2018 was a remarkable year for K-Dramas, bringing a mix of compelling storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and unforgettable performances. From heartwarming romances and gripping thrillers to historical epics and action-packed legal dramas, the year delivered an array of outstanding series that captivated audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of intense crime dramas, emotionally rich stories, or fantasy-driven tales, there is something for everyone. Join us as we explore the top 20 K-Dramas of 2018, highlighting their casts, genres, and intriguing storylines.

Main Casts: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, Byun Yo-han

Number of Episodes: 24

Date of Release: July 7, 2018

Network/Streamer: tvN / Netflix

Genre: Historical, Romance, Action

Synopsis: Set in the early 1900s, “Mr. Sunshine” follows Eugene Choi, a Korean-born U.S. Marine officer who returns to his homeland during a turbulent period. He becomes entangled with Go Ae-shin, an aristocrat’s daughter involved in the Righteous Army, as they navigate love and patriotism amidst foreign intervention and political unrest.

Trivia: The series was written by Kim Eun-sook, known for hits like “Goblin” and “Descendants of the Sun.” It received critical acclaim for its cinematography and storytelling.

Main Casts: Park Hae-soo, Jung Kyung-ho, Krystal Jung, Lee Kyu-hyung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: November 22, 2017

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Black Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: The drama delves into the lives of inmates and staff in a prison. It centers on Kim Je-hyuk, a famous baseball player who ends up behind bars after defending his sister from an assault. Inside, he encounters various characters, each with their own stories, highlighting the human side of prison life.

Trivia: Also known as “Wise Prison Life,” the series was praised for its unique setting and character development.

Main Casts: Jung Yu-mi, Lee Kwang-soo, Bae Sung-woo, Bae Jong-ok

Number of Episodes: 18

Date of Release: March 10, 2018

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: “Live” portrays the daily lives of police officers at the Hongil Patrol Division. The story focuses on rookies Han Jung-oh and Yeom Sang-soo as they face challenges, uphold justice, and navigate personal struggles while serving the public.

Trivia: The series was lauded for its realistic depiction of police work and societal issues.

Main Casts: Son Ye-jin, Jung Hae-in

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: March 30, 2018

Network/Streamer: JTBC / Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Yoon Jin-ah, a woman in her 30s, reunites with her best friend’s younger brother, Seo Joon-hee, after he returns from abroad. As they spend time together, their relationship blossoms into a romantic one, challenging societal norms and their own insecurities.

Trivia: Also known as “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food,” the drama was praised for its chemistry between the leads and its realistic portrayal of romance.

Main Casts: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: June 6, 2018

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis: Lee Young-joon, a narcissistic vice-chairman of a major corporation, is taken aback when his highly efficient secretary, Kim Mi-so, announces her resignation after nine years. Determined to keep her by his side, Young-joon embarks on a mission to understand her reasons, leading to unexpected feelings and revelations.

Trivia: The series is based on a popular web novel and was a commercial success, known for its humorous plot and the chemistry between the leads.

Main Casts: Kim Dong-wook, Kim Jae-wook, Jung Eun-chae

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 12, 2018

Network/Streamer: OCN

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: A psychic, a Catholic priest, and a detective team up to combat a powerful demonic entity known as “Son” that possesses people and causes gruesome murders. As they delve deeper, they confront their own past traumas and the dark forces threatening society.

Trivia: The series blends elements of horror and crime investigation, setting it apart from typical K-Dramas.

Main Casts: Seo In-guk as Kim Moo-young, Jung So-min as Yoo Jin-kang, Park Sung-woong as Yoo Jin-gook

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 3, 2018

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Mystery, Romance, Thriller

Synopsis: Kim Moo-young, a complex and enigmatic man with a forgotten past, becomes a suspect in a murder case. Detective Yoo Jin-gook is determined to uncover Moo-young’s secrets, especially as his younger sister, Yoo Jin-kang, grows closer to him. As Jin-kang and Moo-young’s relationship deepens, buried memories and truths resurface, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Trivia: This series is a remake of the 2002 Japanese drama “Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi” (“A Million Stars Falling from the Sky”). Seo In-guk’s portrayal of the mysterious Moo-young received critical acclaim for its depth and nuance.

