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Are These the Best Korean Dramas Ever Aired on TV?

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By Yuros!Published 7 months ago 3 min read

Korean dramas have a way to hit you directly into the heart - and sometimes directly in the intestines. Over the years, we have made us laugh, cry, have fun and cancel the plans to squeeze "again". But in the world of flooded dramas, one big question is coming:

Are they the best Korean dramas ever broadcast on TV?

We have collected the 10 most famous, beloved and critically recognized Korean dramas - some classics, some brand new in 2025 - which fans and critics cannot stop talking. Are you ready to find out if your favorite one has made a cut?

1. Crash Landing On You (TVN, 2019–2020)

Let's start with infallible. This cross -border love story between the South Korean inheritance and the North Korean soldier took the world storm. The chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin was electric and redefined what the global audience expected from K-drama. He is still one of the most watched Korean performances of Netflix of all time.

2. Guardian: Lonely and Great God (Goblin) (TVN, 2016)

When people talk about unforgettable dramas, goblin is always close to the top. Thanks to the poetic narrative, stunning visual elements and scary beautiful soundtrack, this fantasy romance is played by Gong Yoo and Kim Go-Eun still hold the sacred place in the hearts of many fans.

3. Answer 1988 (TVN, 2015–2016)

More than drama - through 1988 is a time machine. This series of slices of life about family, friendship and first love is being built in the nostalgic neighborhood in Seoul at the end of the 80's. It's a funny, cordial and filled kind of quiet beauty that all you want to call your mom.

4th royal heir (KBS2, 2025)

One of the latest posts on this list Royal Heir quickly became a modern legend Sageuk. With Kim So-Hyun and Lee Do-Hyun, they bring powerful performances and conspiracy that mix history with early themes, is already welcomed as the best period drama of decades.

5. My Mister (TVN, 2018)

If you haven't seen my Lord before, get ready. It is not a flashy show - it is a quiet, slow and most painful in the most human way. Lee Sun-Kyun and IU bring brutal, honest performances in this story of broken people looking for unexpected hope. Many critics consider it a masterpiece of Korean television.

6. Queen of Lies (JTBC, 2025)

Drama revenge is nothing new in Korea - but the queen has increased the genre. With Kim Hye-Soo, he led a sharp performance like a betrayal heir who returned to her to power, a show of Makjang drama with elegance, intelligence and feminist fire. It is an escape from 2025, which is already called iconic.

7. The descendants of the Sun (KBS2, 2016)

This one had everything: action, romance, international places and unforgettable Ost. Joong-Ki and Song Hye-Kyo's Chemistry did it even more magical. It is still a plan for many modern romantic dramas - and its success helped to launch a Korean wave to new heights.

8. Ghost protocol: Soul (SBS, 2025)

Sci-fi rarely gets this kind of praise on Korean television, but Ghost Protocol changes the rules. The closure story of memory, AI and identity, paired with blockbuster visuals and strong negotiations of Namo-Hyuk, ejected this series into the "Legend in the Making" territory.

9. It's ok not to be fine (TVN, 2020)

This drama, bold, artistic and deeply emotional, solved mental health, trauma and healing in a way that resonated around the world. The performance of Kim Soo-Hyun and SEO ye-ji were nothing stunning. Visually and emotionally, this show left a brand.

10. Signal (TVN, 2016)

Part of the crime thriller, the secret of partial time, the signal remains one of the most critically recognized Korean dramas ever made. Based on cold cases in real life, his intense writing and the emotional core gave him a cult classical state. Even Years Later, Fans Are Still Hoping For Season 2.

Are they the best at all?

Here's a sincere answer: It depends on who you ask.

What is undeniable, however, that these dramas have left a lasting impact - in industry, on the global audience and the millions of hearts they touched.

Some have broken records.

Some broke the stereotypes.

And some just broke us, the best way.

Whether you are in epic novels, heartbreaking realisms, sci-fi thrillers or nostalgic family stories, these shows are the best of Korean television.

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