2019 was a phenomenal year for K-Dramas, bringing an exciting mix of genres, captivating storylines, and unforgettable characters. From heartwarming romances to intense thrillers, the year saw a surge in global popularity, thanks to international streaming platforms making Korean dramas more accessible than ever. With top-tier productions, stellar performances, and compelling narratives, these dramas left a lasting impact on viewers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of K-Dramas, this list of the Top 20 K-Dramas of 2019 will introduce you to some of the best shows that defined the year.

Main Casts: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 14, 2019

Network/Streamer: tvN / Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: A South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri, accidentally paraglides into North Korea due to a sudden storm. There, she encounters Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean army officer. As he hides and protects her, they develop an unexpected romantic relationship, navigating the challenges posed by their countries’ differences.

Main Casts: Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doona, Kim Sung-kyu

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: January 25, 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Horror, Thriller

Synopsis: Set during Korea’s Joseon period, Crown Prince Lee Chang investigates a mysterious plague that resurrects the dead. As he uncovers political conspiracies and battles the undead, he strives to save his kingdom from impending doom.

Trivia: “Kingdom” is Netflix’s first original Korean series, blending historical drama with zombie horror elements.

Main Casts: IU (Lee Ji-eun), Yeo Jin-goo, Shin Jung-geun, Bae Hae-sun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 13, 2019

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Jang Man-wol, the owner of Hotel Del Luna, is bound to the hotel due to a past sin. The hotel caters exclusively to ghosts. Goo Chan-sung, a perfectionist hotelier, becomes the new manager and uncovers the mysteries surrounding Man-wol and the hotel’s guests.

Main Casts: Lee Seung-gi, Bae Suzy, Shin Sung-rok, Moon Jung-hee

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 20, 2019

Network/Streamer: SBS / Netflix

Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: Stuntman Cha Dal-geon loses his nephew in a mysterious plane crash. Determined to uncover the truth, he teams up with National Intelligence Service agent Go Hae-ri. Together, they unravel a web of corruption and conspiracies that reach the highest levels of power.

Main Casts: Kim Nam-gil, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Ha-nee, Go Jun

Number of Episodes: 40

Date of Release: February 15, 2019

Network/Streamer: SBS / Netflix

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime

Synopsis: Hot-tempered Catholic priest Kim Hae-il teams up with detective Goo Dae-young and prosecutor Park Kyung-sun to solve the murder of an elderly priest. Their investigation leads them into a world of corruption and crime in the city of Gudam.

Main Casts: Chun Woo-hee, Jeon Yeo-been, Han Ji-eun, Ahn Jae-hong

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: August 9, 2019

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: The series follows three 30-year-old best friends: Im Jin-joo, a drama writer; Lee Eun-jung, a documentary director; and Hwang Han-joo, a marketing executive. Each navigates the challenges of their careers and love lives while supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.

Main Casts: Gong Hyo-jin, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Ji-seok, Son Dam-bi

Number of Episodes: 40

Date of Release: September 18, 2019

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Thriller

Synopsis: Single mother Dong-baek runs a bar named “Camellia” in a small town. She faces societal prejudice but finds solace in the sincere affection of local policeman Hwang Yong-sik. As their relationship blossoms, they become entangled in a serial murder case that threatens their newfound happiness.

Main Casts: Lee Na-young, Lee Jong-suk, Jung Yoo-jin, Wi Ha-joon

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 26, 2019

Network/Streamer: tvN / Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Kang Dan-i, a former successful copywriter, struggles to find a job after a career break. She lies about her background to secure a position at a publishing company where her longtime friend, Cha Eun-ho, is the editor-in-chief. As they work together, their friendship evolves into something deeper.

Main Casts: Kim Hye-yoon, Rowoon, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Na-eun

Number of Episodes: 32

Date of Release: October 2, 2019

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: High school student Eun Dan-oh discovers she’s a character in a comic book, destined for a predetermined fate. Unwilling to accept her scripted life, she seeks to change her story, especially after meeting a nameless extra who becomes pivotal in her journey.

Trivia: The series is based on the webtoon “July Found by Chance” and gained popularity for its unique meta-narrative.

Main Casts: Park Min-young, Kim Jae-wook, Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Jin-joo

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 10, 2019

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Art gallery curator Sung Deok-mi leads a double life as a devoted fan of an idol group. Her secret is threatened when new gallery director Ryan Gold arrives. As they collaborate on projects, Ryan becomes intrigued by Deok-mi’s hidden passion, leading to unexpected romantic developments.

