The year 2020 was a golden era for K-dramas, bringing audiences a diverse selection of genres ranging from fantasy and romance to thriller and legal dramas. With breathtaking performances, captivating storylines, and top-tier production quality, these dramas gained massive popularity both domestically and internationally. Whether you were looking for heart-fluttering romance, mind-bending sci-fi, or intense crime thrillers, 2020 had something for everyone. In this list, we explore the top-rated Korean dramas of 2020, covering their cast, synopsis, and interesting trivia to help you decide which ones to watch next!

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

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: March 13, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Thriller, Horror

Synopsis: Continuing from the first season, Crown Prince Lee Chang battles the spread of a mysterious plague that turns people into zombies. As he uncovers the origins of the outbreak, he faces political intrigue and betrayal within the kingdom, all while striving to protect his people and reclaim his rightful place on the throne.

Trivia: “Kingdom” is Netflix’s first original Korean series and has been praised for its high production quality and unique blend of historical drama and horror.

Main Casts: Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, Jeon Mi-do

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: March 12, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Medical, Slice of Life

Synopsis: The series follows five doctors who have been friends since medical school as they navigate their careers and personal lives at Yulje Medical Center. Each episode delves into their daily routines, relationships with patients, and the bond they share through their love for music, as they form a band together.

Main Casts: Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-won

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 29, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Thriller, Romance, Mystery

Synopsis: Baek Hee-sung appears to be the perfect husband and father but hides a dark past and a different identity. His wife, Cha Ji-won, is a detective who begins investigating a series of unexplained murders, leading her closer to uncovering her husband’s secrets. The series explores themes of trust, love, and the nature of evil.

Main Casts: Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: December 12, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Historical, Comedy, Fantasy

Synopsis: A modern-day chef, Jang Bong-hwan, finds himself in the body of Queen Cheorin during the Joseon dynasty. As he navigates palace intrigues and the king’s court, his unconventional behavior creates comedic situations, while he uncovers secrets about the royal family and his own predicament.

Trivia: The series is based on the Chinese web drama “Go Princess Go.” Despite some controversies, it became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. “Mr. Queen” achieved a nationwide rating of 17.371% for its final episode, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history.

Main Casts: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, Oh Jung-se

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: June 20, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Moon Gang-tae, a caregiver at a psychiatric ward, has spent his life taking care of his autistic brother, Sang-tae. He crosses paths with Ko Moon-young, a successful children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder. As they get to know each other, they embark on a journey of emotional healing, confronting their past traumas and discovering the meaning of love and acceptance.

Main Casts: Han Suk-kyu, Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 6, 2020

Network/Streamer: SBS TV

Genre: Medical, Romance

Synopsis: Dr. Kim Sa-bu, also known as Teacher Kim, returns to Doldam Hospital, where he mentors a new generation of doctors. Among them are Seo Woo-jin, a talented surgeon with a troubled past, and Cha Eun-jae, a skilled but anxious cardiothoracic surgeon. Together, they navigate the challenges of the medical field, personal growth, and ethical dilemmas.

Main Casts: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung, Kwon Nara

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 31, 2020

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: After being expelled from school and losing his father in a tragic accident, Park Sae-ro-yi vows to avenge his father’s death by building a successful bar-restaurant in Itaewon. Facing numerous challenges from a powerful food conglomerate, he gathers a diverse group of friends to achieve his dream and challenge societal norms.

Main Casts: Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Sang-hyun, Lee Do-hyun

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 21, 2020

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Hong Dae-young, a middle-aged man struggling with regret and marital problems, mysteriously finds himself transformed back into his 18-year-old self. While maintaining his adult mindset, he enrolls in high school under the alias Go Woo-young and gets a second chance to fix his past mistakes, reconnect with his children, and understand his wife’s struggles.

Trivia: The drama is based on the Hollywood film 17 Again starring Zac Efron. Lee Do-hyun’s performance was highly praised, and the drama became a fan favorite.

Main Casts: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: April 17, 2020

Network/Streamer: SBS, Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: Emperor Lee Gon of the Kingdom of Corea discovers a parallel world where South Korea exists in a different reality. As he crosses between dimensions, he meets detective Jung Tae-eul and unravels a mystery involving a dangerous traitor, time travel, and fate. Their love story unfolds across two universes, testing their loyalty and destiny.

