Are you a K-drama fan looking for your next binge-worthy series? Look no further than the world’s most popular streaming site – there are lots of K-dramas on Netflix to choose from!
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best K-dramas available to watch on Netflix, including some all-time greats that viewers from outside of Korea may still not have seen yet. From historical dramas to modern romances, these K-dramas are sure to keep you hooked and wanting more. So grab some popcorn and get ready to explore the world of K-dramas on Netflix!
1 Crash Landing on You – the best K-drama on Netflix
K-dramas have taken the world by storm in recent years, and for good reason – they have all the classic elements of great TV shows: romance, action, adventure, and comedy. Of the many K-dramas on Netflix, possibly the very best is Crash Landing on You.
What makes Crash Landing on You so special? It’s an adventure that takes viewers on a journey from South Korea to North Korea, and it’s a fascinating portrayal of daily life in the country. Much of the series takes place in North Korea, and it’s a rare glimpse into a world that is often shrouded in secrecy. The show explores the cultural differences between North and South Korea, and it does so in a way that is both respectful and engaging.
The plot of Crash Landing on You is both thrilling and heartwarming. The show follows Yoon Se-ri, a successful businesswoman from South Korea who crash-lands in North Korea while paragliding. She is rescued by Ri Jeong-hyeok, a captain in the North Korean army, and the two quickly become entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. As they work together to keep Se-ri safe and find a way back to South Korea, they begin to fall in love.
The show has an incredible cast, led by the talented Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin. The chemistry between these two actors is electric, and it’s no surprise that they became a real-life couple and have since married. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and it’s hard not to root for their characters to find their way back to each other.
But their romance is not the only thing that keeps viewers hooked. The show is full of action and suspense, as Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok navigate the dangerous political landscape of North Korea. And there are plenty of comedic moments as well, thanks to the hilarious supporting cast.
Crash Landing on You is without a doubt the best K-drama available on Netflix. With its incredible cast, thrilling plot, and fascinating portrayal of North Korean culture, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves great TV. And the fact that the lead actors became a real-life couple only adds to the magic of the show. So if you haven’t watched Crash Landing on You yet, what are you waiting for? Get ready for a wild ride that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering for love to conquer all.
2. Extraordinary Attorney Woo – the best legal K-drama on Netflix
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is definitely one of the K-dramas on Netflix that is not to be missed! This 2022 legal drama tells the story of Woo Young-woo, a brilliant lawyer with autism who is often underestimated and discriminated against because of her condition, but through self-discovery finds a way to be happy in her life, successful at work, and fall in love.
The show explores the challenges that Young-woo faces as a person with autism working in a neurotypical world, and how her unique perspective and approach to problem-solving ultimately make her an invaluable asset to the prestigious Hanbada law firm, where she lands her first job as a rookie attorney.
Despite graduating at the top of her class from Seoul National University, Young-woo struggles to find work due to the prejudices of potential employers. However, her father’s connections lead her to a job at Hanbada, where she quickly proves herself to be an exceptional lawyer with an incredible memory and attention to detail.
Throughout the series, Young-woo’s autism is explored in a sensitive and thoughtful way, highlighting the challenges that people with autism face in the workplace and in their personal lives. While some of her colleagues and superiors at the firm initially struggle to understand her, they soon come to recognize her unique abilities and appreciate the valuable contributions she makes to the team.
One of the most interesting aspects of the show is Young-woo’s love for marine mammals, particularly whales and dolphins. Her tendency to draw analogies between the lives of these creatures and the situations she faces in her professional and personal life often surprises and confounds those around her, but ultimately leads to breakthroughs in difficult cases.
In addition to exploring important social issues, such as disability rights and discrimination, the show also tackles complex legal cases that often involve finely balanced legal issues and difficult ethical questions. Young-woo’s approach to these cases is often unique and unexpected, and her ability to recall laws and everything she reads, sees, or hears perfectly makes her an invaluable asset to the Hanbada law firm.
The series also features a talented cast of actors, with Park Eun-bin delivering an outstanding performance as Woo Young-woo. Kang Tae-oh and Kang Ki-young also shine as her colleagues at Hanbada, and the chemistry between the actors is a highlight of the show.
