Updated date: 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Diana is a huge fan of Korean culture. Korean dramas are some of her favorite series to watch.

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If you read this, you have probably watched tens or hundreds or maybe even more Korean dramas and are looking for new series worth your attention. Well, I´ve got you covered with the list the top 16 best Korean dramas you need to watch right now!

16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

What Are the Best Korean Dramas?

Cinderella and Four Knights (16 episodes)

Moon Embracing the Sun (20 episodes)

Coffee Prince (17 episodes)

High Society (16 episodes)

It's Okay, That's Love (16 episodes)

Cheese in the Trap (16 episodes)

My Secret Romance (13 episodes)

To the Beautiful You (16 episodes)

Marriage Contract (16 episodes)

Playful Kiss (16 episodes)

Boys Over Flowers (25 episodes)

The Legend of the Blue Sea (20 episodes)

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (16 episodes)

Secret Love Affair (16 episodes)

W Two Worlds (16 episodes)

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (20 episodes)

16. Cinderella and Four Knights

Cinderella and Four Knights | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Cinderella and the Four Knights is a fun and easy watch. Though it is a modern-day drama, it draws certain characterization and plot devices from the original fairy tale. The series tells the story of a girl who gets the opportunity to live at the fancy mansion and make some money to pay for her upcoming university tuition fees. She doesn't realize first that she draws the affections of three boys (the grandsons of the man who owns this mansion). If you are looking for a drama that will bring you light-hearted pleasure, it's worth a try.

Cast:

Park So-Dam as Eun Ha-Won

Jung Il-Woo as Kang Ji-Woon

Ahn Jae-Hyun as Kang Hyun-Min

Lee Jung-Shin as Kang Seo-Woo

Choi Min as Lee Yoon-Sung

15. Moon Embracing the Sun

Moon Embracing the Sun | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

The Moon Embracing the Sun is a historical fiction drama about the love story between a king and a female shaman. However, the young lady hasn't been a shaman for her entire life. Moreover, she met the king and fell in love with him long ago, before her presumed death. Unfortunately, she remembers nothing about it. Will she recognize her admirer? Will she remember her past? And why did she turned out into a shaman?

Cast:

Kim Soo Hyun as Lee Hwon

Yeo Jin Goo as Hwon (15 year old)

Han Ga In as Heo Yeon Woo / Wol

Kim Yoo Jung as Yeon Woo (13 year old)

Lee Min Ho as young Yang Myung

Jung Il Woo as Prince Yang Myung

Kim So Hyun as young Bo Kyung

Kim Min Seo as Yoon Bo Kyung

14. Coffee Prince

Coffee Prince | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Coffee Prince revolves around the story of a tomboyish girl. She used to be mistaken for a boy. One day she befriends with a handsome, rich man. Soon they both realize they fall in love with each other, but the rich man doesn´t know his new friend is a girl. If you are looking for an unusual, unique plot-line, give this k-drama a shot!

Cast:

Yoon Eun-Hye as Go Eun-Chan

Gong Yoo as Choi Han-Kyul

Lee Sun-Kyun as Choi Han-Sung

Chae Jung-An as Han Yoo-Joo

13. High Society

High Society | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

They say the grass is always greener on the other side – this is what it's about. High Society is about people who wish to live not their own lives but to pretend they live the life of someone else. This Korean drama introduces us to a daughter of a family that owns a huge corporation and a man who wants to climb the social ladder. The girl prefers to keep her wealthy background a secret while trying to find true happiness in life, but the man comes from a poor family and his plans are somewhat different.

Cast:

Uee as Jang Yoon-Ha

Sung Joon as Choi Joon-Ki

Park Hyung-Sik as Yoo Chang-Soo

Lim Ji-Yeon as Lee Ji-Yi

12. It's Okay, That's Love

It's Okay, That's Love | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

If you are looking for a sweet and strange (positively) drama, probably you should try this one. It's Okay, That's Love seems to be really modern and realistic as it focuses on issues involving mental illnesses. Basically the story is about a mystery writer, radio host who struggles with a mental illness and a woman, psychiatrist who tries to help him. The woman also has some mental problems – she suffers from a phobia of sexual intimacy. You should check this drama if you want to know how their lives change after their first meeting.

