The year 2016 was a remarkable one for K-dramas, bringing some of the most iconic series that captivated audiences worldwide. From romantic comedies to intense historical sagas, the variety in storytelling and genre showcased the immense creativity of Korean drama creators. Whether you were hooked on emotional love stories or complex character dynamics, 2016 offered something for every K-drama fan. Here’s a list of the top 20 Kdramas from that unforgettable year, featuring memorable performances, gripping plots, and incredible twists that made these shows stand out.

Main Cast: Gong Yoo as Kim Shin, Kim Go-eun as Ji Eun-tak, Lee Dong-wook as the Grim Reaper, Yoo In-na as Sunny, Yook Sung-jae as Yoo Deok-hwa.

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 2, 2016 – January 21, 2017

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Kim Shin, a 939-year-old former general, is cursed to live as a goblin until he finds his bride, who can end his immortality. He meets Ji Eun-tak, a high school student who can see ghosts and is destined to be his bride. Together, they navigate love, fate, and the supernatural, while the Grim Reaper and Sunny’s intertwined pasts add complexity to their lives.

Trivia: “Goblin” became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history, with its finale achieving a viewership rating of 20.5%.

Main Cast: Lee Joon-gi as Wang So, IU as Hae Soo, Kang Ha-neul as Wang Wook, Baekhyun as Wang Hyun, Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Ah.

Director: Kim Kyu-tae

Writer: Jo Yoon-young

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: August 29 – November 1, 2016

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis: Hae Soo, a 21st-century woman, is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty, where she becomes entangled in the lives of the royal family. She develops complex relationships with the princes, especially Wang So, who harbors a dark past. Amid political intrigue and personal struggles, Hae Soo navigates love and loyalty in a tumultuous era.

Trivia: The drama is based on the Chinese novel “Bu Bu Jing Xin” and was adapted into a Korean series due to its popularity.

Main Cast: Lee Je-hoon as Park Hae-young, Kim Hye-soo as Cha Soo-hyun, Cho Jin-woong as Lee Jae-han.

Director: Kim Won-seok

Writer: Kim Eun-hee

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 22 – March 12, 2016

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: Detective Park Hae-young discovers a walkie-talkie that allows him to communicate with Detective Lee Jae-han from 1989. Together with Cha Soo-hyun, they work across time to solve cold cases and prevent crimes, uncovering deep-seated corruption within the police force.

Main Cast: Song Joong-ki as Yoo Si-jin, Song Hye-kyo as Kang Mo-yeon, Jin Goo as Seo Dae-young, Kim Ji-won as Yoon Myung-ju.

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 24 – April 14, 2016

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Romance, Action, Military

Synopsis: Captain Yoo Si-jin of the South Korean Special Warfare Command and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon meet in a hospital and develop a romantic relationship. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of humanitarian missions in a war-torn country, highlighting themes of duty, sacrifice, and love.

Main Cast: Lee Jong-suk as Kang Chul, Han Hyo-joo as Oh Yeon-joo, Lee Tae-hwan as Seo Do-yoon.

Director: Jeong Dae-yoon

Writer: Song Jae-jung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 20 – September 14, 2016

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Thriller

Synopsis: Oh Yeon-joo, a surgeon, is pulled into the webtoon world of “W” and meets its protagonist, Kang Chul. As she becomes entangled in the narrative, the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, leading to a complex relationship where love and danger intertwine.

Main Cast: Jun Ji-hyun as Shim Cheong, Lee Min-ho as Heo Joon-jae, Shin Hye-sun as Jo Nam-doo, Sung Dong-il as Nam-doo.

Director: Jin Hyuk

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: November 16, 2016 – January 25, 2017

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Action

Synopsis: Shim Cheong, a mermaid, finds herself on land and meets Heo Joon-jae, a skilled con artist. The two are drawn together by a past life where they were once lovers, and they must navigate the challenges of their present lives while dealing with powerful enemies. The series blends elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure.

Main Cast: Eric Mun as Park Do-kyung, Seo Hyun-jin as Oh Hae-young, Jeon Hye-bin as Oh Hae-young (the other one), Kim Ji-seok as Lee Jin-sang.

Director: Song Hyun-wook

Writer: Park Hae-young

Number of Episodes: 18

Date of Release: May 2 – June 28, 2016

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: Park Do-kyung, a perfectionist sound director, starts hearing another woman’s name, “Oh Hae-young,” in his head. After his life spirals into confusion, he crosses paths with the two Oh Hae-youngs. Despite misunderstandings and complications, their relationships develop in unexpected ways. The series balances romantic comedy with emotional drama.

