In the vast world of K-dramas, it is easy to get sucked into the winding plot lines and lengthy episodes. You sometimes even spend hours immersed in your favorite drama’s twists and turns, closely following a character’s journey. While the longer run times allow every story to be fleshed out with precision, they can also pose the risk of including filler content or simply seeming too dull.
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However, for fans who seek non-stop immersion from start to finish, some Korean dramas have perfected the art of maintaining the tone episode after episode. These gems seem to fly by as you’re gripped by every character and their multidimensional personality. The superb writing ensures that even the smallest detail reels back into the central narrative.
From heartwarming romances to complex revenge thrillers, these dramas display Korean storytelling at its most entertaining peak. Here are the top 20 K-dramas that don't have a single boring episode between them.
20 Alchemy of Souls (2022)
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Alchemy of Souls transports you to Daeho, a fictional country where young mages practice their art, overcome destinies, and navigate the aftermath of using the titular forbidden spell that allows them to switch bodies. Nak-su is a powerful mage who switches souls with Mu-deok, the servant of a noble family’s heir. As they settle into their roles, the story reveals dark secrets and assassinations.
What Makes It Great
There’s something about Korean historical dramas that is irresistible. Alchemy of Souls not only tells an enchanting story but also adds elements of fantasy and intrigue to the genre. Its female leads and intricate world-building constantly keeps you on the edge. It also helps that the magical developments feel authentic and not forced. With a fresh take on reincarnation and a talented cast, the show is a perfect watch. Stream Alchemy of Souls on Netflix.
19 Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
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Having made her debut as a child actress in 1998, Park Eun-bin has amassed both talent and popularity. She plays the lead role in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which centers around Woo Young Woo, a brilliant lawyer on the autism spectrum. Due to her creative thinking and high IQ, she managed to graduate from Seoul National University with flying colors. However, her situation does not allow her social interactions to go smoothly.
What Makes It Great
The show brings a refreshing story to light and tackles Asperger’s syndrome with empathy and care. Eun-bin shines in her groundbreaking role. Whether it's the legal proceedings or a simple human conversation, each episode carries a thought-provoking and humorous vibe. Beyond its educational aspects, fans root for Young-woo because she celebrates neurodiversity and proves how impactful such representation is in the media. Stream Extraordinary Attorney Woo on Netflix.
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18 Business Proposal (2022)
After disguising for her best friend on a blind date, Shin Ha-ri finds herself embroiled in a major mishap. The reason? The man she went on a blind date with and acted incredibly cuckoo in front, of turned out to be her CEO. As if that’s not enough, he seemed to like her crazy antics enough to propose. Stuck between playing two roles — the fiancée of a wealthy heir and a simple employee — Shin Ha-ri must find a way out of this mess.
Related: 15 K-Dramas Featuring Office Romances That Will Make You Swoon
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What Makes It Great
With leads Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jeong lighting up the screen with their charm and sense of humor, it is impossible for you to find this flavorful rom-com boring. From the witty office banter to the evolving will-they-won't-they romance, every episode is too gripping to pause. Business Proposal seamlessly blends corporate intrigue and heartwarming, swoon-worthy romance. Stream Business Proposal on Netflix.
17 The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)
Shim Chung is a mermaid who ends up in modern-day Seoul from the Joseon Dynasty looking for her one true love. Instead of finding the nobleman, she stumbles upon his doppelgänger Heo Joon-jae, a highly skilled con artist. At first, he agrees to assist her. But soon he is pursued by his former scam partners and a dangerous killer named Ma Dae Yeong, and when Shim Cheong begins to fall in love with him, their fates intertwine through an epic love story.
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What Makes It Great
Filed with magic, adventure, betrayal, and redemption, the fantasy romance is nothing short of mesmerizing. Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho are a dreamy lead pair, anchoring the show’s folklore into a modern setting of intrigue. What’s best about The Legend of the Blue Sea is that it remains unpredictable to the very end and portrays an ultimate message about love’s ability to conquer fate. Stream The Legend of the Blue Sea on Hulu.
16 Itaewon Class (2020)
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Park Sae-ro-yi is a former convict who simply wanted to rebuild his life. After tragically losing his father in an accident, he decides to open a multicultural pub in the busiest area of Seoul, which is Itaewon. He catches the eye of Jangga Group's CEO, who was not only involved in the death of Sae-ro-yi father but also proves to be a competition for him. However, Sae-ro-yi gathers a team of lovable outcasts, fights injustice, and eventually his establishment becomes a symbol of hope.