Cast:

Jo In-Sung as Jang Jae-Yeol

Sung Yoo-Bin as young Jang Jae-Yeol

Gong Hyo-Jin as Ji Hae-Soo

Kang Joo-Eun as young Ji Hae-Soo

Sung Dong-Il as Jo Dong-Min

Lee Kwang-Soo as Park Soo-Kwang

Do Kyung-Soo as Han Kang-Woo

11. Cheese in the Trap

Cheese in the Trap | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Cheese in the Trap is a 16 episode series that follows a turbulent relationship between a shy girl with an extremely popular but mysterious top-student. Their relationship develops amidst the chaotic life that students face in their twenties. If you want to watch a drama about student life with a compelling and fresh storyline, the Cheese in the Trap is for you.

Cast:

Yoo Jung as Park Hae-Jin

Hong Seol as Kim Go-Eun

Baek In-Ho as Seo Kang-Joon

Baek In-Ha as Lee Sung-Kyung

10. My Secret Romance

My Secret Romance | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

My Secret Romance is for all the prayers who want a pure candid story full of romantic clichés. The romantic comedy revolves around two people bound by a one night-stand. They meet again several years later, realizing that it was destiny that brought them together on that first time. Cha Jin Wook is an arrogant and selfish son who comes from a wealthy family that runs a large company. Obviously, he enjoys his privileged life, dating girls as much as he wants. As you might have already guessed, he changes when he meets Lee Yoo Mi, who has never even had a boyfriend before. The episodes of this drama are filled with tons of sweet moments. So, if you have been looking for such series, give it a shot!

Cast:

Sung Hoon as Cha Jin-Wook

Song Ji-Eun as Lee Yoo-Mi

Kim Jae-Young as Jung Hyun-Tae

Jung Da-Sol as Joo Hye-Ri

9. To the Beautiful You

To the Beautiful You | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

If you aren't looking for an endless series with crazy plot twists, this high-school setting youthful drama is just the ticket. To the Beautiful You is based on Japan's Hana Kimi manga series. So if you have already watched the Japanese adaptations, you will certainly be interested in it.

The drama tells the story of an American girl who comes back to her Korean homeland to inspire her favorite athlete to return to competition. She disguises herself as a boy, so that she can enroll at the boys-only boarding school, where she can find her idol. To inspire the athlete is her sole purpose, but the relationship between them blossoms into something more amazing.

Cast:

Sulli as Goo Jae-Hee/Jay Dawson

Choi Min-Ho as Kang Tae-Joon

Lee Hyun-Woo as Cha Eun-Gyeol

8. Marriage Contract

Marriage Contract | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

This melodrama feels warm, heartfelt and engaging, and you will feel easily drawn into characters' emotions and their stories. Marriage Contract is about an unlikely pair — a rich man and a financially-challenged single mom — who sign a mutually beneficial marriage contract. The drama tells us about the importance of family. It teaches us the lesson that the term "family" is defined not by blood but rather support and care about each other.

Cast:

Lee Seo-Jin as Han Ji-Hoon

Uee as Kang Hye-Soo

Kim Yong-Geon as Han Seong-Gook

Park Jung-Soo as Yoon Seon-Yeong

Lee Hwi-Hyang as Oh Mi-Ran

7. Playful Kiss

Playful Kiss | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Here's a K-drama about high school students for those of you who are still looking for a series that will be a pure, heartfelt joy for you. Playful Kiss is a romantic comedy about a girl who ends up living under the same roof with her crush: the smartest, most handsome and popular boy in school. This charming drama follows the relationship of these two students through high school and beyond.

Cast:

Kim Hyun-Joong as Baek Seung-Jo

Jung So-Min as Oh Ha-Ni

Lee Tae-Sung as Bong Joon-Gu

Lee Si-Young as Yoon Hae-Ra

6. Boys Over Flowers

Boys Over Flowers | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Boys Over Flowers tells the story of a girl who attends a prestigious high school, where she draws the affections of several popular boys there. These guys are rich, handsome, and they literally rule the school. The series was originally a Japanese Manga, then it was made into a Japanese drama and animation. This series has become a classic that is required to watch for any fan of Korean dramas.

