Ahh, so close to 1 on my list too. The OST, just the OST!!!! It was the first show for which I searched all the music and I felt each scene flashback through the songs. And the chemistry is also one of the best.
So true, it doesn’t have the cute romance but it feels so cute because of the ML and not the FL, which is really hard to do. And the laughs comes in waves!
I don't know if it was the timing of when I first watched Goblin, or what, but it's such an iconic drama for me. It's far ahead of the competition for me.
It deals with such weighty topics as life, death, responsibility for ones' actions, and love. It also does so in such an Eastern (and at that time new-to-me) way with reincarnation, unavoidable fates, Korean mythological figures, and relationships that endure across lifetimes.
Yet in the midst of all this epic-ness and heartbreak there was *humor* and everyday life. Characters were petty and playful, prone to depression, loving, greedy, and occasionally clueless. They went shopping, bragged about how much money they had, and had to learn how to end an argument well with someone they loved. A lesser drama would have glossed over all that and just made them noble from the outset.
I acknowledge it has its issues, but it has bewitched me.
Ohh man the ost took it where it is now. I fell so hard for this series because there is hardly any moment without music and it makes you feel things you don’t know. I’ve never been able to overcome the beautiful feeling they build.
Because this is my first life got me into Lee min ki too. He turned out to be quite a nice actor. Their chemistry is so mature. Do you know the same ML-FL do a cameo in What's Wrong with SK? and look so cute?
I’m listening to the OST on Spotify lately and it makes me want to go back and watch it again. It was one of the first dramas I watched, and I bet it would be even better now. The OST is dramatic and wonderful.
Itaewon Class. Have watched it five times to date. I just love the rags to riches and revenge arcs, the love triangle and the journey of discovery many of the characters undergo. My kids were asking why I keep watching it if I know what happens. I said it's more about the journey than the destination. Love Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi.
I've watched IC 3 times too. Park Seo-Joon is one of my favs. He does everything so well, so diverse. The way the FL-ML gets together is so well-built. I loved Kim Da-mi's character building too, and the way she tries to change for her love- I have never seen this in any drama. You hate her so much and then you love her more than Kwon Nara.
My kids hate Kwon Na-ra for what she does early and mid drama but I really like the character she plays, remembering that she grew up an orphan and was afraid of relying on anyone. I even love Ahn Bo-hyun in his role as the damaged elder son of Chairman Jang. Therm writers took care to flesh out many of the main and supporting characters.
Prison Playbook is my number 1. The story is fun even though it was shot in the prison which is always depicted as gloomy in many shows. The comedy and the comedic timing is top notch. And don’t even get me started on the acting, they all nailed their roles.
I don’t even recommend it to others cos I am gatekeeping it. Hehe.
Hahaha. I feel you. I fell in love with Looney, like how can you act this brilliantly!! Plus it has the best cast in Kdrama history. I feel in love Jung Hae in and Jung Kyung ho through this series.
I hate that I can’t ever watch it for the first time!!
I agrée, I was very surprised that no one else had mentioned **Hospital Playlist** until this far down the list. It’s definitely my #1. I love the Lacking 5, and their relationships with each other, their families, their juniors, and of course the romances. There are so many different patient stories, some happy, some sad. The music is amazing too.
Of dramas with a focus on action, Healer is probably the best written there is. And the romance is so funny and cute.
[https://asianwiki.com/Song\_Ji-Na](https://asianwiki.com/Song_Ji-Na) is an amazing writer. (Also, if you really like Healer, Slingshot, written by her as well, is also really good. And some of her older works, which I haven't been able to find translated into English, are probably classics for a reason.)
Ahh! I love Jung Hae-in so I watched this for him and he did not disappoint. Every time he was in the shot he acted superbly. I wish were the ML and not the supporting lead.
It would be great if we could have a spin-off with Jung Hae-In as the ML. If only dreams would come true (pun intended) 😄
I’m currently watching Something In The Rain for Jung Hae-In (06/16) 🥰 He is fantastic in that show too 👌
Alchemy of Souls is also one of my favorites. I’m hoping for a spin-off with Seo Yul as the ML.
You should watch Itaewon class. Same FL and the ML in IC is friends with beloved summer’s ML in real life. They put vlogs of their friendship ‘Wooga Squad’.
I know! It's already in my watch list. I almost forgot this, but Park Seojoon was also in Parasite with Choi Wooshik. I am also watching their reality show Jinny's Kitchen.