What Makes It Great
Itaewon Class brands itself as a revenge drama. However, the truth is that it taps into every individual's universal dreams of standing up against a system that prejudices those beneath it, and it does so with heart, emotion, and perseverance. The drama also has an indelible batch of characters who not only are stellar humans but also carry this intricate energy within them that makes watching every episode a special experience. Stream Itaewon Class on Netflix
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15 Tomorrow (2022)
You don’t see it every day that someone struggling with finding a job ends up working for the grim reaper. But Tomorrow is an interesting K-drama with that exact premise. Choi Joon Woong is having a hard time getting employed, but an accidental encounter with grim reapers Koo Ryeon and Im Ryoong Gu introduces him to a new profession — crisis management team, which makes sure people don’t take their own lives.
What Makes It Great
Regardless of the bizarre setting, Tomorrow makes some remarkable commentary on real-life issues that are often overlooked. Packed with mystery, emotion, and a set of attractive leads, not a moment drags in this compelling drama. The stars offer layered performances and each episode leaves you with something to ponder over and keeps you enthralled enough to reach the climactic end. Stream Tomorrow on Netflix.
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14 Dr. Romantic (2016)
Among the few K-dramas that went on for three seasons, Dr. Romantic follows Kim Sa Bu, a famous surgeon who decides to give it all up after a traumatic incident crushes his spirit. Now living in seclusion in a small town and being referred to as “Romantic Doctor,” he hires two protégés, Seo Woo Jin and Cha Eun Jae, to work with him. Both these characters are going through troubles of their own, and together, they not only save lives but also battle inner demons.
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What Makes It Great
Fans of Grey’s Anatomy would delight in this fast-paced medical drama because of the similarities it has with the show. With Han Suk-kyu in the title role and magnetic stars like Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung lending their talents, the series handles its narrative with wit, heart, and beautiful cinematography. Overall, the show keeps you invested throughout. Stream Dr. Romantic on Hulu.
13 Welcome to Waikiki (2018)
One of the most popular K-dramas of all time, Welcome to Waikiki follows three unemployed men, Dong-gu, Jun-ki, and Doo-shik, who simply want to raise enough money to produce their own movie. So they open a guest house named “Waikiki” in Itaewon where many foreigners come to stay. Their eccentric establishment is also occupied by Dong-gu’s younger sister Seo Jin, his ex-girlfriend, and a mysterious young woman who landed on their doorstep with her infant baby.
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What Makes It Great
Welcome to Waikiki delivers non-stop laughter from start to finish thanks to its flawed but lovable characters. It's all too easy to get used to their quirks and root for them to accomplish their dreams, despite the constant facepalm-inducing behavior. Kim Jung-hyun, Lee Yi-kyung, and Son Seung-won have an incredible comedic timing and their physical comedy makes every episode more touching, blissful, and fun. Stream Welcome to Waikiki on Netflix.
12 Revenge of Others (2022)
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When a prestigious high school claims that Park Won Seok fell to his own death at school, his twin sister, Ok Chanmi refuses to believe it. She transfers to her brother’s school and takes matters into her own hands after meeting Ji Soo Heon, a witness to her brother’s death. Meanwhile, a new figure appears at the school, and Chanmi is adamant about proving that he’s somehow connected to her twin brother’s suicide.
Related: 14 Best Revenge-Themed K-Dramas That Are So Satisfying
What Makes It Great
Revenge of Others is a highly thrilling drama that keeps you guessing. With the number of mysteries and fast-paced plot twists it has, there’s really no room for a boring episode. The leads are all young, with Shin Ye-eun and Park Solomon’s understated performances making every minor revelation seem like it is filled with both substance and suspense. Overall visionary, the drama is a must-watch. Stream Revenge of Others on Hulu.
11 Crash Course in Romance (2023)
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Hospital Playlist’s Jung Kyung-ho stars in this latest romantic comedy drama that tells the story of Choi Chi-yeol, a popular private instructor who has a reputation of being a genius, but in reality suffers from great trauma. On the other hand is Nam Haeng-sun, a retired national athlete who now owns a side dish store. The two may have started off on the wrong foot, but when Haeng-sun’s daughter enrolls in Chi-yeol’s class, it is impossible for them not to cross paths… and fall in love.
What Makes It Great
There are several Korean dramas that cater to an older audience because of the way they handle adult relationships. Crash Course in Romance is one of those. Jeon Do-yeon and Jung Kyung-ho have a mature connection. Their characters share genuine laughs and heartwarming moments that keep us perpetually smiling from ear to ear and invested in their story of love and hope.