Despite its unusual premise, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” has become a global phenomenon, spending 20 weeks on the Global Non-English Top 10 list and becoming the sixth most popular non-English show of all time on Netflix. The show’s success is a testament to its unique storyline, talented cast, and the thoughtful and sensitive way it explores important social issues.
Overall, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a K-drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and a must-watch for fans of the genre. So, be sure to add it to your watchlist and discover why this groundbreaking series has become such a global sensation.
3. Mr. Queen – the best “Fusion Sageuk” on Netflix
You may have already heard about Mr. Queen, a K-drama released on Netflix in February 2023. This “fusion sageuk” has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows of the year, captivating audiences around the world with its unique blend of historical drama and modern-day sensibilities.
But what exactly is a “fusion sageuk,” you may be wondering? In short, it’s a sub-genre of Korean historical dramas that mixes traditional elements of the genre with modern storytelling techniques and themes. This allows for a fresh take on the historical drama genre, making it more accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences.
And Mr. Queen is a K-drama on Netflix that certainly delivers on this front. The show tells the story of Jang Bong-hwan, a modern-day man who finds himself transported back in time to the Joseon dynasty. There, he discovers that he has been reincarnated in the body of the queen, Cheorin, and must navigate the complicated political landscape of the era while trying to find a way back to his own time.
The gender-swap element of the plot is an intriguing twist that adds depth and complexity to the show. As Bong-hwan navigates the world of the Joseon dynasty, he must contend with the restrictions placed upon women at the time, including the need to wear traditional clothing and the constant threat of being discovered as an imposter.
But the show doesn’t shy away from the difficult issues of the time period, either. Mr. Queen deals with topics such as corruption, betrayal, and the struggle for power in a way that feels both authentic and engaging. And by having a modern character as the protagonist, the show is able to provide a fresh perspective on these issues, making them more accessible and understandable for contemporary viewers.
The cast of Mr. Queen is also worth noting. Shin Hye-sun delivers a standout performance as Jang Bong-hwan/Cheorin, bringing depth and nuance to the complex role. Kim Jung-hyun plays the king, Lee Won-bi, with a quiet intensity that is both captivating and intriguing. And the supporting cast, which includes the likes of Bae Jong-ok and Kim Tae-woo, is equally strong.
It’s no surprise, then, that Mr. Queen has become such a hit with viewers. Within days of its release, it had already climbed the ranks to become the fourth most popular TV show on Netflix. And it’s easy to see why – with its engaging plot, talented cast, and unique blend of historical drama and modern storytelling, Mr. Queen is a show that truly has something for everyone.
4. My Name – the K-drama “Netflix and thrill”
If you’re a fan of crime dramas, then My Name is one of the must-see K-dramas on Netflix. This straight action/thriller crime drama is a gritty and intense watch that has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
The show follows the story of Yoon Ji-woo, a young woman who infiltrates a powerful crime syndicate to avenge her father’s death. Along the way, she discovers the harsh realities of the criminal underworld and must navigate dangerous alliances, betrayals, and constant threats to her safety.
One of the most striking things about My Name is its no-nonsense approach to storytelling. Unlike many K-dramas, there is very little romance or comedy to be found here – instead, the show is focused squarely on delivering a gripping crime drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The cast of My Name is also worth noting. Han So-hee delivers a standout performance as Yoon Ji-woo, bringing depth and nuance to the complex role. She is joined by a talented supporting cast, including the likes of Park Hee-soon and Ahn Bo-hyun, who bring their own unique strengths to the show.
But what really sets My Name apart is its fast-paced, gripping plot. With only eight episodes, every scene is tightly crafted to deliver maximum impact. There are no wasted moments here – every beat of the story is essential to the overall narrative, making for an incredibly satisfying and intense viewing experience.
And it seems that audiences and critics alike have taken notice of My Name’s unique appeal. Within days of its release, it had already climbed the ranks to become the fourth most popular TV show on Netflix, and one of the most popular K-dramas on Netflix history. It has also earned a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its sharp writing, thrilling action sequences, and strong performances.
All in all, My Nameis a must-watch K-drama that proves that sometimes, less is more. With its gripping plot, talented cast, and no-nonsense approach to storytelling, it’s a show that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. So if you’re looking for a thrilling crime drama that doesn’t pull any punches, My Name is the show for you.