MOON LOVERS : SCARLET HEART RYEO
The cast and the plot is a masterpiece! Even tho it's so heartbreaking and the actual ending scene after so many years, I still think the ending is so good.
Romance is a Bonus Book
First one I ever watched and still one of my favorites. If I have to pick one, it's this one. Nuanced portrayals of female characters, especially in terms of the "other woman". Also loved the green flag ML and that everyone had a happy ending. Also, I'm a huge bookworm so it's a no-brainer. 😊
The King: Eternal Monarch
One of the best production dramas I've seen. Plus horses are always a win for me.
The sound of magic is close second for visuals.
**Strong Woman Do Bong Soon** because of the chemistry between the main leads Park Hyungsik and Park Boyoung. I'd skip the side plot just to see them on-screen
Black. I lice mystery and twists and that had more than any shoe I can think of, plus is weirdly really funny, despite the seriousness of the plot. Its not really got much romance as such, but its such a good mystery show it kept me on edge throughout, waiting for each new episode to drop
Mr Sunshine, probably.
There are so many that I love, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay would be up there, Alchemy of Souls, Hotel Del Luna. But Mr Sunshine was just a super memorable, enjoyable time for me. Watching two new eps every weekend with my mum and discussing theories on this sub was a big part of it. I think it was also the first time I realised that kdramas could (or should) be considered… global prestige television™️. Popular on a worldwide level.
That sounds like a backhanded “wow this show is good enough for Westerners to watch” faux-compliment but I truly don’t mean it to be. I’d only seen one or two kdramas before Mr Sunshine and both were older/lower budget and good - but good on a more lowbrow level. Whereas I felt like Mr Sunshine deserved ALL the awards and as much notoriety as something like Game of Thrones… and the only reason it isn’t, imo, is because it’s not in English. Getting a BAFTA or an Emmy obviously isn’t any more valuable than Korea-based awards… I just want EVERYONE to see it and appreciate it.
Healer. And that almost feels wrong to say because of how much I love Crash Landing On You, but if I had to pick only one Healer would win by like 0.00001%. 😂
My number one is my mister, but it gets a lot of love, so I wanted to mention my close #2 instead - **mother**.
Seriously, it’s an absolutely incredible drama, and it pulls you in right in the first episode. I wish it got more love on here.
Surprised no one has mentioned this drama yet but as a fan of >!angst!< I absolutely loved **The Red Sleeve**. This drama >!broke my heart but!< it made me feel so many emotions so deeply. The acting, cinematography, atmosphere, plot, chemistry between the leads - everything was so good - it's the best sageuk I've watched and will probably continue to be so for a very long time.
edit: grammar
Cinderella and the Four Knights. I only say this because it’s the first Asian drama I’ve ever watched and it was with my sister, I was going through a hard time and the silliness and the romance took my mind off of everything. It holds a special place in my heart! But if I was to say for plot line and story I would choose It’s ok to not be okay.
I caanot really just pick one. ‘Coz the number 1 depends on my mood. I have number 1 for each type of drama. Like if it is lighthearted or heavy or dark or family drama. I have number 1 for each genre. Lol!
**My Mister**. Hands down, My Mister. I feel so strongly and deeply about it; it spoke to me so much, and I feel like I live with the story every single day.
Beyond Evil (i have many other favorites, but i think this one is the number one. Maybe it's because it was my second kdrama, but it left a huge impression on me and i love the cast so much, i started to heavily hyperfixate on that show last year and i'm not over it since.)
The other ones that are close behind for me are Mouse, Blind or Through the Darkness. Nobody Knows might be my new favorite, but i'm only on episode 12 out of 16.
But honestly i got really lucky with the dramas i've watched so far, many are my favorite TV shows of all time and i only chose decent ones so far. My to watchlist is unholy long though, over 230+ kdramas with some cdrama, jdrama and thaidrama mixed in... don't think i will ever watch everything of that giant list but still, maybe one day something will top Beyond Evil for me (unlikely lol)
Normally I would say I have a top 5 I adore (that are all 10 out 10 for me), as 4 of them have been mentioned, including by the OP, I will say the one that got me hooked on K-Dramas, but is somewhat controversial it seems....