Main Casts: Jang Ki-yong as Chae Do-jin/Yoon Na-moo, Jin Ki-joo as Han Jae-yi/Gil Nak-won, Heo Joon-ho as Yoon Hee-jae

Number of Episodes: 32 (each episode approximately 35 minutes)

Date of Release: May 16, 2018

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Romance, Melodrama, Thriller

Synopsis: Chae Do-jin, a police officer with a traumatic past, and Han Jae-yi, an aspiring actress, share a tragic connection: Do-jin’s father is a notorious serial killer who murdered Jae-yi’s parents. Despite the shadows of their past, the two find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges of their intertwined destinies.

Trivia: Jang Ki-yong’s performance as Chae Do-jin garnered him the Best New Actor award at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards. The drama was praised for its sensitive handling of trauma and healing.

Main Casts: Kim Sun-a as Cha Woo-kyung, Lee Yi-kyung as Kang Ji-heon, Nam Gyu-ri as Jeon Soo-young

Number of Episodes: 32 (each episode approximately 35 minutes)

Date of Release: November 21, 2018

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological

Synopsis: Cha Woo-kyung, a child counselor, leads a seemingly perfect life until a tragic accident unravels her world. As she delves into a series of mysterious incidents involving children, she crosses paths with Detective Kang Ji-heon. Together, they uncover dark secrets that challenge their perceptions of right and wrong.

Trivia: The drama’s original Korean title translates to “Red Moon, Blue Sun.” It was lauded for its suspenseful narrative and exploration of psychological themes.

Main Casts: Do Kyung-soo (D.O.) as Lee Yul/Won Deuk, Nam Ji-hyun as Hong Shim/Yoon Yi-seo

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 10, 2018

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Crown Prince Lee Yul survives an assassination attempt but loses his memory, leading him to live as a commoner named Won Deuk. He ends up marrying Hong Shim, the oldest unmarried woman in her village. As they navigate their unexpected marriage, secrets from their pasts and the royal court emerge.

Main Casts: Lee Joon-gi as Bong Sang-pil, Seo Ye-ji as Ha Jae-yi

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: May 12, 2018

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Legal, Action, Thriller

Synopsis: Bong Sang-pil, a former gangster turned lawyer, uses his fists and legal knowledge to fight against corrupt authorities. Driven by a desire to avenge his mother’s death, he teams up with Ha Jae-yi, a passionate lawyer who has been unjustly suspended. Together, they confront powerful figures who exploit the law for their gain.

Trivia: Lee Joon-gi performed many of his own stunts, showcasing his martial arts skills.

Main Casts: Seo Hyun-jin as Han Se-gye, Lee Min-ki as Seo Do-jae

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 1, 2018

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis: Han Se-gye is a top actress known for her unpredictable behavior, hiding a peculiar secret: she transforms into a different person one week every month. Seo Do-jae is a brilliant executive who suffers from prosopagnosia, the inability to recognize faces. Despite his condition, he manages to keep it a secret by memorizing people’s habits and distinguishing features. Their lives intertwine as they discover each other’s secrets and find solace in their unique connection.

Trivia: This drama is a remake of the 2015 film “The Beauty Inside,” but with a gender-reversed twist and an expanded storyline. Seo Hyun-jin’s portrayal of Han Se-gye received acclaim for capturing the character’s vulnerability and strength.

Main Casts: Yoo Seung-ho as Kang Bok-soo, Jo Bo-ah as Son Soo-jung

Number of Episodes: 32 (each episode approximately 35 minutes)

Date of Release: December 10, 2018

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Romance, Comedy, School

Synopsis: Kang Bok-soo returns to his old high school to seek revenge after being wrongfully expelled due to false accusations. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when he reunites with his first love, Son Soo-jung, who is now a teacher at the same school. As Bok-soo navigates the challenges of his past and present, he uncovers deeper issues within the educational system.

