Ten Years of K‑Drama - The Standout Show From Every Year, 2015–2025

Korean dramas keep finding new ways to steal our hearts. Every season brings bold ideas, fresh faces, and twists we never see coming. Below is a quick, year‑by‑year tour of the series that defined each season from 2015 to today. Settle in and see if your favorite made the list.

2015 – Healer

A nighttime courier with ninja‑level skills meets a fearless reporter. Together they expose a hidden crime that links their pasts. The show blends high‑speed chases, newsroom tension, and slow‑burn romance. Ji Chang‑wook’s stunts and Park Min‑young’s grit created instant buzz. Viewers still remember that rooftop hug.

2016 – Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

Better known as Goblin, this fantasy tale rewrote the rulebook. An immortal warrior waits centuries for a bride who can break his curse. He finds her in a shy high‑school senior who sees ghosts. Tear‑jerking exits, witty bromance, and a soundtrack that topped charts pushed ratings sky‑high.

2017 – Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Park Bo‑young played a tiny woman with giant strength. She becomes bodyguard to a gaming CEO who loves trouble. Their slap‑stick fights and soft glances kept fans smiling. The drama’s core message—own your gifts, protect your friends—rang true. A fun thriller thread added extra punch.

2018 – Mr. Sunshine

Set as foreign forces eye the fading Joseon era, this sweeping epic followed a Korean‑born U.S. officer. He returns home and falls for a noblewoman who funds resistance fighters. Lush sets, moving speeches, and tragic choices filled each episode. Viewers praised its honest look at sacrifice.

2019 – Crash Landing on You

A paragliding mishap drops a South Korean heiress in North Korea’s Demilitarized Zone. A stoic captain hides her from authorities and, in time, from himself. Their forbidden bond plays out against tight security and touching village life. Real‑life couple status for Hyun Bin and Son Ye‑jin only fed the hype.

2020 – The World of the Married

Kim Hee‑ae portrayed a trusted doctor whose husband’s affair shatters every certainty. The story dives into jealousy, revenge, and survival inside a broken marriage. Stark lighting and raw performances made each reveal hit hard. The finale topped cable ratings and sparked heated debate.

2021 – Squid Game

Four hundred fifty‑six players in debt risk their lives in twisted childhood games. A towering piggy bank hangs overhead, stuffed with prize money that only one can claim. Green tracksuits, pink jumpsuits, and the Red Light robot became global icons. Social media still quotes “Player 456” daily.

2022 – All of Us Are Dead

A science project gone wrong turns a high school into ground zero for zombies. Teen survivors climb desks, duct‑tape doors, and fight guilt over friends left behind. Each episode balanced break‑neck action with real teen fears—grades, bullies, unspoken crushes. Cliff‑hangers kept viewers bingeing until dawn.

2023 – Moving

Three teenagers inherit secret powers from parents who once served a covert agency. Flight, healing, and super strength sound fun until hunters arrive. Flashback scenes reveal why moms and dads hid the truth. The mix of family bonds, sci‑fi fights, and kinder emotions felt fresh and sincere.

2024 – Lovely Runner

A dedicated fan wakes up in 2008 and realizes she can save her idol from a tragic fate. She races across school halls, concerts, and chance meetings to steer destiny. Kim Hye‑yoon’s lively charm pairs perfectly with Byeon Woo‑seok’s gentle star aura. Time travel rules, cheerful humor, and aching romance keep viewers hooked.

2025 – Still Anyone’s Game

We’re only halfway through the year, yet titles like When Life Gives You Tangerines and Buried Hearts already stir chatter. Big releases slated for autumn promise fierce competition. Will a hidden gem rise to the top, or will a blockbuster sequel seal the year? Stay tuned and keep your watchlist open.