29 Korean Dramas That Are Guaranteed To Become Your Newest Obsession

Zombies? Love triangles? Superheroes? There's a K-Drama for that.

We asked the BuzzFeed Community what the best K-Dramas are and why they hold a special place in their hearts. These are their recommendations!

1. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)

tvN

What it's about: "A great drama about the daily lives of Korean salary workers. It follows a group of interns at a big company and what they have to go through to climb the corporate ladder. The main character is an underdog with no fancy education who’s able to make due with just strength of character and hard work. Pretty good show to watch to escape all the craziness."

Where to watch: Viki

—jackc36

2. Itaewon Class (2020)

Netflix

What it's about: "Itaewon Class is one of the best K-Dramas I've ever seen. Starring Park Seojoon, who was in Parasite and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, it’s about a boy who learns how to work hard and make his father proud despite the many obstacles thrown his way. It is so well done and the suspense, drama, found family trope, and romance are so beautifully intertwined. It will have you laughing and crying and wondering how you can be a better person."

Where to watch: Netflix

—edenswartzentruber

3. Because This is My First Life (2017)

tvN

What it's about: "Because This is My First Life. It’s different than a lot of other K-Dramas I’ve watched, and it sucked me in. If you want a quirky, unique, and funny rom-com, then this is it."

Where to watch: Netflix or Viki

—jessalynh

4. Strong Girl Bong-Soon (2017)

JTBC

What it's about: "I always recommend Strong Girl Bong-Soon. It's a really great starter for folks who like superheroes, romance, or anime. It has a lot of elements of a typical K-Drama: a love triangle, a tactless mother, weirdly dark subplots, occasionally campy special effects, a competition between love interests, and a little bit of magic."

Where to watch: Viki

—emmzimm

5. Kingdom (2019)

Netflix

What it's about: "Kingdom is SUPER great. It has everything — zombies, blood, and gore. The best part is the writer actually discussed how everything she wrote was already set in stone unlike writing the usual K-Drama where you rely on viewership ratings, so everything has a definite ending. Plus Samuel L. Jackson and CL have also shared their love for Kingdom too, and they had an idea to continue this show for 10 seasons, so buckle up!"

Where to watch: Netflix

—idkwhat08

6. Hi Bye, Mama! (2020)

tvN

What it's about: "Hi Bye, Mama! is a must watch! The plot might be unrealistic, but the emotions are real! It makes us all value life more — what greater reason to watch a K-Drama?"

Where to watch: Netflix

—nainaa_fst1820

7. Kill Me Heal Me (2015)

MBC

What it's about: "I would suggest everyone try Kill Me Heal Me. It's an amazing drama that is filled with mystery, suspense, romance, comedy and so much more! This drama has everything! I mean a drama with Ji Sung and Park Seo Joon? What could be better than that?"

Where to watch: Viki

—berry783

8. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Netflix

What it's about: "Really liked this one. Funny and sad at the same time, great love story, historical setting, action, tragedy, beautiful cinematography, interesting characters. Finished it yesterday... I'm still not over the ending, to be honest!"

Where to watch: Netflix

—schaeferyvo

9. Marriage Contract (2016)

MBC

What it's about: "Marriage Contract isn't what you'd expect it to be. At least it wasn't what I expected it to be. First, I just thought it was a drama about some woman agreeing to marry a rich man so he could find a suitable liver for his dying, alcoholic mother. However it's so much more than that — it talks about struggling with mental and physical illnesses and coping with loss. It turns out to be so much more than what you originally think it is."

Where to watch: Viki

—thenamesbrand

10. Beauty Inside (2018)

JTBC

What it's about: "Beauty Inside! The drama had no unnecessary love triangles, and both of the couples are lovely. It's really funny and the main character Han Se Gye is a badass!"

Where to watch: Viki

—somebodynamednyssa

11. While You Were Sleeping (2017)

SBS

What it's about: "It's honestly one of the best dramas I've ever watched. The plot is just amazing and it has little pocket stories that drive the story and make it even better."

Where to watch: Viki or Hulu

—idkwhat08

12. Hospital Playlist (2020)

tvN

What it's about: "As a long Korean drama fan, I know I can be driven by the melodramatic, unrealistic, and weird-but-cute love stories we normally see. However, this drama is so different from all the other ones I've watched — it’s funny, serious, sad, and very interesting. There is no stereotypical hospital corruption, and no one is fighting for power — everyone is just doing their own thing. It’s just a nice, refreshing drama."

Where to watch: Netflix

—lovelyyolandanani

13. My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)

JTBC

What it's about: "I went into this looking for it to be trash, but instead found a show with a quiet but engrossing narrative, lovely characters who make smart and admirable decisions, and an intelligent (but not heavy-handed) critique of gendered power. This is not only my fave K-drama — it's one of my favorite shows full stop."

Where to watch: Viki

—raewynnie

14. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (2016)

MBC

What it's about: "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is one of the most amazing coming-of-age K-Dramas. By the time you reach the end, you’ll end up crying tears of joy for these characters. One of the most relatable k-dramas out there!"

Where to watch: Viki

—aminak2

15. Another Miss Oh (2016)

tvN

What it's about: "A masterpiece! The unique storyline, hilarious and relatable characters, and the best of all, its astonishing lines. This is a very well-written and well-directed drama that has no boring scenes. It balances out romance, drama, and comedy really well. The actors were perfect for their roles and it's definitely an emotional rollercoaster. Please give it a try; you won't regret it!"

Where to watch: Netflix or Viki

—b2e5a25

16. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)

KBS2

What it's about: "Hwarang is a perfect mixture of romance, comedy, drama, and mystery. Not only does the drama feature many talented actors and actresses, but it also teaches you about the importance of family, friendship, and sacrifice. I would recommend Hwarang to anyone — K-Drama watcher or not."

