K-Dramas have captivated audiences worldwide with their compelling stories, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth. But behind every iconic series is a brilliant screenwriter weaving magic with their words. From time-travel epics to heart-wrenching romances, these storytellers shape the Hallyu wave and redefine television with each new script. In Masterminds Behind the Magic: The Most Influential K-Drama Screenwriters You Need to Know, we dive into the creative minds responsible for some of the most beloved dramas of all time.
1. Kim Eun-sook

Kim Eun-sook is known for creating high-concept, engaging romantic dramas that often tap into universal themes of love, destiny, and personal growth. Her works frequently feature glamorous settings, strong character arcs, and memorable catchphrases that resonate with audiences. She has an ability to blend romance with social commentary, making her dramas both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Notable Works:
- Lovers in Paris (2004): This drama propelled her to fame, capturing the hearts of viewers with its Parisian romance.
- Secret Garden (2010): A fantasy romance that became a cultural touchstone in South Korea, blending magic with romance and strong character development.
- The Heirs (2013): A high school drama that follows the complicated relationships among the children of wealthy families, solidifying her signature style of combining romance with social class struggles.
- Descendants of the Sun (2016): A military romance that was a global hit, praised for its chemistry between the leads and thrilling plot.
- Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016-2017): A fantasy drama that explores themes of life and death, immortality, and love.
- Mr. Sunshine (2018): A historical drama set in the early 20th century, blending romance with political themes and historical events.
- The King: Eternal Monarch (2020): A fantasy drama involving parallel universes, fantasy elements, and romance.
- The Glory (2022-2023): A gripping revenge drama that follows a woman’s meticulous plan to get back at those who tormented her during her school years, blending suspense, emotional depth, and intense character development.
Recent Projects:
- The Glory (2022-2023): a dark and powerful revenge drama that delves into themes of trauma, justice, and healing, showcasing a compelling mix of suspense and emotional depth.
- Everything Will Come True: Upcoming series on Netflix starring Suzy and Kim Woo-bin.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Lee Min-ho (The Heirs, The King: Eternal Monarch)
- Song Hye-kyo (Descendants of the Sun, The Glory)
- Kim Woo-bin (The Heirs, Everything Will Come True)
2. Kim Eun-hee

Kim Eun-hee excels in thriller and crime genres, often creating intricate, gripping narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Her storytelling frequently combines suspense, psychological depth, and supernatural or historical elements, creating intense and immersive experiences.
Notable Works:
- Sign (2011): A gripping crime thriller about a forensic scientist solving murder cases with a deep emotional undercurrent.
- Signal (2016): A time-travel crime drama that merges past and present investigations, often considered one of the best Korean dramas in the thriller genre.
- Kingdom (2019-present): A groundbreaking zombie-thriller series set in Korea’s Joseon period, blending historical fiction with horror and political intrigue.
- Jirisan (2021): A mystery thriller set in the mountainous Jirisan National Park, revolving around a park ranger investigating unexplained deaths.
Recent Projects:
- Kingdom (2019-present): Still ongoing, this series continues to explore the consequences of a zombie outbreak in historical Korea.
- Jirisan (2021): A recent thriller that blends environmental mystery with suspense and has garnered attention for its strong performances.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Joo Ji-hoon (Kingdom, Jirisan)
- Bae Doona (Kingdom)
3. Lee Woo-jung

Lee Woo-jung is beloved for her slice-of-life dramas that explore the nuances of everyday life. Her works often focus on familial relationships, friendships, and the emotional struggles of ordinary people. Her character-driven narratives, which often span multiple years or generations, provide a deep emotional resonance.
Notable Works:
- Reply 1997 (2012): A nostalgic look at the lives of teenagers growing up in the 1990s, blending humor, romance, and coming-of-age themes.
- Reply 1994 (2013): Continuing the Reply series, this installment focuses on college students and their journey to adulthood.
- Reply 1988 (2015-2016): One of the most beloved Korean dramas, capturing the essence of family, friendship, and growing up in the late 80s.
- Hospital Playlist (2020-2021): A medical drama about a group of doctors who have been friends since medical school. It combines humor, personal growth, and heartwarming moments.
Recent Projects:
- Hospital Playlist (2020-2021): The series became immensely popular for its character-driven storytelling and its portrayal of friendship and life in a hospital setting.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Jo Jung-suk (Hospital Playlist)
- Yoo Yeon-seok (Reply 1994, Hospital Playlist)
4. Song Jae-jung

