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (2022)

Money Heist is a South Korean adaptation of the hit Spanish series La Casa de Papel. It consists of 12 episodes.

The plot revolves around a group of criminals led by the mastermind known as The Professor (Yoo Ji-Tae).

The group plans and executes a heist on the Unified Korean Mint in a fictional unified Korean Peninsula.

There’s high energy as a hostage crisis situation unfolds and tensions rise.

The show received mixed reviews, with praise for its action sequences and performances.

However, some critics criticised its pacing and comparisons to the original series.

Nevertheless, despite the mixed reviews, the drama garnered significant viewership.

Indeed, it raced to the top ten in Netflix’s global viewing charts in 2022.

The success of the drama reflected global interest in K-Dramas and the popularity of the Money Heist franchise.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is an engaging legal drama that first aired on ENA. The series has 16 episodes.

The drama follows Woo Young-Woo (Park Eun-Bin), a brilliant young attorney with autism spectrum disorder.

Young-Woo faces numerous challenges when she starts working at the prestigious Hanbada Law Firm.

Nevertheless, her unique thinking and skills mean she shines.

Secondary characters add to the richness and charm of the drama.

These include Young-Woo’s supervisor, Jung Myung-Seok (Kang Ki-Young) and her fellow trainee lawyer, Choi Su-Yeon (Ha Yoon-Kyung).

In 2022, reviewer Olivia Visser, who has autism, wrote:

“I was pleasantly surprised to find that [the drama] effectively captures the many challenges of adjusting to adulthood as an autistic person who just wants to fit in.

“I could really connect with this sense of isolation depicted on screen.”

“It was emotional to see a show articulate the social aspects of disability so well.”

Visser goes on: “Many series pathologise autism by using tropes that focus on “symptoms” or treatment rather than the autistic experience.”

Park Eun-Bin received widespread praise for her phenomenal performance and won the prestigious 2023 Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize in TV.

The Glory (2022 – 2023)

The Glory is an absorbing and intense revenge drama that first aired on Netflix in two parts. The series has 16 episodes.

The drama follows Moon Dong-Eun (Song Hye-Kyo). As a high school student, she suffered severe and violent bullying from her classmates.

After enduring years of trauma, Dong-Eun meticulously plans her revenge against her tormentors.

All of her tormentors are now successful adults living seemingly perfect lives.

Park Yeon-Jin (Lim Ji-Yeon) is the main antagonist – a successful weather forecaster who is the ringleader of the vicious bullying group.

Dong-Eun has a strong ally in Joo Yeo-Jeong (Lee Do-Hyun). He is a wealthy and skilled doctor, harbouring his own darkness.

Some scenes in The Glory are based on real events, such as one that took place in 2006.

A group of middle schoolers from Cheongju, South Korea, extorted money from their classmate. Using objects, the students repeatedly beat and burnt her.

The K-Drama received critical acclaim and was a commercial hit.

The intense storytelling, strong performances, and gripping portrayal of revenge and justice make it a must-watch.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Twenty-Five Twenty-One first aired on tvN. The series consists of 16 episodes.

The K-Drama is a nostalgic coming-of-age story set during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.

The plot follows the lives of two young individuals, Na Hee-Do (Kim Tae-Ri) and Baek Yi-Jin (Nam Joo-Hyuk).

Hee-Do is a fencing prodigy whose dreams were challenged by the financial crisis of the late 1990s.

Despite numerous obstacles, she is determined to achieve success.

Yi-Jin is a young man who has faced hardship after his family fell from wealth due to the financial crisis.

He works various jobs to support his family and rebuild their lives.

As time moves, Yi-Jin and Hee-Do’s friendship turns into something more.

Yet this K-Drama does not take the audience down the predictable route when it comes to romance.

Nasreen, a British Pakistani mum of four, told DESIblitz:

“The drama was very unexpected, especially with the ending, but I really enjoyed it.”

“Heart-breaking realism in what happens, still wish it could have been different.”

