The year 2022 was an exceptional one for Korean dramas, bringing a diverse mix of genres that captivated audiences worldwide. From gripping thrillers and heartwarming romances to thought-provoking slice-of-life stories, K-dramas in 2022 delivered unforgettable performances and compelling narratives. Whether you’re a fan of intense legal battles, supernatural mysteries, or heartfelt coming-of-age tales, this list of top K-dramas from 2022 will keep you entertained. Let’s dive into the best Korean dramas that defined the year!

Main Casts: Song Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min, Shin Hyun-bin

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: November 18, 2022

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Viki

Genre: Business, Fantasy

Synopsis: Yoon Hyun-woo (Song Joong-ki), a loyal employee of a conglomerate, is betrayed and killed by the family he served. He is reborn as Jin Do-joon, the youngest son of the same family, in 1987. With memories of his past life, he embarks on a journey to exact revenge and take over the family business.

Main Casts: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-gue, Seol In-ah

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: February 28, 2022

Network/Streamer: SBS, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) attends a blind date in place of her friend, intending to scare off the suitor. To her surprise, the date turns out to be Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop), the CEO of her company. What starts as a deceptive encounter evolves into a comedic and heartfelt romance.

Trivia: Adapted from a popular webtoon, the drama was praised for its entertaining plot and chemistry between the leads.

Main Casts: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Hwang Min-hyun

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: June 18, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: Set in the fictional nation of Daeho, the story follows Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook), a nobleman who cannot perform magic. He meets Mu-deok (Jung So-min), a skilled assassin trapped in a weak body, who becomes his servant and secret teacher. Together, they navigate a world filled with sorcery, political intrigue, and forbidden love.

Main Casts: Lee Jong-suk, Im Yoon-ah

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 29, 2022

Network/Streamer: MBC, Disney+

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: Park Chang-ho (Lee Jong-suk), a third-rate lawyer with a low success rate, is nicknamed “Big Mouth” for his talkative nature. He becomes entangled in a murder case and is mistaken for a genius swindler known as “Big Mouse.” To survive and protect his family, he must uncover a massive conspiracy among the privileged upper classes.

Main Casts: Kim Young-kwang, Kang Hae-lim

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: November 18, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: Kim Sum (Kang Hae-lim), a developer of the social connecting app “Somebody,” becomes involved in a murder investigation linked to the app. She encounters architect Sung Yun-oh (Kim Young-kwang), who appears charming but hides a sinister side. As their relationship deepens, dark secrets emerge, blurring the lines between technology and human connection.

Main Casts: Ahn Bo-hyun, Jo Bo-ah

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 28, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, Viki

Genre: Military, Legal, Action

Synopsis: Do Bae-man (Ahn Bo-hyun) becomes a military prosecutor solely for financial gain, lacking a sense of duty. Cha Woo-in (Jo Bo-ah), from a wealthy family, joins the military prosecution to seek revenge. Initially at odds, they team up to combat corruption within the military ranks, uncovering deeper conspiracies.

Main Casts: Kim Ji-won, Lee Min-ki, Son Seok-koo, Lee El

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 9, 2022

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Netflix

Genre: Slice of Life, Drama

Synopsis: Set in the quiet village of Sanpo, the story follows three siblings—Yeom Ki-jung (Lee El), Yeom Chang-hee (Lee Min-ki), and Yeom Mi-jung (Kim Ji-won)—who feel stuck in their monotonous lives. Their world changes when a mysterious outsider, Mr. Gu (Son Seok-koo), arrives in town. Each seeks liberation from their personal struggles, finding solace and transformation in unexpected ways.

Main Casts: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook, Choi Won-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 15, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Historical, Drama

Synopsis: Queen Im Hwa-ryeong (Kim Hye-soo) is the wife of a great king. She faces challenges in managing her troublemaking sons, who are princes causing headaches for the royal family. Determined to make them worthy heirs, she navigates palace intrigues and political rivalries, all while protecting her children under her proverbial umbrella.

Main Casts: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Lee Jung-eun, Kim Woo-bin

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: April 9, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Slice of Life, Romance

Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of Jeju Island, the series weaves together the lives of various individuals, each grappling with their own joys and sorrows. From a truck driver with a complicated past to a woman returning to her hometown, the interconnected stories explore themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances.

Main Casts: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun-wook

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 12, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age

Synopsis: In 1998, during the IMF crisis, Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri), a passionate fencer, and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), a young man whose family faces financial ruin, cross paths. As they navigate the challenges of youth, dreams, and love, their relationship evolves, capturing the essence of growing up in turbulent times.

Main Casts: Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hoo, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: January 28, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Synopsis: A high school becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak. Trapped students must fight their way to safety, confronting not only the undead but also their own fears and relationships. As the government attempts to contain the epidemic, the students’ survival instincts are put to the ultimate test.

