The year 2013 was a landmark year for Korean dramas, with an eclectic mix of genres that captivated audiences both in Korea and around the world. From action-packed thrillers and historical sagas to heartwarming romances and intricate legal dramas, Kdramas from this year offered something for every viewer. The shows on this list stood out for their compelling storylines, unforgettable performances, and the way they defined the trends in the Korean entertainment industry. Let’s dive into the top 20 Kdramas of 2014, showcasing the brilliance that made it a standout year.

Main Casts: Lee Bo-young, Lee Jong-suk, Yoon Sang-hyun

Director: Jo Soo-won

Writer: Park Hye-ryun

Number of Episodes: 18

Date of Release: June 5 – July 24, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Legal

Synopsis: This series revolves around a young man, Park Soo-ha, who possesses the ability to hear people’s thoughts. After witnessing his father’s death at a young age, he uses his ability to assist a passionate lawyer, Jang Hye-sung, in defending innocent people. The show balances romance, mystery, and legal drama with a touch of fantasy.

Main Casts: Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Kim Woo-bin, Krystal Jung

Director: Kang Shin-hyo

Writer: Kim Eun-sook

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: October 9 – December 12, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Drama, School

Synopsis: “The Heirs” follows the story of Kim Tan, a rich heir to a conglomerate, who falls in love with a girl from a poor background. Despite their socio-economic differences, their love blossoms amidst high school rivalry, family pressure, and secrets. The series explores the struggles of youth and the power dynamics of wealth and love.

Main Casts: Gong Hyo-jin, So Ji-sub, Seo In-guk

Director: Jin Hyuk

Writer: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran

Number of Episodes: 17

Date of Release: August 7 – October 3, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Thriller

Synopsis: “The Master’s Sun” follows the story of a woman, Tae Gong-shil, who can see ghosts. Her life changes when she meets a wealthy and arrogant CEO, Joo Joong-won, who can stop her visions when he touches her. Together, they begin solving supernatural mysteries while gradually falling for each other.

Main Casts: Jung Kyung-ho, Lee Joo-yeon, Sung Dong-il

Director: Kim Jung-kwon

Writer: Yoo Hyun-mi

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 27 – July 30, 2013

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Action

Synopsis: Set in the underworld, “Cruel City” follows undercover cop Kim Hyun-soo, who infiltrates the dangerous world of organized crime to avenge his father’s death. As he grows closer to a female gangster, the line between justice and crime blurs, leading to deep emotional and moral conflicts.

Main Casts: Joo Won, Moon Chae-won, Kim Min-seo

Director: Ki Min-soo

Writer: Park Jae-bum

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: August 5 – October 8, 2013

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Medical, Drama, Romance

Synopsis: “Good Doctor” tells the story of Park Shi-on, a young man with autism and savant syndrome who dreams of becoming a pediatric surgeon. Despite facing skepticism due to his condition, he proves his skills and emotional intelligence while navigating his personal struggles and relationships with others in the medical field.

Trivia: Joo Won’s portrayal of the lead earned widespread acclaim, and the show became a hit, even being remade into an American version.

Main Casts: Go Ara, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon-seok, Baro, Kim Sung-kyun

Director: Shin Won-ho

Writer: Lee Woo-jung

Number of Episodes: 21

Date of Release: October 18, 2013 – January 28, 2014

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Drama, Romance, Nostalgia

Synopsis: Set in 1994, the series follows a group of university students living in a boarding house in Seoul. Through flashbacks, the show explores their relationships, friendship, and love, ultimately leading to the mystery of who the heroine marries. “Reply 1994” is a mix of heartwarming moments and nostalgia, drawing from the cultural trends of the ’90s.

Main Casts: Lee Seung-gi, Bae Suzy, Sung Joon, Lee Yoo-bi

Director: Shin Woo-chul

Writer: Kang Eun-kyung

Number of Episodes: 24

Date of Release: April 8 – June 25, 2013

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical

Synopsis: The story follows Choi Kang-chi, a half-human, half-mythical creature, as he embarks on a journey to find the “Gu Family Book” to become fully human. Along the way, he falls in love with a strong-willed woman, Dam Yeo-wool, and faces both external and internal battles against his monstrous nature.