Alchemy of Souls (2022 – 2023)

Highly praised, Alchemy of Souls is a beautiful fantasy, action and romance drama.

The series was divided into two parts. Part One had 20 episodes, leaving viewers desperate for part Two.

The second part, titled Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow, had 10 episodes.

The story is set in a fictional kingdom called Daeho.

This absorbing K-Drama revolves around two people, Jang Uk (Lee Jae-Wook) and a powerful assassin.

Jang Uk is a skilled mage with a tragic past.

Naksu (Jeon Yeo-Bin) is a powerful assassin trapped in the body of a blind woman named Mu Deok-i (Jung So-Min).

As they navigate the complexities of magic and power, they uncover dark secrets that threaten their lives and relationships.

Alchemy of Souls was a major success. It was one of the popular Korean dramas of 2022.

Rich world-building, engaging narrative, stunning visuals, and strong performances make this a K-drama not to be missed.

All of Us Are Dead (2022)

All of Us Are Dead is a coming-of-age zombie horror drama. The Netflix original consists of 12 absorbing episodes.

The drama is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Joo Dong-Geun.

The plot revolves around the students of Hyosan High School, who are trapped inside their school during a zombie apocalypse.

The students must fight for survival as they face hordes of zombies.

Several key characters will have the audience crossing their fingers, hoping escape occurs.

One character is Nam On-Jo (Park Ji-Hu) who is brave and resourceful.

Lee Cheong-San (Yoon Chan-Young) is On-Jo’s childhood friend and love interest, determined to protect his friends and survive the crisis.

As the group fights to stay alive, they face internal conflicts and personal struggles. The relationships of the characters are tested under extreme circumstances.

In 2022, a review for The Hindu said:

“An unconventional zombie series that skilfully pairs two classic genres: apocalyptic devastation with high-school shenanigans.”

Juvenile Justice (2022)

Juvenile Justice is a compelling and realistic legal drama that first aired on JTBC. It consists of 10 episodes.

The K-Drama explores the complex world of juvenile justice through intense court cases and moral dilemmas.

The drama focuses on Judge Shim Eun-Seok (Kim Hye-Soo), a strict and principled juvenile court judge who is known for harsh judgments.

Eun-Seok is assigned to a juvenile court. Here, she deals with challenging cases involving teenage offenders.

Simultaneously, she finds herself grappling with her own past trauma.

The judges Eun-Seok meets and interacts with are interesting characters, such as Judge Kang (Lee Sung-Min).

Juvenile Justice has a touch of melodrama and explores the struggles to work within a broken system.

The K-Drama overall has a gripping narrative, and the performances draw the viewer in.

Business Proposal (2022)

The hugely popular romantic comedy, Business Proposal first aired on SBS TV.

The K-Drama is about the romance that develops between Shin Ha-Ri (Kim Se-Jeong) and her mega-rich boss, Kang Tae-Moo (Ahn Hyo-Seop).

Ha-Ri (Kim Se-Jeong), a hardworking employee at a food company, goes on a blind date in place of her friend, Jin Young-Seo (Seol In-A).

Later, when Ha-Ri discovers her date is Kang Tae-Moo (Ahn Hyo-Seop), the CEO of her company, she knows she’s in trouble.

Ha-Ri tries to maintain her double life, leading to various comedic and romantic situations.

Secondary characters Young-Seo and Cha Sung-Hoon (Kim Min-Gue) also delighted audiences with their romances and friendships with their respective leads.

The drama was praised for its light-hearted, entertaining storyline, and the chemistry between the lead actors.

In 2022, the drama gained a significant international following, and it often trended in various countries on Netflix.

Under the Queen’s Umbrella (2022)

Under the Queen’s Umbrella is a fascinating period/historical drama with 16 episodes and first aired on tvN.

The K-Drama was a commercial hit and became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history.

Queen Im Hwa-Ryeong (Kim Hye-Soo) navigates palace intrigue while focusing on protecting her children amid the Joseon Dynasty’s power struggles.