Main Casts: Ji Sung, Lee Se-young, Lee Kyu-hyung

Number of Episodes: 32

Date of Release: July 19, 2019

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Medical Drama

Synopsis: Cha Yo-han, a genius anesthesiologist known for his ability to diagnose patients within seconds, teams up with Kang Shi-young, a warm-hearted resident in anesthesiology. Together, they tackle cases involving patients suffering from mysterious acute or chronic pain, striving to uncover the underlying causes and provide effective treatments.

Trivia: The series is based on the Japanese novel “On Hand of God” by Yo Kusakabe. A recurring theme throughout the series is the debate over euthanasia.

Main Casts: Shin Hye-sun, Kim Myung-soo (L), Lee Dong-gun, Kim Bo-mi

Number of Episodes: 32

Date of Release: May 22, 2019

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Dan, a carefree angel, is tasked with finding true love for ballerina Lee Yeon-seo to return to heaven. Yeon-seo, blinded in an accident, has become cynical and distrustful. As Dan gets involved in her life, he finds himself falling for her, complicating his mission.

Trivia: Shin Hye-sun underwent ballet training to authentically portray her character’s profession.

Main Casts: Song Joong-ki, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Ji-won, Kim Ok-vin

Number of Episodes: 18

Date of Release: June 1, 2019

Network/Streamer: tvN / Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Drama

Synopsis: Set in the mythical land of Arth, the series chronicles the power struggles, love, and growth of various characters as they establish societies and nations. Eun-seom embarks on a journey to reclaim his tribe, discovering his true origins and destiny.

Main Casts: Park Hee-soon, Choo Ja-hyun, Nam Da-reum, Kim Hwan-hee

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 5, 2019

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Drama, Family

Synopsis: After their son becomes a victim of school violence and falls into a coma, Park Moo-jin and Kang In-ha embark on a quest for truth and justice. As they confront systemic corruption and indifference, they strive to uncover the circumstances that led to their son’s tragedy.

Main Casts: Im Soo-hyang, Lee Jang-woo, Bae Jong-ok

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: August 21, 2019

Network/Streamer: MBN

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Synopsis: Mo Seok-hee, the heiress of a conglomerate, returns to South Korea to uncover the truth behind her mother’s mysterious death. Teaming up with lawyer Heo Yoon-do, she delves into family secrets and corporate intrigues, challenging those who wish to keep the past buried.

Main Casts: Jang Dong-yoon, Kim So-hyun, Kang Tae-oh

Number of Episodes: 32

Date of Release: September 30, 2019

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Jeon Nok-du disguises himself as a woman to infiltrate a widows’ village after being targeted by female assassins. There, he meets Dong Dong-ju, a young woman training to become a gisaeng. As they grow closer, secrets unravel, and Nok-du’s true identity faces exposure.

Main Casts: Yang Se-jong, Woo Do-hwan, Kim Seol-hyun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 4, 2019

Network/Streamer: JTBC / Netflix

Genre: Historical, Action, Drama

Synopsis: Set during the turbulent transition between the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, two friends, Seo Hwi and Nam Seon-ho, find themselves on opposing sides due to misunderstandings and differing loyalties. Their bond is tested amidst political upheaval and warfare.

Main Casts: Im Si-wan, Lee Dong-wook, Lee Jung-eun

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: August 31, 2019

Network/Streamer: OCN

Genre: Thriller, Horror, Mystery

Synopsis: Yoon Jong-woo moves to Seoul and resides in a cheap apartment complex. He becomes increasingly disturbed by the eerie behavior of his neighbors, leading him into a nightmarish descent as he uncovers the building’s dark secrets.

Trivia: The series is based on a popular webtoon and received acclaim for its suspenseful narrative and performances.

Main Casts: Lee Jung-jae, Shin Min-a, Lee Elijah

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: June 14, 2019

Network/Streamer: JTBC / Netflix

Genre: Political, Drama

Synopsis: Jang Tae-jun, a skilled political aide, maneuvers through the treacherous landscape of South Korean politics, aiming to achieve his ambitions while grappling with ethical dilemmas and power struggles.

Main Casts: Yoon Kyun-sang, Geum Sae-rok, Choi Yu-hwa

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 17, 2019

Network/Streamer: OCN

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, School

Synopsis: Gi Moo-hyeok, a successful lawyer, faces a downfall after a case involving a prestigious high school. To restore his reputation, he goes undercover as a temporary teacher at the same school. While there, he uncovers dark secrets, including bullying and corruption, leading him to question his own motives and the lengths he’ll go to seek justice.

And that wraps up our list of the Top K-Dramas of 2019! From action-packed thrillers to unforgettable romances, these dramas left a lasting impact on fans across the globe. Whether you’ve watched them all or just added a few to your watchlist, 2019 truly had something special for every K-drama lover. Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to stay tuned for more must-watch recommendations!