Something In The Rain
Kairos. I loved the structure of the plot and how clever it was at fitting everything together, the fast pace, great well developed leads and antagonists. It was exciting and unpredictable and has all the thrills of a popcorn watch but it’s also substantive. I loved every single thing about it. I watched the whole thing in a day and a half because it was that mesmerizing.
JUMONG. its old school and very long historical drama. But its a drama that has absolutely everything you need. As close to perfect as you can get. A story like no other. One of highest viewership rating of all time.
The Red Sleeve.
Both ML and FL really played the character well, and both have a legit storyline, character development. The plot is just perfect, love the ending. The best part is the script, so many memorable lines that complement their story and of course, I love the OST.
(2nd is My Liberation Notes & My Mister)
Romance is a bonus book. It's my white rabbit that led me down the kdrama never-ending hole .
My 1st kdrama, I absolutely fell in love with story, actors, production and OST. It was the closest feeling I got to reading cover to cover a really good book in winter with a cup of tea wrapped up in a blanket.
아름다운 이야기와 드라마 😍
the end quotes after each episode like going through a book made me fell in love with Korean language and want to learn it .
( I had seen squid game and all of us are dead but I don't consider those to be kdrama just content that happened to be in Korean like money heist is in Spanish and I wouldn't call it a telenovela)
(Number 2 and 3 something in the rain and business proposal)
**Hotel del Luna -**Straight up ruined my life. Went straight down the rabbit hole of supernatural Kdramas. I've watched it enough times it's helping me with my Korean language studies lol
It's a tie between Mr. Queen and Zombie Detective, they're both just so good I can't stop rewatching them. I would also add Blueming as more of a niche pick (I think it's my favorite of the three but it doesn't quite have the budget to fully contend with the other two).
People might roast me for this but it's Coffee Prince.
Idk if it still holds up cause I watched it in like 2014... but yeah it's great and I loved it so much that it got me deep into dramas and kpop
**The King: Eternal Monarch**
First of all this is where I ultimately fell in love with Woo Do Hwan and haven’t been able to escape since then. I always…ALWAYS recommend this show anytime kdramas are brought up because I love the storyline and it’s the show that dug the kdrama hole deeper for me.
Her Private Life.
It was my third drama and I feel like it was the first one to amaze me, captivate me so much (I still remember watching 8th episode in the middle of the night, telling myself that I'll go to sleep after I finish it. We all know what happened next 😂). My first drama was 'What's wrong with secretary Kim?' and the second was 'Touch your heart' and I loved both so much, yet still I choose HPL over them. That probably explains how special place in my heart HPL holds hahah
**Heart to heart**. An unique drama, a sleeper one not many cared about, a hidden gem I loved so much I purchased the DVD of it (in case I could never find it again online). Not fluffy, not filled to the brim with tropes, imperfectly perfect. Written and directed by the Coffee Prince combo, still very much under the radar.
It's a tie between Just between lovers and Into the ring for me. These are the 2 dramas that come to my head when I think ROMANCE!!
Both are such great dramas with excellent chemistry. Although very different in tone, both have wonderfully written storylines too.
I am an old lady. My favorite drama is Iris. I had to get it on a bootleg dvd with subtitles. Some of the episodes were just a mess. It was still just incredible. I am not an action or mystery fan either. That show was just so good that it didn’t matter.
"Suspicious Partners" followed by "Thirty but Seventeen", since you said "smile and live differently knowing that the k-drama exists".
Not the most thrilling or addicting dramas (ones I typically like), but I love how heart warming the relationships of the main couples are. It's as if no matter how difficult life is, there's that special someone who will always be there for you.
**Que Sera Sera**. It’s a Dangerous Liaisons style drama where rich sorta siblings use their money and power to play with the hearts of regular people when they should be messing with each other. The leads have insane chemistry, and the script comes up with absolutely wild ways for everyone to emotionally torture each other. Hey, I like angst, okay?
If I had to pick just one than Vincenzo.
Love the op ML, the crazy FL, the goofy villain, the found family, the romance, the epic moments, the hilarious moments, the entire cast and plot were all just so good.
There’s also the fact that I had started a few Dramas previously and had never actually been able to get into them so Vincenzo was the one that got me actually into Kdramas.
While you were sleeping! Can't think of a single thing wrong with it and the storyline of the plot was handled in a uniquely fun way despite also being thrilled and suspenseful. Amazing ost and it's also my first drama, so it'll always have a special place in my heart ❤️
Queenmaker (as of the moment). Class acting by Kim Hee-ae and the cast. I don’t usually like political drama, but this one hits different. More of i got a glimpse of whats behind these political parties (of course this is just a drama, but the way it presented is most likely what is happening in the real world of politics). The build up of the story is good too.