Song Jae-jung is recognized for her unique mix of fantasy, romance, and science fiction, often blending the fantastical with emotional narratives. Her stories are complex, with intricate plots that explore alternate realities, time travel, and human emotions.
Notable Works:
- Queen In-hyun’s Man (2012): A time-travel romance that blends history with fantasy, it became a cult hit for its innovative narrative.
- Nine: 9 Times Time Travel (2013): A gripping time travel thriller that explores the consequences of changing the past.
- W: Two Worlds Apart (2016): A fantasy romance that explores the boundaries between reality and a fictional world, focusing on a man and a woman who meet in a comic book universe.
- Memories of the Alhambra (2018): A high-tech thriller that combines augmented reality with romance, set in the mysterious Alhambra.
- Yumi’s Cells (2021-2022): A unique blend of romance, fantasy, and comedy, following the emotional journey of a woman through the perspective of her brain cells, capturing her growth and relationships.
Recent Projects:
- Yumi’s Cells (2021-2022) is her most recent notable work, combining humor, fantasy, and romance to explore the inner workings of a woman’s emotional world.
5. Park Ji-eun

Park Ji-eun specializes in blending romance with comedy and drama, often using unique premises or fantastical elements to create fresh narratives. Her work is known for its humor, quirky characters, and emotional depth, making her one of the most beloved writers in South Korea.
Notable Works:
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- My Husband Got a Family (2012): A family-oriented romantic comedy that explores the dynamics of in-laws and marriage.
- My Love from the Star (2013-2014): A massive hit, blending romance and sci-fi, it tells the story of an alien and a famous actress.
- The Producers (2015): A satire about the Korean entertainment industry, mixing comedy, romance, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of television.
- Crash Landing on You (2019-2020): A global phenomenon, this romantic drama combines humor, action, and emotional depth, focusing on a North Korean soldier and a South Korean heiress.
- Queen of Tears (2023): A recent hit that blends comedy, romance, and elements of political intrigue, gaining attention for its unique storyline and witty humor.
Recent Projects:
• Queen of Tears (2023) is her most recent work, continuing her signature mix of humor, romance, and emotional storytelling.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Jun Ji-hyun (My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea)
- Kim Soo-hyun (My Love from the Star, The Producers, Queen of Tears)
6. Noh Hee-kyung

Noh Hee-kyung is known for her realistic, deep explorations of human relationships. Her works often focus on the complexities of love, friendship, and family, with an emphasis on emotional vulnerability and personal growth.
Notable Works:
- That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013): A melodrama that explores themes of love, loss, and deception.
- It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014): A heartwarming drama that deals with mental illness, relationships, and healing.
- Dear My Friends (2016): A poignant look at the lives of elderly women, exploring friendship, life, and death.
- Live (2018): A social drama that focuses on the lives of police officers, exploring issues of morality, life struggles, and professional challenges.
- Our Blues (2022): A recent ensemble drama about the lives and struggles of people on Jeju Island.
Recent Projects:
- Our Blues (2022) is her most recent project, a multi-generational story that touches on themes of love, life, and hardship.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Jo In-sung (That Winter, the Wind Blows, It’s Okay, That’s Love)
7. Park Hye-ryun