Main Casts: Jo Byeong-kyu, Yoo Jun-sang, Kim Se-jeong, Yeom Hye-ran

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: November 28, 2020

Network/Streamer: OCN, Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, Action

Synopsis: “The Uncanny Counter” follows a group known as “Counters,” who lead double lives as noodle shop employees by day and demon hunters by night. Each member possesses unique abilities, enabling them to track and capture malevolent spirits that escape the afterlife to prey on humans. The story centers on So Mun, a high school student who becomes the youngest Counter after a life-altering encounter. Together, they confront powerful evil entities while uncovering hidden truths about their pasts and the world beyond.

Trivia: The series is based on the webtoon “Amazing Rumor” by Jang Yi.

Main Casts: Kim Hee-ae, Park Hae-joon, Han So-hee

Number of Episodes: 16 + 2 specials

Date of Release: March 27, 2020

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Thriller

Synopsis: Dr. Ji Sun-woo, a respected family medicine doctor, appears to have a perfect life with her husband and son. However, her world unravels when she discovers her husband’s infidelity, leading to a tumultuous journey of betrayal, revenge, and healing.

Trivia: The series became the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history, with its final episode reaching a nationwide rating of 28.371%.

Main Casts: Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Seon-ho, Kang Han-na

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 17, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Set in South Korea’s fictional Silicon Valley called Sandbox, the series follows Seo Dal-mi, a young woman aspiring to become Korea’s Steve Jobs. She teams up with Nam Do-san, the founder of a struggling start-up, as they navigate the challenges of the start-up world and pursue their dreams.

Main Casts: Shin Sung-rok, Lee Se-young, Ahn Bo-hyun, Nam Gyu-ri

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 26, 2020

Network/Streamer: MBC

Genre: Fantasy, Thriller

Synopsis: Kim Seo-jin, a successful executive, falls into despair when his daughter is kidnapped. Han Ae-ri, a young woman searching for her missing mother, contacts him from one month in the past. Together, they work across time to unravel the mysteries behind their loved ones’ disappearances.

Main Casts: Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-yeop

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 9, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis: Lim Ju-kyung, a high school girl, masters the art of makeup to transform herself into a “goddess” and gains popularity. She fears revealing her bare face and true self, but her life changes when she meets Lee Su-ho, a handsome and aloof classmate who knows her secret and helps her embrace her inner beauty.

Trivia: The series is based on the webtoon “True Beauty” by Yaongyi.

Main Casts: Lee Min-jung, Lee Sang-yeob, Chun Ho-jin, Cha Hwa-yeon

Number of Episodes: 100

Date of Release: March 28, 2020

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Family, Romance

Synopsis: The Song family navigates the ups and downs of life, love, and divorce. The parents, who run a fried chicken restaurant, deal with their four adult children, each facing personal challenges and relationship issues, leading to growth and understanding within the family.

Main Casts: Kim Hye-soo, Ju Ji-hoon

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 21, 2020

Network/Streamer: SBS, Netflix

Genre: Legal Drama, Thriller, Romance

Synopsis: Yoon Hee-jae and Jung Geum-ja are top-tier lawyers who represent the wealthiest clients in South Korea. While Hee-jae is an elite, confident lawyer from a privileged background, Geum-ja is a scrappy, resourceful attorney willing to bend the rules to win. Their rivalry soon turns into a battle of wits, secrets, and unexpected emotions.

Main Casts: Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-yeon, Eugene, Uhm Ki-joon, Yoon Jong-hoon, Park Eun-seok

Number of Episodes: 21

Date of Release: October 26, 2020

Network/Streamer: SBS, iQIYI, Viu, Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Drama

Synopsis: The story revolves around the residents of Hera Palace, a luxury penthouse in Seoul. Behind their glamorous facades lie secrets, lies, and intense rivalries. The drama explores their pursuit of wealth, power, and revenge, culminating in shocking betrayals and dramatic confrontations.

Main Casts: Lee Dong-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Kim Bum

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 7, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Action

Synopsis: Lee Yeon, a powerful gumiho (nine-tailed fox), has lived for centuries among humans, waiting for his lost love’s reincarnation. Meanwhile, a television producer discovers his existence and is determined to uncover the truth, leading to a dangerous and mystical journey.

Main Casts: Kim Tae-hee, Lee Kyu-hyung, Go Bo-gyeol

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 22, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Family

Synopsis: Cha Yu-ri, a mother who died in an accident, is given a second chance to return to life for 49 days. As she watches her daughter and husband move on, she struggles with the emotional decision of whether to stay or leave forever.