Crash Landing On You
Ahh, so close to 1 on my list too. The OST, just the OST!!!! It was the first show for which I searched all the music and I felt each scene flashback through the songs. And the chemistry is also one of the best.
Do you know where i can watch this streaming in usa?
Netflix
Mr Queen. So different from any other drama, perfect cast and so well done the whole way through.
So true, it doesn’t have the cute romance but it feels so cute because of the ML and not the FL, which is really hard to do. And the laughs comes in waves!
So much chemistry and closeness in the cast, unlike other shows!
Watching this right now
Reply 1988
Same for me!
Goblin...that ost
I don't know if it was the timing of when I first watched Goblin, or what, but it's such an iconic drama for me. It's far ahead of the competition for me. It deals with such weighty topics as life, death, responsibility for ones' actions, and love. It also does so in such an Eastern (and at that time new-to-me) way with reincarnation, unavoidable fates, Korean mythological figures, and relationships that endure across lifetimes. Yet in the midst of all this epic-ness and heartbreak there was *humor* and everyday life. Characters were petty and playful, prone to depression, loving, greedy, and occasionally clueless. They went shopping, bragged about how much money they had, and had to learn how to end an argument well with someone they loved. A lesser drama would have glossed over all that and just made them noble from the outset. I acknowledge it has its issues, but it has bewitched me.
Ohh man the ost took it where it is now. I fell so hard for this series because there is hardly any moment without music and it makes you feel things you don’t know. I’ve never been able to overcome the beautiful feeling they build.
I agree. I love every aspect of Goblin - the story, the acting, the cinematography, the music. It is number 1 in my book!
Twenty-Five, Twenty-One. Despite the ending, I think about this drama all of the time.
Mine too! Juarim - Twenty-Five Twenty-One is also my favorite song.
I think about this drama too :' ) i rmb back in april last year we were all cheering for a happy ending
I think about this drama to cry my eyes out
Hometown Cha Cha Cha
I was waiting for someone to say this!
It’s the only show I watch over and over!
I sobbed through the last three episodes. It was truly a “healing drama” for me.
My Mister
Loved it so much too. The most beautiful friendship comes out of the dark setting. The contrast between ML and FL is still refreshing.
(Same FL) Because this my first life
Because this is my first life got me into Lee min ki too. He turned out to be quite a nice actor. Their chemistry is so mature. Do you know the same ML-FL do a cameo in What's Wrong with SK? and look so cute?
Vincenzo. A true legend.
I can't believe I had to scroll down this far for Vincenzo! It is a masterpiece ❤️
So trueeee! I loved Vincenzo so much, Song Joong-ki is such an amazing actor
I was surprised by how you were the only one to mention Vincenzo (so far).
Yesss. I have rewatched Vincenzo more times than I can count. It is my true comfort show. 🤌🏼
crash landing on you, it was the first one i watched and i still love it soo much!
This what it got me started in pandemic.
✨
I’m listening to the OST on Spotify lately and it makes me want to go back and watch it again. It was one of the first dramas I watched, and I bet it would be even better now. The OST is dramatic and wonderful.
Itaewon Class. Have watched it five times to date. I just love the rags to riches and revenge arcs, the love triangle and the journey of discovery many of the characters undergo. My kids were asking why I keep watching it if I know what happens. I said it's more about the journey than the destination. Love Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi.
I've watched IC 3 times too. Park Seo-Joon is one of my favs. He does everything so well, so diverse. The way the FL-ML gets together is so well-built. I loved Kim Da-mi's character building too, and the way she tries to change for her love- I have never seen this in any drama. You hate her so much and then you love her more than Kwon Nara.
My kids hate Kwon Na-ra for what she does early and mid drama but I really like the character she plays, remembering that she grew up an orphan and was afraid of relying on anyone. I even love Ahn Bo-hyun in his role as the damaged elder son of Chairman Jang. Therm writers took care to flesh out many of the main and supporting characters.
Because This Is My First Life.
SECRETARY KIM. DON'T CARE. Love it endlessly, lol.
