Whether you're looking for something light-hearted and fun to brighten your day or a story that makes you think and feel deeply, this list has got you covered.
K-dramas have been stealing hearts all over the world with their unique stories, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth, and there are some real gems from the last five years that you can watch on platforms like Netflix and Viki in 2024; these shows take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughing out loud at the funny moments to reaching for the tissues during the sad scenes.
1. "Flower of Evil" (2020) Stream it on: Netflix, Viki
Baek Heesung, a craftsman living under a false identity, hides his dark past from his detective wife, Cha Jiwon; as she investigates a series of murders, she begins to suspect her husband, unraveling secrets that threaten their family's very foundation.
2. "Mouse" (2021) Stream it on: Viki
In a world where psychopaths can be identified through a genetic test, rookie detective Jung Bareum crosses paths with a notorious serial killer, leading to life-altering consequences and a personal quest for justice and redemption.
3. "Bloody Heart" (2022)
Lee Tae, a determined king aiming to control his own destiny, battles political factions and his own heart as he falls for a woman, Yoo Jung, who belongs to a family he must destroy to consolidate his power.
4. "My Country: The New Age" (2019) Stream it on: Netflix
Set during the tumultuous transition from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty, two friends-turned-enemies, Seo Hwi and Nam Seonho, find themselves on opposing sides of a power struggle, navigating loyalty, betrayal, and their quest for justice.
5. "Arthdal Chronicles" (2019) Stream it on: Netflix, Hulu,Disney+
In the mythical land of Arth, Eunseom, a child of prophecy, fights to bring his tribe back to their rightful land while contending with rival tribes and the machinations within the powerful city of Arthdal, led by the ambitious Tagon.
6. "Alchemy of Souls" (2022) Stream it on: Netflix
In a world where souls can be switched, a noblewoman with a lowly spirit and a mage with a powerful but cursed soul team up to undo the spell, facing political intrigue and dark magic in their quest.
7. "Kingdom" (2019) Stream it on: Netflix
In Joseon-era Korea, Crown Prince Lee Chang stumbles upon a life-threatening political conspiracy while investigating a mysterious plague that resurrects the dead, leading him and his companions on a perilous journey to save his people.
8. "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2020) Stream it on: Netflix
Moon Gangtae, a caregiver with a traumatic past, and Ko Moonyoung, a children's book author with antisocial personality disorder, form an unlikely bond that helps them heal each other's emotional wounds and face their dark childhood memories.
9. "Beyond Evil" (2021) Stream it on: Netflix, Viki
Two detectives, Lee Dongshik and Han Joowon, with troubled pasts become ensnared in a complex investigation of a series of murders in a small town, challenging their morals and questioning what is beyond evil in their pursuit of the truth.
10. "Crash Landing on You" (2019) Stream it on: Netflix
Yoon Seri, a South Korean chaebol heiress, accidentally paraglides into North Korea and meets Ri Jeonghyuk, an army officer, who decides to protect her; together, they embark on a daring journey to return her home, finding love against the backdrop of inter-Korean tensions.
11. "Hotel Del Luna" (2019) Stream it on: Netflix, Viki
Jang Manwol, cursed to run a hotel for ghosts due to a sin from her past, and Goo Chansung, a new manager with the ability to see spirits, work together to resolve the unfinished business of their ghostly guests and uncover the mysteries of Manwol's past.
12. "Navillera" (2021) Stream it on: Netflix
A 70-year-old retiree, Shim Deokchul, fulfills his lifelong dream of ballet, forming an unlikely friendship with a troubled young dancer, Lee Chaerok, as they both pursue their passion for ballet, confronting their personal demons and societal expectations.
13. "Yumi's Cells" (2021) Stream it on: Viki
Yumi, an ordinary office worker, navigates her daily life and romantic endeavors through the actions of her brain cells that control every thought, feeling, and action, depicting the complexity of human emotions and relationships.
14. "Vincenzo" (2021) Stream it on: Netflix
Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer, returns to Korea to recover hidden gold but becomes embroiled in a fight against a ruthless conglomerate, using his mafia skills to exact justice and protect the community alongside lawyer Hong Chayoung.
15. "Be Melodramatic" (2019) Stream it on: Viki, Netflix, Kocowa+
The intertwined lives of three 30-year-old best friends – a drama writer dealing with a breakup, a documentary director trying to make her mark, and a marketing manager at a film company – as they navigate love, career challenges, and personal growth in Seoul.
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