Best Korean Dramas of 2024

About three years ago, Korean drama made history with the release of "Squid Game", a series that became Netflix's most-watched show. Since then, K-drama's audience has increased dramatically worldwide, with more people now enjoying the steady stream of outstanding releases year after year.

Advertisement

So far, 2024 has been an enjoyable year for K-drama fans. The stunning visuals, captivating storylines, unforgettable characters, and cinematic brilliance continue to enchant audiences across the globe. From heartwarming romances and intense thrillers to historical fantasies and murder mysteries, it's been nothing short of utmost entertainment for every K-drama lover this year.

This article explores some of the top Korean dramas that have won hearts and sparked conversations this year.

"Marry My Husband"

"Marry My Husband" is a 16-episode K-drama series adapted from the famous web novel and webtoon of the same name. The series tells the gripping story of Kang Ji-won (Park Min-young). After being diagnosed with terminal gastric cancer, she was accidentally killed by her husband, Park Min-hwan (Lee Yi-kyung), during a scuffle that ensued when she caught him in bed with her best friend, Jeong Su-min (Song Ha-yoon).

Upon her death, Ji-won woke up back in 2013, thanks to the intervention of her late father's spirit. Armed with knowledge from her previous timeline, she strives to live a better life and avoid the misfortunes that previously led to her demise.

The series premiered on January 1st this year and ran until February 20th on TVN. It is also available for streaming on TV in South Korea and Amazon Prime Video in selected regions worldwide.

 

"A Killer Paradox"

Another webtoon adaptation, this series centers around Lee Tang (Choi Wooshik), a recently discharged soldier who accidentally murders a serial killer in a scuffle. Initially planning to turn himself in, Lee Tang discovers his victim's true identity as a serial killer and decides against it. Instead, he went on a killing spree, targeting previously unpunished evildoers like the one he accidentally killed, leaving no traceable evidence behind. Meanwhile, a determined detective named Nan-gam (Son Sukku) relentlessly pursues the case.

"A Killer Paradox" is a story that explores the moral ambiguity of Lee Tang's actions, questioning whether Tang is serving justice or evading it. The 8-episode series premiered on Netflix on February 9th this year and quickly garnered positive reviews. It became Netflix's second highest-rated non-English series three days after its release. It also ranked in Netflix's top ten categories in 19 countries, amassing nearly 40 million watch hours and 5.5 million viewers.

 

"Under the Gun"

"Under the Gun" is a 6-episode mini K-drama series that follows the story of a Go Geon (Baek Zuho), a highly talented poker player. Go Geon is faced with the difficult decision of joining the Korean Poker League to save his family's honor. The reason for his dilemma is the hazardous nature of the profession, as his father, who was a professional poker player, had become an addict and drunk.

With the support of transfer student Cha Se-yeong (Jo Soo-min), Go Geon faced his fears and banked on his exceptional skills to emerge victorious in the Korean Poker League Championship. The series brilliantly captures themes of sacrifice, love, and the pursuit of dreams. Its well-crafted storyline and stellar cast make it a heartwarming and engaging watch for anyone, with acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Notably, the drama appeals specifically to gambling enthusiasts due to its intense poker competitions.

Are you also a fan of poker or other casino games? You can find some exciting options on this site, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, slots, etc.

 

"Death's Game"

"Death's Game" is a fantasy mystery thriller horror series that follows the story of Choi I-jae (Seo In-guk), a young man who, after seven years of unsuccessful job hunting, attempts suicide. However, in a bizarre twist of fate, I-jae wakes up in another person's body. His reincarnation is a punishment from a mysterious being called "Death", who felt insulted by I-jae's suicide note.

As part of his punishment, I-jae must participate in "Death's Game". This game involves I-jae being reincarnated 12 times, each time into the body of someone facing imminent death. He gains access to the memories and life experiences of each person he inhabits. If I-jae manages to survive any of the imminent deaths in these incarnations, he is granted the chance to live out the rest of his life in that body.

"Death's Game" was aired for the first time on TVING in December 2023 and ran till January 5th this year. The series is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Upon its release, it garnered many positive reviews, especially for its novel portrayal of the afterlife. Barely weeks after its release, the series was the most-watched show in Indonesia and Thailand, according to Amazon Prime Video statistics. It was also among the top ten most-watched shows in 43 countries worldwide.

 

"Queen of Tears"

"Queen of Tears" tells the story of chaebol heiress Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won) and her lawyer husband, Baek Hyeon-woo (Kim Soo-hyun), as they navigate a tumultuous marital crisis. The series opens with what appears to be the end of their marriage, spiraling into intense clashes, ruthless divorce battles, and unexpected romantic moments that reveal their lingering affection for each other.

Premiering on March 9th this year, "Queen of Tears" aired on TV until April 28th. It became the highest-rated tvN series during its run, achieving a nationwide rating of 24.850%. It also secured its place as the second highest-rated series in Korean cable television history and the third in viewership numbers.

The series' success extended beyond Korean cable TV, receiving a warm global reception. In its first week, it recorded over 3.3 million Netflix watch hours by 1.2 million viewers. It went on to chart in 12 countries, becoming Netflix's seventh-ranked non-English series just two days after its release. In fact, by the end of its broadcast run in April, "Queen of Tears" had amassed an impressive 373.2 million watch hours.

Conclusion

K-drama continues to captivate audiences and fans worldwide with its unique blend of storytelling, emotion, and cinematic brilliance. The first half of 2024 has introduced diverse genres and narratives, from time-traveling revenge tales to morally complex thrillers. And we are sure you'll enjoy a captivating viewing experience with any of the picks above.