Trivia: Based on the webtoon “Now at Our School,” the series gained international popularity for its intense action sequences and character development.

Main Casts: Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, Park Ji-hu, Wi Ha-joon

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: September 3, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Synopsis: Three sisters, In-joo (Kim Go-eun), In-kyung (Nam Ji-hyun), and In-hye (Park Ji-hu), who share a close bond despite growing up in poverty, become entangled in a conspiracy involving the wealthy and powerful. As they confront challenges and uncover secrets, they must rely on their sisterly bond to navigate a world filled with deceit and danger.

Trivia: Loosely inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s novel, the drama offers a modern Korean twist on the classic tale.

Main Casts: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Kang Ki-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: June 29, 2022

Network/Streamer: ENA, Netflix

Genre: Legal Drama

Synopsis: Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) is a brilliant attorney with autism spectrum disorder. Despite her exceptional intelligence and photographic memory, she faces challenges in social interactions. As the first autistic lawyer at a prestigious law firm, she tackles complex cases while navigating personal and professional relationships, challenging societal prejudices along the way.

Trivia: The series received acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of autism and became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history.

Main Casts: Rain, Kim Bum, Uee, Son Na-eun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 3, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, iQIYI

Genre: Medical, Fantasy

Synopsis: Cha Young-min (Rain) is a genius but arrogant cardiothoracic surgeon. After a car accident, his spirit finds itself inhabiting the body of another doctor, Go Seung-tak (Kim Bum), a resident with a starkly different personality. Together, they navigate the complexities of the medical world, blending their skills and perspectives to save lives.

Main Casts: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Yeom Hye-ran

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 30, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Revenge

Synopsis: The Glory follows Moon Dong-eun, a woman who was brutally bullied in high school, leaving her with deep emotional and physical scars. Years later, she meticulously plans her revenge against her tormentors by becoming a teacher at the school where they now work. As she executes her plan, she forms unexpected alliances and confronts the dark past that haunts her. The series delves into themes of trauma, justice, and redemption, offering a powerful narrative about the long-lasting impact of bullying and the quest for retribution. With intense drama and emotional depth, “The Glory” captivates viewers from start to finish.

Main Casts: Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: February 16, 2022

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Netflix

Genre: Slice of Life, Romance

Synopsis: The series follows three friends—Cha Mi-jo (Son Ye-jin), Jeong Chan-young (Jeon Mi-do), and Jang Joo-hee (Kim Ji-hyun)—as they approach the age of forty. Sharing life’s ups and downs, they confront love, loss, and personal growth, cherishing their enduring friendship amidst life’s unpredictable challenges.

Main Casts: Lee Yo-won, Choo Ja-hyun, Kim Gyu-ri, Jang Hye-jin, Joo Min-kyung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 6, 2022

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Centered around a community of mothers, the story delves into the competitive world of elementary school parents. As they navigate the pressures of academic excellence for their children, secrets unravel, and the mothers confront their own insecurities, ambitions, and the true meaning of friendship.

Main Casts: Kang Ha-neul, Ha Ji-won, Go Doo-shim

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 31, 2022

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Ja Geum-soon (Go Doo-shim), a North Korean defector who established a successful hotel in the South, wishes to reunite with her grandson before she passes. To fulfill her dying wish, a theater actor, Yoo Jae-heon (Kang Ha-neul), is hired to pose as her long-lost grandson, leading to unexpected consequences and emotional revelations.

Main Casts: Kwak Dong-yeon, Ko Sung-hee, Bae Hyun-sung, Kang Min-ah

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: September 30, 2022

Network/Streamer: ENA, Olleh TV, Seezn

Genre: Workplace Comedy

Synopsis: The series follows the work and love lives of young employees in the Marketing 3 Division at Gaus Electronics. It highlights the highs and lows of corporate life and the friendships formed in the workplace.

Trivia: The series is based on the webtoon “Gaus Electronics” by Kwak Baek-soo

Main Casts: Kim Hee-sun, Rowoon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Yoon Ji-on

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 1, 2022

Network/Streamer: MBC, Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Supernatural

Synopsis: Choi Jun-woong (Rowoon) is a young man struggling to find a job. After an accident leaves him in a coma, he meets grim reapers from the Crisis Management Team, who work to save people on the brink of suicide. He is recruited to join them, working alongside Goo Ryeon (Kim Hee-sun) and Lim Ryung-gu (Yoon Ji-on) to intervene in people’s lives and offer hope. As they navigate their mission, Jun-woong discovers the deeper reasons behind their work and the emotional weight of their responsibilities.

Trivia: The drama is based on the popular webtoon Tomorrow by Llama.

With a wide variety of stories that touched on love, friendship, justice, and even the supernatural, Korean dramas in 2022 showcased the industry’s creativity and depth. From blockbuster hits to hidden gems, these series entertained and resonated with audiences globally. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, these dramas prove why K-dramas continue to be a global sensation. Which one was your favorite?