The Most Talked-About K-Dramas of Each Year (2015–2025)

2015 – Healer

This action-romance became a breakout hit. Ji Chang-wook played a mysterious night courier with a dangerous job and a secret past. When he crosses paths with a curious reporter, their lives become tangled in a decades-old mystery. With thrilling action and slow-burn romance, Healer had fans hooked from episode one.

2016 – Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

This fantasy drama took the world by storm. Gong Yoo starred as an immortal guardian waiting for the one person who can end his eternal life. A touching story about love, fate, and letting go, Goblin balanced humor and heartbreak like no other, with iconic scenes and music fans still love today.

2017 – Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Super strength meets sweet romance in this 2017 favorite. Park Bo-young played a petite woman with incredible power, hired as a bodyguard by a quirky CEO (Park Hyung-sik). Their hilarious moments and growing affection made the drama both lighthearted and meaningful, with themes of empowerment and self-worth.

2018 – Mr. Sunshine

This visually stunning historical drama was set during the early 1900s as Korea faced colonization. Lee Byung-hun portrayed a Korean boy raised in America who returns as a U.S. officer. He falls in love with a noblewoman secretly supporting the resistance. The epic romance, cinematography, and storytelling made Mr. Sunshine a masterpiece.

2019 – Crash Landing on You

What happens when a South Korean heiress accidentally lands in North Korea? Crash Landing on You brought together Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin in a forbidden romance filled with tension, humor, and heart. Their unlikely love story touched on loyalty, courage, and how love can thrive in the most unexpected places.

2020 – The World of the Married

This intense drama explored betrayal, lies, and emotional survival. Kim Hee-ae starred as a doctor whose perfect marriage shatters when she learns her husband is cheating. What followed was a gripping journey through pain, revenge, and self-discovery. The series broke viewership records and left audiences breathless.

2021 – Squid Game

No K-drama has made waves quite like Squid Game. This dark survival series had 456 contestants playing deadly childhood games for a life-changing prize. It mixed social commentary with suspense and brutal reality, becoming a global phenomenon. With record-breaking views and critical acclaim, it changed how the world sees Korean storytelling.

2022 – All of Us Are Dead

A high school becomes ground zero for a zombie outbreak in this thrilling series. Students must fight to survive, making heartbreaking choices along the way. More than just horror, All of Us Are Dead tackled themes of bullying, loyalty, and sacrifice, with a strong young cast and nonstop tension.

2023 – Moving

Based on a popular webtoon, Moving introduced teens who inherited secret powers from their parents. As danger closes in, they must protect each other and uncover the truth. With standout performances, emotional depth, and high production quality, it became one of the most celebrated dramas of the year.

2024 – Lovely Runner

When a devoted fan is transported back to 2008, she tries to prevent her favorite idol's tragic fate. Lovely Runner turned a time-travel fantasy into a heartfelt love story. Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok’s chemistry, mixed with a touching plot, made this drama stand out. While others like Queen of Tears gained praise, Lovely Runner captured the year’s heart.

2025 – What’s Leading So Far?

This year is still unfolding, but shows like When Life Gives You Tangerines and Buried Hearts are already making waves. With more big titles on the way, it’s too early to choose the ultimate favorite. Will your pick take the top spot? Or will an unexpected gem steal the crown?