Main Casts: Lee Jin-wook, Jo Yoon-hee, Kim Ji-ho, Shin Eun-jung

Director: Kim Byung-soo

Writer: Kim Yoon-hee

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: March 11 – May 13, 2013

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery

Synopsis: The series revolves around Park Sun-woo, a news anchor who stumbles upon a set of incense sticks that allow him to travel back in time for nine minutes. As he tries to alter past events, he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy. The show explores the impact of time travel on the present and the moral dilemmas it creates.

Main Casts: Kim Hyun-joo, Kim So-eun, Lee Sung-jae, Choi Woo-shik

Director: Ahn Pan-seok

Writer: Park Hye-ryun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: May 30 – July 19, 2013

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Drama, School, Slice of Life

Synopsis: “The Queen’s Classroom” follows a strict, no-nonsense teacher, Kim Yeong-woo, who challenges her students in unconventional ways. The series dives deep into the emotional struggles of students as they deal with academic pressure, friendship, and personal growth. It sheds light on the harsh realities of the education system in Korea.

Main Casts: Kim Tae-hee, Yoo Ah-in, Hong Soo-hyun, Jae Hee

Director: Boo Sung-chul

Writer: Choi Hyun-kyung

Number of Episodes: 24

Date of Release: April 8 – June 24, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: A fictionalized version of the life of Jang Ok-jung, a woman who rises from the lower ranks to become a powerful figure in the Joseon Dynasty. The drama explores her complex relationships with love, power, and ambition, particularly with King Sukjong.

Main Casts: Choi Jin-hyuk, Han Ji-hye, Lee Jung-jin, Lee Young-eun

Director: Kim Jeong-kwon

Writer: Kim Sa-kyung

Number of Episodes: 50

Date of Release: March 2 – September 29, 2013

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Family, Drama

Synopsis: A family drama about a woman who struggles to keep her family’s traditional kimchi-making business alive while dealing with emotional turmoil and family conflicts. The series emphasizes values of family loyalty, hard work, and the importance of heritage while providing a dramatic portrayal of life’s challenges.

Main Casts: Yoon Seung-ah, Kang Ha-neul, Doo Joon, Ahn Nae-sang

Director: Ahn Pan-seok

Writer: Kim Young-hyun

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: May 17 – July 6, 2013

Network/Streamer: Mnet

Genre: Music, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: “Monstar” tells the story of a high school music club with troubled students who struggle with their own personal issues. The club provides an outlet for their passions and gives them the opportunity to confront their difficulties through music, creating bonds and finding redemption.

Main Casts: Yoon Shi-yoon, Park Shin-hye, Kim Ji-hoon, Kang Bu-ja

Director: Jung Jung-hwa

Writer: Kim Eun-jung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 7 – February 26, 2013

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: The drama follows the story of a reclusive woman, Go Dok-mi, who has been living a solitary life until her curious neighbor, Enrique, draws her out of her comfort zone. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, love, and friendship, breaking free from their past and learning to embrace their emotions.

Main Casts: So Yi-hyun, Taecyeon, Im Joo-hwan

Director: Jo Hyun-tak

Writer: Baek Mi-kyeong

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 29 – September 17, 2013

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis: “Who Are You” follows a police detective who gains the ability to see ghosts after a traumatic event. She must come to terms with her new abilities while solving mysterious cases and uncovering the secrets of her own life. The show blends romance with supernatural elements as the characters face the unknown.

Main Casts: Ji Sung as Jo Min-hyuk, Hwang Jung-eum as Kang Yoo-jung, Bae Soo-bin as Ahn Do-hoon, Lee Da-hee as Shin Se-yeon

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Choi Ho-chul, Yoo Bo-ra

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 25 – November 14, 2013

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Melodrama, Romance

Synopsis: Kang Yoo-jung takes the blame for a hit-and-run accident committed by her boyfriend, Ahn Do-hoon, leading to her imprisonment. The victim’s fiancé, Jo Min-hyuk, seeks revenge but finds himself falling for Yoo-jung. As secrets unravel, relationships are tested, and true intentions come to light, challenging the characters’ perceptions of love and justice.

