By Irshad Khan 
Korean dramas have taken the world by storm with their captivating storytelling, stunning cinematography, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama fan or just starting your journey into this addictive world of entertainment, we’ve curated the ultimate list of must-watch series that showcase the best of what Korean television has to offer. From heart-fluttering romances to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these top 10 K-dramas represent the finest in contemporary Korean storytelling.
1 When Life Gives You Tangerines
Rating: 9.4/10 | Year: 2025 | Episodes: 16
This heartwarming period drama has captured audiences worldwide with its tender portrayal of family life in 1950s Jeju Island. The series beautifully interweaves multiple timelines, showing our parents’ youthful seasons filled with first loves, heroic tales, and rebellious adventures. It’s a touching tribute to the previous generation’s dreams and struggles.
Main Cast: Park Bo-gum delivers a career-defining performance alongside IU, whose chemistry lights up every scene. Their authentic portrayals of young dreamers navigating love and hardship have made this one of 2025’s most celebrated dramas.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2 Queen of Tears
Rating: 9.2/10 | Year: 2024 | Episodes: 16
One of the most emotionally powerful dramas of recent years, this series follows a wealthy heiress and her lawyer husband whose marriage has deteriorated to the point of mutual contempt. When she’s diagnosed with a terminal illness, they begin rediscovering the love they once shared. Prepare for an emotional roller coaster that will leave you reaching for tissues.
Main Cast: Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun, widely considered Korea’s highest-paid drama actor, deliver performances that showcase their incredible range. Their ability to portray both deep resentment and tender vulnerability makes this melodrama unforgettable.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3 Squid Game (Season 3)
Rating: 9.0/10 | Year: 2025 | Episodes: TBA
The global phenomenon returns for its highly anticipated third season, delving into deeper psychological battles than ever before. This season proves that Squid Game isn’t just a phenomenon—it’s history in the making. The survival thriller topped charts in nearly every country after its release, cementing its place as one of the most important television series of the decade.
Main Cast: Lee Jung-jae returns as the complex protagonist, joined by an ensemble cast that brings new dimensions to this dark exploration of class struggle and human nature.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4 Good Boy
Rating: 8.8/10 | Year: 2025 | Episodes: 16
This JTBC drama marked Park Bo-gum’s triumphant return to television with a fun and engaging mix of action, comedy, and heartfelt moments. He stars as a former boxer who becomes a police recruit, navigating the challenges of law enforcement while dealing with his past. The drama’s blend of genres keeps viewers thoroughly entertained.
Main Cast: Park Bo-gum showcases his versatility alongside Kim So-hyun, who portrays a psychologist. Their intriguing chemistry and the show’s perfect balance of humor and heart have made it one of 2025’s standout hits.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
5 Twinkling Watermelon
Rating: 9.2/10 | Year: 2023 | Episodes: 16
This fantasy romance follows a high school student who is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) with a passion for music. By day he’s a model student, by night a guitarist. When he discovers a mysterious music store, he’s unexpectedly transported back in time, where he encounters his parents as teenagers. The series beautifully explores themes of family, identity, and second chances.
Main Cast: The young ensemble cast delivers emotionally resonant performances that bring depth to this time-traveling tale of love and self-discovery.
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
6 Move to Heaven
Rating: 9.1/10 | Year: 2021 | Episodes: 10
This deeply moving series follows Han Geu-roo, an autistic 20-year-old who works for his father’s business specializing in crime scene cleanup and organizing belongings left by deceased people. Each episode tells a different story of loss, love, and the traces we leave behind. It’s a meditation on life, death, and everything in between that will stay with you long after the final episode.
Main Cast: Tang Jun-sang delivers a breakthrough performance as Geu-roo, supported by Lee Je-hoon as his reluctant guardian. Their evolving relationship forms the emotional core of this exceptional drama.
Where to Watch: Netflix
7 Itaewon Class
Rating: 8.1/10 | Year: 2020 | Episodes: 16
An ex-convict opens a street bar in Seoul’s Itaewon district while seeking revenge on the powerful family responsible for his father’s death. This captivating series tackles social issues with understanding while delivering a gripping revenge tale filled with determination, risk-taking, and redemption. Every episode builds toward a satisfying conclusion.
Main Cast: Park Seo-joon delivers one of his career-best performances as Park Sae-ro-yi, the stern yet caring protagonist. Kim Da-mi shines as the sociopathic genius who becomes his unlikely ally.
Where to Watch: Netflix
8 Hospital Playlist (Season 2)
Rating: 9.1/10 | Year: 2021 | Episodes: 12
This beloved medical drama follows five doctors who have been friends since medical school. Inside the hospital, birth, death, and everything in between coexist as these friends navigate professional challenges while maintaining their unique bond—which includes playing in a band together. It’s a warm, slice-of-life series that celebrates friendship and the beauty of everyday moments.
Main Cast: An ensemble cast led by Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do brings authenticity and warmth to their roles as doctors balancing career and personal life.
Where to Watch: Netflix
9 Lovestruck in the City
Rating: 7.6/10 | Year: 2020 | Episodes: 17
This innovative romantic comedy breaks from traditional K-drama structure with a mockumentary format. Six characters discuss their modern dating lives through interviews, exploring multiple romances simultaneously. With episodes running 30-40 minutes instead of the typical 60-70, it’s a brisker, more accessible watch that still delivers plenty of heart.
Main Cast: Ji Chang-wook and Kim Ji-won lead an all-star cast through interconnected love stories that feel fresh and contemporary, capturing the complexities of modern romance in Seoul.
Where to Watch: Netflix
10 The Haunted Palace
Rating: 8.5/10 | Year: 2025 | Episodes: 16
This historical romance fantasy captured viewers’ attention with its spooky and mysterious elements blended seamlessly with romance. Set in Korea’s royal past, the series follows supernatural encounters within palace walls, where love transcends the boundaries between the living and the dead. The atmospheric cinematography and compelling mythology make it a standout in the fantasy genre.
Main Cast: A talented ensemble brings depth to both the historical characters and the ghostly apparitions they encounter, creating an enchanting tale of love beyond death.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
How to Watch K-Dramas
Netflix: The most popular platform for K-dramas, offering high-quality streaming with subtitles in multiple languages. Available worldwide with a subscription.
Viki (Rakuten Viki): Features community-powered subtitles in 150+ languages. Offers both free (ad-supported) and premium options. Available in most countries.
Other Options: Depending on your region, platforms like Viu, WeTV, and Disney+ also offer excellent K-drama selections.
Sources: MyDramaList, Netflix, Time Magazine, Her World, IMDb