Korean dramas have a special way of making us laugh, cry, and feel all kinds of emotions. Whether it’s a heartwarming romance, an exciting thriller, or a touching family story, K-dramas always know how to keep us hooked. Over the years, I have watched many amazing Korean dramas, but some have left a lasting impression on me.

1. Legend of the Blue Sea

A Magical Love Story Across Time

Legend of the Blue Sea is a South Korean fantasy romance drama that beautifully blends history, mythology, and modern-day romance. Starring Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho, the series takes inspiration from a classic Joseon-era legend about a mermaid and a nobleman.

The story follows Shim Cheong, a mermaid who ends up in the modern world after being caught in a storm. She encounters Heo Joon-jae, a charming yet cunning con artist who bears a striking resemblance to Kim Dam-ryeong, a nobleman from the Joseon era. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that Joon-jae and Cheong’s destinies are intertwined, echoing their past lives.

Through a mix of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, the drama explores themes of fate, reincarnation, and true love. As Joon-jae slowly falls for Cheong, he also begins to uncover secrets from his past life that could determine their future. The series is packed with thrilling twists, emotional depth, and stunning cinematography that brings the fantasy elements to life.

Jun Ji Hyun’s dramatic performance and the enchanting storyline make the show an electrifying journey for viewers.

2. Flower of Evil

A Dark and Twisted Love Story of Deception and Truth

Flower of Evil is a gripping South Korean thriller drama that aired in 2020, starring Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won. The series masterfully blends suspense, romance, and psychological drama, keeping viewers on edge with its unpredictable twists.

The story revolves around Baek Hee-sung, a seemingly perfect husband and father who hides a dark past. He has assumed a new identity to escape his previous life, which is entangled in a series of violent crimes. His wife, Cha Ji-won, is a dedicated detective who starts investigating a mysterious case—only to discover unsettling truths that point toward the man she loves and calls her husband. As she unravels the layers of deception, she is torn between her duty as a cop and her emotions as a wife.

The drama explores themes of identity, redemption, and trust, raising thought-provoking questions about whether a person’s past defines them. With its intense storytelling, stellar performances, and emotional depth, Flower of Evil stands out as one of the most compelling K-dramas in the thriller genre.

3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

A Heart-wrenching Love Story Across Time and Destiny

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical fantasy romance drama that aired in 2016, starring Lee Joon-gi, IU, Kang Ha-neul, and an ensemble of talented actors. Based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin, the drama transports viewers to Korea’s Goryeo Dynasty, blending time travel, political intrigue, and tragic romance.

The story follows Go Ha-jin, a modern-day woman who mysteriously travels back in time to the Goryeo era during a solar eclipse. She wakes up in the body of Hae Soo, a young noblewoman caught in the midst of palace conflicts among the royal princes of the Wang family. As she navigates court life, she becomes entangled in love, friendship, and the brutal fight for the throne.

Among the many princes, Hae Soo finds herself drawn to the 4th Prince Wang So, whose scarred face and ruthless reputation hide a deeply wounded soul. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of betrayal, ambition, and heartbreak, which requires tissues to clean tears at times.

With its breathtaking cinematography, compelling performances, and deeply emotional narrative, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo remains a beloved K-drama that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. This K drama is soon getting a remake in Thailand.

4. While You Were Sleeping

A Mystical Story Where Dreams Foretell Destiny

While You Were Sleeping is a 2017 South Korean fantasy romance thriller starring Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Jung Hae-in, and Lee Sang-yeob. This captivating drama blends supernatural elements with legal and investigative storytelling, keeping viewers engaged with its unique premise and emotional depth.

The story revolves around Nam Hong-joo, a young woman who has the ability to see future events through her dreams—often involving misfortunes or tragedies. She struggles with the helplessness of not being able to change fate. Her life takes a turn when she crosses paths with Jung Jae-chan, a rookie prosecutor, and Han Woo-tak, a kind-hearted police officer. Both men unexpectedly develop the same dream-related ability, linking their fates together.

As the trio works to prevent the tragedies they foresee, they find themselves entangled in dangerous legal battles and a fight against a corrupt lawyer who manipulates the law for his own benefit. Along the way, romance blossoms, and they uncover deeper connections between their pasts and their current circumstances. Be ready to have second lead syndrome.

With its engaging plot, heartfelt romance, and thrilling suspense, While You Were Sleeping offers a perfect blend of fantasy and reality, making it a must-watch for K-drama fans.

5. W: Two Worlds

A Love Story That Defies the Boundaries of Two Worlds

W: Two Worlds is a 2016 South Korean fantasy romance thriller starring Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo. The drama offers a unique and imaginative storyline that blends reality with the world of a webtoon, keeping viewers captivated with its suspenseful twists and emotional depth.

The story follows Oh Yeon-joo, a skilled surgeon whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is mysteriously pulled into the world of a webtoon created by her father. Inside the comic world, she meets Kang Chul, the charismatic and intelligent protagonist who was once an Olympic shooting champion but now seeks the truth behind the tragic murder of his family.

As Yeon-joo becomes entangled in Kang Chul’s world, she realizes that her actions influence the storyline, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Meanwhile, Kang Chul begins to question his existence as he unravels shocking truths about his world. Their love story unfolds amidst thrilling mysteries, dangerous twists, and a fight against an unpredictable villain.

