The year 2012 was a groundbreaking one for K-dramas, filled with compelling stories, unforgettable characters, and powerful performances that captured the hearts of audiences both in Korea and internationally. Whether it was a heartwarming romance, a thrilling action-packed drama, or a historical epic, 2012 had something for every K-drama fan. Join us as we look back at the top 20 K-dramas that defined the year, setting new standards and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Korean television.

Main Casts: Joo Won, Jin Se-yeon, Park Ki-woong, Han Chae-ah

Director: Yoon Seong-sik

Writer: Yoo Hyun-mi

Number of Episodes: 28

Date of Release: May 30, 2012 – August 23, 2012

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Action, Historical, Drama

Synopsis: Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea, “Bridal Mask” follows a patriotic man, Lee Gang-to, who disguises himself as the mysterious “Bridal Mask” to fight against the oppressors. He struggles between his duty and his love for the woman he cares for, whose loyalties to the resistance movement complicate his life. As secrets unravel, a complex love triangle and political turmoil unfold.

Main Casts: Lee Bo-young, Lee Sang-yoon, Choi Jae-sung, Park Hae-jin

Director: Jeon Chang-geun

Writer: So Hyun-kyeong

Number of Episodes: 50

Date of Release: September 15, 2012 – March 10, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Family, Drama

Synopsis: The drama revolves around Seo-Young, a young woman who struggles to reconcile her complicated relationships with her estranged family. She confronts the hardships of being raised by a single mother and later has to deal with the emotional turmoil caused by her father’s actions. “My Daughter Seo-Young” explores family dynamics, forgiveness, and growth.

Trivia: The drama became a huge hit in Korea, with Lee Bo-young winning multiple acting awards for her portrayal of Seo-Young.

Main Casts: Jung Eun-ji, Seo In-guk, Hoya, Shin So-yul

Director: Shin Won-ho

Writer: Lee Woo-jung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 24, 2012 – September 18, 2012

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Coming-of-age, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Reply 1997” centers around the lives of a group of high school friends living in Busan during the late 90s. The show focuses on their love for K-pop and the nostalgia of that era, exploring their personal lives, dreams, and relationships. It’s a story of friendship, family, and coming-of-age.

Trivia: The drama received praise for its portrayal of the 90s, the relatable characters, and the strong performances by the cast, especially Jung Eun-ji.

Main Casts: Ji Hwan, Han Ji-hye, Jung Gyu-woon, Kim Bu-ja

Director: Kim Byung-ok

Writer: Joo Hwa-mi

Number of Episodes: 24

Date of Release: January 2, 2012 – March 27, 2012

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Synopsis: “History of a Salaryman” is a workplace drama that follows the life of a salaryman, Baek Yeo-chi, who is stuck in a dead-end job. He has to deal with office politics, underhanded tactics, and the challenges of working his way up the corporate ladder. The drama humorously highlights the struggles and triumphs of ordinary employees while incorporating moments of romance and family conflict.

Main Casts: Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ga-in, Jung Il-woo, Kim Min-seo

Director: Kim Do-hoon

Writer: Jin Su-won

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: January 4, 2012 – March 15, 2012

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: Set in the Joseon Dynasty, “The Moon Embracing the Sun” is a historical fantasy drama about a secret romance between a young king and a shaman. Their love story is fraught with political intrigue, family drama, and the challenges of their roles in society. The drama explores themes of destiny, power, and love against the backdrop of royal life.

Trivia: The drama was a massive hit in Korea and internationally, with Kim Soo-hyun’s performance receiving much acclaim, and it became one of the highest-rated dramas of 2012.

Main Casts: Ji Hyun-woo as Kim Boong-do, Yoo In-na as Choi Hee-jin, Kim Jin-woo as Han Dong-min, Ga Deuk-hee as Jo Soo-kyung

Director: Kim Byung-soo

Writer: Song Jae-jung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 18 – June 7, 2012

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis: Kim Boong-do, a Joseon-era scholar, mysteriously travels 300 years into the future and lands in modern-day Seoul. There, he meets Choi Hee-jin, a struggling actress playing Queen In-Hyun in a drama. As Boong-do adapts to the present while uncovering conspiracies from his past, a unique romance unfolds between them. However, time travel comes with risks, and their love faces unexpected challenges.

Trivia: Ji Hyun-woo and Yoo In-na confirmed their real-life relationship after the drama, delighting fans. It was later adapted into a Chinese drama titled Love Through a Millennium.