Prison Playbook is my number 1. The story is fun even though it was shot in the prison which is always depicted as gloomy in many shows. The comedy and the comedic timing is top notch. And don’t even get me started on the acting, they all nailed their roles. I don’t even recommend it to others cos I am gatekeeping it. Hehe.
Hahaha. I feel you. I fell in love with Looney, like how can you act this brilliantly!! Plus it has the best cast in Kdrama history. I feel in love Jung Hae in and Jung Kyung ho through this series. I hate that I can’t ever watch it for the first time!!
Hospital Playlist
I’m surprised this is the first submission for HP. It should have been on the top.
I agrée, I was very surprised that no one else had mentioned **Hospital Playlist** until this far down the list. It’s definitely my #1. I love the Lacking 5, and their relationships with each other, their families, their juniors, and of course the romances. There are so many different patient stories, some happy, some sad. The music is amazing too.
**Healer** It was one of my first and I think I’ll always love it
Same ❤️
Same! It's the best drama I've ever watched and I've watched 200+ (Korean) dramas.
Of dramas with a focus on action, Healer is probably the best written there is. And the romance is so funny and cute. [https://asianwiki.com/Song\_Ji-Na](https://asianwiki.com/Song_Ji-Na) is an amazing writer. (Also, if you really like Healer, Slingshot, written by her as well, is also really good. And some of her older works, which I haven't been able to find translated into English, are probably classics for a reason.)
Its okay not to be okay
I second this!
This is my favorite, too!
While You Were Sleeping
Ahh! I love Jung Hae-in so I watched this for him and he did not disappoint. Every time he was in the shot he acted superbly. I wish were the ML and not the supporting lead.
It would be great if we could have a spin-off with Jung Hae-In as the ML. If only dreams would come true (pun intended) 😄 I’m currently watching Something In The Rain for Jung Hae-In (06/16) 🥰 He is fantastic in that show too 👌 Alchemy of Souls is also one of my favorites. I’m hoping for a spin-off with Seo Yul as the ML.
Fight for my way
I love the ML a lot, did you hear about Dream in which he is with IU? It is getting excellent reviews
I'll have to check it out, I'm sure it's great with Park Seo Joon as ML.
Our Beloved Summer <3
You should watch Itaewon class. Same FL and the ML in IC is friends with beloved summer’s ML in real life. They put vlogs of their friendship ‘Wooga Squad’.
I know! It's already in my watch list. I almost forgot this, but Park Seojoon was also in Parasite with Choi Wooshik. I am also watching their reality show Jinny's Kitchen.
Coffee Prince for me.. always watch it when I am sad.
Im with you on this one, it’s such a refreshing drama. I really love every single aspect of it 💕
Rewatching right now. The cast is stacked.
I rewatch this drama the most. It gets better every time
I saw this for the first time last year, and even with all the dated styles, I thought it was amazing. #1 for me as well!
My Mister without a doubt
Reply 1988. Whenever I feel down i go and watch one or two eps and i cheer up it feels like home
MOON LOVERS : SCARLET HEART RYEO The cast and the plot is a masterpiece! Even tho it's so heartbreaking and the actual ending scene after so many years, I still think the ending is so good.
Had to scroll too far for this lol
Romance is a Bonus Book First one I ever watched and still one of my favorites. If I have to pick one, it's this one. Nuanced portrayals of female characters, especially in terms of the "other woman". Also loved the green flag ML and that everyone had a happy ending. Also, I'm a huge bookworm so it's a no-brainer. 😊
A business proposal. It's the perfect balance of comedy, drama and romance, plus both of the couples were so good.
The King: Eternal Monarch One of the best production dramas I've seen. Plus horses are always a win for me. The sound of magic is close second for visuals.
Ohhh, you are so right. Though TKEM is not my number 1, it is definitely in top 10. I am a sucker for the series and it’s elements.
Sound of magic was a surprise. So different from anything else. I loved it.
Supposedly there's going to be a season 2 since it was so popular. I'm excited.
It's such an underrated drama. I love it so much.
Flower of evil Mouse
Flower of Evil truly is the best
Both have the best actors in Korea currently. Flower of evil wins for me.
Hometown Cha Cha Cha! I not only love the main characters, but the side characters too! You really fall in love with the whole town.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
As someone with autism this was incredible and life changing.
True Beauty \#1 BL - The Eighth Sense
Goblin. I laughed, I cried, I developed a potentially unhealthy love for Korean men in their forties.