When her sons, including the crown prince Lee Ho (Kim Hae-Sook), become targets of political scheming, she takes matters into her own hands to ensure their safety and secure the throne.

Other key characters such as the Queen’s son Grand Prince Sung-Nam (Sang Min) and Lady Kim (Kim Ga-Eun), ensure an engaging plot.

The drama explores the balance between familial love and the ruthless pursuit of power in the royal court.

In 2023, a Dramabeans review stated:

“Under the Queen’s Umbrella gives me the experience that I missed in many other sageuk [historical] dramas: a story with details, pacing, arcs, and twists that kept me rapt from start to finish.”

Crash Course in Romance (2023)

Crash Course in Romance is a 16-episode romantic comedy that captivated audiences and first aired on tvN.

On March 5, 2023, the hit K-Drama achieved the highest viewership ratings of its entire run for its final episode.

According to Nielsen Korea, the series finale scored an average nationwide rating of 17%. Thus, taking first place in its time slot across all channels.

The unlikely romance is between Nam Haeng-Seon (Jeon Do-Yeon) and Choi Chi-Yeol (Jung Kyung-Ho).

Nam Haeng-Seon is a former national athlete turned side-dish shop owner, raising a child on her own.

Choi Chi-Yeol is a famous and highly desired Maths instructor.

Haeng-Seon enrols her child, Nam Hae-Yi (Roh Yoon-Seo) in Chi-Yeol’s prestigious academy to help her excel academically.

In doing so, romance manifests, but so do tensions as scandal threatens and truths are revealed.

The drama is a light-hearted enemies-to-lovers romance.

It also touches on the pressures students face in Korea, as well as the power of tutors and celebrity status.

The Good Bad Mother (2023)

The Good Bad Mother is an emotive and heart-warming drama of 14 episodes. The popular K-Drama first aired on JTBC.

When Kang-Ho (Lee Do-Hyun) is involved in an accident, he loses his memory.

The ambitious prosecutor thinks he is a child and returns home.

On his return, he has a chance to reunite with his mother, Young-Soon (Ra Mi-Ran), who runs a pig farm.

The mother and son embark on a journey to heal their relationship.

He also has the chance to uncover secrets and cross paths with his first love, Lee Mi-Joo (Ahn Eun-Jin)

The drama beautifully gives important lessons about second chances and viewers will shed tears.

In 2023, one reviewer for Global Comment stated:

“Ra Mi-ran and Lee Do-hyun are a perfect duo.

“The actress gives a haunting performance, and makes an indelible impression every time she appears.”

My Demon (2023)

My Demon is a fantasy rom-com drama that garnered a dedicated fan base. It has 16 episodes.

The K-Drama follows the life of Do Do-Hee (Kim Yoo-Jung), a chaebol heiress and CEO.

She accidentally enters into a contract with a demon named Jung Gu-Won (Song Kang).

The contractual marriage the two enter changes both their lives in unexpected ways.

Do-Hee’s life, marked by privilege and power, turns unexpectedly as she navigates her relationship with Gu-Won.

Gu-Won must protect Do-Hee so that he can regain his demonic powers. As they grow closer, they uncover secrets about each other’s worlds and themselves.

Do-Hee’s character has steely grace. While Gu-Won is not the dark and scary demon viewers may expect.

The chemistry between the main leads sizzles off the screen.

There’s plenty of fun banter and well-timed humour to entertain viewers in this K-Drama.

Destined with You (2023)

Destined with You is a fantasy romance drama with 16 episodes first aired on JTBC.

Lee Hong-Jo (Jo Bo-Ah), a civil servant, discovers an ancient book of curses that binds her fate with Jang Shin-Yu (Rowoon), a talented lawyer.

As the two navigate the mystical forces tying them together, they uncover secrets about their past lives.

There’s plenty of tension as Shin-Yu tries to resist and avoid Hong-Jo.

A 2023 India Today review looking at the first four episodes stated:

“The buildup for the story of Destined With You is funny and makes for an interesting start.