Cast:

Ku Hye-Sun as Geum Jan-Di

Lee Min-Ho as Gu Jun-Pyo

Kim Hyun-Joong as Yoon Ji-Hoo

Kim Bum as So Yi-Jung

Kim Joon as Song Woo-Bin

5. The Legend of the Blue Sea

The Legend of the Blue Sea | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Do you remember My Love From the Star, the fantasy melodrama about a centuries-old alien with superpowers and his human girlfriend? The Legend of the Blue Sea is written by the same writer, Park Ji Eun. One more similarity is that they both follow two storylines: one in the modern time and another happening a long time ago. Except Lee Min Ho is not an alien but a regular human, and Jun Jin Hyun is not an actress but a mermaid.

Flashing back to the history, we learn that the human and the mermaid were deeply in love with each other in the past. Yet, they met a tragic end due to the greed of their enemies around them. The drama is set in the present day and tells us about their love story repeating itself. Watch The Legend of the Blue Sea to learn whether they will lose each other again or will remain together despite all the odds.

Cast:

Jun Ji-Hyun as Se-Hwa / Shim Chung

Shin Eun-Soo as teenage Se-Hwa

Lee Min-Ho as Kim Dam-Ryung / Heo Joon-Jae

Park Jin-Young as teenage Kim Dam-Ryung / Heo Joon-Jae

4. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

This cheerful, sweet and engaging show revolves around the life of weightlifter athletes on a college campus. Kim Bok-Joo can't imagine her life without weightlifting until one day, when she has a crush on a handsome doctor. The girl hides the fact that she´s a weightlifter and even begins to doubt her passion for weightlifting.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo may lack a major conflict and crazy plot twists that many viewers expect to see in any today's drama. However, watching this series, you feel as if you are watching college students living their lives while chasing their dreams and getting through many problems.

Cast:

Lee Sung-Kyung as Kim Bok-Joo

Nam Joo-Hyuk as Jung Joon-Hyung

Lee Jae-Yoon as Jung Jae-Yi

Kyung Soo-Jin as Song Shi-Ho

3. Secret Love Affair

Secret Love Affair | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Thoughtfully written, executed and excellently acted, Secret Love Affair will be an absorbing, immersive watch for you. This k-drama revolves around the relationship of a woman in the prime and a much younger man. It pushes all the boundaries on what we think a couple can look like; nevertheless, we witness how they feel immediately attracted to each other despite the 20 year age gap.

Cast:

Kim Hee-Ae as Oh Hye-Won

Yoo Ah-In as Lee Sun-Jae

Park Hyuk-Kwon as Kang Joon-Hyung

2. W Two Worlds

W Two Worlds | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

Everyone has fallen in love with a fictional character at least once in their lives. Imagine for a moment that you meet that character and get the opportunity to live in his fictional world!

Oh Yeon-Joo's father is writing the popular comic W. So she has grown up reading his fantasy stories. She literally has fallen in love with Kang Chul, the main character. However, the writer's daughter and the handsome guy from the comic are from different worlds. But one day the real and fictional worlds collide. That's when the girl realizes she is pulled into W, as she is watching a man bleeding out from wounds. Wait, is it her favorite character? Evidently, her father decides to finish his book by killing the lead character.

Cast:

Lee Jong-Suk as Kang Chul

Han Hyo-Joo as Oh Yeon-Joo

Hyun Seung-Min as teen Yeon-Joo

Park Min-Ha as child Yeon-Joo

1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | 16 Best Korean Dramas You Need to Watch Right Now

If you haven't picked up any historical drama from this list yet, you might want to choose Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. The story of this K-drama centers on a 21st-century woman who lives a regular life but whose life has changed tremendously after she almost drowned saving others. That time a solar eclipse takes place. So, magic happens and she survives, but now she is in the body of Hae Soo (the cousin of the 8th prince's wife).

The girl realizes soon that she is not going to have her normal life again, as she has traveled back in time to Goryeo Dynasty. However, she is still a 21st-century woman, so she can't imagine what to expect from the new life.

Cast:

Lee Joon-Gi as 4th Prince Wang So

Lee Ji-Eun as Go Ha-Jin / Hae Soo

Kang Ha-Neul as 8th Prince Wang Wook

Hong Jong-Hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo

Check out:

cecilia nyoni on August 31, 2020:

you guys should watch faith and city hunter they are the best

Mar on July 28, 2020:

Healer! and definitely Secret Garden, my all-time fave! Seriously please watch these two!!

