Today, we bring you the Top 10 Best Korean Drama Series You Should Know in 2021. Korean dramas are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide as their distribution has expanded to streaming services. This is to give even more people access from all over the world. Now that we are still in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most people are turning their backs and using video streaming applications like Netflix or YouTube to be entertained. Good thing these streaming services now carry Korean shows that people would love to watch.
As we always are concerned about your fondness, we shared the Top 10 Most Breathtaking Movies You Should Know in 2021 and the Top 10 Most Viral Videos from Around the World in 2020 in our previous posts. Moreover, at this time, we will pay attention to Korean drama lovers.
Check this out to see if your favorite Korean drama made it far to the top 10 highest-rating drama series you should have known in 2021.
TOP 10: Hotel del Luna
Hotel del Luna is a South Korean television series starring Lee Ji-Eun (IU) and Yeo Jin-goo. It was produced by Kim Kyu-Tae, written by the Hong Sisters, and directed by Oh Choong-hwan. Briefly, Hotel del Luna follows Manwol as the CEO of the Hotel del Luna. She is cursed to run the establishment for all eternity as punishment for a sin she can’t remember.
The only way to free herself from her penance is to find someone who committed a crime far worse than hers. Of course, it records an average nationwide rating of 8.9%. If there is one message that Hotel del Luna has taught us, it’s that partings are inevitable, that goodbye is never forever, that life and death are a circle, and that every ending is also a beginning.
TOP 9: 100 Days My Prince
If you’re looking for an all-out K-drama, then 100 Days My Prince is for you! It will teach you many things, not only in life and love but also about showing good leadership. Otherwise, it might give you pain in the heart. Still, this Korean drama will definitely amaze, thrill, and make you believe in love. The 100 Days My Prince is directed by Lee Jong Jae and stars Do Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-Hyun.
This Korean drama tells the story of a crown prince suffering from amnesia who ends up in the care of Hong Shim, an intelligent but unmarried woman. Therefore, thinking of himself as a commoner, he weds Hong Shim to save her from being punished by a law he established as a prince. In the end, will anyone ever discover Lee Yul’s true identity? Will he ever regain his memory? And, can a royal prince find true love in a common village? Watch the drama till the end to know the answers. Certainly, the 100 Days My Prince was a hit and recorded an average rating of 9.0%.
TOP 8: Hospital Playlist
Hospital Playlist is a Korean TV series written by Lee Woo-Jung and directed by Shin Won-ho. The series stars Jo Jung-Suk, Yoo Yeon-Seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-Myung, and Jeon Mi-do. It is a drama depicting the stories of people going through their seemingly ordinary days.
But, it is remarkable at the hospital, a place known as the ‘Microcosm’ of life where someone is being born and someone’s life ends. The five doctors in the drama are long-time friends of 20 years; hence, they started their undergrad in 1999 in the same medical school and now become colleagues in the same hospital. The drama will also deal with the story of a band formed by a group of doctors. It garnered a 9.9% average rating.
TOP 7: Itaewon Class
In brief, Itaewon Class is a Korean drama that tells the story of Park Saeroyi. He gets expelled from school for punching a bully while his father is killed in an accident. On that day, his life turned upside down. Once he is released from prison, he opens a pub following his father’s steps. The name of the pub was ‘DanBam’ in Itaewon.
He drives towards success and reaching greater heights along with his manager and staff. It aired on JTBC in Korea from January 31 to March 21, 2020. And is streaming worldwide on Netflix. This Korean drama stars Park Seo Joon, Kim Da mi, Kwon Nara, and Ahn Bo Hyun. The average rating of this drama is 11.8%.
TOP 6: Crash Landing On You
Crash Landing On You is a South Korean drama directed by Lee Jeong-Hyo. It features Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Kim Jung-Hyun, and Seo Ji-Hye. It aired on tvN in South Korea on Netflix worldwide from December 14, 2019, to February 16, 2020.
In summary, Yoon Se-Ri is an heiress to a conglomerate in South Korea. One day, while paragliding, an accident caused by strong wind leads Yoon Se-Ri to make an emergency landing in North Korea. There, she meets Ri Jeong-Hyeok, a North Korean army officer. He tries to protect her and hide her. Later, Ri Jeong-Hyeok falls in love with Yoon Se- Ri. Crash Landing On You recorded a total average rating of 12.2%.