Park Hye-ryun is celebrated for her engaging storytelling and character-driven narratives, often creating works that explore love, destiny, and personal growth. Her dramas typically feature strong emotional arcs and well-developed characters who face both personal and professional challenges, resonating deeply with audiences. She excels in blending romantic elements with elements of self-discovery, making her works relatable and emotionally compelling.
Notable Works:
- Dream High (2011): A musical drama about students at an arts high school pursuing their dreams of becoming K-pop stars, blending music, friendship, and personal growth.
- I Can Hear Your Voice (2013): A fantasy-legal drama about a young man who can hear people’s thoughts and a lawyer working to bring justice, exploring the power of empathy and truth.
- Pinocchio (2014-2015): A drama about young journalists facing ethical dilemmas while uncovering the truth, focusing on media integrity, lies, and the pursuit of justice.
- While You Were Sleeping (2017): A supernatural romance about a woman who can foresee accidents and a prosecutor who works to prevent them, blending fantasy with legal drama.
- Start-Up (2020): A tech industry drama following a young woman striving to build a successful startup while navigating love and ambition.
- Castaway Diva (2023): A heartwarming drama about a woman stranded on a deserted island for 15 years who pursues her dream of becoming a diva, blending survival and music with personal resilience.
Recent Projects:
- Castaway Diva (2023): A heartwarming drama about a woman stranded on a deserted island for 15 years who pursues her dream of becoming a diva, blending survival and music with personal resilience.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Lee Jong-suk: Collaborated on multiple projects including I Can Hear Your Voice, Pinocchio, and While You Were Sleeping.
- Bae Suzy: Worked together on Dream High, While You Were Sleeping, and Start-Up.
8. Hong Sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran)

The Hong Sisters are famed for their distinctive style that mixes fantasy and romantic comedy. Their dramas often feature a mix of whimsical fantasy elements with deeply emotional love stories, combining lighthearted humor with moments of serious reflection. Known for their quirky characters and inventive plots, the Hong Sisters’ dramas often play with traditional tropes, creating narratives that are both fresh and nostalgic.
Notable Works:
- My Girl (2005-2006): A romantic comedy about a charming con artist who pretends to be the granddaughter of a wealthy family to fulfill a dying man’s wish, leading to unexpected romance.
- You’re Beautiful (2009): A music-themed romantic comedy about a woman who disguises herself as her twin brother to join a popular boy band, navigating love, identity, and fame.
- My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010): A fantasy romance about a man who unknowingly dates a mythical nine-tailed fox, blending comedy, fantasy, and romance.
- The Greatest Love (2011): A romantic comedy that follows a fading movie star who rekindles her career and love life after a chance meeting with a top Hallyu idol.
- Hotel Del Luna (2019): A supernatural romance about an immortal hotel owner who helps ghosts move on while grappling with her own past and evolving feelings for a human hotel manager.
- Alchemy of Souls (2022): A fantasy drama set in a mystical world where sorcerers can swap souls, weaving a tale of love, power, and fate.
- Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow (2023): The sequel to Alchemy of Souls, continuing the battle between dark and light forces in a world of magic, love, and destiny.
Recent Work:
- Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow (2023): a sequel to Alchemy of Souls (2022), continuing the fantasy saga filled with magic, love, and battles between light and dark forces.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Lee Jae-wook (Alchemy of Souls, Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow)
9. Park Yeon-seon

Park Yeon-seon is renowned for her ability to create realistic, relatable characters and plots that reflect the struggles and joys of everyday life. Often focusing on relationships, both romantic and familial, her works deal with themes of personal growth, ambition, and the complexities of youth.
Notable Works:
- My Tutor Friend (2003): A romantic comedy about a college student who becomes a tutor to a rebellious high school girl, leading to unexpected chemistry and humorous situations.
- Wild Romance (2012): A quirky romance about a woman who becomes a bodyguard to a famous baseball player, sparking tension and affection between the two.
- Age of Youth Seasons 1 & 2 (2016, 2017): A drama that follows the lives and struggles of five university housemates, exploring themes of friendship, romance, and personal growth.
- Diary of a Prosecutor (2019): A legal drama that focuses on the everyday lives and challenges of prosecutors as they tackle cases and their own personal issues.
- Fly High Butterfly (2022): A coming-of-age drama set in the world of competitive diving, exploring the pressures and dreams of young athletes.
Recent work:
- Fly High Butterfly (2022): A coming-of-age drama set in the competitive world of diving, delving into the pressures and aspirations of young athletes as they navigate their dreams and challenges.
10. Jung Sung-joo

