Netflix has been a game-changer in the world of K-dramas, producing original series that captivate global audiences with their unique storytelling, high-quality production, and diverse genres. From thrilling action-packed narratives to heartwarming romances and mind-bending psychological dramas, Netflix continues to expand its Korean content lineup. Whether you’re into dystopian survival stories, fantasy romance, or gripping crime thrillers, there’s a Netflix original K-drama for you. Below, we explore some of the most exciting Netflix-produced Korean dramas that have left a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.

Main Casts: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon

Number of Episodes: 16 (2 seasons); Season 3 upcoming

Date of Release: September 17, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Survival, Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: 456 financially desperate individuals are invited to participate in a series of children’s games with a tempting grand prize. However, they soon discover that losing comes with deadly consequences, leading to a harrowing fight for survival.

Trivia: “Squid Game” became a global phenomenon, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series at its release, and sparked widespread discussions about economic disparity and human nature.

Main Casts: Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doona

Number of Episodes: 12 (2 seasons)

Date of Release: January 25, 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Thriller, Horror

Synopsis: Set in Korea’s Joseon period, “Kingdom” follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he investigates a mysterious plague that resurrects the dead. Amid political conspiracies and a rapidly spreading zombie outbreak, he must save his people and reclaim his rightful place.

Trivia: “Kingdom” is Netflix’s first original Korean series and has been lauded for its high production quality and unique blend of historical drama and horror.

Main Casts: Kim So-hyun, Jung Ga-ram, Song Kang

Number of Episodes: 14 (2 seasons)

Date of Release: August 22, 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: In a world where a mobile app alerts users if someone within a 10-meter radius has romantic feelings for them, high school student Kim Jo-jo navigates young love and personal challenges, entangled in a love triangle with two close friends.

Trivia: “Love Alarm” is based on the popular webtoon of the same name by Chon Kye-young and explores the impact of technology on relationships.

Main Casts: Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee, Claudia Kim

Number of Episodes: 17 (2 seasons)

Date of Release: December 22, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Suspense, Mystery, Horror, Thriller, Action

Synopsis: Set in 1945 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, “Gyeongseong Creature” follows Jang Tae-sang, a prominent pawnshop owner, and Yoon Chae-ok, a skilled tracker searching for her mother. Together, they confront a monstrous creature born from secret biological experiments.

Trivia: The series delves into historical events, highlighting the brutality of the Japanese occupation and the resilience of Korean civilians.

Main Casts: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 30, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Revenge

Synopsis: Moon Dong-eun, a woman who endured severe bullying during her school years, meticulously plans a complex revenge scheme against her tormentors, aiming to make them face the consequences of their actions years later.

Trivia: The series marks a significant departure for lead actress Song Hye-kyo, known for her roles in romantic dramas, showcasing her versatility in a darker, more intense narrative.

Main Casts: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: November 19, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Supernatural, Thriller

Synopsis: In a world where otherworldly beings deliver prophecies and condemn individuals to hell, society grapples with fear and religious fervor. As chaos ensues, a new religious group, the New Truth Society, rises to power, exploiting the public’s fear.

Genre: “Hellbound” is based on a webtoon by Yeon Sang-ho, who also directed the series. It premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, marking the first Korean drama to do so.

Main Casts: Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hoo, Cho Yi-hyun

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: January 28, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Coming-of-Age

Synopsis: A high school becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak. Trapped students must fight their way to safety while dealing with personal conflicts and dwindling resources.

Synopsis: The series is adapted from the webtoon “Now at Our School” by Joo Dong-geun. It gained international popularity, ranking in Netflix’s top 10 in multiple countries.

Main Casts: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: December 18, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: Following a family tragedy, Cha Hyun-soo moves into a rundown apartment complex. Soon, residents find themselves battling monstrous creatures as humanity succumbs to a mysterious phenomenon turning people into monsters reflecting their innermost desires.

Trivia: “Sweet Home” is based on a popular webtoon of the same name. The series was praised for its special effects and was renewed for a second season.

Main Casts: Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: August 27, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Military, Drama

Synopsis: Private Ahn Jun-ho is assigned to a unit responsible for capturing military deserters. As he navigates his duties, he confronts the harsh realities and moral dilemmas within the military system.

Trivia: The series is based on the webtoon “D.P Dog’s Day” by Kim Bo-tong, who also co-wrote the screenplay. It received critical acclaim for its portrayal of military life and the challenges faced by soldiers.

Main Casts: Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: October 15, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Synopsis: Following her father’s murder, Yoon Ji-woo joins a crime syndicate and infiltrates the police force under a new identity to uncover the truth and exact revenge.

Trivia: Han So-hee underwent intensive physical training for her role, performing many of her own stunts. The series was praised for its action sequences and Han’s performance.

Main Casts: Bae Doona, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: December 24, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller

Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future where Earth faces severe water scarcity, a team of astronauts embarks on a perilous mission to retrieve a mysterious sample from an abandoned lunar research base. As they delve deeper into the base’s secrets, they confront unforeseen dangers that challenge their survival.

Trivia: The series is based on the 2014 short film “The Sea of Tranquility” by Choi Hang-yong, who also directs the series. It marks Gong Yoo’s return to television after “Goblin” and has been praised for its high production values and suspenseful narrative.