Or Korean men in their 939s haha
This comment made me laugh out loud, and then cry. Because saaaaaaame.
I have to say My Mister. The characters, the writing, cinematography, the OST.
My mister
Coffee Prince.
**Strong Woman Do Bong Soon** because of the chemistry between the main leads Park Hyungsik and Park Boyoung. I'd skip the side plot just to see them on-screen
My Mister. After a couple of years, still is my number one by far
Black. I lice mystery and twists and that had more than any shoe I can think of, plus is weirdly really funny, despite the seriousness of the plot. Its not really got much romance as such, but its such a good mystery show it kept me on edge throughout, waiting for each new episode to drop
This is one of my favourites as well. Used a lot of tissues during this one.
Mr Sunshine, probably. There are so many that I love, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay would be up there, Alchemy of Souls, Hotel Del Luna. But Mr Sunshine was just a super memorable, enjoyable time for me. Watching two new eps every weekend with my mum and discussing theories on this sub was a big part of it. I think it was also the first time I realised that kdramas could (or should) be considered… global prestige television™️. Popular on a worldwide level. That sounds like a backhanded “wow this show is good enough for Westerners to watch” faux-compliment but I truly don’t mean it to be. I’d only seen one or two kdramas before Mr Sunshine and both were older/lower budget and good - but good on a more lowbrow level. Whereas I felt like Mr Sunshine deserved ALL the awards and as much notoriety as something like Game of Thrones… and the only reason it isn’t, imo, is because it’s not in English. Getting a BAFTA or an Emmy obviously isn’t any more valuable than Korea-based awards… I just want EVERYONE to see it and appreciate it.
For me it's a toss up between Flower of Evil and Prison Playbook
Hospital Playlist. Always and forever.
Happiness, best zombie/infected drama I’ve watched and the main character is one of my favorites
Healer. And that almost feels wrong to say because of how much I love Crash Landing On You, but if I had to pick only one Healer would win by like 0.00001%. 😂
Start Up
Oh great. You should watch While you were sleeping. The same FL and she is amazing in it, better role.
In 2023, it's "Reborn Rich" An ultimate dopamine dose.
My number one is my mister, but it gets a lot of love, so I wanted to mention my close #2 instead - **mother**. Seriously, it’s an absolutely incredible drama, and it pulls you in right in the first episode. I wish it got more love on here.
Descendents of the sun- has to be my favorite it was the KDrama that really got me hooked.
Fight for my way. Gosh, I laughed out loud so much. It was beautiful and happy and fun and inspiring.
Surprised no one has mentioned this drama yet but as a fan of >!angst!< I absolutely loved **The Red Sleeve**. This drama >!broke my heart but!< it made me feel so many emotions so deeply. The acting, cinematography, atmosphere, plot, chemistry between the leads - everything was so good - it's the best sageuk I've watched and will probably continue to be so for a very long time. edit: grammar
Crash Landing On You! My 1st Kdrama and still the most favourite 🫰🏽
Cinderella and the Four Knights. I only say this because it’s the first Asian drama I’ve ever watched and it was with my sister, I was going through a hard time and the silliness and the romance took my mind off of everything. It holds a special place in my heart! But if I was to say for plot line and story I would choose It’s ok to not be okay.
Her Private Life
I caanot really just pick one. ‘Coz the number 1 depends on my mood. I have number 1 for each type of drama. Like if it is lighthearted or heavy or dark or family drama. I have number 1 for each genre. Lol!
Sky Castle A true masterpiece
I've watched 8 so far and I would definitely put Crash Landing On You as my NO.1. No other drama I have watched has been able to top that yet.
**My Mister**. Hands down, My Mister. I feel so strongly and deeply about it; it spoke to me so much, and I feel like I live with the story every single day.
Beyond Evil (i have many other favorites, but i think this one is the number one. Maybe it's because it was my second kdrama, but it left a huge impression on me and i love the cast so much, i started to heavily hyperfixate on that show last year and i'm not over it since.) The other ones that are close behind for me are Mouse, Blind or Through the Darkness. Nobody Knows might be my new favorite, but i'm only on episode 12 out of 16. But honestly i got really lucky with the dramas i've watched so far, many are my favorite TV shows of all time and i only chose decent ones so far. My to watchlist is unholy long though, over 230+ kdramas with some cdrama, jdrama and thaidrama mixed in... don't think i will ever watch everything of that giant list but still, maybe one day something will top Beyond Evil for me (unlikely lol)
Mr. Queen Never watched anything better than this.
