Binge-worthy K-Dramas on Netflix: Top 5 Hallyu Hits

Ready to dive into the captivating world of K-dramas? The Hallyu wave, or Korean Wave, continues to sweep the globe, and K-dramas are at the forefront, captivating audiences worldwide through streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

With a plethora of Korean dramas available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Fear not, drama enthusiasts! We’ve curated a list of the ‘Top 5 Must-Watch Hallyu Dramas’ that are trending in 2024, ready to be binge-watched on Netflix.

1. Queen of Tears (2024)

Starring the reliable duo Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won, ‘Queen of Tears’ topped the charts as the most popular Korean drama in Japan earlier this year. This drama reimagines the classic Cinderella story with a Korean twist, portraying the romance between a poor but optimistic woman, ‘Hong Hae-in’ (Kim Ji-won), and the heir to a conglomerate, ‘Kim Soo-hyun’ (Kim Soo-hyun), who also serves as the legal director of Queens Group. The exceptional acting and chemistry between the leads captivated viewers and amplified the drama’s appeal. ‘Queen of Tears’ is available for streaming worldwide on Netflix.

• Synopsis: Kim Soo-hyun, a fearless legal director from a wealthy family, and Hong Hae-in, a woman who lives with an unyielding spirit despite her poverty, face unexpected challenges after their marriage. However, they become each other’s pillars of strength, discovering the true meaning of love and resilience along the way.
• Highlights: The fantastic chemistry between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won, an engaging storyline, and beautiful cinematography.
• Recommended for: Romantic comedy lovers, those seeking heartwarming dramas, viewers who appreciate tears and emotional stories, and K-drama newcomers.

2. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)

‘Misaeng: Incomplete Life’ is a critically acclaimed drama that realistically portrays the struggles and triumphs of office workers, resonating deeply with viewers. It follows the journey of Jang Geu-rae (Im Si-wan), a young man whose life revolved around the game of Go, as he navigates the challenges of corporate life after failing to become a professional Go player. Despite being released in 2014, it remains a beloved drama, particularly in Japan. It’s available for streaming on Netflix and TVING.

• Synopsis: Jang Geu-rae, who has dedicated his life to the game of Go, faces a harsh reality after failing to become a professional player. He begins his journey as an intern at a trading company, facing numerous obstacles and learning valuable lessons about life and work alongside his colleagues.
• Highlights: Realistic portrayal of office life that resonates with viewers, outstanding performances by the cast, and thought-provoking messages.
• Recommended for: Office workers, young professionals, those who enjoy realistic dramas, viewers seeking inspiring stories, and those interested in Korean work culture.

3. Crash Landing on You (2019)

‘Crash Landing on You’ is a captivating drama about Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), a South Korean heiress who crash-lands in North Korea while paragliding, and Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin), a North Korean army officer who helps her hide. Their forbidden romance, set against the backdrop of the divided Korean peninsula, has touched the hearts of viewers worldwide. It’s available for streaming on Netflix.

• Synopsis: Yoon Se-ri, a wealthy South Korean heiress, accidentally crash-lands in North Korea during a paragliding accident. She encounters Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean army officer who decides to help her. Despite their different backgrounds and the political divide, they fall in love, facing numerous challenges along the way.
• Highlights: The incredible chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, stunning cinematography, glimpses into North Korean culture, and a captivating love story.
• Recommended for: Romantic comedy enthusiasts, melodrama lovers, viewers interested in North and South Korean relations, and those who enjoy stories about fated love.

4. Vincenzo (2021)

‘Vincenzo’ follows the story of Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong-ki), an Italian mafia lawyer who flees to South Korea after being betrayed by his organization. He teams up with Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been), a sharp-tongued lawyer, to take down villains through unconventional methods. With Song Joong-ki’s charismatic performance, thrilling action sequences, and witty humor, ‘Vincenzo’ gained immense popularity on Netflix and also garnered a large following in Japan.

• Synopsis: Vincenzo Cassano, a consigliere for the Italian mafia, seeks refuge in South Korea after a betrayal. He aims to retrieve gold bars hidden beneath Geumga Plaza but faces opposition from the corrupt Babel Group. Vincenzo joins forces with Hong Cha-young, a Korean lawyer, to fight for justice and bring down the villains.
• Highlights: Song Joong-ki’s captivating performance, exhilarating action scenes, humorous storyline, and a diverse cast of characters.
• Recommended for: Action drama enthusiasts, black comedy lovers, those who enjoy revenge stories, and fans of anti-hero narratives.

5. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ tells the story of Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), an autistic lawyer with a brilliant mind, who joins a major law firm and tackles various cases with her unique perspective. Park Eun-bin’s heartwarming portrayal of Woo Young-woo and the drama’s touching storyline have resonated with audiences worldwide. The series gained immense popularity on Netflix and contributed to raising awareness about autism globally.

• Synopsis: Woo Young-woo, a lawyer with autism spectrum disorder, possesses an extraordinary memory and a unique approach to problem-solving. As she navigates the challenges of working at a large law firm, ‘Hanbada,’ she tackles diverse cases while overcoming societal prejudices and discrimination.
• Highlights: Park Eun-bin’s outstanding performance, a heartwarming and inspiring story, a fresh perspective on autism, and thought-provoking social commentary.
• Recommended for: Legal drama enthusiasts, those who enjoy human dramas, viewers seeking heartwarming stories, those interested in social issues, and fans of inspiring narratives.

These 5 dramas, each with its unique charm, have captivated audiences worldwide. If you haven’t already experienced the magic of K-dramas, now’s the perfect time to embark on a binge-watching journey with these Netflix gems. They promise unforgettable stories, laughter, and heartwarming moments.