The first half of the year has already passed, and I’ve compiled a list of the most-loved Korean dramas by fans that aired during this period. I considered dramas from December to June for this selection.
Initially, I chose 17 dramas based on internet reviews, personal opinions, and ratings in South Korea. I then posted these 17 nominees* on my Facebook page (Kdramas Night And Day) for feedback from my favorite judges—my page followers. With followers from around the world and from various walks of life, they offer diverse perspectives. Based on their reviews, likes, and comments, I’ve narrowed the list down to 11 dramas.
So, here are the 11 dramas that came out on top from my original list of 17, and trust me, they’re all amazing! Whether you’re into romantic comedies, gripping thrillers, or like a fantasy punch or maybe historical , there’s something here for everyone. This list showcases the standout shows that have truly resonated with fans in the first-half of this year. So, let’s dive in and see which shows have won hearts this year! (In no particular order)
Queen of Tears
“Queen of Tears” is a Korean drama that depicts the love story of a married couple, Baek Hyun Woo and Hong Hae In, who face significant challenges in their third year of marriage. Baek Hyun Woo (played by Kim Soo Hyun) is the legal director at Queens Group and is admired in his village, Yongdu-ri, for his handsomeness and humility. His wife, Hong Hae In (played by Kim Ji Won), is the daughter of the Queens Group’s owners. Known as the “Arrogant Queen” at the Queens Department Store, she is famous for her refusal to bow down to anyone.
Lovely Runner
“Lovely Runner” is a Korean drama about Ryu Sun Jae (played by Byun Woo Seok), a charismatic and talented celebrity whose life ends tragically despite his success. Im Sol (portrayed by Kim Hye Yoon), a devoted fan of Ryu Sun Jae whose own dreams were derailed by a past accident, finds solace in his music. When she is mysteriously sent 15 years back in time, she meets the 19-year-old Ryu Sun Jae and resolves to alter his fate to prevent his tragic end.
Gyeongseong Creature
“Gyeongseong Creature” is a Korean drama set in 1945 Gyeongseong (now Seoul) during Japanese rule in Korea. It shows a time when people struggled for freedom and basic rights, risking their lives for a better future. Meanwhile, strange events occur at a hospital. Jang Tae Sang (played by Park Seo Joon) is a wealthy and arrogant man living in Bukchon. He owns the Golden Jade House pawnshop and doesn’t care much about others’ fights for justice. His life changes when he meets a woman who makes him question his views. Yoon Chae Ok (played by Han So Hee) is a skilled todugun (a person who finds missing people) with a tough past. Surviving thanks to her father, she now uses her abilities with guns and knives to search for missing people.
Marry My Husband
“Marry My Husband” tells the story of Kang Ji Won (Park Min Young) who is having cancer at only 37 years of age. She thinks that she’ll be able to go through this pain with the help of her husband Park Min Hwan (Lee Yi Kyung) and her best friend Jung So Min (Song Ha Yoon). However, one day, she finds out that her husband and her best friend are having an affair. Things doesn’t end here, as now her husband kills her. Later, she wakes up in the past, 10 years back. This time, she decides to take revenge from her husband and best friend. She takes the help of Yoo Ji Hyeok (Na In Woo) who is the head of a department who works at the same company as her.
Death’s Game
“Death’s Game” Korean drama tells the story of a man who gets a chance to start a new life after death only if he wins a death game. Cho Yi Jae (Seo In Guk) loses his will to live due to repeated job failures. Throughout his life, he has experienced only frustration and despair. Even after his death, he is subject to the cruel judgment of repeating life and death. Death (Park So Dam) gives Choi Yi Jae the judgment of 12 lives and deaths.
Knight Flower
“Knight Flower” Korean drama tells the story of Jo Yeo Hwa (Lee Ha Nee) from a noble family who became a widow 15 years ago after her groom unexpectedly passed away on their wedding day. Today, she lives a quiet life during the day as a widow. But at night, she turns into a secret helper, wearing a mask to assist those in need. Things get interesting when she crosses paths with Park Soo Ho (Lee Jong Won), a smart, attractive and kind military officer. Yeo Hwa begins to think about her future.
Captivating the King
“Captivating The King” is a Korean drama set in a turbulent royal court. King Lee In (Jo Jung Suk) faces intense power struggles and betrayal, including from his own brother, Lee Seon (Choi Dae Hoon). Distrust surrounds him, and he feels isolated. Meanwhile, Kang Hee Soo (Shin Se Kyung), a skilled baduk player, initially seeks revenge on the king but ends up falling in love with him. As she navigates her own grudges and the king’s complex world, their fates become intertwined, leading to unexpected twists in their lives.
Flex X Cop
“Flex X Cop” Korean drama tells the story of Jin Yi Soo (Ahn Bo Hyun), a chaebol who transforms into a detective. Despite his intelligence and adept detective skills, Jin Yi Soo employs his wealth and personal connections to apprehend criminals, finding pleasure in the process. One day, he teams up with Lee Kang Hyun, a seasoned detective passionate about her job and the first female team leader of the Homicide Department. While she excels at her work, the entry of Jin Yi Soo (Park Ji Hyun) becomes a pivotal moment in her life.
Escape of Seven
Having a total of 2 parts, “The Escape of the Seven” drama center around seven people involved in the disappearance of a girl and a man related to that girl who plot against them, to reveal their true identity. Those seven people include: a drama company CEO, a former gangster, an idol wannabe high school student, teacher, entertainment CEO, a corrupted detective and an ob-gyn. Meanwhile, Matthew Lee runs a big tech company and has a hidden identity. Somehow, he becomes the convict of the girl’s disappearance. So he decides to reveal the true identity of these 7 people.
My Sweet Mobster
My Sweet Mobster is a Korean drama about the romance between a former gangster and a kids’ content YouTuber. Go Eun Ha (Han Sun Hwa) is a popular YouTube creator known as ‘Mini Sister,’ whose warm videos are inspired by her childhood with Ji Hwan (Uhm Tae Goo). She fondly remembers him as her only friend and protector. Ji Hwan, now the CEO of a company, is trying to leave his gangster past behind. He employs his former gang members to help them move on as well. When he reunites with Eun Ha, she helps him rediscover his innocence and heal from past traumas.
Miss Night and Day
“Miss Night and Day” Korean drama tells the story of Lee Mi Jin (Jeong Eun Ji), a woman in her 20s who has been looking for a job for 8 years. However, one day, something causes her to change into a 50-year-old woman when the sun rises, and as the sun sets, she reverts to her 20s. Taking advantage of this curse, Lee Mi Jin successfully enters a senior intern position under the name Im Soon (Lee Jung Eun). There, she works under the cold, intelligent, and handsome prosecutor Gye Ji Woong (Choi Jin Hyuk). Gye Ji Woong gets involved with both Lee Mi Jin and Im Soon all day.
So, this was it. Which of the above is your most favourite so far?
*17 Nominees: Marry My Husband, Death’s Game, Knight Flower, Welcome to Samdalri, Doctor Slump, Captivating The King, Flex X Cop, Queen Of Divorce, Gyeongsyeong Creature, Pyramid Game, Queen Of Tears, Escape of Seven, Lovely Runner, The Atypical Family, Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale, My Sweet Mobster, Miss Night and Day.