TIME first made a list of the best Korean dramas on Netflix in 2020, before Squid Game became a massive hit. Since then, Korean shows on Netflix have exploded in popularity, thanks to Netflix’s big investment in South Korea. Now, there’s a wide variety of Korean shows on Netflix, showcasing the talent of Korean writers, directors, and actors. This article gives you the recommendation of Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now for binge watching.
From love stories to sci-fi and action to emotional everyday stories, Netflix has become a go-to place for top-notch Korean entertainment. This proves that the language barrier is no longer a problem, as people worldwide enjoy the fantastic content from Korea.
1. Vigilante
IMDb Ratings: 7.6/10
Director: Choi Jeong-Yeol
Cast: Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Jun-hyuk
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
“Vigilante” unfolds a captivating tale centered on JiYong, a university student who dedicates his weekends to pursuing criminals roaming the city. Meanwhile, Jo Heon, an investigator from the Metropolitan Investigation Unit, is on a mission to uncover the identity of this mysterious “Vigilante.” The series, a South Korean streaming sensation, boasts a star-studded cast including Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Joon-hyuk, and Kim So-jin.
Adapted from the Naver webtoon of the same name by Kim Gyu-sam, “Vigilante” delves into the pulse-pounding genre of action-thriller. The storyline not only captivates audiences with the dynamic between JiYong and Jo Heon but also draws attention from the media, political figures, and the business world within the show’s universe.
As JiYong navigates the city in his quest for justice, and Jo Heon meticulously investigates the Vigilante’s activities, the series paints a vivid picture of suspense, drama, and the complexities of morality. The characters’ actions and the Vigilante’s presence become focal points that ripple through various aspects of society, creating a web of intrigue that keeps viewers eagerly anticipating each episode. “Vigilante” serves as a testament to the growing influence of South Korean storytelling on the global stage, blending action with social commentary and character-driven narratives. Whether you’re a fan of intense action sequences or intrigued by the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, it is one of the best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now.
2. Hometown Cha-cha-cha
IMDb Ratings:8.4 /10
Director: Yoo Je Won
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi
Genre:Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama
“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” is a popular South Korean TV series from 2021 starring Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, and Lee Sang-yi. It’s a remake of a 2004 Korean film called “Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong.” You can watch it on Netflix. The show was a big success, ranking first for eight weeks and achieving high ratings during its run on TV. The last episode was especially popular, with over 3.2 million views.
The story is a romantic comedy-drama about Yoon Hye-jin, a skilled dentist from the city who loses her job. She goes to a seaside town called Gongjin and meets a local handyman, Chief Hong Du-sik. He has a secret past of his own. Even though they are different, they become interested in each other. The series is a delightful blend of romance and humor that captured the hearts of viewers, making it a hit both on television and on Netflix.
If you are interested in Kdramas and that too with romance, then do About Revenant – another alike kdrama!
3. SKY Castle
IMDb Ratings: 8.5/10
Director: Jo Hyun Taek
Cast: Yum Jung-ah, Tae-ran Lee, Yun Se-ah
Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Drama, Family
“Sky Castle” is a South Korean TV series from 2018-2019 starring Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, and Kim Seo-hyung. It aired on JTBC on Fridays and Saturdays from November 23, 2018, to February 1, 2019. During its airing, it became the highest-rated drama in Korean cable TV history and won several awards.
The show is a satirical look at the desires of wealthy parents in South Korea, focusing on how they go to extreme lengths to ensure their family’s success, even if it means harming others. The story revolves around housewives living in a luxurious area called SKY Castle, where rich doctors and professors reside. These women are determined to make their husbands more successful and mold their children into top students for the best universities, using any means necessary.
Han Seo-jin, played by Yum Jung-ah, is married to an ambitious doctor, Kang Joon-sang. She wants her eldest daughter, Kang Ye-seo, to become a doctor too. To achieve this, she hires Kim Joo-young, a coordinator known for her high success rate in getting students into Seoul National University.
“Sky Castle” sheds light on the pressures and competition in high society, exploring the sacrifices made in the pursuit of success. The series received praise for its critical look at materialism and won multiple awards, cementing its place in Korean TV history.
If you are interested in this type of genre then you might also like Not Others, read in detail about this in our article.
4. Squid Game
IMDb Ratings:8 /10
Director: Kim Ji-yeon
Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
This 2021 survival drama, Squid Game, is a must-mention for its record-breaking success. The story revolves around a group of people in financial trouble competing for a huge prize by playing dangerous versions of children’s games. The show not only features intense violence but also explores themes of economic desperation and how the wealthy find entertainment in others’ struggles. Squid Game has over 1.65 billion hours of viewership on Netflix and has received awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. A second season is set for release in 2024. It is one of the best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now.
Squid Game is a South Korean web series on Netflix created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The cast includes Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, HoYeon Jung, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi, and Kim Joo-ryoung. The show depicts a secret competition where 456 financially struggling players risk their lives playing deadly children’s games for a chance to win a ₩45.6 billion prize. The concept comes from a Korean children’s game, and the creator, Hwang, drew inspiration from his own economic challenges and the class differences in South Korea. Despite writing the story in 2009, it only got produced by Netflix around 2019 as part of their effort to expand foreign programming.
5. Business Proposal
IMDb Ratings:8 /10
Director: Park Seon-ho
Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Sejeong, Seol In-ah
Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
In this Korean drama classic, Shin Ha-ri, a middle-class woman working as a recipe developer at a prestigious food company, finds herself entangled in a complex situation when her wealthy best friend, Jin Young-seo, convinces her to pose as her on a blind date. The twist comes when the blind date turns out to be the CEO of Ha-ri’s company, leading to a contract where she pretends to be his girlfriend. The CEO, haunted by the death of his parents, gradually falls in love with Ha-ri, who reciprocates after some time.
The twelve-episode series is refreshingly concise, avoiding the typical extended drama format. The lack of high-stakes conflict makes the plot revolve around the secrecy of their relationship, involving concerns from the CEO’s grandfather, Ha-ri’s parents, and company employees. A subplot features Ha-ri’s former crush discovering the contract, adding a touch of drama that resolves relatively quickly.
Notably, a mature and adult-like romance unfolds between the CEO’s secretary and Young-seo, adding depth to the storyline. This unexpected twist, coupled with steamy moments and the secretary’s revelation of having a nun mother, adds richness and complexity to the overall narrative.
Conclusion
In wrapping up the exploration of the Best Korean Dramas currently gracing Netflix, it’s evident that this diverse collection offers a rich tapestry of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries. From gripping narratives that delve into societal pressures and economic struggles to heartwarming romances that tug at the heartstrings, these Korean dramas showcase the industry’s creativity and ability to resonate with a global audience.
Netflix’s commitment to bringing high-quality Korean content to its platform has undoubtedly broadened the appeal of these dramas, breaking down language barriers and introducing viewers worldwide to the captivating world of Hallyu. Whether you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers, lighthearted comedies, or emotionally charged love stories, the current lineup of Korean dramas on Netflix caters to a diverse range of tastes.
As the popularity of Korean dramas continues to soar, fueled by exceptional performances, compelling plots, and innovative storytelling, Netflix remains a go-to destination for those seeking an immersive and culturally enriching viewing experience. So, whether you’re a seasoned K-drama enthusiast or just stepping into this vibrant realm of entertainment, the Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now promise an engaging journey into the heart of Korean storytelling, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by audiences around the globe.
