2024 has been an exceptional year for Korean dramas, offering a mix of thrilling mysteries, heartwarming slice-of-life tales, thought-provoking political dramas, and romantic comedies that kept audiences captivated worldwide. The Korean entertainment industry continued to raise the bar with innovative storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful performances by talented casts. From emotionally charged medical dramas to groundbreaking explorations of love and identity, these series cater to a diverse audience, showcasing the dynamic range and creativity of Korean television. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama fan or just discovering the magic, this list of 2024’s top Korean dramas is sure to have something for everyone.

Main Casts: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon, Song Geon-hee, and Lee Seung-hyub

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 8 – May 28, 2024

Network/Streamer: tvN, available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, U-Next in Japan, Vidio in Indonesia, and Viki and Viu in selected regions.

Genre: : Time slip, Romantic comedy, Fantasy

Synopsis: Ryu Seon Jae, a top-tier celebrity since his debut, appears to lead a perfect life. However, the demanding nature of the entertainment industry takes a toll on him. Amidst the glitz and glamour, he embarks on a journey to find genuine happiness and love, challenging the superficiality of his world.

Main Casts: Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-sung, Choi Won-young, and Choi Moo-sung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 9 – November 27, 2024

Network/Streamer: JTBC, available for streaming on TVING and Netflix in South Korea, on U-Next in Japan, and on Viu and Viki in selected regions.

Genre: Romantic comedy, Coming-of-age, Family drama

Synopsis: Ten years after being raised together by their fathers, Kim San Ha, Yun Ju Won, and Kang Hae Jun reunite, but tensions have built up. San Ha and Hae Jun, who sought comfort in each other, now face unresolved issues, while Ju Won harbors feelings for San Ha. The trio navigates their complex relationships, questioning the true meaning of family and love.

Main Casts: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Joo-bin

Number of Episodes: 16 + 2 special

Date of Release: March 9 – April 28, 2024

Network/Streamer: tvN, available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, and on Netflix in selected regions.

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Queen of Tears follows the tumultuous love story of Baek Hyun Woo, a brilliant lawyer from a humble background, and Hong Hae In, the glamorous heiress of a powerful conglomerate. Despite their contrasting worlds, the couple faces life’s trials together, including corporate intrigue, family feuds, and public scrutiny. As their love is tested by secrets and betrayals, they must decide if their bond is strong enough to overcome the odds or if the weight of their tears will break them apart. A tale of resilience, love, and redemption.

Main Casts: Kim Tae-ri, Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, Kim Yoon-hye

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: October 12 – November 17, 2024

Network/Streamer: tvN, available for streaming on Disney+ in selected regions.

Genre: Period drama, Coming-of-age, Musical

Synopsis: Set in the 1950s, this musical drama follows the journey of a young woman from a small town who dreams of becoming a star in the bustling city of Seoul. Facing numerous challenges, she navigates the competitive entertainment industry, discovering love, friendship, and the true meaning of success along the way.

Main Casts: Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, Choi Woo-sung, Yoon Hyun-soo

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: April 19 – May 18, 2024

Network/Streamer: : MBC TV, available for streaming on Disney+ in selected regions.

Genre: Period drama, Crime, Comedy, Action

Synopsis: Set in 1958, the drama follows a seasoned detective in post-war Korea as he tackles complex cases amidst societal upheaval. Balancing traditional methods with emerging forensic techniques, he uncovers truths in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the challenges of law enforcement during this era.

Main Casts: Ahn Bo Hyun, Park Ji Hyun, Kwak Si Yang, Kang Sang Jun, Kim Shin Bi, Jung Ga Hee

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 26 – March 23, 2024

Network/Streamer: SBS TV, available for streaming on Wavve in South Korea, and on Disney+ in selected regions.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Romance

Synopsis: Jin Yi Soo (Ahn Bo Hyun), an immature third-generation chaebol, becomes a detective due to his privileged background. He teams up with Lee Kang Hyun (Park Ji Hyun), a workaholic veteran detective and the first female team leader in the Homicide Department. Together, they navigate the complexities of crime and justice, balancing their contrasting personalities and backgrounds. The series has been renewed for a second season, reflecting its popularity among viewers.

