2024 K-drama Ratings

2024 wasn’t the strongest K-drama year for me. A surprising number of shows left me disappointed — even in genres where I usually don’t have high expectations. Somehow, even rom-coms, which almost never let me down, managed to be bland and forgettable this year. Love Next Door and Doctor Slump especially felt like the most generic versions of stories I’ve seen many times before.

There were also several dramas with unique, promising concepts that unfortunately fell flat or became illogical by the end: LTNS, What Comes After Love, Blood Free, The Frog. And then there were moments when Korean dramas tried to feel “too Hollywood,” losing their own identity in the process — Queen Woo and Death’s Game come to mind.

But despite this uneven year, I still found some truly great gems.

My ultimate favorite of 2024 is Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. The story is warm, captivating, and beautifully crafted. I loved the chemistry between the (mostly) female cast, the heartfelt friendships, and the incredible stage performances — especially the pansori scenes. I laughed, I cried, and I know this drama will stay with me for a long time.

Other dramas I really enjoyed — though not perfect in execution — are When the Phone Rings, The Atypical Family, and Mr. Plankton. Each had something compelling that made them memorable for me.

And finally, there were shows with strong performances and interesting stories that I admired, even if I couldn’t fully connect to them emotionally. Still, they’re absolutely worth recommending: Light Shop and Love in the Big City.

This list reflects all of that: the highs, lows, surprises, and favorites of my 2024 drama journey.