From action and romance to thrillers, 2024 delivered a lineup of outstanding Korean dramas that not everyone managed to catch. See what you might have missed in this list of the year’s 10 must-watch shows.
1. Lovely Runner – When Love Transcends Time
- Main Cast: Kim Hye Yoon, Song Kang
- Genre: Romance, Time Travel
- Rating: Lovely Runner boasts an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb, praised for its unique storyline and the emotional depth of the main cast’s performances.
- Why it’s impressive: The drama poses a thought-provoking question: If given the chance to go back in time and fix a mistake, would you sacrifice everything? With a tear-jerking yet heartwarming love story, Lovely Runner became a massive hit in 2024.
2. Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born – The Radiance of Traditional Stage
- Main Cast: Kim Tae Ri, Moon Sang Min
- Genre: Drama, Music
- Rating: Earning critical acclaim with a 9.0/10 rating, the film offers a vivid experience of pansori art and the unwavering spirit to rise above adversity.
- Why it’s impressive: With vibrant visuals and mesmerizing traditional music, Jeongnyeon revitalizes Korean art, inspiring viewers with its powerful message of aspiration and perseverance.
3. Love in the Big City – A Story of Courage
- Main Cast: Byun Yo Han, Jung Ga Ram
- Genre: Psychological, LGBTQ+
- Rating: Described by Time as “heartbreakingly authentic,” the drama achieved an 8.6/10 rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Why it’s impressive: Adapted from the acclaimed novel, Love in the Big City is not just a love story but a journey of self-discovery, overcoming societal prejudice to find happiness.
4. Pyramid Game – School and the Battles for Survival
- Main Cast: Kim Ji Yeon, Jang Da Ah, Ryu Yeon Seok
- Genre: Psychological, School
- Rating: Praised for its realistic acting and captivating plot, Pyramid Game received an 8.5/10 rating on IMDb.
- Why it’s impressive: The drama asks: Can we overcome the darkness within ourselves to find the light of love and trust? Pyramid Game delves into the issue of school violence and how people confront their deepest fears.
5. Death’s Game – Rediscovering Life’s Value Through Adversity
- Main Cast: Seo In Guk, Park So Dam
- Genre: Fantasy, Humanistic
- Rating: The drama scored a 9.2/10 from MyDramaList users and received critical acclaim.
- Why it’s impressive: With a meaningful message about the value of life, Death’s Game captivates viewers by placing the main character in 12 different lives to seek the answer: What makes life worth living?
6. Mr. Plankton – Searching for Life’s Meaning
- Main Cast: Woo Do Hwan, Lee Yoo Mi
- Genre: Psychological, Adventure
- Rating: The drama received an 8.7/10 rating on IMDb for its unique storytelling and profound acting.
- Why it’s impressive: The main character, a “man without roots,” leads viewers on an emotional journey of self-discovery, raising questions about values and connections in life.
7. Queen Maker – Power and Difficult Choices
- Main Cast: Kim Hee Ae, Moon So Ri
- Genre: Political, Psychological
- Rating: With a score of 9.1/10 on Rotten Tomatoes, the drama offers new perspectives on politics and morality.
- Why it’s impressive: Queen Maker delves into the conflicting decisions people make in the power struggle, posing the question: What are we willing to sacrifice to achieve our ambitions?
8. Moving – When Superpowers Meet Family
- Main Cast: Han Hyo Joo, Ryu Seung Ryong
- Genre: Fantasy, Action
- Rating: The drama maintains a 9.0/10 rating on IMDb and is considered the most touching superhero production from South Korea.
Why it’s impressive: “Moving” is not just a story about superpowers but also portrays deep family affection, moving viewers to tears with its depiction of silent sacrifices. According to India Today, the series excels at creating a balanced narrative, weaving in action, heartfelt family dynamics, and even romance. The characters’ personal struggles and interwoven relationships add depth to the story, ensuring viewers stay emotionally engaged throughout the 20 episodes.
Additionally, the action scenes are choreographed innovatively, while the background score amplifies the emotional resonance, making “Moving” a must-watch superhero K-drama.
9. My Dearest – A Wartime Love Story
- Main Cast: Nam Goong Min, Ahn Eun Jin
- Genre: Historical, Romance
- Rating: The drama received an 8.9/10 rating on MyDramaList and was praised by Time as a “tragic love ballad.”
- Why it’s impressive: My Dearest captivates audiences with a boundless love story amidst the suffering of war, making each episode feel like an emotional poem.
10. The Uncanny Counter 2 – The Mysterious Guardians
- Main Cast: Jo Byeong Gyu, Kim Se Jeong
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Rating: With an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb, the drama continues the success of its first season, receiving high praise for its special effects and storyline.
- Why it’s impressive: The Uncanny Counter Season 2 takes viewers on a dramatic, humorous, and surprising journey, skillfully blending horror with comedy. The plot centers around evil spirits from the afterlife appearing on Earth in search of immortality. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Cho Byeong Kyu, Yu Jun Sang, Kim Se Jeong, Yeom Hye Ran, and Ahn Seok Hwan, and directed by Yoo Seon Dong, this series is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre.
11. The Judge from Hell – Justice Meets the Supernatural
- Main Cast: Park Shin Hye, Lee Kwang Soo
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy
- Rating: Currently holding a 9.1/10 rating on IMDb, this series has captivated audiences with its intriguing plot and stellar performances.
- Why it’s impressive: The Judge from Hell immerses viewers in a gripping narrative where a tenacious judge confronts supernatural forces while seeking justice for the wronged. The show deftly combines elements of fantasy with courtroom drama, creating an engaging atmosphere filled with suspense and emotional depth. Park Shin Hye delivers a powerful performance, supported by a talented cast, making this series a compelling addition to the fantasy-drama genre.
These dramas are more than just entertainment; they are a testament to the creativity and diversity of K-Dramas. Take the time to experience each of them and let them take you on a journey through a range of emotions!
Sources: IMDb and Time Magazine.