5. The King: Eternal Monarch – the best romance K-Drama on Netflix
If you’re a fan of K-dramas on Netflix that blend romance, adventure, and fantasy into a single gripping plot, then The King: Eternal Monarch is a must-watch series.
The show follows the story of Lee Gon, a modern-day Korean emperor who discovers a parallel universe where the Kingdom of Corea has survived. There, he meets Jung Tae-eul, a detective from the modern world who becomes his ally in a battle against an evil force that threatens both their worlds.
One of the most striking things about The King: Eternal Monarch is its imaginative world-building. The show creates a rich, detailed fantasy universe that is simultaneously familiar and alien, with a history and mythology all its own. The drama seamlessly blends elements of romance, action, and fantasy to create a captivating and unique viewing experience.
At the heart of the series is the relationship between Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul, which is both passionate and complex. Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun deliver standout performances as the show’s lead actors, bringing depth and nuance to their characters’ emotional journeys. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their romance is one of the driving forces behind the show’s success.
But The King: Eternal Monarch is much more than a simple love story. It is also a thrilling adventure that takes viewers on a journey through two parallel worlds. The show is full of twists and turns, with each episode building on the last to create a sense of escalating tension and excitement.
Another standout element of The King: Eternal Monarch is its stunning production design. The show’s costumes, sets, and special effects are all top-notch, creating a truly immersive viewing experience that transports viewers to a world that is both beautiful and dangerous.
All in all, The King: Eternal Monarch is one of the must-watch K-dramas on Netflix as it showcases the best of what the genre has to offer. With its blend of romance, adventure, and fantasy, it is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. So if you’re looking for a K-drama that is both thrilling and romantic, The King: Eternal Monarch is the show for you.
6. Business Proposal – cleverest Netflix K-drama ever?
For fans of K-dramas, “Business Proposal” is a must-watch series that combines clever romance, hilarious humor, and a meta twist that sets it apart from other shows in the genre.
The show stars Ahn Hyo-seop as Kang Tae-moo, the new CEO of Go Food, a subsidiary of the chaebol founded by his grandfather. After graduating from Harvard University, he joined Go Food, worked at an overseas branch, and returned to Korea recently. He is forced to go on a blind date by his grandfather, who wants to see him get married. Park Jae-joon plays young Kang Tae-moo in flashbacks.
Kim Se-jeong plays Shin Ha-ri, a researcher part of Go Food’s Food Development Team 1. She disguises herself as a vixen after she accepts to replace her friend, Young-seo, on a blind date. Kim Min-kyu plays Cha Sung-hoon, Tae-moo’s chief secretary of Go Food. He grew up in an orphanage sponsored by Go Food’s parent company, which was founded by Tae-moo’s grandfather, and has become like a brother to Tae-moo. Seol In-ah plays Jin Young-seo, Ha-ri’s best friend and the only daughter of the chairman of Marine Group, the parent company of Marine Beauty, where she works as a marketing team leader. She asks Ha-ri to replace her on a blind date with Tae-moo, since she wants to wait for her true love.
“Business Proposal” follows the hilarious and heartwarming story of Tae-moo and Ha-ri, who are brought together by a blind date but end up in a fake marriage to keep their jobs. As they navigate through their fake marriage, they begin to develop real feelings for each other. However, things get complicated when Tae-moo’s ex-girlfriend shows up, and he must choose between his past and his future with Ha-ri.
What sets “Business Proposal” apart is its clever use of a “K-drama within a K-drama” concept. The characters in the show are not only living their own K-drama romance, but they are also watching a K-drama on TV and commenting on the various tropes and conventions of the genre. It’s a fun, self-aware twist that adds a new layer of humor and cleverness to the show.
Despite its meta twist, “Business Proposal” is still a classic K-drama at heart, with all the elements fans of the genre love. It’s a story about love, growth, and ambition, all wrapped up in a package that is both clever and entertaining.
It’s no wonder that the show has a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. “Business Proposal” is a show that will leave viewers feeling satisfied, entertained, and perhaps even a little smarter about the K-drama genre. So if you’re looking for clever, romantic K-dramas on Netflix that will keep you laughing and swooning until the very end, “Business Proposal” is the show for you.