7 K-Dramas That Set The Bar Too High For The Industry 

The South Korean industry is becoming more and more popular with each passing day. The TV companies are producing series of many different genres that are turning into worldwide sensations one after the other.

Of course, it's hard to maintain the same excellent quality while creating the shows, but it's important to mention that each new show seems to be even more successful than the previous one.

However, there are several series that are considered the ultimate litmus test for the quality of all other K-dramas, and here are seven of them.

1. The Red Sleeve (2021)

Fans of historical K-dramas really had to rethink their top choices after watching this masterpiece. The show focuses on a love story between a troubled young prince who witnessed the cruel murder of his father and now wants to become king to reform the laws, and a young woman who works in the court.

When they meet at a difficult time in their lives, they begin to develop real feelings for each other. And when the prince asks her to become his official concubine, she doesn't want to give up her freedom and declines the offer. Later, however, she realizes that this man is worth everything and follows him to the royal palace.

2. Crowned Clown (2019)

Another iconic period K-drama is this one, which is set in Joseon times during the power struggle for King Lee Hun. The story revolves around a tricky plan to save the king. To avoid the impending danger, a clown named Ha Sun is brought into the palace to take the king's place.

The irony is that they look exactly alike, which makes the plan work perfectly. However, the clown is very nervous that the rest of the palace and the kingdom will discover that he is a fraud. But that doesn't stop him from falling in love with the charming young queen Yoo So Woon.

3. The Glory (2022)

Fans of K-dramas say that The Glory has ruined all other revenge stories for them because this one is absolutely unique.

The premise of the show is about a young woman who was bullied in high school, and then after she graduated and grew up, she decided to hatch an extremely villainous revenge plan to make everyone suffer the way they made her.

“The villainous ensemble cast made this show! I don’t think I choose revenge dramas often, but this is definitely high up there for that genre,” Redditor deewyt said.

4. Crash Landing on You (2019)

When it comes to love stories and romance, viewers can't help but name Crash Landing on You as the ultimate winner, as it's probably the most unabashedly romantic drama ever created.

The show centers on South Korean heiress Yoon Se Ri, who somehow ends up in North Korea after a paragliding accident. There she meets an army officer, Ri Jung Hyuk, who agrees to help her return to South Korea.

Despite the rising political tensions between the two countries, they fall in love and become the closest people to each other. But will they find a way to end up together?

5. Healer (2014)

“Healer is the only k-drama I've rewatched completely multiple times, and I don't rewatch drama. It's pure magic!” Redditor MangoSuspicious5641 said.

Well, if that comment is not enough to make you rush to your computer and turn on the show, maybe we should tell you a little bit about what to expect from it.

"Healer" is the code name of a certain night courier who gets his clients whatever they want, as long as it doesn't involve murder. But one day, something terrible happens that threatens not only his job, but his life.

6. My Dearest (2023)

For those who are fans of war K-dramas with a mix of a heartbreaking romance, this show is the best one created. At the center of the series is a love story between a noblewoman and a mysterious man who shows up in her hometown, which is set in the 1600s during the Qing invasion.

“Everything it did was so grand, be it the production quality, story, or casting. The portrayal of tragedy and suffering of war in this drama feels so real and makes you feel you are actually there to witness it. Whenever I see a similar plot, I can't help but compare them with My Dearest,” Redditor brangsengmaw said.

7. Vagabond (2019)

Even though the previously announced second season of the show never came to light, fans consider this particular series another example of absolute success.

The show revolves around Cha Dal Gun, who becomes an awoken tiger in the face of his nephew's death in a suspicious plane crash.

Angered by the massive cover-up of the incident, he embarks on a journey to discover the truth. The series also focuses on Go Hae Ri, the eldest daughter of a Marine who died during an operation. One day, her life will become heavily intertwined with Dal Gun's...