Main Casts: Kim Dong-hee, Jung Da-bin, Park Ju-hyun

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: April 29, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Crime, Drama

Synopsis: Oh Ji-soo, a model high school student, leads a secret double life running an illegal business to fund his future. When a classmate discovers his secret, he becomes entangled in a web of crime and danger, jeopardizing his dreams and safety.

Synopsis:The series received critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of societal pressures on youth and was noted for its strong performances by the young cast.

Main Casts: Yoon Hyun-min, Ko Sung-hee

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: February 7, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction

Synopsis: Han So-yeon, a woman with face blindness, becomes the beta tester for “Holo,” an advanced holographic AI companion. As she grows closer to Holo, she also encounters his creator, Go Nan-do, leading to a complex love triangle between a woman, a man, and an AI.

Trivia: The series explores themes of loneliness and human connection in the digital age and was praised for its unique premise and emotional depth.

Main Casts: Jung Yu-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: September 25, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

Synopsis: Ahn Eun-young, a school nurse with the ability to see supernatural “jellies” representing human emotions, teams up with a Chinese language teacher to protect the students from mysterious forces lurking within the school.

Trivia: Based on the novel by Chung Serang, the series is noted for its whimsical storytelling and imaginative visuals, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre.”

Main Casts: Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: May 14, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome, and his ex-convict uncle, Sang-gu, run a trauma cleaning service called “Move to Heaven.” Together, they uncover untold stories of the deceased, providing closure to the departed and their loved ones.

Trivia: The series is inspired by the essay “Things Left Behind” by Kim Sae-byul, a former “trauma cleaner.” It received acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity.

Main Casts: Kim Woo-bin, Song Seung-heon, Kang Yoo-seok, Esom

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: May 12, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Action

Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future devastated by air pollution, only about 1% of the population has survived, leading to a strict social hierarchy. Citizens rely heavily on delivery drivers, known as “Knights,” for essential supplies. “5-8,” a legendary Knight with exceptional combat skills, encounters Sa-wol, a refugee who dreams of becoming a Knight. Together, they navigate the perils of this polluted world, confronting societal inequalities and battling powerful adversaries.

Trivia: The series is based on the webtoon “Delivery Knight” by Lee Yun-kyun. It marks Kim Woo-bin’s return to the small screen after a hiatus due to health issues.

Main Casts: Seo Hyun-jin, Gong Yoo

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: November 29, 2024

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Mystery, Melodrama

Synopsis: Noh In-ji works for NM (New Marriage), a company that provides clients with spouses for fixed-term one-year contract marriages. Despite facilitating these temporary unions, In-ji feels a profound sense of loneliness. Han Jeong-won, a music producer haunted by past traumas, enters into a contract marriage with In-ji in an attempt to salvage his previous relationship. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a mysterious trunk is discovered in a lake, unraveling secrets that challenge their perceptions of love and commitment.

Trivia: The series is based on the novel “The Trunk” by Kim Ryeo-ryeong. It brings together acclaimed actors Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo, generating significant anticipation among K-drama fans.

Main Casts: Kim Young-kwang, Kang Hae-lim, Kim Yong-ji, Kim Soo-yeon

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: November 18, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Crime

Synopsis: A software developer creates a dating app called “Somebody,” which becomes a platform for a serial killer to find his victims. As the bodies pile up, she becomes entangled in the investigation, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Trivia: The series delves into the dark side of technology and human connections, exploring themes of isolation and obsession.

Main Casts: Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-been, Kang Hoon

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: September 8, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: After the tragic loss of her boyfriend, a woman mysteriously travels back in time to 1998, where she meets a man who looks exactly like her deceased lover. As she navigates this new reality, she uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of love and fate.

Trivia: This series is a remake of the popular Taiwanese drama “Someday or One Day,” bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved story.

Main Casts: Go Hyun-jung, Nana, Ahn Jae-hong, Yeom Hye-ran

Number of Episodes: 7

Date of Release: August 18, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Black Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Synopsis: Kim Mo-mi, an office worker insecure about her appearance, becomes a masked internet personality by night. Her double life takes a dark turn when she becomes entangled in a series of ill-fated events, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Trivia: The series is based on a Naver webtoon of the same name and explores themes of identity, beauty standards, and the perils of internet fame.

Main Casts: Woo Do-hwan, Lee Sang-yi, Heo Joon-ho, Kim Sae-ron

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: June 9, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Synopsis: Two young boxers team up to tackle a powerful loan shark who preys on the financially vulnerable. Using their fighting skills, they navigate the dangerous underworld of illegal lending, seeking justice and redemption.

Trivia: The series is based on a popular webtoon and has been praised for its intense action sequences and portrayal of camaraderie.

With its growing library of original K-dramas, Netflix continues to push creative boundaries and bring fresh, innovative stories to global audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean dramas or a newcomer looking for your next binge-worthy series, these Netflix originals offer something for everyone. From intense thrillers to emotional love stories and supernatural mysteries, these dramas showcase the best of Korean storytelling. As Netflix expands its investment in K-content, we can only anticipate even more groundbreaking series in the future. Stay tuned for what’s next in the world of K-dramas!