Lana on July 21, 2020:

scarlet heart ryeo is a must watch!!

Nikki on July 17, 2020:

My best is boys over flower. It was so good it got turned into a comic.

Cleo on July 05, 2020:

I like Cinderella and four knight and Moon embracing the sun. Because my favourite actors are there.

Tasnim Firdaus on July 01, 2020:

how is descendants of the sun not on the list someone pls explain

David reigns on June 28, 2020:

Korean movies are best.

Sheri D on June 15, 2020:

CRASH LANDING ON YOU!!!!!

naana on June 05, 2020:

the best Korean movie I have watched is Queen for seven days I've watched it over and over

Ajayi samson on June 04, 2020:

I really love korean drama

Ssi on May 20, 2020:

Plz hindi dubble

Ms.Pa on May 18, 2020:

I love korean drama and for listing these are my favorite Goblin TLOTBS you are beautiful touch my heart...etc

jonia valentin on May 16, 2020:

Where is she's beautiful and weapon

neha on May 06, 2020:

goblin is not in the list. its worth watching!!!!!

Hauwa Usman Tahir on May 01, 2020:

Where did The heirs and My lovely girl go to.

Chris on April 25, 2020:

Everything on this list is so old. What about itaewon class? King? World of the married? to name a few....

Arlene on April 11, 2020:

The best ever korean telenovel ever shown in phil. television is "LOVERS IN PARIS". I've watch it 4 times. But i also watched others like My love donna, Legend of the Blue Sea, the Heirs. But for me LIP is the best and inspiring.

meha on March 29, 2020:

moon embracing the sun poster...

park lee on March 28, 2020:

i like everyone but bts v is not in the list

Soumya mishra on February 24, 2020:

There is no name of decendants of the sun. Wow

Audrey on February 11, 2020:

A longer drama to watch is Meteor Garden with 49 episodes, if you are not tired of the story from Boys over Flowers (I certainly am not) :P

Mahnoor khan on December 11, 2019:

The most fantastic drama of the world is "W Two Worlds". I am literally fallen in love with this drama and it's lead couple, all I really need is a season 2 with the same lead cast Lee Jong suk and Han hyo joo

Anna on December 01, 2019:

Legend of the blue sea,i can never let it go

nisha on October 30, 2019:

the w two world is the best drama i ever watch because it shows the sacrifice and love both in such a beautiful manner that anyone may even cry I personally really appreciate this drama

Faith on October 09, 2019:

Scarlet heart ryeo is my best movie

Stardom on October 07, 2019:

to the beautiful you very intresting movie

Mahesh on July 17, 2019:

I think my secret romance is the best

Sarfo Comfort Brago on July 10, 2019:

nice one

IHC on June 26, 2019:

Why "Descendant of the Sun" is not there?

VC on June 26, 2019:

I am just so much into the drama . Can just not come out of it.

NANDERA PATIENCE on June 12, 2019:

OMG,your the best am a big fun of korean movies and I've never been bored they are all amaizing,love u all funs

Leelamma on June 06, 2019:

we cannot just name one, as so many of them ware very good.

specioza on May 24, 2019:

wawawa cant stop watching {boys over flowers}

Tharu Janiiii on April 28, 2019:

I have liked them all.Butsome are longer that I don't have time to watch the new series.

Mugoya Asaph on April 01, 2019:

I Like Them All

fathiat afolabi on February 17, 2019:

i just love all k -dramas

Stephy Varghese Thazhone on February 05, 2019:

I think I like all of them..

Amena on December 26, 2018:

Omg i stared watching korean drama from 2005 long and short drama they are all so good

Ala Hafferssas on December 20, 2018:

K-Drama is taking a whole other level. Their stories are original and strong, and the actors are well-chosen.

P.S: I watched a number of k-dramas, but the first one I've ever watched, to my memory, was: Moorim School. Yeah I'm new to this.

Thank you for sharing some others : )

boys before flower on August 30, 2018:

very intresting movie i always watch dis movie evy weak

Jacob Joel from Nigeria on May 08, 2018:

boys over flowers and high society....

your list is amazing.