“The layering of the characters is also intriguing, which adds to the interest in their individual story alongside their relationship together.”

Maya, who watched the drama with her cousins, praised the drama:

“I love the chemistry between the leads; it snaps off the screen brilliantly.”

King the Land (2023)

King the Land is a romantic comedy with 16 episodes initially released on JTBC.

The drama uses a common romance trope found in K-Dramas. The rich CEO falls for the poor heroine who works in his company.

It’s a trope that audiences loved with the drama hitting number one across a number of countries on Netflix in 2023.

The drama focuses on two people: Gu Won (Lee Jun-Ho), the charming and wealthy heir to the King Hotel and Cheon Sa-Rang (Im Yoon-Ah), a hardworking hotel employee.

The main characters come from vastly different backgrounds.

Nevertheless, Gu Won and Sa-Rang’s paths cross in the competitive and glamorous world of luxury hotels.

The budding romance that develops between the two challenges both personal and professional boundaries.,

King the Land is a light-hearted and fluffy K-Drama, perfect for anyone who needs to unwind.

Doctor Cha (2023)

Doctor Cha is a family medical drama with an excellent sprinkling of comedy. The K-Drama has 16 delightful episodes and first aired on JTBC.

Cha Jung-Sook (Uhm Jung-Hwa) is a housewife who has given all to her family and sacrificed her interests and desires.

Underappreciated, she decided to pursue her long-abandoned dream of becoming a doctor after dedicating herself to her family for 20 years. Thus, we see the emergence of Doctor Cha.

She enrols as a first-year resident, facing numerous challenges and discovering her own potential.

As secrets are revealed, the drama takes some unexpected turns.

There are some stellar laugh-out-loud moments, especially when Jung-Sook’s husband, Seo In-Ho (Kim Byung-Chul), finds himself being taught lesson after lesson.

Uhm Jung-Hwa was praised for delivering a standout performance. Anisa, who watched the drama, said:

“So unexpected and so good for it.”

Doctor Cha is celebrated for its motivational narrative that gives the audience something a little bit different. Thus making it a must-watch.

Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023)

Welcome to Samdal-ri is a heartwarming romance drama with a nice dash of humour. It has 16 episodes and first aired on JTBC.

The drama revolves around the lives of the residents of a small village named Samdal-ri.

The two main characters are Jo Yong-Pil (Ji Chang-Wook) and Cho Sam-Dal (Shin Hye-Sun).

Sam-Dal, a respected and promising photographer has returned home under a cloud, her career having hit a rough patch.

On her return home, she crosses paths with her childhood friend and love, Yong-Pil.

Their reunion not only reignites old feelings but also leads to new beginnings.

As they navigate personal struggles and feelings, the characters come to life.

The drama is a wholesome watch, with comic timing being on point and nothing feeling forced.

Each relationship adds a lovely layer to the story that unfolds for the viewer.

The principal leads and supporting cast ensure the audience is entertained.

See You in My 19^th Life (2023)

See You in My 19^th Life is an entertaining fantasy romance drama.

The drama has 12 engaging episodes and first aired on tvN.

It is based on a webtoon of the same name by writer Lee Hey and published on Naver Webtoon.

Ban Ji-Eum (Shin Hye-Sun) is a woman who remembers all her past lives.

In her 19th life, Ji-Eum sets out to reconnect with Moon Seo-Ha (Ahn Bo-Hyun), a man she loved deeply in her 18th life.

As she approaches Seo-Ha, now a successful but emotionally scarred man, Ji-Eum must navigate the complexities of their relationship while keeping her secrets.

Alisha, who has seen the K-Drama twice, emphasised:

“It’s a lovely watch. Some sigh-worthy scenes that I like rewatching.”

“It dips a little, but then picks up for me.”

An imaginative narrative, lovely visuals and a strong cast will engage the audience.

Doona! (2023)

Doona! is a Netflix original romantic comedy-drama of nine episodes.