TOP 5: Reply 1998
Reply 1998 is a South Korean television series starring Lee Hye-Ri, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-Pyo, Ryu Jun-Yeol, and Lee Dong-hwi. It aired every Friday and Saturday from November 6, 2015, to January 16, 2016, on tvN for 20 episodes.
In summary, the drama follows the lives of five families living on the same street in a neighborhood called ‘ Ssangmundons’ in Seoul. It takes a nostalgic look back at the year 1998. The drama Reply 1998 received both critical and audience acclaim, with its finale episode recording an 18.8% nationwide audience share and garnering a 12.4% total average rating.
TOP 4: Sky Castle
This satirical drama revolves around four housewives, Han Seo Jin, Noh Seung Hye, Jin Jin Hee, and Lee Myung Joo, residing in the exclusive residential area of Sky Castle. Ruthlessly ambitious, the women will stop at nothing to get their children into Seoul National University.
One day, following the acceptance of Myung Joo’s son into Seoul National University as a medical student, an incident occurs, and the family quickly moves out. To the surprise of Sky Castle’s residents, Lee So Im and her inferior family move in after interacting with the families there. Soo Im takes it upon herself to help the stressed children and challenge the other women of Sky Castle. The drama aired on JJBC from November 23, 2018, to February 1, 2019. Sky Castle garnered an average nationwide rating of 12.5%.
TOP 3: Goblin
Goblin is a global hit series that received critical acclaim, and at the same time, it became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea. Starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-Eun, it is an interesting tv-series with a fresh and unique story woven beautifully throughout each episode. It’s about a goblin who seeks to end his cursed immortal life and the human bride who can stop his immortality.
The drama’s success is attributed to its creative plot and the screenwriter, who has a particular way of wooing the viewers to watch the show. Writer Kim Eun-sook won the grand prize at the Arts award for this drama. At the same time, the leading actor took home the award for the best actor. The series recorded an average peak rating of 12.9%.
TOP 2: Mr. Sunshine
Mr. Sunshine is a 2018 South Korean TV series written by Kim Eun-Sook and directed by Lee Eung-Bok. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-Ri, Yoo Yeon-Seok, Kim min-jung, and Byun Yo-han. It follows the story of a poor boy born into a servant’s family who travels to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident. He soon grows up to become an American military officer.
Then, he returns to his homeland and falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter, all while unveiling a sinister plot by foreign nationals to colonize Korea. Mr. Sunshine’s drama achieved a peak rating of 18.1%. Therefore, it became 2nd place in the top list as far as the relative viewership performance is concerned. Mr. Sunshine is in the 2nd spot on our Top 10 Best Korean Drama Series You Should Know in 2021.
TOP 1: The World of the Married
The World of the Married is the best and most popular Korean drama. In particular, it is the best out of the best and definitely must watch. So, it is the top in our list of the top 10 highest-rating Korean dramas you need to watch in January 2021.
The World of the Married is the highest-rated Korean drama on cable TV and released its first episode in March and ended in May 2020. It stars Kim Hee-ae, Park Hae-Jorn, and Han so-hee. This K-drama is based on the BBC drama Doctor Foster and follows a couple who seem to have it all except for unfaithful marriage.
After a decade of marriage, Lee Tae-oh is tired of relying on his wife for financial stability and success. So, he meets a young woman who thinks highly of him. He starts an affair and keeps it hidden. When his wife finds an unknown hair on his scarf, her suspicions begin to rise. This is a beautiful and powerful drama with love, humor, curiosity, and deep emotions.
Which Korean Drama is the Most Popular in 2021?
After a long period of staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have binged their way through the expected fare, movies, adventure programs, competitions, reality shows, etc., to watch. But, there is another entertainment world for those willing to overcome this sameness; Korean dramas.
So, again, below is our list of the Top 10 Best Korean Drama Series You Should Know in 2021 for your quick reference.
- The World of the Married
- Mr. Sunshine
- Goblin
- Sky Castle
- Reply 1998
- Crash Landing On You
- Itaewon Class
- Hospital Playlist
- 100 Days My Prince
- Hotel del Luna
We hope you may get an idea about the best Korean dramas, and may this help you select the best ones. Enjoy, and make sure you don’t miss them!
WATCH: Top 10 Best Korean Dramas You Should Know in 2021
Author: Saumya M.
Saumya M. is a passionate content writer known for her impeccable storytelling and research. She has covered topics ranging from travel and lifestyle to entertainment, community, and education. She helps people live their best lives and reach their full potential.
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