Korean dramas (KDramas) are not going anywhere any time soon, at least based on how diverse and wonderful the releases have been in 2024. With more streaming services like Netflix and Disney investing in Korean productions to deliver prime-time viewing to their subscribers, it’s a great time for fans – both old and new – to dive into Korean filmmaking.
The quality of storytelling has only gotten better—2024 proves it. As always, we covered many of them, and there’s so much more we wish we could have covered (but that’s how much is out there now, which is so many!) Ranging from high-intensity action to slowburn thrillers to time-traveling romance, here are our top Kdramas of 2024.
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15. Gangnam B-Side
Director: Park Noo-ri
Writers: Joo Won-kyu, Park Noo-ri
Actors: Jo Woo-jin, Ji Chang-wook, Ha Yoon-kyung, Bibi
Watch Here: Disney+, Hulu
“Gangnam B-Side is a brash crime drama that invests heavily in winding as many corrupt paths together as it can. If a melodramatic series can string together a series of love interests and betrayals, this detective-focused series can do the same but with well, crimes.
With the stakes increasing as time goes on and the violence shown growing fiercer, the series hits a binge-able status because it invests so much in balancing shock, awe, and thrilling character dynamics. Which, of course, makes it endlessly entertaining to watch.” – Kate Sánchez
14. The Judge From Hell
Director: Park Jin-pyo
Writer: Jo Yi-soo
Actors: Park Shin-hye, Kim Jae-young
Watch Here: Disney+, Hulu
“The Judge From Hell spotlights a different side of actress Park Shin-hye‘s range fans haven’t seen before. As demon-turned-human Kang Bit-na, she finds herself on the hunt to deliver evil souls to hell after committing a major faux pas. Shin-hye embraces a more confident, playful side with a dash of sinister energy underneath the surface.” – Sarah Musnicky
13. A Virtuous Business
Director: Jo Woong
Writer: Choi Bo-rim
Actors: Kim So-yeon, Kim Sung-ryoung, Kim Sun-young, Lee Se-hee, Yeon Woo-jin
Watch Here: Netflix
“Centering the story around four women in various stages of life finding their own way through a scandalous sales job is enough of a hook to reel viewers in. The multi-faceted performances from all four actresses and the fascinating characters they embody create more than enough reason to invest, even when the story and runtime per episode can drag things out in this slice-of-life/mystery drama. You’ll want to know how where each of the quartet’s stories go until the very end.” – Sarah Musnicky
12. A Shop For Killers
Directors: Lee Kwon, No Kyu-Yeob
Writers: Kang Ji-young (novel), Lee Kwon, Ji Ho-jin
Actors: Kim Hye-jun, Lee Dong-wook, Seo Hyun-woo, Jo Han-sun, Park Ji-bin
Watch Here: Disney+, Hulu
“A Shop For Killers is action-packed, featuring characters that will sway you, piss you off, and lure you in. Lee Dong-Wook and Kim Hye-jun are the heart of the series, with a supporting cast that takes no survivors.” – Sarah Musnicky
11. Chicken Nugget
Director: Lee Byeong-hu
Writer: Park Ji-dok (webcomic)
Actors: Ryu Seung-ryong, Ahn Jae-hong, Kim You-jung
Watch Here: Netflix
“Chicken Nugget dials everything up to a ten and then some. It is absurdist, comedic fun and spares no expense or time in embracing its quirky energy. For viewers who seek out dumb, silly viewing that’ll make you forget about the world, this latest KDrama is for you.” – Sarah Musnicky
10. Marry My Husband
Director: Park Woon-gook
Writers: Seong So Jak (webcomic), Shin Yoo-dam
Actors: Park Min-young, Lee Yi-kyung, Song Ha-yoon, Na In-woo
Watch Here: Prime Video
“Marry My Husband is a messy, heartfelt, tearjerker of a series. Park Min-Young’s Ji-Won is so relatable and easy to root for, while Ji-Hyeok proves to be the romantic partner that many dream of. With villains you can’t help but hate, and its instant hook of an opening episode, Marry My Husband, will keep you on edge from beginning to end.” – Sarah Musnicky
9. The Bequeathed
Director: Min Hong-nam
Writers: Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam, Hwang Eun-young
Actors: Kim Hyun-joo, Ryu Kyung-soo, Park Hee-soon, Park Byung-eun
Watch Here: Netflix
“The Bequeathed blends shamanism with a supernatural edge and classic detective noir storytelling to craft something unique. The pacing is excellent at only six episodes, with each ending on a cliffhanger moment to head into the next.” – Kate Sánchez
8. The Trunk
Director: Kim Kyu-tae
Writers: Kim Ryeo-ryeong (novel), Park Eun-young
Actors: Gong Yoo, Seo Hyun-jin, Jung Yun-ha
Watch Here: Netflix
“The Trunk never lets go, taking viewers on a journey that proves addicting and messy. It gives us characters we’ll love to hate and leaves us wondering what’ll happen next. Fans of mysteries and thrillers should add this K-drama immediately to their watchlist.” – Sarah Musnicky