Main Cast: Kim Woo-bin as Shin Joon-young, Bae Suzy as No Eul, Lim Ju-hwan as Choi Ji-tae, Im Joo-hwan as Lee Yeon-jae.

Director: Park Hyun-suk

Writer: Lee Kyung-hee

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: July 6 – September 8, 2016

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Romance, Drama, Melodrama

Synopsis: Shin Joon-young, a famous actor and singer, reunites with No Eul, a documentary producer he once loved. Despite their painful past, they find themselves entangled in deep emotions once again. As they face personal tragedies, they fight to protect their love while dealing with the consequences of their past.

Main Cast: Park Bo-gum as Lee Young, Kim Yoo-jung as Hong Ra-on, Jin Young as Kim Yoon-sung, Kwak Dong-yeon as Kim Byung-yeon.

Director: Kim Sung-yoon

Writer: Zion, Yoon Yi-seo

Number of Episodes: 18

Date of Release: August 22 – October 18, 2016

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: Hong Ra-on, disguised as a man, serves as a eunuch in the royal palace, where she meets Lee Young, the crown prince. Unbeknownst to him, she’s a woman, and their growing affection becomes a secret that must be kept from everyone. As political intrigue and romance swirl, their relationship faces multiple hurdles.

Main Cast: Ji Chang-wook as Kim Je-ha, Im Yoona as Go Ahn-na, Song Yoon-ah as Choi Yoo-jin, Jo Seong-ha as Jang Se-joon.

Director: Kwon Hyuk-chan

Writer: Jang Hyeok-rin, Lee Jung-sun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 23 – November 12, 2016

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Political

Synopsis: Kim Je-ha, a former soldier, becomes a bodyguard for the daughter of a powerful politician, Go Ahn-na. Caught in the political intrigue surrounding her, Je-ha must navigate his own past, protecting Ahn-na from dangerous enemies. This action-packed drama blends political power struggles with intense action sequences and romance.

Trivia: Ji Chang-wook’s portrayal of a strong, silent bodyguard in “The K2” earned him widespread praise for his action skills and emotional depth.

Main Casts: Park Seo-jun as Moo-myung / Hwarang, Go Ara as Ah-ro, Park Hyung-sik as Wang Won, Choi Min-ho as Kim Ji-dwi, Do Ji-han as Suho

Director: Yoon Seok-ho

Writer: Park Eun-ri

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: December 19, 2016 – February 21, 2017

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Set in the Silla Kingdom, “Hwarang” follows a group of elite young warriors known as Hwarang. Moo-myung, a former commoner, becomes entangled in palace politics after joining this prestigious group. The series blends romance, comedy, and intense action as it explores themes of loyalty, love, and friendship.

Main Casts: Park Shin-hye as Yoo Hye-jung, Kim Rae-won as Hong Ji-hong, Lee Sung-kyung as Jin Se-ryeong, Yoon Kyun-sang as Jung Yoon-do

Director: Oh Choong-hwan

Writer: Ha Myung-hee

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: June 20 – August 23, 2016

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Medical, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: “Doctors” tells the story of Yoo Hye-jung, a troubled young woman who, after meeting Hong Ji-hong, a compassionate doctor, finds purpose in life and eventually becomes a skilled physician herself. The drama delves into Hye-jung’s personal and professional growth, navigating both romantic and career challenges in the medical field.

Main Casts: Gong Hyo-jin as Pyo Na-ri, Jo Jung-suk as Lee Hwa-shin, Go Kyung-pyo as Choi Bo-nu, Lee Mi-sook as Na-ri’s mother

Director: Park Shin-woo

Writer: Seo Sook-hyang

Number of Episodes: 24

Date of Release: August 24 – October 13, 2016

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Jealousy Incarnate” revolves around the complex love triangle between Pyo Na-ri, a weathercaster, and two men—Lee Hwa-shin, a seasoned journalist, and Choi Bo-nu, a rising star at the station. The drama explores workplace romance, jealousy, and the struggles of love and self-worth in the competitive world of broadcasting.

Main Casts: Seo In-guk as Louie, Nam Ji-hyun as Go Bok-shil, Yoon Sang-hyun as Kim Joon, Im Se-mi as Baek Mar-gi

Director: Lee Sang-yeob

Writer: Oh Ji-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 21 – November 10, 2016

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Shopping King Louie” is a romantic comedy about Louie, a wealthy but amnesiac man who has lost his memory after an accident. He is taken in by Go Bok-shil, an innocent and kind-hearted woman, and the two bond over their contrasting personalities. Together, they navigate Louie’s past and his journey of rediscovery.