The K-Drama was directed by Crash Landing on You director Lee Jung-Hyo.

The story is about the relationship between Lee Doona (Bae Suzy), a retired K-Pop idol, and Lee Won-Jun (Yang Se-Jong), a college student unaware of her celebrity status.

After leaving the limelight, Doona tries to live a normal life.

She moves into a shared house, where she meets Won-Jun.

The drama explores their evolving relationship as Won-Jun discovers Doona’s true identity and navigates the challenges of fame and personal connection.

How the pair meet is pretty standard for romantic K-dramas: they meet and don’t get along at first.

This K-Drama highlights realistic issues that can emerge in relationships.

Love to Hate You (2023)

Love to Hate You is a romantic comedy and enemies-to-lovers drama. Delightfully unexpected, it is a Netflix original with 10 episodes.

Yeo Mi-Ran (Kim Ok-Vin) is a free-spirited lawyer with a strong interest in social justice and great martial arts skills. She unabashedly enjoys sex.

A change of circumstances forces her to take a job in a big law firm. One of her clients is Nam Kang-Ho (Teo Yoo).

Kang-Ho is a big star of romantic movies and has an aversion to women. When the two meet sparks fly wonderfully.

The drama takes a fresh approach to the romance genre.

A 2023 review highlighted: “While it boasts all the K-drama tropes we know and love, they’re packaged in a slightly more mature box.

“Love and silliness are still at the forefront of this rom-com.

“[B]ut it also addresses sexism and misogyny from the lens of a woman who has made it her mission to stomp on the patriarchy in whatever small way she can.”

Love to Hate You is great for viewers who want something entertaining but a little different.

Bloodhounds (2023)

Bloodhounds is a Netflix original crime and action drama with eight entertaining episodes.

The drama is based on the webtoon of the same name by author Jeong Chan.

The drama follows Kim Geon-Woo (Woo Do-Hwan) and Hong Woo-Jin (Lee Sang-Yi), as they become entangled in the dangerous world of debt collectors.

The two young boxers band together with a benevolent moneylender to take down a ruthless loan shark who preys on the financially desperate.

The villain Kim Myeong-Gil (Park Sung-Woong), is wonderfully menacing and ruthless.

The series explores themes of justice and survival as Geon-Woo and Woo-Jin face dangerous challenges and moral dilemmas.

The drama is packed with thrilling fight sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Moreover, the chemistry of the main characters adds to the excitement.

Mask Girl (2023)

Masked Girl is an unexpected black comedy and thriller with seven episodes.

The Netflix original engrossed audiences upon release.

Mask Girl is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Mae-Mi and Hee-Se.

The drama follows Kim Mo-Mi’s (Lee Han-Byeol, Nana/Ko Hyun-Jung) double life.

By day, she leads a mundane life but becomes a mysterious, masked internet broadcaster by night.

The series delves into themes of identity, revenge, and justice as Mo-Mi’s alter ego, Mask Girl, gains a massive following for her captivating online persona.

As the drama unfolds, a series of dark events, including violence and crime begins to unravel, revealing the complex truths behind Mo-Mi’s masked identity.

In 2023, TheVibes.com highlighted:

“The compelling blend of raw emotion, gripping suspense, and unforgettable characters has catapulted Mask Girl to the top of the Non-English TV list.

“The thriller series has also charted in the Top 10 charts in 82 countries, including No. 1 in Malaysia, for the week of August 21-27.”

Celebrity (2023)

Celebrity is a Netflix original thriller with 12 episodes that had audiences hooked upon release.

The drama dives into the glamorous yet treacherous world of celebrity culture.

Seo A-Ri (Park Gyu-Young), is perfectly happy with her humble offline life until a reunion with high school friend, Oh Min-Hye (Jun Hyo-Seong).

Min-Hye is now a famous influencer, and A-Ari seeing her again changes her life.

A-Ri reinvents herself as a popular social media influencer. As A-Ri climbs the entertainment industry ranks, she encounters the dark side of fame and the world of the rich.