Main Casts: Lee Min-ho as Choi Young, Kim Hee-sun as Yoo Eun-soo, Yoo Oh-sung as Ki Chul, Ryu Deok-hwan as King Gongmin

Director: Kim Jong-hak

Writer: Song Ji-na

Number of Episodes: 24

Date of Release: August 13 – October 30, 2012

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: Choi Young, a Goryeo warrior, is tasked with bringing a divine healer from the future to save the queen. He kidnaps modern-day plastic surgeon Yoo Eun-soo, transporting her back in time. Initially desperate to return home, Eun-soo eventually becomes entangled in the kingdom’s power struggles and forms a deep bond with Choi Young. As they navigate love and duty, they must fight against those who seek to change history.

Trivia: This marked Lee Min-ho’s first historical drama. It was one of the most expensive Korean dramas of its time, with a high-budget production. The drama’s elaborate costumes and CGI effects were widely praised.

Main Casts: So Ji-sub as Kim Woo-hyun/Park Ki-young, Lee Yeon-hee as Yoo Kang-mi, Uhm Ki-joon as Jo Hyun-min, Kwak Do-won as Kwon Hyuk-joo

Director: Kim Hyung-sik, Park Shin-woo

Writer: Kim Eun-hee

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 30 – August 9, 2012

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Cybercrime

Synopsis: Kim Woo-hyun, an elite cyber investigator, is on a mission to expose a powerful hacker known as “Hades.” A twist of fate leads him to assume another identity and infiltrate a web of cybercrimes involving corruption, hacking, and espionage. With the help of detective Yoo Kang-mi, he fights to reveal the truth while staying ahead of those trying to silence him.

Main Casts: Son Hyun-joo as Detective Baek Hong-seok, Kim Sang-joong as Kang Dong-yoon, Kim Sung-ryung as Seo Ji-soo, Jang Shin-young as Reporter Seo Ji-won

Director: Jo Nam-kook

Writer: Park Kyung-soo

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: May 28 – July 17, 2012

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Thriller, Crime, Political Drama

Synopsis: Baek Hong-seok, a dedicated detective, is devastated when his teenage daughter dies in a hit-and-run accident. As he investigates, he uncovers a political conspiracy led by presidential candidate Kang Dong-yoon. Determined to bring those responsible to justice, he embarks on a dangerous journey of revenge, exposing corruption at the highest levels of power.

Trivia: The drama gained critical acclaim for its gripping storyline and fast-paced suspense. It was later adapted into a film called The Chaser: The Movie.

Main Casts: Song Joong-ki as Kang Ma-ru, Moon Chae-won as Seo Eun-gi, Park Si-yeon as Han Jae-hee, Lee Kwang-soo as Park Jae-gil

Director: Kim Jin-won

Writer: Lee Kyung-hee

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: September 12 – November 15, 2012

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Revenge

Synopsis: Kang Ma-ru, a promising medical student, takes the fall for a crime committed by his first love, Han Jae-hee, only to be betrayed by her. Years later, he becomes a cold and calculating man seeking revenge. When he meets Seo Eun-gi, the daughter of a wealthy conglomerate owner, he sees her as a means to an end. However, love and emotions complicate his plans, leading to unexpected consequences.

Trivia: This drama marked Song Joong-ki’s first lead role in a melodrama. It was written by Lee Kyung-hee, known for emotional dramas like A Love to Kill and I’m Sorry, I Love You.

Main Casts: Park Yoo-chun, Han Ji-min, Lee Tae-sung, Jung Yumi

Director: Shin Yoon-sub

Writer: Lee Hee-myung

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: March 9, 2012 – May 26, 2012

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: “Rooftop Prince” follows the story of a crown prince from the Joseon Dynasty who time-travels to modern-day Seoul after the death of his princess. He meets a woman who looks exactly like his deceased wife, and together they work to uncover a conspiracy. Blending comedy, romance, and mystery, the drama explores themes of love and fate across time.

Main Casts: Lee Seung-gi, Ha Ji-won, Jo Jung-suk, Lee Sung-min

Director: Lee Jae-kyoo

Writer: Hong Jin-ah

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: March 21, 2012 – May 24, 2012

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Romance, Drama, Action, Politics

Synopsis: “The King 2 Hearts” is set in an alternate universe where South Korea still has a monarchy. It tells the love story between a South Korean crown prince and a North Korean soldier. The series mixes politics, action, and romance, exploring themes of diplomacy, national security, and the complex relationship between North and South Korea.

Trivia: Lee Seung-gi’s transformation into a crown prince was widely appreciated, and Ha Ji-won’s role as a North Korean soldier earned praise for her strong performance.

Main Casts: Lee Jong-suk, Kim Woo-bin, Jang Na-ra, Choi Daniel

Director: Lee Min-ho

Writer: Kim Hyun-ook, Park Hye-jin

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 3, 2012 – January 28, 2013

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: School, Drama

Synopsis: “School 2013” focuses on the lives of high school students and their teachers as they face the struggles of adolescence, academic pressure, and social issues. It brings light to the difficult realities students face and highlights the significance of understanding and compassion in a school setting.

