Korean dramas are now very popular not only in Korea but also around the world. Numerous K-dramas are actually tested on global OTT platforms such as + and Amazon Prime, and are streaming at varying rates with Disney. In this article, we will introduce the ranking of Korean dramas that have become popular with everyone due to the K-drama craze, and analyze the characteristics and reactions of each spotlight.
1. Squid Game
Genre: Thriller, Survival
Cast: Lee Jeong-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jeong Ho-yeon
Overseas reaction:
- Netflix ranks first worldwide (2021)
- Ranked first in 94 countries, sparking a global craze for K-drama
- Memes and parodies are popular around the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia
characteristic:
- Survival thriller with a social message
- Strong characters and shocking twist story
오징어 게임 | 넷플릭스
빚에 쫓기는 수백 명의 사람들이 서바이벌 게임에 뛰어든다. 거액의 상금으로 새로운 삶을 시작하기 위해. 하지만 모두 승자가 될 순 없는 법. 탈락하는 이들은 치명적인 결과를 각오해야 한다.
www.netflix.com
2. The Glory
Genre: Revenge, Drama
Cast: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon
Ovrseas reaction:
- Netflix maintains global TOP 10 (2023)
- Highly popular in Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe
- It was well received for its realistic theme of ‘school violence’ and powerful story development.
characteristic:
- Song Hye-kyo's extraordinary acting transformation
- A suspenseful revenge story and a production with outstanding emotions.
더 글로리 | 넷플릭스
고등학교 시절, 끔찍한 괴롭힘에 시달렸던 여자. 많은 시간이 흐른 후, 가해자들을 응징하기 위해 그녀가 치밀한 복수를 감행한다.
www.netflix.com
3. Crash Landing on You
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye
Overseas reaction:
- Very popular in Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe
- High viewership over a long period of time on Netflix
- A romantic drama that once again sparked the Korean Wave.
characteristic:
- A fresh story based on the setting of South and North Korea
- Excellent chemistry and touching narrative between the lead actors
사랑의 불시착 | 넷플릭스
뜻밖의 돌풍은 행운일까, 불운일까. 패러글라이딩 사고로 북한에 불시착한 재벌 딸. 그곳에서 깐깐한 북한군 장교를 만난다. 이 와중에 피어오르는 낯선 감정은 뭐지?
www.netflix.com
4. Kingdom
Genre: Historical drama, zombie, action
Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doo-na, Ryu Seung-ryong
Overseas reaction:
- Rated as the best K-drama among Netflix original series
- It is very popular in the US, Europe, and South America, and requests for Season 3 are flooding in.
- It has attracted attention as a unique genre that combines zombies and the Joseon Dynasty.
characteristic:
- Movie-like scale and suspenseful production
- A unique setting that combines history and fantasy
킹덤 | 넷플릭스
병든 왕을 둘러싸고 흉흉한 소문이 떠돈다. 어둠에 뒤덮인 조선, 기이한 역병에 신음하는 산하. 정체 모를 악에 맞서 백성을 구원할 희망은 오직 세자뿐이다.
www.netflix.com
5. Itaewon Class
Genre: Youth, coming-of-age drama
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myeong
Overseas reaction:
- Explosive popularity in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.
- Because it is an original webtoon, the original fan base is strong.
- The youth story of challenge and success gained a lot of sympathy.
characteristic:
- Park Seo-joon's powerful acting and unique characters
- Messages and moving narratives that break social prejudice
이태원 클라쓰 | 넷플릭스
활력과 욕망이 넘치는 이태원. 한 전과자와 친구들이 꿈을 위해 뭉쳤다. 일단 시작은 술집 창업. 불합리한 세상, 막강한 적이 앞길을 막으면? 기를 쓰고 맞서 싸워야지!
www.netflix.com
6. Revenant
Genre: Occult, Mystery
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se, Hong Kyung
Overseas Reaction:
- Rising in popularity in Southeast Asia, Japan, and the United States
- Korean horror elements provide a fresh experience to overseas viewers
- Highly immersive ratings due to the tense story development
characteristic:
- A genre that combines mystery and occult
- Interesting reflections of Korean horror and traditional religious elements
악귀
방영종료 전회차 VOD 무료!
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7. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Genre: Courtroom drama, human drama
Cast: Eunbin Park, Taeoh Kang, Kiyoung Kang
Overseas reaction:
- Enter Netflix Global TOP 10
- Remake requests are increasing as it receives great love in the US, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
- A touching response to the protagonist's unique character and warm story
characteristic:
- The growth story of an autism spectrum lawyer
- A touching yet humorous courtroom drama.
이상한 변호사 우영우 | 넷플릭스
천재적인 두뇌의 소유자 우영우. 대형 로펌의 신입 변호사이자 자폐 스펙트럼 장애를 가진 여성으로서 법정 안팎에서 다양한 난관을 헤쳐간다.
www.netflix.com
8. Vincenzo
Genre: Crime, Black Comedy
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-bin, Ok Taecyeon
Overseas reaction:
- Popular in Italy, USA and Europe
- It is evaluated as a work that combines Korean-style black comedy and action.
characteristic:
- Song Joong-ki's attractive villain character
- A fresh production that combines black comedy and crime action.
빈센조 | 넷플릭스
악은 악으로, 약은 약으로! 모국을 찾은 한국계 이탈리아 마피아 변호사. 무소불위의 재벌에 쓴맛 한번 보여줄까? 이거 본의 아니게 정의의 사도가 될지도 모르겠네.
www.netflix.com
9. Moving
Genre: Hero, Action, Fantasy
Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Jo In-seong
Overseas reaction:
- Global box office success on Disney+
- Compared to Marvel superhero films, it is well-received by overseas fans.
- Refreshing response as it is a Korean-style superhero drama.
characteristic:
- Stories of families with superpowers
- A masterpiece with outstanding CG and action directing.
Watch Moving | Full Episodes | Disney+
Children with superpowers and their parents with painful pasts face enormous dangers together.
www.disneyplus.com
conclusion
Korean dramas have now established themselves as content with great influence around the world. Works of various genres, including thriller, romance, and fantasy, are loved in the global market and are recording high viewership ratings and topicality. As the popularity of K-dramas continues to spread through various OTT platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, it is expected that more masterpieces will appear in the future.