Main Casts: Woo Do Hwan, Lee Yoo Mi

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: November 8, 2024

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romantic comedy, Dark comedy

Synopsis: Hae Jo, a man with no place to call home, drifts through life much like plankton in the sea. When he meets Yeong Joo, a vibrant yet lonely woman, the two form an unexpected bond. Together, they embark on a journey to find their own anchors, exploring themes of belonging, healing, and love.

Main Casts: Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: January 17 – February 7, 2024

Network/Streamer: Disney+

Genre: Action drama

Synopsis: Jeong Ji-an’s life turns upside down when her uncle, Jeong Jin-man, unexpectedly dies. Raised by him after her parents’ death, Ji-an discovers his shopping mall was a front for supplying weapons to assassins. Inheriting this dangerous legacy, she becomes a target for rival killers, powerful organizations, and law enforcement seeking his resources. As she uncovers her uncle’s secret past, Ji-an must navigate a treacherous world, grappling with moral dilemmas while fighting to survive and protect herself from relentless threats.

Main Casts: Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, Song Ha-yoon

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 1 – February 20, 2024

Network/Streamer: tvN, available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, and on Amazon Prime Video.

Genre: Romantic comedy, Fantasy, Revenge, Workplace, Time travel

Synopsis: Kang Ji Won is betrayed by her husband and best friend, leading to her untimely death. She unexpectedly finds herself transported ten years into the past and sets out to rewrite her fate. This time, she plans to prevent the betrayal and falls for a man who helps her along the way.

Trivia: Adapted from a webtoon, fans eagerly anticipated Park Min Young’s role, praised for her performances in romance dramas.

Main Casts: Jung Hae-in, Jung So-min

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: August 17 – October 6, 2024

Network/Streamer: tvN, available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.

Genre: Romantic comedy

Synopsis: “Love Next Door” follows a woman leading a perfect life abroad, with a stellar job and engagement to an international lawyer. She unexpectedly returns to Korea and reconnects with her childhood friend, now a top architect.

Main Casts: Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-jun, Jang Gyu-ri

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025

Network/Streamer: MBC TV, available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.

Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: When The Phone Rings centers on Paik Sa-eon, a former war correspondent from a political family, and Hong Hee-joo, a mute sign language interpreter. Trapped in a loveless arranged marriage, their lives take a turn when Hee-joo receives a threatening phone call. As they uncover dark secrets, they must decide whether to trust each other amid the unfolding suspense.

Main Casts: Park Shin-hye, Kim Jae-young

Number of Episodes: 14

Date of Release: September 21 – November 2, 2024

Network/Streamer: SBS TV, available for streaming on Disney+ in selected regions.

Genre: : Dark fantasy, Action, Legal thriller

Synopsis: Justitia, a demon judge exiled to Earth, inhabits the body of Judge Kang Bit-na as penance. Tasked to condemn ten remorseless killers, Justitia must navigate her mission and avoid her own demise. She collides with detective Han Da-on, known for his meticulous approach, unaware she’s an exiled demon. Their intertwined fates unveil hidden truths and bring justice amidst a dark mission.

Main Casts: Kim Nam-joo, Cha Eun-woo, Kim Kang-woo, Im Se-mi

Number of Episodes: 14

Date of Release: March 1 – April 13, 2024

Network/Streamer: MBC TV, available for streaming on Disney+ in selected regions.

Genre: Revenge drama, Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: After losing her son in a tragic incident, Eun Soo embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. She crosses paths with Joon Ho, a psychology student, who helps her navigate her grief and unravel the mystery. Together, they delve into a world where justice and forgiveness are intertwined.

Main Casts: Jo Jung-suk, Shin Se-kyung, Lee Shin-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 21 – March 3, 2024

Network/Streamer: tvN, available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, and on Netflix in selected regions.