With its innovative concept, gripping narrative, and heartfelt romance, W: Two Worlds stands out as a groundbreaking K-drama that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

6. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

A Timeless Tale of Love, Fate, and Immortality

As their love story unfolds, Kim Shin struggles between his desire to end his cursed existence and his growing love for Eun-Tak. Meanwhile, the Grim Reaper, who harbors a mysterious past, finds himself drawn to Sunny, a cheerful yet melancholic woman. Their intertwined fates lead to a compelling tale of love, friendship, destiny, and redemption.

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, commonly known as Goblin, is a 2016 South Korean fantasy romance drama starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jae. Written by renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, the drama blends myth, romance, and humor, creating an unforgettable story that has captivated audiences worldwide.

The series follows Kim Shin, an immortal goblin who was once a revered general during the Goryeo Dynasty but was cursed to live forever as punishment for his past. The only way to end his immortality is for his destined bride to remove the invisible sword embedded in his chest. After centuries of waiting, he finally meets Ji Eun-tak, a bright and optimistic high school student who can see ghosts and claims to be his fated bride.

With its breathtaking cinematography, heartfelt performances, and poetic storytelling, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God remains one of the most beloved and iconic K-dramas of all time.

7. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

A Mighty Love Story Packed with Action and Heart

Strong Woman Do Bong-soon is a 2017 South Korean romantic comedy with elements of action and fantasy, starring Park Bo-young, Park Hyung-sik, and Ji Soo. The drama blends humor, romance, and suspense, creating a unique and entertaining story that has captivated audiences worldwide.

The series follows Do Bong-soon, a young woman born with superhuman strength—a hereditary power passed down through the women in her family. Though she dreams of creating video games, her extraordinary abilities lead her to an unexpected job as a bodyguard for Ahn Min-hyuk, a wealthy and eccentric CEO of a gaming company. Unlike others who fear her strength, Min-hyuk is fascinated by Bong-soon and soon develops feelings for her.

Meanwhile, a series of kidnappings terrorizes Bong-soon’s neighborhood, prompting her to use her powers to fight crime and protect those she loves. As she balances her growing romance with Min-hyuk, her childhood crush on police officer In Guk-doo, and the pursuit of a dangerous criminal, Bong-soon embarks on a journey of self-discovery, realizing the true purpose of her strength.

With its charming characters, hilarious moments, and heartwarming romance, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon is a delightful K-drama that offers both laughter and thrilling action, making it a must-watch for fans of lighthearted ( except that one episode) yet engaging stories.

8. Descendants of the Sun

A Romance That Blossoms in the Face of Danger

Descendants of the Sun is a 2016 South Korean romantic drama starring Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, and Kim Ji-won. This globally popular series blends romance, action, and medical drama, delivering an emotionally gripping story set against the backdrop of war and disaster relief.

The story follows Captain Yoo Si-jin, the charismatic leader of a South Korean special forces unit, and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon, a skilled and independent surgeon. Their paths cross when Si-jin and his team return from a mission, and he is immediately drawn to Mo-yeon’s strong-willed personality. However, their differing views on life—his as a soldier who takes lives and hers as a doctor who saves them—create obstacles in their budding relationship.

Fate brings them together again when they are deployed to the war-torn country of Urk, where they must navigate life-threatening situations, humanitarian crises, and their unresolved feelings for each other. Alongside their comrades and friends, including Sergeant Seo Dae-young and Army Doctor Yoon Myung-joo, they face challenges that test their courage, loyalty, and love.

With its stunning cinematography, heart-pounding action, and heartfelt romance, Descendants of the Sun remains one of the most iconic and beloved K-dramas, leaving a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.

9. Healer

A Thrilling Romance Between a Night Courier and a Brave Reporter

Healer is a 2014 South Korean action-romance drama starring Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, and Yoo Ji-tae. Blending thrilling espionage, mystery, and heartwarming romance, the drama keeps viewers engaged with its gripping storyline and dynamic character development.

The story revolves around Seo Jung-hoo, an elite night courier known as “Healer.” With top-tier combat skills and advanced hacking abilities, he takes on risky jobs under the condition that he avoids killing. His latest mission leads him to Chae Young-shin, a determined and passionate reporter, and Kim Moon-ho, a famous journalist with secrets of his own. As Jung-hoo digs deeper into the assignment, he uncovers hidden truths about a decades-old conspiracy involving their parents.

As Jung-hoo and Young-shin grow closer, romance blossoms, but the dangers surrounding them only intensify. Forced to confront his past and redefine his future, Jung-hoo must decide whether to continue hiding in the shadows or fight for justice alongside the woman he loves.

With its perfect mix of action, suspense, and heartfelt romance, Healer remains a fan-favorite K-drama, praised for its engaging plot, strong performances, and emotional depth.

10. Suspicious Partner

A Love Story Entangled in Crime, Justice, and Fate

Suspicious Partner is a 2017 South Korean romantic thriller drama starring Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun. Combining legal drama, crime investigation, and heartfelt romance, the series captivates viewers with its intriguing mystery and endearing characters.

The story follows Noh Ji-wook, a skilled prosecutor with a troubled past, and Eun Bong-hee, a determined judicial trainee who becomes a murder suspect. As Ji-wook takes on her case, he discovers inconsistencies that lead him to believe in her innocence. After clearing her name, Bong-hee begins working at his law firm, and the two form a complicated yet undeniable bond.

As they tackle various legal cases, they also find themselves entangled in the pursuit of a dangerous serial killer linked to Ji-wook’s past. Amidst the tension and danger, romance slowly blossoms between them, but their personal traumas and unresolved secrets threaten to pull them apart.

With a perfect balance of suspense, humor, and romance, Suspicious Partner keeps audiences engaged from start to finish, making it a must-watch for fans of legal dramas with a heartfelt love story.