2024 has been a whirlwind and I can't believe we are heading into the new year. Here are my top ten K-Dramas from this year. I hope your holidays have been wonderful and I wish you all the best in 2025 . Thank you reading!
10. The 8 Show
This drama is a twisted black comedy about eight contestants trapped in a building where surviving earns them money, but every purchase is absurdly overpriced, and death ends the game for everyone. It’s grotesque, shocking, and weirdly unforgettable.
Why is it my number ten pick? Pure shock value and sheer entertainment. It’s disgusting at times, but I can’t stop thinking about it—and now, it’s your problem too. Good luck!
Watch on Netflix.
I wrote an extended review with ratings on this drama which you can also check out here .
9. Lovely Runner
"Lovely Runner" is a heartfelt fantasy romance where Im Sol, a high schooler struggling with grief after losing her favorite idol, Ryu Sun-jae, discovers a miraculous second chance. Transported 15 years into the past, she meets a younger Sun-jae and resolves to save him from his tragic fate. Along the way, she faces the challenges of high school, time travel, and learning what it truly means to change someone’s destiny.
You’re probably wondering why this show landed at number nine. Honestly, the first few episodes were a bit slow, and it took time for me to connect with the characters. I haven’t finished the series yet, but I’ll share an extended review once I do.
Also, seeing Kim Hye-yoon in a role where she’s not yelling for Ha Ru (Extraordinary You) was oddly weird! She’s funny, cute, and as always, her performance is a delight.
Watch on Viki.
8. Death's Game
"Death’s Game" is a fantasy thriller that follows Choi Yi-jae, a man who feels he has hit rock bottom after multiple failures in his personal and professional life. When he decides to end his own life, he encounters Death herself, who has other plans for him. Condemned to experience life and death through 12 different reincarnations, Yi-jae wakes up in various bodies, each facing imminent and often tragic ends. Along the way, he learns profound lessons about resilience, empathy, and the meaning of existence.
This drama initially premiered in late 2023, earning my top spot on my list for that year. With Part 2 airing in early 2024, it continued to impress with its unique storytelling, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes. The seamless blend of fantasy, drama, and existential reflection made it impossible for me to exclude it from my 2024 list.
“Death’s Game” is not only a unique viewing experience but also a deeply memorable one. It challenges you to think about the value of life and the choices we make. A truly remarkable watch for anyone who enjoys complex narratives and powerful character arcs.
Watch on Amazon.
I wrote an extended review for part 1 and 2 with ratings on this drama which you can also check out here, the link is for part 2.
7. When the Phone Rings
"When the Phone Rings" is a thriller about Baek Sa-eon, a rising politician, and his wife, Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter with selective mutism. Their fragile marriage takes a dark turn when Hee-joo is abducted, forcing Sa-eon into a dangerous race against time while uncovering secrets that could change everything. The series combines suspense with emotional depth, making it a standout drama.
The plot twists are everything!
I’m only a few episodes in, but I’m already hooked enough to include it on my list. While there are minor plot holes, they don’t detract from the gripping story or intense performances. This is shaping up to be a must-watch!
Watch on Netflix.
6. Squid Game 2
"Squid Game 2" picks up with Seong Gi-hun, Player 456, as he re-enters the deadly games with a mission to take them down from the inside. This season introduces new participants and twisted games that test both their humanity and survival instincts. The final game stands out as especially memorable, though I won’t spoil the details!
While I had high hopes for this season, many were dashed. Some of the new characters were interesting, but they didn’t quite measure up to the unforgettable ones from Season 1, like Ali Abdul (Player 199), Cho Sang-woo (Player 218), and Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067). I also felt saddened by Gi-hun’s darker turn in personality—it’s understandable but still bittersweet.
Even with its flaws, Squid Game 2 remains an entertaining watch, if only for the anticipation and tension it builds. It earns its spot at number six on my list because, while it didn’t fully meet the towering expectations, it’s still a gripping continuation of a story the world waited years to see.
Watch on Netflix.
An extended review with ratings will be coming soon!
5. Parasyte: The Grey
"Parasyte: The Grey" is a thrilling sci-fi horror drama about Jeong Su-in, a woman who becomes a host for a parasitic entity after a violent attack. As alien parasites invade human hosts, Su-in finds herself entangled in a desperate battle led by a specialized task force, “The Grey.” Her unique condition becomes crucial to humanity’s survival.