Main Casts: Jeon Do-yeon as Kim Hye-kyung, Yoo Ji-tae as Lee Tae-joon, Ju Ji-hoon as Lee Jung-woo, Kim Seo-ra as Park Soo-yeon

Director: Lee Jung-hyo

Writer: Yoon Hyun-ho

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 8 – September 17, 2016

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Legal, Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: A Korean adaptation of the American series, “The Good Wife,” the show follows Kim Hye-kyung, a stay-at-home mom whose life is turned upside down when her husband is involved in a corruption scandal. She returns to the legal field as a lawyer, facing moral dilemmas, ethical decisions, and power struggles within the law firm.

Main Casts: Lee Seo-jin as Han Ji-hoon, Uee as Kim Yoori, Im Se-mi as Yeo Joo-hee, Kim Yong-rim as Yoori’s mother

Director: Kim Jung-kwon

Writer: Jeon Young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: March 5 – April 24, 2016

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: “Marriage Contract” tells the story of a woman, Kim Yoori, who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and agrees to a marriage contract with Han Ji-hoon, a wealthy man, to secure her daughter’s future. Their relationship evolves from a purely contractual arrangement to genuine love, with challenges arising as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other.

Main Casts: Jung Il-woo as Eun Ha-won, Ahn Jae-hyun as Kang Hyun-min, Lee Jung-shin as Kang Seo-woo, Choi Min as Kang Ji-woon, Park So-dam as Park Hye-ji

Director: Kwon Hyuk-chan

Writer: Baek Mi-kyeong

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: August 12 – October 1, 2016

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Cinderella and the Four Knights” revolves around a poor but kind-hearted girl, Eun Ha-won, who ends up living with four rich and handsome cousins. As she navigates her new life, she brings warmth to their cold hearts while the men begin to fall for her. The show mixes romance and comedy with family dynamics and growth.

Main Casts: Park Hae-jin as Yoo Jung, Kim Go-eun as Hong Seol, Seo Kang-joon as Baek In-ho, Nam Joo-hyuk as Yoo Jung’s friend

Director: Kim Jeong-kwon

Writer: So Jae-won (based on a webtoon)

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 4 – March 1, 2016

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romance, Drama, Psychological

Synopsis: “Cheese in the Trap” follows the complicated relationships between college students, particularly Hong Seol and Yoo Jung. Seol is a hardworking student who becomes entangled in a psychological game with Yoo Jung, a seemingly perfect senior who hides a dark side. The series delves into themes of manipulation, trust, and personal growth.

Trivia: Based on a popular webtoon, the series became a major hit, especially due to Park Hae-jin’s portrayal of the enigmatic Yoo Jung.

Main Casts: Bang Min-ah as Gong Shim, Nam Goong-min as Ahn Dan-tae, On Joo-wan as Gong Mi, Kim Byung-ok as Gong Shim’s father

Director: Baek Soo-chan

Writer: Yang Hee-seung

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 14 – July 17, 2016

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Beautiful Gong Shim” follows the life of Gong Shim, a kind-hearted but overlooked woman, who dreams of becoming a lawyer. She crosses paths with a mysterious man, Ahn Dan-tae, and the two develop a close bond despite their differences. As their relationship grows, they support each other in overcoming personal and family struggles.

Main Casts: Yoon Si-yoon as Lee Seung, Kim Sae-ron as Princess Sin-yeong / Yeon-hee, Lee Ji-hoon as Kim Choon-soo, Kwak Si-yang as Hong-joo

Director: Kim Jung-kwon

Writer: Kim Hee-jae

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 13 – July 16, 2016

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: Set in the Joseon Dynasty, “Mirror of the Witch” is a tale of a cursed princess, Sin-yeong, born with mystical powers. After a tragedy that leads to the death of her family, she seeks refuge in hiding while trying to find a cure for the curse. She meets Lee Seung, a young man who helps her on her journey of healing and revenge.

2016’s top K-dramas continue to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of fans, with many still being discussed and rewatched years after their release. These dramas have cemented their place in the world of Korean entertainment, influencing future shows and captivating audiences far and wide. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to K-dramas, these top 20 series are a great starting point to dive into the emotional depth, exciting storylines, and unforgettable characters that define Korean television.