Main Casts: Kim Seo-hyung, Ryu Deok-hwan, Park Hoon, Ahn Ji-ho

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: March 2, 2020

Network/Streamer: SBS

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Drama

Synopsis: A determined detective, Cha Young-jin, has spent years trying to catch a serial killer who murdered her best friend. As new crimes emerge, she finds herself drawn into a case that connects to her painful past.

Main Casts: Go Soo, Lee Sung-min, Shim Eun-kyung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 15, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN

Genre: Financial Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: A financial crisis looms over South Korea, reminiscent of the 1997 IMF crisis. In a high-stakes government institution, officials must navigate corporate greed and political agendas to prevent the country’s economic collapse.

Trivia: The drama was inspired by real-life financial crises and government interventions.

Main Casts: Son Hyun-joo, Jang Seung-jo, Lee Elijah

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: July 6, 2020

Network/Streamer: JTBC

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: Two detectives with contrasting personalities team up to uncover hidden truths in a complex murder case. As they dig deeper, they uncover corruption, power struggles, and long-buried secrets.

Main Casts: Im Si-wan, Shin Se-kyung, Choi Soo-young, Kang Tae-oh

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 16, 2020

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Slice of Life

Synopsis: Ki Seon-gyeom, a former track athlete, meets Oh Mi-joo, a subtitle translator, and their love story unfolds despite their vastly different backgrounds. They struggle with societal expectations while trying to pursue their passions.

Main Casts: Kim Jung-eun, Choi Won-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 5, 2020

Network/Streamer: MBN

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: A seemingly perfect marriage turns into a nightmare when a husband, who planned to kill his wife, suddenly finds her missing. As secrets unravel, the couple engages in a dangerous game of manipulation and deception.

Trivia: This drama is a remake of a Japanese series of the same name.

Main Casts: Ji Chang-wook, Kim Yoo-jung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: June 19, 2020

Network/Streamer: SBS, iQIYI, Netflix

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis: Choi Dae-hyun, a convenience store owner, hires Jung Saet-byul, a feisty and unpredictable part-timer. As they work together, their lives intertwine in humorous and heartwarming ways.

Main Casts: Nana, Park Sung-hoon

Number of Episodes: 32

Date of Release: July 1, 2020

Network/Streamer: KBS2

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Political Drama

Synopsis: Koo Se-ra, a spirited young woman known for her complaints and part-time jobs, decides to run for a district council position to fight against corruption. She teams up with Seo Gong-myung, a civil servant with a rigid personality. Together, they navigate the challenges of local politics while discovering personal growth and unexpected romance.

Main Casts: Ji Chang-wook, Kim Ji-won

Number of Episodes: 17

Date of Release: December 22, 2020

Network/Streamer: KakaoTV, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Presented in a documentary-style format, the series follows the lives of young adults living in the city as they navigate love and relationships. Park Jae-won, a passionate architect, reminisces about a spontaneous beachside romance with a free-spirited woman who stole his heart and disappeared. Unbeknownst to him, she lives in the same city under a different identity, leading to a complex web of emotions and encounters.

Main Casts: Park Bo-gum, Park So-dam, Byeon Woo-seok

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: September 7, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Sa Hye-jun, a model aspiring to be an actor, struggles to make it big in the entertainment industry while navigating love, family expectations, and career challenges.

Main Casts: Kim Dong-hee, Jung Da-bin, Park Ju-hyun

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: April 29, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: Oh Ji-soo, a model high school student, secretly runs an illegal business to fund his future. His double life becomes endangered when classmates discover his secret, leading them into a dangerous world of crime and moral dilemmas.

Main Casts: Yoon Hyun-min, Ko Sung-hee

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: February 7, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: Han So-yeon, a woman with face blindness, leads a solitary life until she encounters Holo, an advanced AI hologram that looks exactly like its creator, Go Nan-do. As So-yeon becomes emotionally attached to Holo, she also crosses paths with the reclusive Nan-do, leading to a complex love triangle between a woman, a man, and an AI.

From heartwarming family dramas to adrenaline-pumping thrillers, 2020 proved to be a remarkable year for K-dramas. These shows not only entertained but also resonated deeply with audiences through their powerful storytelling and emotional depth. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama fan or just starting your journey, these top-rated dramas are a must-watch. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be immersed in the best that Korean entertainment had to offer in 2020! Which of these dramas was your favorite?