Top 11 All-Time Most Popular Korean Dramas You Must Watch!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Siska Dewanti

The dramatic stories in Korean dramas have become the main attraction for drama fans all over the world. From captivating plots to cast chemistry that makes us emotional, Korean dramas always manage to captivate our hearts. Especially with their heart-touching soundtracks that add to the dramatic value of each scene.

Curious about the Korean dramas that have hypnotized millions of viewers from all over the world? Let's discuss one by one the all-time most popular Korean dramas that you must absolutely watch!

1. GOBLIN (2016)

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• Rating : 8.8/10 (119,410 reviewers)
• Genre : comedy, romance, fantasy
• Episode : 16
• Duration : 1 hour 22 minutes
• Platform : Netflix, Viki
• Cast : Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na, Yook Sung Jae

Korean drama GOBLIN (2016) tells the story of an immortal goblin who has lived for centuries as a punishment for his past sins. Gong Yoo plays Kim Shin, a soldier who is sentenced to live forever as a goblin after his tragic death. His lonely and burdensome life comes to an end when he meets a teenage girl named Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun) who has the ability to see ghosts.

Their story becomes more complicated with the appearance of other characters, such as Grim Reaper (Lee Dong Wook) who has a complicated past relationship with Kim Shin. In addition, this drama also highlights the love story between Ji Eun-tak and a rich and mysterious man named Yoo Deok-hwa (played by Yook Sung-jae), who holds the secret key to ending Kim Shin's immortal life.

This Korean drama not only tells the story of eternal life, friendship, love, and redemption, but also showcases stunning visuals, a complex storyline, and remarkable acting from its cast. This drama successfully captivates viewers with its amazing and heartwarming fantasy world.

2. STRONG WOMAN DO BONG SOON (2017)

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• Rating : 8.7/10 (122,277 reviewers)
• Genre : Action, comedy, romance, supernatural
• Episode : 16
• Duration : 1 hour 7 minutes
• Platform : WeTV, Netflix, Disney, Viki, iQiyi
• Cast : Park Bo Young, Park Hyung Sik, Kim Ji Soo

Korean drama STRONG WOMAN DO BONG SOON (2017) tells the story of a young woman named Do Bong Soon (Park Bo Young) who has superhuman strength. Despite having extraordinary physical strength, Bong Soon tries to live an ordinary life as a woman.

The story becomes more interesting when Bong Soon gets involved in criminal events in her neighborhood. She then meets Ahn Min-hyuk (Park Hyung Sik), a game company CEO who is interested in her and hires her as his personal bodyguard. Together, they work to protect the citizens from crime while developing a sweet relationship between them.

In addition to highlighting Bong Soon's life as an unusual super heroine, this drama also depicts the dynamics of friendship and romance around her. With entertaining comedy and heartwarming romantic moments, this Korean drama successfully captivates viewers with its unique and enjoyable story.

3. WEIGHTLIFTING FAIRY KIM BOK JOO (2016)

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• Rating : 8.8/10 (106,615 reviewers)
• Genre : Comedy, romance, life, sport
• Episode : 16
• Duration : 1 hour
• Platform : WeTV, Netflix, Viki, iQiyi
• Cast : Lee Sung Kyung, Nam Joo Hyuk, Lee Jae Yoon, Kyung Soo Jin

Korean Drama WEIGHTLIFTING FAIRY KIM BOK JOO (2016) tells the story of a weightlifter named Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung), in finding her true self in the world of sports. Bok Joo is a passionate and talented athlete, but sometimes feels insecure about her appearance as a woman.

This story shows Bok Joo's struggle in pursuing her dreams and facing various obstacles in the world of sports. One day, she meets Jung Joon-hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk), a cheerful and passionate swimmer, and their relationship develops from friendship to sincere love.

Portraying Bok Joo's journey in sports, this Korean drama also depicts Bok Joo's friendship with her weightlifting club friends and the dynamics of her family. With refreshing comedy and messages about self-confidence, friendship, and love, this Korean drama is able to present an entertaining and inspiring story for the audience. For K-drama lovers who enjoy light-hearted plots, this drama is definitely one of the recommendations for you.

4. DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN (2016)

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• Rating: 8.6/10 (98,955 reviewers)
• Genre: Action, comedy, romance, drama
• Episode: 16
• Duration: 1 hour
• Platform: WeTV, Netflix, Iflix, Viki, iQiyi
• Cast: Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, Ji Goo, Kim Ji Won

Korean drama DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN (2016) tells the extraordinary love story between a UN peacekeeping force soldier named Captain Yoo Si Jin and a surgeon named Kang Mo Yeon. The story begins when the two main characters meet in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North Korea and South Korea.

A life full of challenges and tensions in the battlefield brings Yoo Si Jin and Kang Mo Yeon together in an adventure that takes them through various obstacles and dangers. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they are bound by slowly growing feelings of love amidst all the uncertainties and threats they face. Korean drama DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN successfully captures the hearts of viewers with deep emotions and unforgettable romantic moments.

5. WHAT'S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM (2018)

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• Rating : 8.5/10 (101,729 reviewers)
• Genre : Business, comedy, romance
• Episode : 16
• Duration : 1 hour 9 minutes
• Platform : WeTV, Netflix, Viki, iQiyi
• Cast : Park Min Young, Park Seo Joon

Korean drama WHAT'S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM (2018) tells the romantic story between a Vice President of a large company, Lee Young Joon (Park Seo Joon), and his capable personal secretary, Kim Mi So (Park Min Young). The story begins when Kim Mi So, after years of faithfully serving Young Joon, decides to resign from her complicated job.

This sudden decision shocks Young Joon, who had never imagined life without Mi So's presence. Meanwhile, Mi So tries to find the true meaning of her life outside of work. Through a series of funny and romantic events, they begin to realize deeper feelings for each other.

With a sweet storyline, strong chemistry between the actors, and an inspiring message about the importance of appreciation and recognition in relationships, Korean drama WHAT'S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM successfully captivated viewers and became one of the most popular romantic comedy dramas in 2018.

6. IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY (2020)

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• Rating : 8.9/10 (104,624 reviewers)
• Genre: Psychological, comedy, romance, drama
• Episode: 16
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Platform: Netflix
• Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Yea Ji, Oh Jung Se

Korean drama IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY (2020) tells the emotional journey of two individuals who complement each other but have deep emotional wounds. The story begins with Moon Gang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun), a social worker responsible for his mentally ill older brother, and Ko Moon Young (Seo Yea Ji), a famous children's book author with a complex personality.

Moon Young's mysterious presence brings Gang Tae into her colorful and surprising world. Although initially distant, they begin to form a strong bond as they understand and support each other through difficult times.

With stunning visuals, extraordinary performances from the cast, and an emotionally charged storyline, this Korean drama captivates viewers with its profound and touching message about the power of love.

7. W (2016)

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• Rating : 8.5/10 (96,281 reviewers)
• Genre : Thriller, comedy, romance, fantasy
• Episode : 16
• Duration : 1 hour
• Platform : WeTV, Netflix, Iflix, Viki
• Cast : Han Hyo Joo, Lee Jong Suk

Korean drama W (2016) tells the extraordinary meeting between two different worlds, the real world and the world inside a webtoon. The story begins when a surgeon named Kang Chul (Lee Jong Suk) from the real world meets a medical student named Oh Yeon Joo (Han Hyo Joo), who is also the daughter of a famous webtoon writer.

Yeon Joo suddenly finds herself stranded in the webtoon world created by her father, where she meets Kang Chul, the main character of the story. Her presence changes the course of the predetermined story, and they both get involved in an exciting adventure between two different worlds.

This Korean drama introduces a unique concept of interaction between the characters in the webtoon and the real world, where events in the webtoon have real consequences for its characters. Additionally, this Korean drama portrays the developing love story between Kang Chul and Yeon Joo, who must overcome various obstacles within and outside the webtoon world. K-drama lovers who enjoy watching dramas with a different world love theme must definitely watch this!

8. CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2019)

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• Rating : 9.0/10 (103,756 reviewers)
• Genre : comedy, romance, political, military
• Episode : 16
• Duration : 1 hour 25 minutes
• Platform : Netflix
• Cast : Hyun Bin, Son Ye Jin, Seo Ji Hye, Kim Jung Hyun

Korean drama CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2019) tells the unexpected love story between a wealthy heir from South Korea, Yoon Se Ri (Son Ye Jin), and a North Korean military officer, Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun Bin). The story begins when Se Ri accidentally crash-lands at the border between South Korea and North Korea due to a paragliding accident.

Ri Jeong Hyeok, who is serving as a military officer in North Korea, finds Se Ri and tries to hide her from the military authorities. In the process, their relationship grows and develops despite the political and ideological differences between the two countries.

In addition to depicting the complicated love story between Se Ri and Jeong Hyeok, this Korean drama also highlights the dynamics of family and friendship in North Korea. With a unique background and tense conflicts, CRASH LANDING ON YOU successfully presents a captivating combination of romance, comedy, and political drama for Korean drama fans.

9. HOTEL DEL LUNA (2019)

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• Rating : 8.6/10 (77,712 reviewers)
• Genre : horror, comedy, romance, fantasy
• Episode : 16
• Duration : 1 hour 20 minutes
• Platform : WeTV, Netflix, Iflix, Viki, iQiyi
• Cast : IU, Yeo Jin Goo

The Korean drama HOTEL DEL LUNA (2019) tells the story of a mysterious hotel located in the center of Seoul, but can only be seen by spirits and ghosts. This hotel is led by Jang Man Wol (IU), a beautiful woman who has lived for centuries due to a curse she received as punishment for her past sins.

A young man named Goo Chan Sung (Yeo Jin Goo) accidentally gets involved with this hotel and is appointed as the new hotel manager. Although initially skeptical of the existence of spirits, Chan Sung begins to understand the unseen world around him and becomes involved in the tragic and touching stories of the hotel guests who have passed away.

10. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (2017)

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• Rating: 8.7/10 (77,000 reviewers)
• Genre: mystery, romance, drama, supernatural
• Episode: 32
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Platform: WeTV, Netflix, Iflix, Viki, iQiyi
• Cast: Bae Suzy, Lee Jong Suk, Jung Hae In, Lee Sang Yeob

Korean drama WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (2017) tells the story of a woman named Hong Joo (Bae Suzy) who has a unique ability to see future events through her dreams. However, this ability leads her to feel isolated and confused as she often cannot change the fate she has seen.

The story becomes more complicated when she meets a prosecutor named Jae Chan (Lee Jong Suk), who has the ability to change the past through the dreams given by Hong Joo. They join forces to prevent the accidents that Hong Joo has seen, but in the process, they get caught up in a series of tragic and mysterious events.

11. BOYS OVER FLOWERS (2009)

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• Rating: 7.5/10 (86,821 reviewers)
• Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
• Episodes: 25
• Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Platform: WeTV, Netflix, Iflix, Viki, iQiyi
• Cast: Gyu Hye Seon, Lee Min Ho, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon.

Korean Drama BOYS OVER FLOWERS tells the story of a ordinary girl who accidentally gets involved in the lives of wealthy heirs.Jan Di (Gyu Hye Seon), the main character in this story, is a brave and stubborn student who receives a scholarship to the prestigious Shinhwa High School.However, her life changes drastically when she meets F4, a group of elite students known for their wealth, power, and extraordinary looks.

Among the F4 members, there is a mysterious man named Goo Jun Pyo who leads the group.Initially, the relationship between Jan Di and Jun Pyo is full of conflicts due to their contrasting personalities.However, as time goes by, love begins to blossom between them, although they have to overcome various obstacles and intrigues from the people around them.

This Korean drama showcases the strong friendship between Jan Di and her friends, as well as the fierce competition among the F4 members.With its luxurious setting and intense conflicts, Boys Over Flowers Korea successfully captivated the hearts of viewers and became a popular Korean drama that is a must-watch.

So those are the Top 11 most popular Korean dramas that KLovers must watch.

(kpl/ska)