Top 10 K Dramas You Need to Watch in 2024
Looking for K-dramas that don’t portray cliqued tropes? Check out this list.
As a Kdrama lover, I’m always in pursuit of good k dramas, that don’t portray cliqued tropes. If you are like me, you are sure to love these top 10 K dramas, starring some of the best names in the industry.
Moving (2023)
Deemed by Rolling Stone as the “Best superhero series on TV right now”, Moving tells the story of three high schoolers with extraordinary abilities that they inherited from their parents. Apart from the all-time hit Strong Girl Bong-soon, this is the first time I’ve come across a well-crafted superhero theme in K drama with a thrilling storyline. The series beautifully captures the relentless struggle of the parents to protect their children from a world that is vying to exploit them due to their abilities.
The first season of the beloved series is available on Disney+, and fans are already anticipating the announcement of a new season.
Little Women (2022)
This critically acclaimed Kdrama is a must-watch if you love strong female leads. Little Women is the story of three sisters embroiled in a legal battle against a rich and influential family in South Korea. If not for the exceptionally good writing, you need to watch this Kdrama for the suspenseful plot that is sure to keep you on the edge till the very end.
The limited series released in 2022, can be watched on Netflix.
Shooting Stars (2022)
Starring Lee Sung-Kyung, and Kim Young-dae, Shooting Stars is a fun, light K drama along the lines of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Business Proposal. If you are looking for a feel-good rom-com drama that will also make you laugh your heart out, Shooting Stars is the one for you.
The show’s plot revolves around the life of a celebrity and his PR agent, who ultimately end up falling for each other. The series has 16 episodes and can be watched on Viki.
Celebrity (2023)
Imagine yourself being thrust into the world of fame and influence- how would you deal with the pitfalls that come with it, and the people who wish to see you fail? Celebrity is yet another thrilling K drama, exploring the glitzy world of celebrities that hides its ugly side behind flashy lights and glamour.
Celebrity follows the story of Seo A-Ri who becomes a successful influencer with millions of followers. The limited series is currently available on Netflix.
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
If you are a long-time Kdrama lover chances are that you might have watched The Descendants of the Sun at least a couple of times. If not, or if you are new to the world of K drama, this show is a must-watch. Due to the show’s opposites attract trope, a swoon-worthy storyline, and amazing leads, it has emerged as one of the most popular Kdrama shows of all time.
Starring Song Joong-ki, and Song Hye-kyo, the show tells the story of a soldier and a surgeon, who fall in love. Currently, Descendants of the Sun can be watched on Netflix and other popular streaming platforms.
Reply 1988 (2015)
If you are ready for a trip down memory lane, heartfelt friendships, and nostalgia, Reply 1988 is the right show for you. Set in an age before smartphones, instant messaging, and social media, the plot revolves around the lives of teenage friends who live next to one another.
The show beautifully portrays the innocence of youth and how the five friends navigate the various ups and downs of life together. Reply 1988 can be watched on Netflix and Viki.
Heirs (2013)
Riding high on the Hallyu wave, Heirs or The Inheritors stars Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-Hye, and follows a storyline similar to Boys Over Flowers. If you enjoyed Boys Over Flowers, you are sure to enjoy the story of Kim Tan (your typical rich high school bully) and Cha Eun-sang (the poor yet pretty target).
The show is a bit cliqued, the male leads are problematic, but it makes for a great guilty pleasure and is one of the best OG Kdramas. Heirs/The Inheritors is available on Netflix and other popular streaming platforms.
Doona! (2023)
In a world of lengthy Kdramas, it was refreshing to come across this short and sweet show with just 9 episodes. Doona! tells the story of a retired K-pop idol who forms a beautiful relationship with her roommate Won-Jun who is an ordinary university student.
If you love bittersweet love stories, this is a must-watch. Doona! is available on Netflix.
Cheer Up (2022)
Cheer Up is a fun, energetic show, that beautifully portrays campus life. It is the right show to go for when you are feeling down or in the mood for a feel-good romantic comedy.
Streaming on Netflix, Cheer Up tells the story of Do Hae-Yi who joins the cheerleading squad to earn some extra cash and the events that thus unfold.
Love to Hate You (2023)
Last but not least, Love to Hate You is one of those shows that you wish was longer, because it is just too good. Starring an amazing female lead who takes crap from nobody, the show is one of its kind.
Love to Hate You is a light-hearted, fun watch that tells the story of a lawyer who punishes cheating men, and an actor weary of women who end up falling for one another. It might sound cliqued on paper but the actual show is far from it. You can watch Love to Hate You starting Kim Ok-vin and Teo Yoo on Netflix.
Final Words
I’m not claiming that these shows are THE best k dramas. However, these are a few picks that I found worth watching. There are many more that can be added to this list, but for now, I think these would mark a good start to the year.
Happy watching!
