Over the last two decades in the West, the popularity of South Korean entertainment and media has surged. This phenomenon, dubbed “The Hallyu Wave”, refers to the rise of global interest in South Korean popular culture, led primarily by the spread of K-pop, K-dramas, and films. Recognised as a form of soft power, this has been an important economic asset for the East Asian country, generating revenue through both exports and tourism. 

Despite having a population of just 52 million, South Korea produces a significant number of both scripted and unscripted television. As a result, K-dramas have prioritised storytelling over cinematography to keep viewers engaged. This approach gave rise to the popularity of soapy melodramas, known as makjang, which many now associate with Korean television. However, the expansion of streaming platforms with subtitles, coupled with a growing demand for high-quality local content that rivals the crème de la crème of international TV, have transformed the industry, with cable networks and global platforms such as Netflix now investing in creative productions that elevate both form and narrative. 

These shows are often single seasons, having 16 to 24 episodes, which typically run for 60 minutes, with occasional finales lasting nearly 90 minutes. Plus, they air on consecutive days, meaning that viewers get up to two-and-a-half hours of new content each week. But why, exactly, are K-dramas so popular? Their success can be attributed to high-quality production and storytelling that spans a wide range of themes and genres, from romance and historical epics, to thrillers and slice-of-life dramas. These shows tell thoughtful, character-driven stories that explore topics people genuinely care about, often delivering messages that resonate with global audiences, even when rooted in cultural and social contexts unique to South Korea. 

But it is particularly the romance-based series that have gained international traction by catering to the ‘female gaze’, offering emotional depth and nuance often overlooked in Hollywood, where the ‘male gaze’ tends to dominate. K-dramas also stand out for their attention to aesthetic detail, creating a visually pleasing and immersive experience that sets them apart from many mainstream Western productions. 

Given their unique appeal and growing global fanbase, it’s no surprise that more people are wanting to dive in. So, here are a few K-dramas that make the perfect starting point for newcomers:

1. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016-2017)

   1. Premise: Ranked as the seventh highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history, Goblin follows the cursed immortal Kim Shin on his quest to find a human bride who can remove the sword from his chest and end his life. Along the way, he meets a grim reaper and Ji Eun-Tak, a sprightly school student. 

   2. Episodes: 16

2. Crash Landing on You (2019)

   1. Premise: This sweeping romance follows successful businesswoman and chaebol heiress Yoon Se-Ri, who crash-lands in North Korea during a paragliding accident. There, she meets Captain Ri Jeong-Hyuk of the Korean People’s Army and persuades him to help hide her and return her safely to the South of the country. 

   2. Episodes: 16

3. My Liberation Notes (2022)

   1. Premise: For a quieter, introspective watch, My Liberation Notes centres on three siblings and a mysterious stranger, exploring themes of fulfilment, loneliness, and personal growth amid the monotony of adulthood and working life.

   2. Episodes: 16

4. The Glory (2022)

   1. Premise: (Partially) based on true events, The Glory is a psychological revenge thriller centred on Moon Dong-Eun, who was a victim of school violence as a child. Years later, she seeks retribution by becoming the homeroom teacher of her bully’s child. 

   2. Episodes: 16

5. Marry My Husband (2024)

   1. Premise: When Kang Ji-Won is diagnosed with terminal cancer, her world shatters further when she discovers her husband is having an affair with her best friend. After he kills her in a confrontation, she wakes up ten years prior and vows to change her fate. 

   2. Episodes: 16

6. Business Proposal (2022)

   1. Premise: In this lighthearted romantic comedy, Shin Ha-Ri disguises herself to sabotage a blind date on behalf of her friend. However, plans go awry when her date turns out to be her CEO and, worse still, proposes to marry her.

   2. Episodes: 12

7. Hospital Playlist (2020-2021)

   1. Premise: Hospital Playlist tells the story of five doctors who have been close friends since medical school. Now colleagues at Yulje Medical Centre, they balance life, death, and friendship, bonding through music and the everyday realities of hospital life. 

   2. Episodes: 24

8. Taxi Driver (2021-2023) 

   1. Premise: Former Special Forces officer Kim Do-Gi is devastated by his mother’s murder after she is killed by a serial killer. He joins Rainbow Taxi, a secret organisation that delivers revenge for victims failed by the legal system.

   2. Episodes: 32 (2 seasons)

9. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)

   1. Premise: This romantic fantasy stars Lee Min-Ho as a charming con artist and Jun Ji-Hyun as a mermaid named Shim Cheong. Their love story spans both modern-day Seoul and the Joseon era, exploring themes of fate, reincarnation, and unfulfilled love.

Episodes: 20