[Last Updated on December 10, 2023]
Here’s a list of Korean dramas we highly recommend and believe you’ll enjoy watching. These shows are the ones that we consider a “must-watch” — they keep viewers glued to the screen, and people just can’t stop raving about them. However, there are plenty of other reasons why we would recommend certain series. It could be because they have a unique or captivating storyline, feature incredibly talented actors who’ve wowed us before, or even come from the creators of beloved series we’ve enjoyed in the past. And sometimes, we might even throw in some dramas that haven’t been released yet (but airing soon) if we find them fascinating. So, take a look at these shows and enjoy the ride!
-
Welcome to Samdalri
If over-the-top yet adorable acting by Ji Chang-wook is your cup of tea, this feel-good romantic series is for you. Penned by writer Kwon Hye-joo of “Hi Bye, Mama!” and “Go Back Couple,” this show offers a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments that would bring tears to your eyes. With the direction of Cha Young-hoon, the acclaimed creator behind the award-winning series “When the Camellia Blooms,” you can rest assured that Samdalri deserves a spot on your to-watch list.
-
Goryeo-Khitan War
This special series is created to commemorate KBS’s 50th anniversary as a public broadcaster. With an estimated total production cost of 27 billion won ($20.4 million), the drama utilized advanced filming techniques such as deepfake and mixed reality (XR) technologies to enhance its production quality. If you have a penchant for historical dramas inspired by actual events, you won’t want to miss giving this a watch.
-
Tell Me You Love Me
This is a remake of the award-winning 1995 Japanese series “Aishiteiru to Ittekure.” In an era where webtoon-inspired dramas hold sway, this adaptation of a beloved TV classic brings a welcome change of pace. Plus it is the second drama of director Kim Yoon-jin, who helmed the romantic series “Our Beloved Summer.”
-
Castaway Diva
After Park Eun-bin’s Daesang-winning performance in “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” you absolutely can’t afford to miss this one. PEB is proving her acting chops yet again, this time stepping into the shoes of an aspiring singer who’s been stuck on a deserted island for 15 long years. And here’s the cherry on top – it’s another collab project from the creators of “Start-Up” and “While You Were Sleeping.”
-
Twinkling Watermelon
Time travel isn’t groundbreaking in K-dramas, but there’s a unique twist in this show. When you’re time-hopping to meet your dad at the same age as you and developing a crush on someone who’s definitely not your mom, what will you do? This heartwarming and adorable drama features a deaf character who happens to be the mother of the male lead.
-
My Dearest
MBC dramas usually face some tough competition from SBS dramas in the Friday-Saturday night ratings race, but not “My Dearest.” This 20-episode historical and romantic series that tugs at your heartstrings has won the hearts of viewers at home and abroad, causing MBC to give it a one-episode extension.
If you’re seeking a more objective suggestion for shows, head over to our compilation of the best K-dramas of all time, ranked based on critical acclaim. For a list of currently airing shows, go to our ongoing dramas page.