7. Love Next Door
Director: Yoo Je-won
Writer: Shin Ha-eun
Actors: Jung Hae-in, Jung So-min, Kim Ji-eun, Yun Ji-on
Watch Here: Netflix
“Love Next Door explores love, family dynamics, and personal growth. The series highlights the complexities of human emotions, evolving relationship dynamics, and the silent battles individuals face. Through compelling storytelling, authentic characters, and stellar performances, this drama delivers a beautiful story of how love and our connection to others can help us find our purpose and make our dreams come true.” – LaNeysha Campbell
6. Mr. Plankton
Director: Hong Jong-chan
Writer: Jo Yong
Actors: Woo Do-Hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Oh Jung-se, Kim Hae-sook
Watch Here: Netflix
“Mr. Plankton is a guaranteed tearjerker with Jo Yong at the helm, and she once again proves that she still has it. This emotionally heartfelt journey explores the all-too-real complexities of human emotion, leaving everything out on the table for dissection. Pack yourself some tissues because this series will likely make you cry.” – Sarah Musnicky
5. The Frog
Director: Mo Wan-il
Writer: Son Ho-young
Actors: Kim Yun-seok, Go Min-si, Yoon Kye-sang, Lee Jung-eun
Watch Here: Netflix
“The Frog will easily have viewers on edge, with its slow-burning mystery and simple premise giving much food for thought. The sound design is impeccable at raising the hackles, and the transitions between the present and the past are almost seamless. With the stakes progressively increasing in just the first four episodes, it’s clear that The Frog is ready to slow-cook its viewers alive.” – Sarah Musnicky
4. Parasyte The Grey
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Writers: Hitoshi Iwaaki (manga), Yeon Sang-ho, Ryoo Yong-jae
Actors: Jeon So-Nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun
Watch Here: Netflix
“As sci-fi, it’s exciting. But more importantly, as an adaptation, this is a showstopper. With the surprise guest at the end of six episodes, it’s clear that writer-director Yeon loves the source. Parasyte: The Grey is one way to expand a universe, and it’s all primed for a Season 2.” – Kate Sánchez
3. Queen of Tears
Directors: Jang Young-woo, Kim Hee-won
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Actors: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Joo-bin
Watch Here: Netflix
“In 16 episodes, Queen of Tears swings as hard as it can over and over. It is slightly bloated by the episode length, but that can’t detract from the character work nor the smart way that every episode builds on the last. Sometimes unwieldy but always entertaining, Queen of Tears is already leading the pack for best drama of the year. With a little bit of something for everyone, this is one you’ll cry at, cheer for, and pause to catch your breath. An absolute treat.” – Kate Sánchez
Director: Lee Chang-hee
Writers: Ggomabi (webcomic), Nomabi (webcomic), Kim Da-min
Actors: Choi Woo-sik, Son Suk-gu, Lee Hee-jun
Watch Here: Netflix
“Darkly humorous, violent, and never boring, A Killer Paradox is a morality thriller like no other. What begins as a comedy of errors and morphs into a deep detective thriller, it’s one of the finest series on Netflix.” – Kate Sánchez
1. The 8 Show
Director: Han Jae-rim
Writers: Bae Jin-soo (webcomic), Han Jae-rim
Actors: Ryun Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jeong-min, Lee Yul-eum, Park Hae-joon, Lee Joo-young, Moon Jeong-hee, Bae Sung-woo
Watch Here: Netflix
“The 8 Show is one of the best-limited series on Netflix. It ends with finality and pays off every narrative choice made along the way. This isn’t about action or even the actual violence we see; it’s about people breaking and tearing down each other because of the ways capitalism and archaic ideas of success and worthiness have been ingrained in them. It’s humanity unmasked.” – Kate Sánchez
The best Kdramas of 2024 span stories across all genres. From time-traveling rom-coms laced with revenge to morality tales to slice-of-life small-town adventures, what makes each entry on our list stand out is not so easily pegged down. It’s not as simple as genre. It’s about the depth and complexity each show brings – from the storytelling to the visuals to the performances; all come together to create something special to stand above the rest of the pack.
For American and international viewers, KDramas aren’t going anywhere. With KDramas appearing on nearly every major streaming platform, as mentioned in previous years, it’s more accessible than ever to watch these shows and then some. With 2024 being yet another strong year for KDramas, we’re excited to see what 2025 has in store for us KDrama fans.
Did your favorite KDramas from 2024 miss the list? Let us know on social media.
The synopses for Top KDramas of 2024 come from our writing team’s previous reviews.