Where to watch: Viki

—a5theglue

17. Love With Flaws (2019)

MBC

What it's about: "It is hilarious and has the perfect balance of comedy, romance, and angst. The two leads are super flawed (hence the name), yet super lovable. But in my opinion, it's the secondary characters that steal the show with their humor and antics. Plus, one of the protagonist’s brothers is gay and has a love interest of his own (without this being made into a big deal), and the plot even touches upon a gay male idol who is having to hide his identity. I definitely recommend giving this drama a shot!"

Where to watch: Viki

—blaiseb98

18. Boys Over Flowers (2009)

KBS2

What it's about: "Boys Over Flowers was the start of my K-Drama journey and the perfect starter to the genre — gotta respect the classics! This drama has such a special place in my heart and every so often I like to rewatch it just to reminisce. It has every trope in the book: poor girl meets rich boy, a love triangle, forbidden love, a disapproving mother, tons of hospital scenes, and truly crazy plot twists. Plus, it has such an iconic soundtrack. If someone can make it through Boys Over Flowers, then they can make it through any K-Drama!"

Where to watch: Viki, Netflix, or Hulu

—feistyfausty07

19. Hello, My Twenties! (2016)

JTBC

What it's about: "It has an absolutely amazing cast and a surprisingly well-thought out storyline. It does get kind of dark, especially at the end of season one, but the writers do a terrific job portraying what it's like to live with trauma in the next season."

Where to watch: Netflix

—elizasutton506

20. My First First Love (2019)

Netflix

What it's about: "I would highly recommend this to anyone who is in need of a feel-good K-Drama. The series focuses on a group of young adults facing the trials and tribulations of adulthood while living together. It has everything you need: love triangles, heart-warming friendships, and is the best comedy ever!"

Where to watch: Netflix

—kaylacarolus

21. Part-Time Idol (2017)

SBS

What it's about: "It's not necessarily a romantic show and more of a comedy. It's about this music producer launching a co-ed K-Pop group, but the CEO doesn't agree with the members he selects. It has Kwon Hyun Bin from JBJ and Lee Su Hyun from AKMU as main characters, and the songs are so good!"

Where to watch: Netflix

—johns_banana

22. SKY Castle (2018)

JTBC

What it's about: "Sky Castle is packed with drama and also has a side of sick burns! It’s about the top one percent families fighting over the spots at all of the best universities in South Korea, and a mysterious tutor who is scary as hell. This show has the feel of a soap opera, but more sophisticated. It was super popular in South Korea, and you should definitely give it a try!"

Where to watch: Viki

—genevievecox

23. Her Private Life (2019)

tvN

What it's about: "In terms of what's palatable for Western audiences, I'd say Her Private Life is a good place to start. It's the perfect rom-com with enough angst to keep you hooked. It's also really under-appreciated in my opinion, considering it stars Park Min Young (the queen of rom-com dramas) and Kim Jae Wook (the swooniest, most overlooked and gorgeous leading man you could hope for)."

Where to watch: Viki

—tanzthefluorecentadolescent

24. The Reply series: Reply 1988 (2015), Reply 1994 (2013), and Reply 1997 (2012)

tvN

What it's about: "Reply 1988! It's best drama I've ever watched. It's something that you can watch over and over again without getting bored. Very heartwarming and shows the true meaning of friendship and family."

Where to watch: All three series are available on Netflix!

—nan_w

25. Crash Landing On You (2019)

tvN

What it's about: "I love Crash Landing on You. It has one of the best love stories I have ever seen on a K-Drama. It also has some of the funniest side characters. The story is engaging and you really root for the main characters to be together as their love seems so genuine."

Where to watch: Netflix

—melp4c5d95b27

26. Extracurricular (2020)

Netflix

What it's about: "It’s a thrill ride for sure! The subject matter is quite illegal, and it’s interesting to see each character’s motivation for plunging into a world of moral abandon, especially considering that many of them maintain the facade of a common citizen striving to go to college or run a legitimate business. You get attached to the characters, even if their moral compass has gone completely askew, and at first you are hoping they find a way to pull out of their nasty business, but then later you are just hoping they can preserve their life."

Where to watch: Netflix

—busyeobusyeo

27. Extraordinary You (2019)

MBC

What it's about: "Dan-O is a girl from a wealthy family who goes to private school, has a heart condition, and is engaged to a jerk. One day, she discovers that she’s actually an extra in a manhwa (Korean manga). Upon discovering that she has no control over her life, she becomes determined to change her fate. It’s such an imaginative premise, each character adds to the plot and the sixteen episode series keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Highly recommend it to stave off boredom during the quarantimes!"

Where to watch: Viki

—truevagabond465

28. Prison Playbook (2017)

tvN

What it's about: "Prison Playbook has the best friendship and life stories. It also has a unique storyline that delves into the lives of prisoners, which is a plus, in my opinion. Also, the humor is top-notch too. This will forever be my number one favorite K-Drama."

Where to watch: Netflix

—callista_sey

29. And finally, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

tvN

What it's about: "Anything written by Kim Eun-sook is legit amazing. She wrote the Heirs and Descendants of the Sun, but her best work is hands down Guardian: The Lonely and Great God starring the amazing Gong Yoo. It has tragedy, romance, and humor and is so beautifully written. Not only is it my favorite K-Drama, but one of my favorite shows in general."

Where to watch: Viki

—feralrabbit

Did your favorite K-Drama make this list? Let us know what you're watching in the comments below!

Note: Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.