Jung Sung-joo is known for crafting dramas that feature complex characters and intricate emotional relationships. Jung Sung-joo’s works are recognized for their deep emotional intensity and subtle exploration of societal and personal struggles. Her ability to weave complex moral narratives makes her dramas stand out as thought-provoking and powerful storytelling experiences.
Notable Works:
- Heard It Through the Grapevine (2015): A satirical drama that follows the scandalous fallout in a wealthy family when their son’s teenage relationship is exposed, revealing the complex dynamics of societal status and family secrets.
- Secret Love Affair (2014): A gripping, taboo romance about a middle-aged woman and a much younger pianist, exploring themes of forbidden love, desire, and personal sacrifice.
- Goodbye Earth (2024): A sci-fi drama centered around the impending end of the world, as individuals face the emotional and existential challenges in their final days on Earth.
Recent work:
- Goodbye Earth (2024): A sci-fi drama that delves into the emotional and existential struggles of individuals as they confront the impending end of the world.
11. Kim Soon-ok

Kim Soon-ok is a celebrated writer known for her high-impact, often controversial plots that are filled with intense melodrama and action. She has a knack for creating highly engaging, suspenseful narratives that keep viewers hooked through intense plot twists, villainous characters, and high-stakes scenarios.
Notable Works:
- Temptation of Wife (2008–2009): A gripping melodrama that follows a woman seeking revenge on her unfaithful husband, unraveling a web of lies and betrayal.
- Jang Bo-ri is Here! (2014): A heartwarming family drama about a woman who discovers her true identity and fights for love and acceptance in the face of hardships.
- My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol (2015–2016): A family drama revolving around the struggles of a woman who overcomes her difficult past to find happiness and success.
- The Penthouse: War in Life (2020–2021): A high-stakes drama that portrays the cutthroat world of wealthy elites, with intense power struggles, revenge, and dark secrets.
Recent Work:
- The Penthouse: War in Life (2020–2021): A suspenseful drama set in a luxurious penthouse, where the lives of three women collide through schemes, revenge, and betrayal, as they fight to protect their families and climb the social ladder.
12. Park Kyung-soo

Park Kyung-soo is known for creating suspenseful, fast-paced thrillers and crime dramas that focus on the cat-and-mouse games between law enforcement and criminals. His works often include strong characters with moral conflicts, as well as unexpected twists.
Notable Works:
- The Legend (2007): A historical epic that blends mythology with politics, following the tumultuous life of a king as he battles for power and survival in ancient Korea.
- The Chaser (2012): A thrilling crime drama about a former detective who races against time to track down a serial killer, exposing deep corruption within the police force.
- Empire of Gold (2013): A high-stakes drama that delves into the greed, ambition, and corruption of a family at the center of Korea’s corporate world.
- Punch (2014–2015): A gripping political thriller that explores the moral and emotional struggles of a prosecutor caught in a power struggle with corruption and personal loss.
- Whisper (2017): A tense legal drama about a determined female cop and a righteous prosecutor fighting against powerful figures in a corrupt legal system.
- The Whirlwind (2024): A suspenseful series that follows a journalist uncovering dark secrets while navigating political intrigue, conspiracy, and personal danger.
Recent Work:
- The Whirlwind (2024): A gripping series that follows a journalist as they uncover dark secrets amidst a web of political intrigue, conspiracy, and personal danger.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Kim Rae-won (Punch, Whisper)
13. Jung Yoon-jung