Trivia: The drama gained massive attention for its portrayal of high school life, with Lee Jong-suk and Kim Woo-bin‘s on-screen chemistry becoming one of its highlights.

Main Casts: Jang Dong-gun, Kim Ha-neul, Lee Jong-hyuk, Kim Min-jong

Director: Shin Woo-chul

Writer: Kim Eun-sook

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 26, 2012 – July 29, 2012

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “A Gentleman’s Dignity” centers on the lives of four men in their 40s who have been friends since high school. The series explores their relationships with women, career struggles, and navigating their mid-life crises. The series also showcases the romantic entanglements of their younger counterparts, making it a heartwarming and humorous exploration of life, love, and friendship.

Main Casts: Jang Keun-suk, Im Yoon-ah, Kim Si-hoo, Seo In-guk

Director: Yoon Seok-ho

Writer: Oh Soo-yeon

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: March 26, 2012 – May 29, 2012

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Set in the 1970s and present-day, “Love Rain” is a romantic drama about the love story between two couples from different eras. The show follows their heartbreaks and joys as they navigate the complexities of love, fate, and time. The series explores the impact of love across generations, combining the classic beauty of old-school romance with contemporary struggles.

Trivia: “Love Rain” was highly anticipated for its stunning visuals and nostalgic vibe, with Jang Keun-suk and Im Yoon-ah’s performances receiving praise for their chemistry.

Main Casts: Kim So-eun, Sung Joon, Kim Ji-seok, Choi Yeo-jin

Director: Lee Jung-moo

Writer: Jung Hyun-jung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: June 13, 2012 – August 2, 2012

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: “I Need Romance 2012” follows the story of a 33-year-old woman named Joo Yeol-mae, who is caught between love and career. Struggling with unfulfilling relationships and her desire for true romance, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. This drama explores the complexities of modern relationships and the challenges women face in balancing love and professional life.

Main Casts: Lee Jun-ki, Shin Min-a, Yoo Seung-ho, Kwon Oh-joong

Director: Kim Sang-ho

Writer: Jung Yoon-jung

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: August 15, 2012 – October 18, 2012

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: “Arang and the Magistrate” tells the story of a magistrate named Eun-oh who meets the ghost of Arang, a young woman seeking revenge for her mysterious death. Together, they uncover the truth behind her murder and deal with the supernatural forces at play. Blending mystery, romance, and fantasy, the drama highlights the bond between the two as they uncover hidden secrets from the past.

Main Casts: Lee Joon-hyuk, Uhm Tae-woong, Im Se-ryung, Kim Kyu-ri

Director: Lee Kyung-hee

Writer: Moon Hee-jung

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: March 28, 2012 – May 31, 2012

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Synopsis: “The Equator Man” follows the life of a man who seeks revenge after his close friend betrays him. Their complex relationship turns into a dangerous game of manipulation and survival, as one man seeks power and the other justice. The drama explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of revenge.

Main Casts: Joo Ji-hoon, Chae Jung-an, Hong Ah-reum, Lee Kye-in

Director: Choi Hwa-jung

Writer: Kim Soon-ok

Number of Episodes: 50

Date of Release: August 18, 2012 – February 17, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Drama, Music, Family

Synopsis: “Five Fingers” centers on a young man with extraordinary piano skills who is caught up in a fierce family rivalry. As he struggles with betrayal and the pressures of his musical talent, the drama delves into the complexities of family ties, ambition, and the pursuit of success in a competitive world.

Trivia: The drama featured an extensive and emotionally charged portrayal of the world of classical music and was noted for its gripping family dynamics.

Main Casts: Lee Dong-hae, Yoon Seung-ah, Choi Jin-hyuk, Kim Seul-gi

Director: Lee Jung-sub

Writer: Kim Ran

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: August 18, 2012 – October 7, 2012

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: “Panda and Hedgehog” is a romantic comedy about a pastry chef, Doo-kyung, who runs a bakery and is known for her quirky personality. She meets a charming and mysterious man who is a rival baker, leading to romantic and comedic clashes. The drama follows their journey of love, competition, and personal growth.

2012 proved to be an unforgettable year for K-drama enthusiasts, with standout shows that continue to be remembered fondly by fans. These dramas not only entertained but also influenced the trends in storytelling and character development that followed. From romance to action and everything in between, the top 20 K-dramas of 2012 showcase the diverse range of storytelling that helped elevate Korean dramas to global acclaim. We hope this list inspires you to revisit some classics or discover new favorites from this remarkable year in K-drama history.