2014 was a remarkable year for Kdramas, showcasing an array of stories that captured hearts across the globe. From intense romantic sagas to captivating historical narratives and thrilling mysteries, the Kdramas of this year left a lasting impact on the industry. Whether you were drawn to emotional tales, laugh-out-loud comedies, or gripping crime thrillers, 2014 offered a little something for everyone. In this list, we highlight the top 20 Kdramas of 2014 that defined the year and left fans eagerly awaiting more.

Main Casts: Im Si-wan, Kang So-ra, Lee Sung-min, Kim Dae-myung

Director: Kim Won-seok

Writer: Jung Yoon-jung

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: October 17, 2014 – December 20, 2014

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Business, Drama

Synopsis: “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” follows the life of Jang Geu-rae, a young man who struggles to adapt to corporate life after failing his ambition of becoming a baduk (Go) player. Through his experiences at a large trading company, he deals with the complex nature of business relationships, personal growth, and finding his purpose. The drama is a realistic portrayal of office life, challenges, and the emotional turmoil that comes with it.

Trivia: The drama is based on a popular webtoon of the same name, which was praised for its realistic depiction of the corporate world.

Main Casts: Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, Yoo Ji-tae

Director: Lee Jung-sub

Writer: Song Ji-na

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: December 8, 2014 – February 10, 2015

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Action, Romance, Thriller

Synopsis: “Healer” follows Seo Jung-hoo (Ji Chang-wook), a mysterious night courier known as “Healer,” who does dangerous jobs for clients. He is tasked with protecting a reporter, Chae Young-shin (Park Min-young), while uncovering the truth about a past incident that involves powerful figures. The drama is a thrilling mix of action, romance, and suspense.

Main Casts: Ha Ji-won, Ji Chang-wook, Joo Jin-mo, Kim Seo-hyung

Director: Han Hee

Writer: Jang Young-chul, Jung Kyung-soon

Number of Episodes: 51

Date of Release: October 28, 2013 – April 29, 2014

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Historical, Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Set in the Yuan Dynasty, “Empress Ki” tells the dramatic story of the rise of Ki Seung-nyang, a woman who becomes an empress in a foreign empire. From her early life as a commoner in Goryeo to her complex relationships with two powerful men – the Yuan Emperor and the Goryeo King – the drama explores power, politics, and love.

Main Casts: Jo In-sung, Gong Hyo-jin, Lee Kwang-soo, Sung Dong-il

Director: Kim Kyu-tae

Writer: Noh Hee-kyung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 11, 2014 – August 29, 2014

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Drama, Psychological

Synopsis: “It’s Okay, That’s Love” follows the relationship between a bestselling author with a troubled past, Jang Jae-yeol, and a psychiatrist, Ji Hae-soo, who treats him. As they grow closer, the drama delves into the characters’ complex mental health struggles and emotional baggage. The show explores themes of love, trauma, and healing with both humor and heartache.

Main Casts: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun, Park Hae-jin, Ahn Jae-hyun

Director: Jang Tae-yoo

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Number of Episodes: 21

Date of Release: December 18, 2013 – February 27, 2014

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy

Synopsis: The story centers around Do Min-joon, an alien who has lived on Earth for 400 years, hiding his true identity. His life changes when he meets Cheon Song-yi, a famous actress with a troubled past. As they fall in love, they face various challenges, including threats from those who seek to exploit his powers. The drama blends romance, sci-fi, and humor seamlessly, becoming a major cultural phenomenon.

Main Casts: Lee Jong-suk, Park Shin-hye, Kim Young-kwang, Lee Yu-bi

Director: Jo Soo-won

Writer: Park Hye-ryun

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: November 12, 2014 – January 15, 2015

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Drama, Mystery

Synopsis: “Pinocchio” tells the story of Choi Dal-po, a man whose family is wronged by the media, and his journey to seek justice. He becomes a reporter and teams up with In-ha, a woman with a rare condition called “Pinocchio syndrome” that makes her hiccup whenever she lies. As they uncover truths behind the lies of society, their relationship grows, blending love with a pursuit of justice.

Trivia: Lee Jong-suk’s portrayal of Choi Dal-po was widely praised, and the drama received high ratings due to its emotional storyline and social commentary.