Jung Yoon-jung’s work is recognized for its rich character development and its focus on realistic human emotions. She tends to write about the inner lives of her characters, their personal struggles, and their relationships, often grounding her stories in real-world issues.
Notable Works:
- Arang and the Magistrate (2012): A supernatural romance about a ghostly woman and a magistrate who work together to solve her murder while uncovering a conspiracy in the afterlife.
- Monstar (2013): A coming-of-age drama that follows a group of high school students as they bond over music and navigate their emotional struggles and dreams.
- Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014): A realistic portrayal of office life, focusing on a young man’s struggles to adapt to the corporate world while confronting personal and professional challenges.
- Bride of the Water God (2017): A fantasy romance where a modern-day woman becomes entangled with the Water God and his mystical world, exploring love, power, and sacrifice.
- Idol: The Coup (2021): A drama about the struggles and aspirations of a K-pop idol group as they fight for success and personal freedom in an unforgiving industry.
Recent work:
Idol: The Coup (2021): A drama that delves into the struggles and aspirations of a K-pop idol group as they fight for success and personal freedom in the unforgiving music industry.
14. Yang Hee-seung

Yang Hee-seung is known for her creative and heartwarming romantic comedies. Her stories often revolve around modern, lovable female leads and explore themes of personal growth, love, and family. She has a knack for blending humor with emotional depth, making her dramas both entertaining and relatable.
Notable Works:
- Oh My Ghost (2015): A romantic comedy about a timid chef who gets possessed by a lustful virgin ghost.
- Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016-2017): A coming-of-age story about a female weightlifter and her journey through love and self-discovery.
- Familiar Wife (2018): A fantasy romance that explores the consequences of a man’s decision to change his past.
- Once Again (2020): A family drama that delves into the lives of four siblings and their parents.
- Crash Course in Romance (2023): A romantic comedy about a former athlete who becomes a tutor and falls in love with a single mother.
Recent Projects:
- Memories of No. 100 (2025): A drama that explores the lives and memories of people living in a small town.
15. Kwon Do-eun

Kwon Do-eun is known for her strong, female-centric narratives that often highlight the complexities of modern relationships and personal growth. Her works are characterized by well-developed characters, engaging storylines, and a focus on women’s empowerment.
Notable Works:
- Search: WWW (2019): A drama about three successful women in their late 30s working at a search engine company.
- Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022): A coming-of-age romance that follows the lives of young people during the IMF crisis in South Korea.
Recent Projects:
- Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022): Her latest project, which received critical acclaim for its engaging story and strong character development.
17. Lim Sang-choon
Lim Sang-choon is known for her realistic and relatable storytelling. Her dramas often depict the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people, with a focus on character-driven narratives and emotional authenticity.
Notable Works:
- Fight for My Way (2017): A drama about four friends pursuing their dreams despite life’s challenges.
- When the Camellia Blooms (2019): A romantic thriller that follows the life of a single mother and her journey to find love and happiness.
Recent Projects:
- When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025): A heartwarming drama that follows the adventurous lives of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik in 1950s Jeju, capturing their youthful dreams, love, and resilience amidst life’s challenges.
16. Kang Eun-kyung

Kang Eun-kyung is versatile in her writing, capable of handling various genres from romantic comedies to intense melodramas. Her works often feature strong character development, intricate plots, and a mix of humor and emotional depth.
Notable Works:
- Hotelier (2001): A drama set in a luxury hotel, focusing on the lives of its staff and guests.
- Bread, Love and Dreams (2010): A story about a young baker’s journey to success amidst personal and professional challenges.
- Gu Family Book (2013): A fantasy historical drama about a half-human, half-gumiho seeking to become fully human.
- What Happens to My Family? (2014): A family drama that explores the dynamics and conflicts within a large family.
- Dr. Romantic (2016-2023): A medical drama series that follows the lives of doctors working in a small hospital.
- Gyeongseong Creature (2023-2024): A historical thriller set in 1940s Korea, mixing horror and mystery as characters face dark, supernatural forces amid a tense political backdrop.
Recent Projects:
- Gyeongseong Creature (2023-2024): A historical thriller set in the 1940s, blending elements of horror and mystery.
Repeat Collaborators:
- Han Suk-kyu (Dr. Romantic series)
Whether crafting mind-bending plots or heartwarming love stories, these screenwriters continue to set new standards in the K-Drama industry. Their works not only entertain but also challenge perspectives, spark cultural conversations, and leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world. As K-Dramas evolve, these masterminds will undoubtedly keep pushing boundaries, delivering stories that stay with us long after the credits roll. Who is your favorite K-Drama writer?