Main Casts: Lee Joon-gi as Jang Tae-san, Kim So-yeon as Park Jae-kyung, Ryu Soo-young as Im Seung-woo, Park Ha-sun as Seo In-hye

Director: Son Hyeong-seok, Choi Jung-kyu

Writer: So Hyun-kyung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: August 7 – September 26, 2013

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Action, Thriller, Melodrama

Synopsis: Small-time gangster Jang Tae-san discovers he has a daughter, Soo-jin, who is diagnosed with leukemia. Framed for murder, Tae-san escapes custody and embarks on a two-week journey to save his daughter by donating his bone marrow. Pursued by law enforcement and criminals, he must clear his name and ensure his daughter’s survival.

Main Casts: Im Joo-hwan as Gong Joon-soo, Kang So-ra as Na Do-hee, Choi Tae-joon as Gong Hyun-seok, Kang Byul as Gong Jin-joo

Director: Shin Yoon-sub

Writer: Jung Ji-woo

Number of Episodes: 133

Date of Release: May 20 – November 29, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Family, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Gong Joon-soo sacrifices his future by taking the blame for a crime he didn’t commit to protect his younger sibling. After serving time, he strives to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family. Along the way, he meets Na Do-hee, an heiress with her own struggles. Together, they navigate personal and familial challenges, discovering love and forgiveness.

Main Casts: Jo In-sung as Oh Soo, Song Hye-kyo as Oh Young, Kim Bum as Park Jin-sung, Jung Eun-ji as Moon Hee-sun

Director: Kim Kyu-tae

Writer: Noh Hee-kyung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 13 – April 3, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Melodrama, Romance

Synopsis: Oh Soo, a high-stakes gambler and con artist, impersonates the long-lost brother of blind heiress Oh Young to repay his debts. As he becomes entangled in her life, genuine feelings develop, complicating his initial intentions. Both characters, burdened by past traumas, find solace in each other, leading to a transformative journey of love and redemption.

Trivia: The series is a remake of the 2002 Japanese drama “I Don’t Need Love, Summer” and the 2006 South Korean film “Love Me Not.” The drama was lauded for its cinematography and the chemistry between the lead actors.

Main Casts: Choi Ji-woo as Park Bok-nyeo, Lee Sung-jae as Eun Sang-chul, Wang Ji-hye as Yoon Song-hwa, Kim So-hyun as Eun Han-kyul

Director: Kim Hyung-sik

Writer: Baek Woon-chul

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: September 23 – November 26, 2013

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Mystery, Family, Drama

Synopsis: After their mother’s sudden death, the four Eun siblings are left in the care of their father, Eun Sang-chul, who struggles to manage the household. In comes the enigmatic housekeeper, Park Bok-nyeo, who follows orders without question but never displays any emotion. As the children begin to uncover her tragic past, they learn about love, family, and the meaning of true support while unraveling the mystery behind Bok-nyeo’s cold demeanor.

Trivia: This drama is a remake of the Japanese series Kaseifu no Mita (2011).

Main Casts: Uee as Kim Baek-won, Jung Il-woo as Seo Do-young, Cha Ye-ryun as Kim Chun-won, Lee Jae-yoon as Kim Man-won

Director: Kang Dae-sun, Lee Jae-jin

Writer: Son Young-mok, Cha Yi-young

Number of Episodes: 41

Date of Release: November 2, 2013 – March 30, 2014

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Family, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Seven orphans, unrelated by blood, form an unbreakable bond and create their own version of a family, led by their eldest sister, Baek-won. Despite facing hardships and betrayals, they strive to achieve their dreams and protect their loved ones. As Baek-won falls in love with prosecutor Seo Do-young, dark secrets about their pasts and real family ties begin to surface, testing their relationships and resolve.

2013 truly set the stage for the global success of Kdramas, with a variety of shows that still resonate with fans today. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, these dramas continue to hold a special place in the hearts of viewers. From emotional rollercoasters to thrilling mysteries, the top 20 Kdramas of 2014 offer a deep dive into the dynamic world of Korean television. Which drama is your all-time favorite from this list?