15 most popular K-dramas

Korean dramas, often referred to as K-dramas, have gained immense popularity on the global stage for their compelling storylines, charismatic characters, and high production values. These shows have captured the hearts of audiences around the world, transcending cultural boundaries. Here's a look at some of the 15 most popular K-dramas that have left a significant impact:

"Descendants of the Sun" (2016): This military romance follows the love story between a special forces captain and a doctor who find themselves in a dangerous conflict zone. The drama's blend of action, romance, and emotional moments captivated viewers worldwide.

"Goblin" (2016): Also known as "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," this fantasy romance explores the relationship between a goblin cursed with immortality and a high school girl with the ability to see ghosts. The drama's unique premise and memorable characters contributed to its popularity.

"Crash Landing on You" (2019-2020): This heartwarming tale involves a South Korean heiress who accidentally crash-lands in North Korea and finds herself in the care of a military officer. The drama's cross-border love story resonated with audiences, making it a massive hit.

"Itaewon Class" (2020): Based on a webtoon, this drama follows an ex-convict who opens a restaurant to seek revenge on a powerful food corporation. The story's themes of resilience, ambition, and friendship struck a chord with viewers.

"Start-Up" (2020): Set in the world of tech startups, this drama revolves around young entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams and navigating the challenges of the business world. The show's fresh concept and engaging characters contributed to its popularity.

"Vincenzo" (2021): This dark comedy tells the story of an Italian-Korean lawyer who becomes involved with a group of tenants fighting against a corrupt conglomerate. The drama's mix of humor, action, and suspense made it a hit among viewers.

"Reply 1988" (2015-2016): Part of the "Reply" series, this drama is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in the late 1980s. It follows a group of friends and their families as they navigate life's challenges and joys. The show's nostalgic appeal resonated with audiences of all ages.

"Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" (2017): This romantic comedy centers on a young woman with superhuman strength who becomes a bodyguard for a CEO. The drama's lighthearted humor and charming leads contributed to its popularity.

"What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" (2018): Based on a webtoon, this rom-com follows the relationship between a narcissistic vice president of a company and his long-time secretary. The drama's witty dialogue and endearing characters made it a fan favorite.

"Sky Castle" (2018-2019): This satirical drama delves into the lives of wealthy families living in an exclusive neighborhood obsessed with academic success. The show's commentary on the education system and its dark secrets captured the attention of viewers.

"Hotel Del Luna" (2019): A fantasy drama set in a hotel for ghosts, this series follows the story of a human hotelier and the mysterious owner of the hotel. The drama's unique premise, stunning visuals, and emotional depth contributed to its popularity.

"While You Were Sleeping" (2017): This supernatural thriller revolves around a woman who can foresee accidents and events in her dreams and a prosecutor who tries to prevent them from happening. The drama's intriguing plot and chemistry between the leads garnered widespread acclaim.

"My ID is Gangnam Beauty" (2018): Based on a webtoon, this drama tackles themes of beauty standards and self-acceptance as it follows a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery and enters college with a new appearance. The show's exploration of inner struggles resonated with viewers.

"Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016): This historical fantasy melodrama involves a modern-day woman who time-travels to the Goryeo Dynasty and becomes entangled in the lives of its princes. The drama's intricate plot and emotional rollercoaster gained it a dedicated fan base.

"Signal" (2016): This crime thriller follows detectives from the past and present who communicate through a mysterious walkie-talkie to solve cold cases. The drama's unique premise, gripping storytelling, and strong performances earned critical acclaim.

These 15 K-dramas represent a diverse range of genres and themes, showcasing the creativity and storytelling prowess of Korean television. Their impact goes beyond entertainment, as they have fostered connections among viewers from various cultures and backgrounds. Whether through romance, fantasy, comedy, or drama, K-dramas continue to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.