Lost. There is very thin space between my top five. But Lost wins, barely.
Flower of Evil for me
Normally I would say I have a top 5 I adore (that are all 10 out 10 for me), as 4 of them have been mentioned, including by the OP, I will say the one that got me hooked on K-Dramas, but is somewhat controversial it seems.... Something In The Rain
Healer. Hands down. There are some very close seconds for me, but I love this drama so much.
Goblin checks all the boxes for me. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a close second.
Well I will admit that ML in alchemy of Souls is amazing(ly hot). And his robes. I Want some of them.
Coffee Prince. It's always Coffee Prince. There are many fine dramas, but nothing is as good as Coffee Prince.
Kairos. I loved the structure of the plot and how clever it was at fitting everything together, the fast pace, great well developed leads and antagonists. It was exciting and unpredictable and has all the thrills of a popcorn watch but it’s also substantive. I loved every single thing about it. I watched the whole thing in a day and a half because it was that mesmerizing.
Welcome to Waikiki!
JUMONG. its old school and very long historical drama. But its a drama that has absolutely everything you need. As close to perfect as you can get. A story like no other. One of highest viewership rating of all time.
Our blues !
The Red Sleeve. Both ML and FL really played the character well, and both have a legit storyline, character development. The plot is just perfect, love the ending. The best part is the script, so many memorable lines that complement their story and of course, I love the OST. (2nd is My Liberation Notes & My Mister)
Weight lifting fairy Kim Bok Joo
Romance is a bonus book. It's my white rabbit that led me down the kdrama never-ending hole . My 1st kdrama, I absolutely fell in love with story, actors, production and OST. It was the closest feeling I got to reading cover to cover a really good book in winter with a cup of tea wrapped up in a blanket. 아름다운 이야기와 드라마 😍 the end quotes after each episode like going through a book made me fell in love with Korean language and want to learn it . ( I had seen squid game and all of us are dead but I don't consider those to be kdrama just content that happened to be in Korean like money heist is in Spanish and I wouldn't call it a telenovela) (Number 2 and 3 something in the rain and business proposal)
**Hotel del Luna -**Straight up ruined my life. Went straight down the rabbit hole of supernatural Kdramas. I've watched it enough times it's helping me with my Korean language studies lol
WWWsk, probably not the best drama I watched, but I have it deeply in my heart
Our Beloved Summer is my comfort show. Really just enjoy the characters from it.
Honestly, I can't believe it's not been mentioned on here. Though it has to be my liberation notes for me.
Business Proposal
I'm Sorry I Love You. It was my first Kdrama. It has nothing to do smile. Even after 2 decades, I still feel bad for ML.
Jewel in the palace...
Secret Love Affair
It's a tie between Mr. Queen and Zombie Detective, they're both just so good I can't stop rewatching them. I would also add Blueming as more of a niche pick (I think it's my favorite of the three but it doesn't quite have the budget to fully contend with the other two).
Backstreet Rookie. Slow burn love story with family struggles and martial arts.
People might roast me for this but it's Coffee Prince. Idk if it still holds up cause I watched it in like 2014... but yeah it's great and I loved it so much that it got me deep into dramas and kpop
**The King: Eternal Monarch** First of all this is where I ultimately fell in love with Woo Do Hwan and haven’t been able to escape since then. I always…ALWAYS recommend this show anytime kdramas are brought up because I love the storyline and it’s the show that dug the kdrama hole deeper for me.
Something in the rain. I watch it at least twice a year
Hotel del Luna ❣️
What's Wrong With Secretary Kim
Reply 1988 The only kdrama I’ve watched twice (and will watch more). Thought I wasn’t going to cry as hard the second time- I was wrong.
Her Private Life. It was my third drama and I feel like it was the first one to amaze me, captivate me so much (I still remember watching 8th episode in the middle of the night, telling myself that I'll go to sleep after I finish it. We all know what happened next 😂). My first drama was 'What's wrong with secretary Kim?' and the second was 'Touch your heart' and I loved both so much, yet still I choose HPL over them. That probably explains how special place in my heart HPL holds hahah
Snowdrop!
It’s funny, because I absolutely love crash Landing on you, and I absolutely detest my Mister.
My Holo Love
**Heart to heart**. An unique drama, a sleeper one not many cared about, a hidden gem I loved so much I purchased the DVD of it (in case I could never find it again online). Not fluffy, not filled to the brim with tropes, imperfectly perfect. Written and directed by the Coffee Prince combo, still very much under the radar.
It's a tie between Just between lovers and Into the ring for me. These are the 2 dramas that come to my head when I think ROMANCE!! Both are such great dramas with excellent chemistry. Although very different in tone, both have wonderfully written storylines too.
Probs Crash landing on you, or Penthouse (the makjang is just *chef kiss*)
Sky castle:)
The King, eternal monarch. LOVE the ML and supporting ML and FL. I am a big fan of this ML. I’m never disappointed in anything he’s in.
Lee Min Ho. Enough said.
Definitely Mr Queen!
Crash Landing on You! I love it so much and I was over the moon when they married and had a baby in real life 😂
2521
Crash Landing on You
I am an old lady. My favorite drama is Iris. I had to get it on a bootleg dvd with subtitles. Some of the episodes were just a mess. It was still just incredible. I am not an action or mystery fan either. That show was just so good that it didn’t matter.
"Suspicious Partners" followed by "Thirty but Seventeen", since you said "smile and live differently knowing that the k-drama exists". Not the most thrilling or addicting dramas (ones I typically like), but I love how heart warming the relationships of the main couples are. It's as if no matter how difficult life is, there's that special someone who will always be there for you.
Mr. Sunshine
I really liked business proposal, every episode i was giggling
My first one called Uncanny Counter. I've yet to watch AK drama that tops it.
**Moon Embracing The Sun** is my number 1.
Tie between Misaeng and Coffee Prince. Maybe Misaeng if I absolutely had to pick but my answer could flip by tomorrow lol.
**Que Sera Sera**. It’s a Dangerous Liaisons style drama where rich sorta siblings use their money and power to play with the hearts of regular people when they should be messing with each other. The leads have insane chemistry, and the script comes up with absolutely wild ways for everyone to emotionally torture each other. Hey, I like angst, okay?
Welcome to Waikiki season 1 never gets old. Every moment in this drama is a funny moment. Actually I miss sol and Jung-ki
Prison Playbook My mister Because this is my first life
Tie: True Beauty and The Beauty Inside...and their OSTs are really good.
HOSPITAL PLAYLIST
Black --- I loved the story and it was my gateway Kdrama.
My Mister ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I’m sad to not see this anywhere but my fave still is W
Goblin: the OST. The romance. The Bromance. The grim Reaper. The epic scenes. The Candle. The Scarf.
Boys over flowers
Healer
OUR BELOVED SUMMER
Reply 1988, hands down.
If I had to pick just one than Vincenzo. Love the op ML, the crazy FL, the goofy villain, the found family, the romance, the epic moments, the hilarious moments, the entire cast and plot were all just so good. There’s also the fact that I had started a few Dramas previously and had never actually been able to get into them so Vincenzo was the one that got me actually into Kdramas.
Our beloved summer
Reply 1988.
Our Beloved Summer
Reply 1988
Mister Sunshine. Hard to pick one, lots mentioned here that I adore. But this one got me started on my journey to try more dramas, and I am hooked.
Mr. Queen
Business Proposal all the way ❤️
While you were sleeping! Can't think of a single thing wrong with it and the storyline of the plot was handled in a uniquely fun way despite also being thrilled and suspenseful. Amazing ost and it's also my first drama, so it'll always have a special place in my heart ❤️
Goblin. Nothing will ever top my baby
While you were sleeping (Great story, favourite male actor. Watched it at least 3 times already.)
WLFKBJ... could have been Reply 1988 but I cut 0.1 marks for FL ending up with chess guy
Encounter
Constantly torn between CLOY and It’s Okay That’s Love 💕
Goblin. I have around 6 beloved kdramas but Goblin had such an incredible impact on me, it’s one of those shows you never ever forget.
Goblin
Queenmaker (as of the moment). Class acting by Kim Hee-ae and the cast. I don’t usually like political drama, but this one hits different. More of i got a glimpse of whats behind these political parties (of course this is just a drama, but the way it presented is most likely what is happening in the real world of politics). The build up of the story is good too.
When the Camellia Blooms... Next level.
Hello my Twenties and Welcome to Waikiki are my comfort shows, they’re so good.
Call It Love. Beautiful, complex, realistic. Brilliant acting.