Main Casts: Lee Jong-suk, Jin Se-yeon, Park Hae-jin, Kang So-ra

Director: Jin Hyuk

Writer: Park Jin-woo

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 5, 2014 – July 8, 2014

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Medical, Drama, Thriller

Synopsis: “Doctor Stranger” follows Park Hoon, a brilliant surgeon who grew up in North Korea and now seeks to expose the truth about his father’s mysterious death. With a hidden past and a life filled with secrets, he becomes embroiled in a high-stakes medical career in South Korea. His skills, ethics, and relationships are tested as he navigates dangerous medical cases and a complex love triangle.

Main Casts: Lee Sang-yoon, Kim So-eun, Shin Sung-rok, Lee Chul-min

Director: Kim Hong-seon

Writer: Yoo Young-a

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: October 20, 2014 – December 30, 2014

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological

Synopsis: Based on a Japanese manga, “Liar Game” follows the story of Nam Da-jung, an innocent woman who becomes involved in a high-stakes game where deception is key. Along with a brilliant con artist, Ha Woo-jin, she must outwit the other participants to avoid losing everything. The drama is a psychological battle of trust, lies, and manipulation.

Trivia: The series is based on a Japanese manga of the same name, and Kim So-eun’s performance as the naïve but determined lead was widely praised.

Main Casts: Jang Hyuk, Jang Na-ra, Choi Jin-hyuk, Wang Ji-won

Director: Lee Dong-yoon

Writer: Han Jung-hwa

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 7, 2014 – July 1, 2014

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Fated to Love You” follows the life of a woman, Kim Mi-young, who has led a simple life until she accidentally becomes involved with a wealthy man, Lee Gun, after an unplanned one-night stand. Their fated connection leads to a series of unexpected events, love, and challenges. The drama explores the twists of fate and love, with a touch of humor and heart.

Main Casts: Lee Sang-yoon, Ku Hye-sun, Kim Ji-seok, Seungri

Director: Choi Moon-seok

Writer: Yoon Ji-ryun

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: April 5, 2014 – June 15, 2014

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: “Angel Eyes” tells the story of a blind woman, Yoon Soo-wan, who regains her sight years after a traumatic accident. She reunites with her first love, Park Dong-joo, a man who harbors painful memories of their past. As they navigate their complicated history and emotions, they also work to overcome personal obstacles. The drama explores themes of second chances, love, and healing.

Main Casts: Kim Hee-ae, Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hae-sook, Moon Jeong-hee

Director: Ahn Pan-seok

Writer: Do Hyun-joo

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: March 17, 2014 – May 13, 2014

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: “Secret Love Affair” follows the passionate and forbidden romance between a mature woman, Oh Hye-won, and a young, talented pianist, Lee Sun-jae. Their affair unfolds amidst the backdrop of societal expectations and their personal ambitions. The drama explores complex themes of love, betrayal, and personal growth, making it a mature and thought-provoking story of forbidden passion.

Main Casts: Han Groo, Yeon Woo-jin, Jeong Jin, Hwang Seok-jeong

Director: Son Jung-hyun

Writer: Kim Yi-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 4, 2014 – August 23, 2014

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: “Marriage, Not Dating” follows the story of Gong Ki-tae, a man who is pressured by his family to get married. To avoid their relentless attempts to pair him with an ideal woman, he introduces a quirky, eccentric woman, Joo Jang-mi, as his fake fiancée. As their fake relationship deepens, they begin to develop real feelings for each other, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments.

Main Casts: Kim So-eun, Choi Jin-hyuk, Jo Min-ki, Oh Jung-se

Director: Choi Jin-sung

Writer: Kim Young-hyun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: May 1, 2014 – June 19, 2014

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: “Reset” is a gripping mystery-thriller that follows the story of a brilliant detective, Cha Woo-jin, and a woman, Oh Ji-hee, whose family is in danger. They work together to solve a series of mysterious murders, uncovering a dark conspiracy. As they dig deeper, they find themselves trapped in a time loop, with no way out unless they can solve the case and reset the timeline.

Main Casts: Lee Seung-gi, Cha Seung-won, Ahn Jae-hyun, Oh Yeon-seo

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Lee Jung-sun

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: May 7, 2014 – July 17, 2014

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Crime, Action, Comedy

Synopsis: “You Are All Surrounded” follows a group of rookie detectives who are assigned to a police precinct led by a seasoned detective, Doo-joon. The detectives must deal with personal struggles and complicated cases while trying to prove their worth. As they face challenges and confront criminals, they bond as a team, showing courage, humor, and resilience.