Genre: Period drama, Romance, Melodrama

Synopsis: Set during the Joseon era, this drama follows the story of a commoner who captures the king’s heart through her wit and bravery. As palace politics and personal conflicts arise, the two fight to preserve their love amidst the pressures of royal life.

Main Casts: Shin Min-a, Kim Young-dae, Lee Sang-yi, Han Ji-hyun

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: August 26 – October 1, 2024

Network/Streamer: tvN, available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, and on Amazon Prime Video in selected regions.

Genre: Romantic comedy

Synopsis: No Gain, No Love centers around Son Hae-yeong, a woman obsessed with never losing money and often finding herself in financially disadvantageous relationships. Facing a potential job promotion loss, she plots a fake marriage with Kim Ji-wook, a kind part-time convenience store cashier. Their contrasting personalities create a unique dynamic as they navigate unforeseen challenges together.

Main Casts: Jang Ki-yong, Chun Woo-hee, Go Doo-shim, Claudia Kim

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: May 4 – June 9, 2024

Network/Streamer: JTBC, available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions

Genre: Fantasy romance

Synopsis: “The Atypical Family” follows Bok Gwi-ju and his family, who possess waning superpowers. Gwi-ju can time travel, his sister flies, and his mother sees the future in dreams, making them wealthy. However, they face financial struggles and dysfunction despite a substantial estate.

Main Casts: Kim Ji-yeon, Jang Da-ah, Ryu Da-in, Shin Seul-ki, Kang Na-eon

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: February 29 – March 21, 2024

Network/Streamer: TVING, available for streaming on Viu and Paramount+ in selected regions.

Genre: Psychological thriller, Survival, Mystery

Synopsis: A high school implements a bizarre “Pyramid Game,” where students rank each other, and the bottom tier faces severe consequences. Na Ri, a transfer student, becomes a target and teams up with a few outcasts to unravel the sinister motives behind the game.

Main Casts: Park Hyung-sik, Park Shin-hye, Yoon Park, Gong Seong-ha

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 27 – March 17, 2024

Network/Streamer: JTBC, available for streaming on TVING in South Korea, and on Netflix in selected regions.

Genre: Medical drama, Romantic comedy

Synopsis: Nam Ha-neul and Yeo Jeong-woo, once high school rivals turned disgraced doctors, find themselves reluctantly sharing a house. Despite their rocky past and clashing personalities, their shared struggles reignite old feelings, turning hatred into humor and love. Together, they navigate life’s ups and downs, discovering new aspirations and unexpected romance.

Main Casts: Kim So-yeon, Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Sung-ryung, Kim Sun-young, Lee Se-hee

Number of Episodes: 126

Date of Release: October 12 – November 17, 2024

Network/Streamer: JTBC, available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.

Genre: Comedy drama

Synopsis: A Virtuous Business follows the lives of four women in a rural village in 1992 who pursue financial independence through door-to-door sales of adult products. Han Jeong-suk, once a beauty pageant runner-up, Oh Geum-hee, a wealthy housewife, Seo Young-bok, a mother of four, and Lee Joo-ri, a single mother raising her son alone. Together, they navigate societal taboos, form friendships, and discover their potential.

Main Casts: Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: April 5, 2024

Network/Streamer: Available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.

Genre: Science fiction, Horror

Synopsis: A group of parasitic creatures invade Earth, taking over human hosts and shapeshifting their heads. Police squad “The Grey,” led by Choi Jun-kyung, fights these fears and keeps attacks hidden. Jun-kyung’s parasite-infected husband alerts the team to nearby threats. Jeong Su-in becomes a Parasite after an attack, teaming up with a detective and a thug to uncover and defeat parasitic conspiracies.

From exhilarating thrillers to heartwarming stories of love and growth, 2024’s Korean dramas have proven once again why they are a global phenomenon. Each of these dramas offers its own unique charm, leaving audiences entertained, inspired, and craving more. As the year unfolds, these stories remind us of the power of human connections, the thrill of adventure, and the enduring strength of hope. Whether you laugh, cry, or find yourself on the edge of your seat, these dramas promise unforgettable moments. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the magic of K-dramas whisk you away.