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The show also comments on mental health, trauma, and the effect of education on students aiming to be the best version of themselves. Stream Crash Course in Romance on Netflix.
10 The Uncanny Counter (2020)
With two seasons currently streaming, The Uncanny Counter is an outstanding supernatural Korean drama. It is set in a world where vengeful spirits seek justice for wrongful deaths. To control the situation, four part-time workers at a noodle shop use their supernatural abilities to identify threats, and defeat the evil souls. So Moon is the youngest among all “Counters,” and along with the four others, she must unravel a shocking mystery.
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What Makes It Great
By creating a perfect balance of heart, action and mystery, this recent Korean drama is compulsively binge-worthy. Jo Byeong-gyu is absolutely stunning as the male lead, guiding an ensemble cast forward as they tackle complex cases in each episode.
Both seasons of the show have a fresh cast, but that does not change the fact that its production value is superb. Even with high stakes, the drama manages to take a grounded approach towards the unraveling of mysteries, making it unique in the genre. Stream The Uncanny Counter on Netflix.
9 Start-Up (2020)
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A major part of Start-Up takes place in the fictional Sandbox Company. Seo Dal-mi is disappointed with her current job but is optimistic about her dreams of becoming Korea’s Steve Jobs. She enters an elite tech competition, and there she meets Nam Do-san, a genius programmer and entrepreneur, who already owns a fledgling start-up company named Sam San Tech. Mentoring them is Han Ji-pyeong, a man who is indebted to Dal-mi’s grandmother, and thus has a soft spot for her. When all their lives intersect, several twists and turns occur.
What Makes It Great
The drama stars some of the greatest actors in the Korean industry — Bae Suzy, Kim Seon-ho, Nam Joo-hyuk, and Kang Han-na — and fashions a vibrant underdog story against the backdrop of technology and entrepreneurship. From the journey of an idea to finding the right scaling, Start-Up delves into every aspect of building a company and at the same time it balances its relationships and character arcs with empathy and care. Stream Start-Up on Netflix.
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8 True Beauty (2020)
Despite its surprisingly foul reception in Korea, True Beauty won the hearts of international fans with its deeply resonant story, which revolves around the artistic high schooler Lim Ju Gyeong. After being bullied for her appearance and sitting with her insecurities for years, she dedicates herself to mastering the art of makeup and rises to fame as a skilled artist. In the process, she gets caught up in a love triangle between Lee Su-ho, her best friend and one of the few people who sees her beyond her exterior, and Han Seo-jun, a tall and handsome actor.
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What Makes It Great
Adapted from a beloved webtoon, the drama balances the same tone of lighthearted fun and touching life lessons as its source material. Starring Moon Ga-young, Hwang In-youp, and Cha Eun-woo in breakthrough roles, it features a lot of playful banter and discussions on identity and appearance. Throughout the series, you’ll find yourself falling in love with the characters, empathizing with them, and rooting for them to overcome their insecurities. Stream True Beauty on Rakuten VIKI.
7 Love to Hate You (2023)
A recent entry into the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope that K-Dramas do pretty well, Love to Hate You follows top actor Nam Kang-ho, who seems to have it all but hides his crippling trust issues from a past breakup. After a chance encounter with Yeo Mi-ran, an attorney who despises men with a passion and would be down for a fight if the situation called for it, Kang-ho begins to see “love” differently. Though they constantly butt heads, their time together helps lower their walls.
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What Makes It Great
Despite being a romance, the show never really misses a beat. Through its witty banter and slow-burn chemistry, Love to Hate You digs deeper into its characters than expected. Teo Yoo (whom you may know from Celine Song’s Past Lives) and Kim Ok-vin have an incredible chemistry and comedic timing that immediately draws you in. Overall, the show is well-written and totally addictive. Stream Love to Hate You on Netflix.
6 Reply 1988 (2015)
One of the few quintessential Korean dramas that set the tone of what to expect from the medium and genre if you ever decide to explore, Reply 1988 is a wholesome series set in late 1980s Seoul. It centers around five families living in the same neighborhood, becoming close as their children grow up together, come of age, achieve milestones and share aspirations while navigating the many struggles life has to offer.