Main Casts: Joo Sang-wook, Lee Min-jung, Kim Gyu-ri, Kim Ji-seok

Director: Kwon Seok-jang

Writer: Lee Hee-myung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 27, 2014 – May 1, 2014

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Cunning Single Lady” follows the story of Na Ae-ra, a woman who was once married to a man, Cha Jung-woo, only to divorce him after his failure in business. Years later, Ae-ra is struggling, while Jung-woo has become a successful businessman. Ae-ra, now determined to win him back, faces the challenge of rekindling their relationship. The drama focuses on the themes of love, second chances, and personal growth.

Main Casts: Lee Joon-gi, Nam Sang-mi, Yoo Seung-ho, Han Joo-wan

Director: Kim Jung-min

Writer: Kim Myung-joo

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: June 22, 2014 – September 7, 2014

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Historical, Action, Romance

Synopsis: Set in the Joseon era, “The Joseon Gunman” tells the story of a young man, Park Yoon-kang, who becomes a skilled gunman after his family is murdered. In his quest for revenge, he gets entangled in a larger conspiracy that threatens the nation’s future. As he grapples with love, justice, and his past, Yoon-kang must decide between duty and vengeance in a changing world.

Trivia: The drama features extensive martial arts choreography and has gained attention for its historical accuracy and action-packed sequences.

Main Casts: Lee Jin-wook, Jung Yong-hwa, Yang Dong-geun, Seo Hyun-jin

Director: Kim Byung-soo

Writer: Kim Kwang-suk

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: August 17, 2014 – October 19, 2014

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Historical, Action, Adventure

Synopsis: “The Three Musketeers” is a modernized adaptation of Alexandre Dumas‘ classic novel, set in the Joseon Dynasty. It follows three warriors, Ahn Min-seo, Park Dal-hyang, and Heo Seung-rok, who are loyal to their king, as they face political turmoil and protect their nation from various threats. The series blends historical fiction with thrilling action, camaraderie, and romance.

Main Casts: Lee Hong-gi, Lee Si-eon, Park Min-woo, Kang So-ra

Director: Oh Jin-seok

Writer: Park Joo-yeong

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: October 18, 2014 – December 28, 2014

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: “Modern Farmer” follows a group of musicians from Seoul who decide to become farmers in the countryside in search of a new life. The group faces various challenges as they try to adjust to rural life while dealing with their past lives as musicians. As they embark on farming, the show humorously explores the contrast between their rockstar lifestyle and the struggles of farming.

Main Casts: Seo In-guk, Lee Ha-na, Sung Choong-gi, Oh Jung-se

Director: Choi Yoon-suk

Writer: Na Hyun

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: June 16, 2014 – August 19, 2014

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: “High School King of Savvy” follows the story of Lee Min-seok, a high school student who must take on the role of his older brother in a corporate setting. His innocent charm and business savvy lead to hilarious and complicated situations, particularly with the no-nonsense CEO, Jung Soo-young. Amid the chaos, Lee Min-seok must navigate a complex romantic relationship while balancing his high school life with his corporate responsibilities.

Main Casts: Choi Jin-hyuk, Baek Jin-hee, Lee Tae-hwan, Kim Sun-ah

Director: Kim Jung-kwon

Writer: Im Sang-chun

Number of Episodes: 21

Date of Release: October 27, 2014 – December 16, 2014

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Legal, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Set in the world of law enforcement, “Pride and Prejudice” follows a group of prosecutors as they work to bring justice to various cases while dealing with corruption in the system. Prosecutor Goo Dong-chi, portrayed by Choi Jin-hyuk, faces numerous personal and professional challenges as he becomes involved with a passionate fellow prosecutor, Han Yeol-moo. The series blends legal drama with moments of romance, giving it a fresh take on the legal genre.

The Kdramas of 2014 set the bar high for storytelling, acting, and production quality. These shows not only entertained but also explored complex emotions, relationships, and societal themes, making them timeless favorites. As we look back on the standout dramas of the year, it’s clear that 2014 was a turning point for Kdrama history, with many of these titles still resonating with fans today. If you haven’t experienced these yet, now’s the perfect time to dive into the world of 2014 Kdramas!