Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have taken the world by storm in recent years, captivating audiences with their emotional depth, relatable characters, and intricate storytelling. What started as a regional entertainment trend has now expanded globally, with millions tuning in from across the globe. Whether it’s romantic tales, thrilling mysteries, or historical sagas, K-dramas have something for everyone. Here’s a look at the top 10 most viewed K-dramas of all time, based on their domestic and international reach.
Starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, Crash Landing on You became an instant sensation. The drama follows the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea, where she meets a North Korean soldier. What unfolds is a poignant, heartwarming, and at times humorous tale of love and espionage. With over 1 billion views worldwide, it remains one of the most popular K-dramas on streaming platforms like Netflix.
Also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, this fantasy drama became an iconic part of K-drama history. Starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, and Lee Dong-wook, Goblin weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural. The show’s profound themes about life, death, and destiny resonated with viewers, with its 16 episodes receiving millions of views and dominating both local and international ratings.
Vincenzo, starring Song Joong-ki as a Korean-Italian mafia consigliere, combined crime, comedy, and action into a unique blend. The series follows Vincenzo Cassano as he returns to Korea to retrieve hidden gold, only to find himself entangled in battles against corrupt conglomerates and legal evildoers. Its clever storytelling and powerful performances made it one of the most-watched K-dramas in 2021, attracting a global audience.
While technically not a traditional K-drama, The Squid Game is undeniably one of the most viewed Korean series of all time. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, this survival drama catapulted to international fame, with a premise that revolves around contestants in desperate financial situations competing in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize. With over 1.65 billion hours watched on Netflix, Squid Game broke numerous records, including becoming Netflix’s most-viewed series at the time.
This romantic drama, starring Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, blends action and romance with military and medical themes. Descendants of the Sun follows the love story between a soldier and a doctor amidst a backdrop of humanitarian missions and war-torn regions. The series was a massive hit both in South Korea and internationally, contributing to the global rise of the “Hallyu” wave.
Starring Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun, My Love from the Star became an international sensation. This supernatural romance follows an alien who has been living on Earth for 400 years and his relationship with a famous actress. With its perfect mix of humor, romance, and fantasy, the drama left a lasting impact on the global audience, particularly in China, where it achieved astronomical viewership numbers.
This youth-centric drama, starring Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, and Kim Woo-bin, captivated audiences with its portrayal of high school romance set against the backdrop of wealthy heirs and their struggles with family and love. The Heirs had a massive following both domestically and globally, making it one of the most popular K-dramas of its time.
This romantic comedy, starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young, is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and workplace drama. The story revolves around a narcissistic CEO and his secretary, who decides to resign after years of serving him. Their evolving relationship captured the hearts of viewers, with What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim becoming one of the most-watched K-dramas in its year of release.
Based on the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango, Boys Over Flowers became a breakthrough series for many of its cast members, including Lee Min-ho, Goo Hye-sun, and Kim Hyun-joong. The show tells the story of a poor girl attending a prestigious high school, where she finds herself entangled with a group of wealthy and popular boys. Its engaging storyline and memorable characters made it one of the most-watched K-dramas ever.
Hotel Del Luna, starring IU and Yeo Jin-goo, is a supernatural fantasy drama about a hotel for ghosts. With stunning visuals and a compelling mix of romance, mystery, and humor, it captivated viewers with its unique premise and strong performances. The show’s combination of fantasy elements with emotional storytelling helped it break viewership records and maintain a strong fanbase worldwide.
From historical sagas to sci-fi thrillers, K-dramas continue to leave an indelible mark on the global entertainment scene. Whether they draw viewers in with their heartwarming romances or intense action sequences, K-dramas show no signs of slowing down. With more productions making their way to streaming platforms and winning accolades globally, the future of K-drama seems as bright as ever. As this genre continues to reach new heights, we can only anticipate what the next wave of hit dramas will bring to our screens.