Although it’s a spin-off inspired by the Parasyte manga, this drama stands entirely on its own—you don’t need prior knowledge to dive right in. I don’t typically watch sci-fi or alien stories, but I binged this in a day thanks to its shorter episode count and gripping pace. It’s so good that I can’t help but wish for a second season!
Watch on Netflix.
I wrote an extended review with ratings on this drama which you can also check out here.
4. My Demon
"My Demon" is a fantasy romance featuring two of my favorite actors, Kim Yoo-jung and Song Kang, who never fail to deliver in their performances. The story follows Do Do-hee, a powerful heiress to the Mirae Group, and Jeong Gu-won, a centuries-old demon who has been making deals with humans for 200 years. Their lives collide when Gu-won loses his powers and enters a contract marriage with Do-hee, leading to unexpected twists and growth for both characters.
I absolutely loved this drama and waited weekend after weekend for the next episode. If you haven't watched it yet, enjoy the binge.
One unforgettable moment is the stunning tango scene at the end of episode 4, which has become my favorite scene in the entire 2024 K-drama world.
Watch on Netflix.
I wrote an extended review with ratings on this drama which you can also check out here.
3. Sweet Home 3
Another drama with Song Kang making it to this list! He really had this year.
"Sweet Home 3" is the thrilling conclusion to one of my all-time favorite series, and I couldn’t wait to watch it. The story picks up where Season 2 left off, with Cha Hyun-su continuing his battle against the monstrous transformation threatening his humanity. As the world spirals further into chaos, survivors face relentless challenges, and their will to live is tested like never before. The stakes are higher, the monsters more terrifying, and the emotions even deeper.
A major highlight of this season was the return of Lee Eun-hyuk, whose fate had been left uncertain after the cliffhanger in Season 2. His unexpected comeback added an exciting twist to the story. The moment he reunites with Hyun-su was absolutely electrifying—easily my favorite scene of the entire season. It brought both tension and nostalgia, tying together threads from previous seasons in a meaningful way.
This final installment managed to deliver everything I hoped for: action-packed sequences, emotional depth, and compelling twists. If you’ve been following the series, "Sweet Home 3" is an absolute must-watch that ties up the story in a satisfying yet intense way.
Watch on Netflix.
I wrote an extended review with ratings on this drama which you can also check out here.
2. The Double (C-Drama)
"The Double" is a Chinese historical drama that tells the story of Xue Fang Fei, the daughter of a county magistrate who loses her family in a devastating turn of events. On the brink of death, she is rescued by Jiang Li, the kind-hearted daughter of a high-ranking official. Assuming Jiang Li’s identity, Fang Fei returns to the capital to seek revenge against those who destroyed her family, all while navigating the dangerous intrigues of court life.
The performances in this drama are absolutely incredible, with the lead actors delivering depth and emotion that make the story unforgettable. The storyline itself is masterfully crafted, filled with twists and poignant moments that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Even though this is a Chinese drama, it absolutely deserves the number two spot on my list. It’s an extraordinary series that is both memorable and impactful—definitely worth watching for fans of historical dramas or compelling revenge plots.
Watch on Netflix.
I wrote an extended review with ratings on this drama which you can also check out here.
1. Marry My Husband ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Marry My Husband" is my absolute favorite drama of the year, easily taking the number one spot on my list. The story follows Kang Ji-won, played brilliantly by Park Min-young, a terminally ill woman betrayed by her husband, Park Min-hwan (Lee Yi-kyung), and her best friend, Jeong Su-min (Song Ha-yoon). After her tragic death, Ji-won is mysteriously transported ten years into the past, where she seizes the chance to rewrite her fate and seek revenge against those who wronged her.
The performances in this drama are absolutely stellar. Park Min-young delivers one of her best roles yet, portraying Ji-won’s strength and determination with incredible depth. Lee Yi-kyung perfectly captures the deceitful nature of Min-hwan, and Song Ha-yoon adds layers of complexity to her role as Ji-won’s traitorous friend.
With its gripping storyline, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping cliffhangers, "Marry My Husband" was truly unforgettable. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can confidently say it’s a must-watch for fans of revenge dramas and time travel.
Watch on Amazon.
I wrote an extended review with ratings on this drama which you can also check out here.
I hope you enjoyed this year’s incredible lineup of K-dramas as much as I did! What did you think of this list? And what were your favorite dramas of the year? Let me know in the comments below!
댓글