Main Casts: Im Soo-hyang as Kang Mi-rae, Cha Eun-woo as Do Kyung-seok

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 27, 2018

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age, Drama

Synopsis: Kang Mi-rae undergoes plastic surgery to escape the bullying she faced due to her appearance. As she starts her university life with a new face, she realizes that societal pressures and judgments persist. She meets Do Kyung-seok, a handsome and aloof classmate who values inner beauty over outward appearances. Together, they confront their insecurities and societal standards of beauty.

Trivia: The drama is based on a popular webtoon of the same name. It sparked discussions about South Korea’s beauty standards and the pressures of conforming to societal expectations.

Main Casts: Seo Kang-joon as Nam Shin/Nam Shin III, Gong Seung-yeon as Kang So-bong

Number of Episodes: 36 (each episode approximately 35 minutes)

Date of Release: June 4, 2018

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Mystery

Synopsis: After a near-fatal accident leaves chaebol heir Nam Shin in a coma, his mother, a renowned scientist, creates an android replica named Nam Shin III to take his place. As the android navigates human emotions and corporate intrigues, he forms a bond with Kang So-bong, a former bodyguard. The story explores themes of identity, humanity, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

Main Casts: Lee Jong-suk as Kim Woo-jin, Shin Hye-sun as Yun Sim-deok

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: November 27, 2018

Network/Streamer: SBS TV; available on Netflix

Genre: Historical, Romance, Tragedy, Melodrama

Synopsis: Set during the Japanese colonial period, the series depicts the tragic romance between Korea’s first soprano, Yun Sim-deok, and the married playwright, Kim Woo-jin. As they navigate their forbidden love amidst societal constraints and personal dilemmas, their story culminates in a heartrending conclusion.

Trivia: The drama is based on true events and offers a poignant look into the lives of two historical figures. It reunites Lee Jong-suk and Shin Hye-sun, who previously worked together in “School 2013.”

Main Casts: Jang Dong-gun as Choi Kang-seok, Park Hyung-sik as Go Yeon-woo

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 25, 2018

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Legal Drama

Synopsis: A Korean adaptation of the American series, “Suits” follows the story of Choi Kang-seok, a renowned lawyer at a top law firm, who hires Go Yeon-woo, a genius with a photographic memory but lacking a law degree. Together, they tackle challenging cases while keeping Yeon-woo’s qualifications a secret.

Main Casts: So Ji-sub as Kim Bon (Terius), Jung In-sun as Go Ae-rin

Number of Episodes: 32 (each episode approximately 35 minutes)

Date of Release: September 27, 2018

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance

Synopsis: Go Ae-rin, a widowed mother of two, discovers that her neighbor, Kim Bon, is a former secret agent known as Terius. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that has personal ties to both of them, blending elements of espionage with domestic life.

Trivia: The series achieved high viewership ratings and earned So Ji-sub the Grand Prize at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards.

Main Casts: Han Seung-yeon as Han Yoo-kyung, Shin Hyun-soo as Cha Hyun-oh

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: October 12, 2018

Network/Streamer: Channel A

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Yoo-kyung and Hyun-oh, both at crossroads in their lives, meet during separate trips to Seoul. Over the course of eight years, they encounter each other during twelve nights, sharing their dreams, fears, and evolving feelings.

Trivia: The drama is noted for its picturesque cinematography, capturing various locales in Seoul, and its contemplative narrative style.

Main Casts: Rain as Kang Dong-soo, Lee Sun-bin as Yoo Shi-hyun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: May 25, 2018

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Fantasy

Synopsis: Detective Kang Dong-soo partners with Yoo Shi-hyun, a detective with the ability to sketch events that will happen three days into the future. Together, they work to prevent crimes before they occur, delving into a complex web of fate and free will.

The year 2018 proved once again that K-Dramas continue to push creative boundaries, offering diverse narratives and unforgettable characters. From deeply emotional performances to thrilling action sequences, these series left a lasting impact on viewers. Whether you’re revisiting your favorites or discovering them for the first time, these dramas remain must-watch gems for any K-Drama enthusiast. Which of these dramas is your favorite? Let us know, and stay tuned for more recommendations on the best K-Dramas to watch!