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Related: 30 Most Timeless K-Dramas Ever Made
What Makes It Great
Reply 1988 is a warm, fuzzy drama that captures the simple joys and challenges of childhood friendship. Sure, there is nothing major happening in the series; there’s no antagonist or thrilling action. But as episodes progress, viewers find themselves so attached to the lovable characters that finishing it leaves them wanting more of their story. From the nostalgic setting to the important lessons about generosity and unconditional love, the series stays in the memories of fans for a long time. Stream Reply 1988 on Netflix.
5 Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)
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Kim Bok-joo, a weightlifter, has spent her life training and preparing for nationals. However, she longs to be “normal” and have a cute romance with a handsome man. When she finds herself attracted to a fitness doctor, she even loses weight for him, much to the chagrin of her team and coach. Enter, Jung Jun-hyung, a boy she went to school with who is now a talented swimmer. The more time she spends with him, the better she understands friendship and love, and discovers her dreams in the process.
What Makes It Great
Breaking barriers with its portrayal of a strong female athlete, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is an exceptionally well-scripted drama. Lee Sung-kyung shines in the title role, and her relationship with Nam Joo-hyuk adds both humor and warmth to the narrative. From experiencing puppy love to actually realizing her feelings, Kim Bok-joo’s refreshing perspective and empowering arc is what keeps you hooked. Stream Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo on The Roku Channel.
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4 My Name (2021)
After her father is brutally murdered in front of her own eyes, a young Yoon Ji-woo, driven by revenge, enters the criminal underworld. Realizing her father worked for a powerful crime boss does not come as a surprise, but after putting her trust in the same man, working diligently for him as an assassin, and learning of just how foul his methods are, Ji-woo has no choice but to turn against him.
What Makes It Great
With just eight episodes, My Name has become one of the most compelling Korean action dramas out there. The show breaks conventions by placing a very strong narrative upon Ji-woo, who faced her toughest challenges of her life. Han So-hee is captivating in the lead, and while it lasts, her chemistry with Bo Hyun Ahn is electric. Plus, its fast-paced plot, amazing cinematography, and the riveting transformation of Ji-woo makes it all the more iconic. Stream My Name on Netflix.
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3 The Glory (2022)
Brutal and forever scarring for some, The Glory centers around Moon Dong-eun, a young student who was bullied throughout her school years by Park Yeon-jin and her friends. So much so that she wanted to take her own life. But getting past the feeling and growing up to be an emotionally unavailable, wounded, and traumatized woman, Dong-eun decides to become a primary school teacher and enact her vengeance through Yeon-jin’s daughter.
What Makes It Great
Be warned, The Glory is not for everyone. The way it tackles heavy themes of bullying and trauma can seem too graphic and visceral for some. But the characters’ journeys as well as the plot twists that drive the show forward are immensely moving and shocking at the same time. Song Hye-kyo’s performance is fresh and gripping, and the climax offers the kind of catharsis only the best revenge stories do. Stream The Glory on Netflix.
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2 Squid Game (2021)
Down on his luck and in a massive financial debt, Seong Gi-hun is recruited for a mysterious survival game that offers its winner millions. Along with 455 other players, all facing hardships in life when it comes to money, Gi-hun participates in what can only be defined as the most bizarre challenges ever. With children's games turned into those for adults, they either win or die.
What Makes It Great
Squid Game took the world by a storm with its imaginative premise and jarring social commentary. Despite having very aesthetic and minimalist production values, the show manages to deeply unnerve you with the violence. However, that’s not all there is to the show. It is also entertaining and emotional at the same time. Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon anchor the drama with their layered performances, and the final revelation of Player 001 being the creator and host of the game comes as the biggest surprise. Stream Squid Game on Netflix.
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1 Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Set against the backdrop of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Twenty-Five Twenty-One follows the tumultuous friendship between Na Hee-do, an ambitious fencer aiming to represent her country at the Asian Games, and Ko Yurim, former finalist and the professional fencer she idolizes. And then there's Baek Yi-jin, a young man whose life is thrown away when his father messes up the finances and the family is forced to live apart. Now working hard to rebuild his life, Yi-jin exists in the vicinity of Hee-do and the two form an unlikely connection.
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What Makes It Great
Perfectly capturing the hopes and hardships of coming of age during a time when South Korea was undergoing a massive change, this Korean drama is one of a kind. Nam Joo-hyuk and Kim Tae-ri imbue the roles with warmth and poignancy. The show covers over a decade of all its characters' lives, which would theoretically leave a lot of room for it to get dull. However, the strong writing, nail-biting matches and richly authentic performances make the show resonate with power. Stream Twenty-Five Twenty-One on Netflix.
And if you love Korean dramas, check out our list of the best from 2023 in the video below:
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