Early on, it becomes clear there is a murder mystery that needs to be solved.

The drama compellingly explores themes of ambition, personal sacrifice, and the impact of public life on personal identity.

Some scenes and moments make a powerful commentary on issues of wealth, capitalism and classism.

A Killer Paradox (2024)

A Killer Paradox is a crime thriller and dark comedy of eight episodes. The Netflix original series is based on the award-winning webtoon by Kkomabi.

Lee Tang (Choi Woo-Shik), discharged from the army six months ago, struggles with his life and dreams of visiting Canada.

One night, Tang is assaulted by a customer, leading to a violent confrontation and the subsequent murder of the customer.

Tang is guilt-ridden and prepares to turn himself in, but when he discovers he killed a serial killer, he goes down a dark path.

Detective Jang Nan-Gam (Son Suk-Ku) is a brilliant detective who is also deeply scarred by death.

He becomes entangled in a series of intricate and puzzling murder cases that have him searching for Tang.

In 2024, David Opie, reviewing the drama, declared:

“[The] cat-and-mouse chase between Lee and Jang takes you to some truly wild places that you’d genuinely never expect.

“Bloody, gory moments are interspersed throughout in a realistic manner, yet it’s the more surreal, dream-like scenes that will chill viewers most.”

A Killer Paradox was praised for its clever plot twists, engaging mystery elements, and the depth of its characters. The intricate storytelling and dark, atmospheric tone will captivate viewers.

Doctor Slump (2024)

Doctor Slump is a medical comedy and romance.

The drama focuses on the lives of two doctors, Yeo Jeong-Woo (Park Hyung-Sik) and Nam Ha-Neul (Park Shin-Hye).

Both are experiencing professional and personal slumps.

The two were fierce rivals in high school, but they find an invaluable friendship when they meet again.

Through their interactions with each other and their patients, they undergo a transformative journey, rediscovering their passion for medicine.

The two also learn valuable life lessons about perseverance, love, and friendship.

It’s a good watch with two popular K-Drama stars that are always engaging onscreen.

There are also some very funny moments as the drama shows us flashbacks and the two in their present day.

Despite some heavy moments, Doctor Slump is a gentle watch with the main characters entertaining.

Castaway Diva (2024)

Castaway Diva is a coming-of-age drama with romantic and comedic moments. It first aired on tvN and has 12 episodes.

Seo Mok-Ha (Park Eun-Bin) dreams of becoming a diva, a K-Pop idol.

Her desire to be a singer leads to Mok-Ha entering a video contest judged by her idol.

Mok-Ha has a dark and painful home life, and she is desperate to escape.

However, her life unexpectedly takes a turn as she spends 15 years stranded on an uninhabited island.

Most of the drama’s story is about what happens after she is found and re-joins society.

In 2023, a reviewer maintained:

“The series fights hard for its sentimental moments because they carry meaning in contrast to that reminder of what was escaped.”

Mok-Ha’s resilience and optimism are wonderfully displayed. The series was lauded for its mix of drama, humour, and music, making it a hit among viewers.

This is an excellent watch for K-Drama fans and newbies.

The Atypical Family (2024)

The Atypical Family is a fantasy family and romance drama. The 12-episode K-Drama first aired on JTBC.

The drama is about Bok Gwi-Ju (Jang Ki-Yong) and his family. All family members except his father have inherited superpowers.

Yet the family’s superpowers do not stop their pain, unhappiness, and relationship struggles.

One day, Do Da-Hae (Chun Woo-Hee) enters Bok Gwi-Ju and his family’s life and things take an unexpected turn.

Gwi-Ju’s daughter, Bok I-Na (Park So-Yi), is a hidden gem of a character.

There is a good mix of fantasy, drama, fantasy and humour to entertain the viewer.

The fantasy drama has a dark tone and touches on issues of depression and loss.

The Atypical Family does well in realistically depicting the struggles modern families can face, struggles that are highly relatable.

Queen of Tears (2024)