My Top 20 Korean Dramas
The high-scored Drama that I saw that especially touched my soul. I also think all of my selections should be nominated for various nominees and win them. Each one was epic. Some I can't even watch a second time. They were emotionally intense. I don't feel like breaking down again.
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1. My Country: The New Age
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This storyline was truly epic! While no main character met their end until the very finale—despite all the intense battle scenes—it still delivered an incredible experience. I also thoroughly enjoyed the musical score, which added depth to the drama. The cinematography, special effects, and character development were phenomenal. This will remain my all-time Historical K-drama favorite!
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2. Snowdrop
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
This was the first K-drama that brought me to tears—so incredibly moving and powerful. As humans, we all long for love, yet selfishness is also ingrained in our nature. In our pursuit of power and success, we often create an idealistic world to justify our greed and need for control, blind to the harm we may cause.
It took me three months to finish this drama after the full series aired on American Disney, and every moment was worth it. The casting, storytelling, character development, cinematography, and soundtrack were all exceptional. I savored each episode, yet I was deeply saddened by the ruthless nature of humanity.
However, the silver lining in the love story offers hope—proof that love endures, even when hatred seeks to erase it. Not all dramas have happy endings, and this one left a lasting impact.
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3. My Dearest
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
The cinematography was stunning, and I thoroughly enjoyed the script, action sequences, and heartfelt moments. The character development was exceptional, keeping the audience in a constant state of "You think you know, but you have no idea."
I only wish there were more episodes—I could easily watch ten more!
But my wish came true! More episodes are on the way, and I couldn’t be more excited!
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4. My Dearest Part 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 11 episodes
This incredible continuation of Part 1 is truly breathtaking. The evolution of each character, as they are forced to mature and adopt the very savagery they once feared just to survive, is profoundly thought-provoking. It’s a powerful reminder that we never truly know who we are until our experiences shape us.
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5. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
This drama will have its wins and losses, as it blends humor with action and brutality. It delivers a full spectrum of emotions, making for an unforgettable experience.
The cinematography, casting, production design, title writing, direction, comedy, screenplay, and original soundtrack were all impeccable. I truly enjoyed every moment of it.
As of now, this stands as my #1 best-action Korean drama!
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6. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
It was refreshing to watch a drama that beautifully portrays both the strengths and vulnerabilities of its characters, all while delivering an unexpected story twist. It seems like many Korean dramas explore parent-child struggles, but it makes sense—after all, our parents play a significant role in shaping who we become.
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7. True Beauty
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
All I gotta say. WARNING ⚠️ Chest pains may occur from constant laughter.
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8. The Atypical Family
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
The writers crafted such brilliantly complex and thought-provoking ideas. Each episode had me completely captivated, leaving me in a constant state of wonder and curiosity.
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9. The Crowned Clown
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Twisted yet strangely comforting, this was such a beautifully told story. It was the first historical K-drama I watched as I entered the K-drama world, and it completely captivated me. It sparked my fascination with the culture’s history, drawing me into its intense historical doctrines and unwavering loyalties.
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10. The Red Sleeve
Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes
Oooowwweeee! This drama took my breath away—absolutely incredible! I don’t even know where to begin. Was it the intensity of the choke, the desperate longing, the commanding presence of the King, or simply all of it combined?
It was so amazing that I found myself setting a timer, counting down the minutes until each new episode dropped. I was ready every time!
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11. Tale of the Nine-Tailed
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
This is my absolute favorite mythical creature K-drama. I've always been captivated by storylines where mystical creatures fall in love with humans—such a fascinating concept! What truly stood out was how the drama portrayed a deep sense of longing to be vulnerable, which made the characters feel even more fragile and human.
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12. A Korean Odyssey
Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
This was my first fantasy-themed K-drama. I absolutely adore this mythical creature K-drama. It was both hilarious and deeply moving as the story unfolded. While I felt the female lead could have been cast a bit differently, the supporting characters really helped balance her presence and kept the story engaging.
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13. The King: Eternal Monarch
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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14. Love in the Moonlight
Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes
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15. Mr. Plankton
Korean Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
This story was nothing short of epic. The storyline was incredibly powerful, reminding the audience that life is fleeting, some lives shorter than others. It makes you ponder: if we knew our end, how much more fragile would we feel, and how would we choose to live? We should live as if we are made of glass—delicate, precious, and fully aware of the fragility of life.
I’d like to give a special shoutout to Woo Do Hwan for completely owning this role with such raw emotion. I cried when he cried, laughed when he laughed, and was on the edge of my seat during some of his intense moments—almost felt like I was going to die from the suspense! It was such a bittersweet K-drama, and definitely a must-see. -
16. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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17. Dear Hyeri
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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18. Hi Bye, Mama!
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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19. Vagabond
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This drama was once in my top ten, but it’s now fallen to my top twenty. It definitely deserves a part 2, but as time passes, it keeps dropping down my list. Still, this drama was incredibly action-packed, and the storyline was masterfully crafted. You won’t figure anything out until you’ve seen it through to the end—it’s one of those "WOW" K-dramas. Another classic example of "You think you know, but you have no idea."
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20. A Piece of Your Mind
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes