Korean dramas (K-Dramas) have taken the world by storm over the last decade, winning over audiences far beyond South Korea. With compelling storylines, complex characters, and high production values, Korean series have established themselves as a dominant force in global entertainment. The last 10 years have seen the rise of countless memorable series that have shaped the international TV landscape. Whether it’s the surge of crime thrillers, historical dramas, or romantic sagas, Korean television has something for every type of viewer.
Here’s a curated list of the best Korean series from the past decade that have captured hearts, sparked conversations, and achieved significant success worldwide.
1. Crash Landing on You (2019)
One of the most iconic K-Dramas of the decade, Crash Landing on You captured global attention for its heartwarming and emotional storyline. The series follows the tale of a South Korean chaebol heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and meets a soldier who helps her navigate her dangerous predicament. The series, starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, was praised for its engaging plot, beautiful cinematography, and powerful performances. It achieved massive success both in Korea and internationally, becoming a global sensation on Netflix.
SEO Keywords: Crash Landing on You, Hyun Bin drama, best K-dramas 2019, K-drama romance series
2. Goblin (2016)
Goblin (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) is a fantasy romance series that became a cultural phenomenon. Starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, and Lee Dong-wook, the show blends romance, comedy, and supernatural elements. It tells the story of a modern-day goblin, cursed to live forever, who seeks a human bride to end his immortality. The series captivated viewers with its deep themes, incredible performances, and breathtaking visuals. Goblin is widely regarded as one of the greatest K-Dramas of all time.
SEO Keywords: Goblin K-drama, best fantasy K-drama, Gong Yoo K-drama, Korean supernatural series
3. Kingdom (2019)
In the world of K-Dramas, Kingdom stands out as one of the most successful Korean series to mix historical fiction with the zombie genre. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the series follows a crown prince as he battles a mysterious outbreak turning the dead into zombies. The series features thrilling action sequences, intricate political intrigue, and a unique blend of horror and historical drama. Kingdom received critical acclaim and is often credited with revitalizing the zombie genre globally.
SEO Keywords: Kingdom K-drama, Korean zombie series, historical K-drama, best Korean horror series
4. Itaewon Class (2020)
Based on a popular webtoon, Itaewon Class tells the story of a young man who opens a bar in Itaewon, Seoul, with the goal of taking down a powerful food conglomerate that wronged him. The series tackles important social issues such as classism, discrimination, and the pursuit of justice, making it more than just a typical revenge story. Park Seo-joon’s powerful performance as the protagonist, coupled with a compelling storyline, earned Itaewon Class worldwide acclaim and a massive following.
SEO Keywords: Itaewon Class, Park Seo-joon K-drama, K-drama revenge series, best Korean social drama
5. Vincenzo (2021)
Vincenzo is a dark comedy and crime drama series starring Song Joong-ki as an Italian mafia consigliere who returns to South Korea and gets entangled in a battle with a corrupt conglomerate. The series blends humor, crime, and action, with a character-driven plot that keeps viewers hooked. Vincenzo became a fan-favorite for its stylish execution, witty dialogue, and excellent performances from the cast.
SEO Keywords: Vincenzo K-drama, Song Joong-ki drama, best K-drama 2021, crime K-drama series
6. My Mister (2018)
My Mister is an introspective and emotionally resonant series that follows the story of a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s who form an unexpected connection through their shared struggles. The series was praised for its deep exploration of human emotions, relationships, and the complexities of life. Lee Sun-kyun and IU’s performances were highly lauded, making My Mister one of the most memorable and touching K-Dramas of the decade.
SEO Keywords: My Mister K-drama, best emotional K-drama, IU K-drama, Lee Sun-kyun K-drama
7. Stranger (2017)
Also known as Secret Forest, Stranger is a crime thriller that follows a prosecutor who teams up with a police officer to investigate a series of murders that uncover corruption within the police force and government. The gripping plot and brilliant performances, especially from Cho Seung-woo, made Stranger a standout in the thriller genre. The show’s meticulous writing and suspenseful storytelling earned it critical acclaim, and it led to a successful second season.
SEO Keywords: Stranger K-drama, best Korean thriller, Cho Seung-woo K-drama, crime series Korea
8. The World of the Married (2020)
Based on the British series Doctor Foster, The World of the Married is a high-stakes melodrama about a married couple’s tumultuous relationship after betrayal and infidelity. The intense storyline, filled with emotional twists and turns, kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The series’ ability to capture the complexities of marriage and revenge made it a massive hit in Korea and abroad, further cementing its place among the best K-Dramas of the decade.
SEO Keywords: The World of the Married, K-drama melodrama, best infidelity K-drama, marriage K-drama
9. Hospital Playlist (2020)
Hospital Playlist is a refreshing slice-of-life series that revolves around a group of doctors who have been friends since medical school. The series is celebrated for its heartwarming portrayal of friendships, work-life balance, and the challenges of life in the medical field. With its well-rounded characters, beautiful music, and relatable themes, Hospital Playlist became a favorite among audiences looking for a feel-good drama.
SEO Keywords: Hospital Playlist K-drama, best medical K-drama, K-drama friendship series, feel-good K-drama
10. Youth of May (2021)
Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, Youth of May is a poignant and historical romance drama that explores the lives of two young people caught up in a turbulent period of Korean history. The series beautifully captures the complexities of love, political turmoil, and the sacrifices made during that time. Youth of May stands out for its emotional depth, excellent performances, and strong historical context.
SEO Keywords: Youth of May K-drama, historical romance K-drama, Gwangju Uprising drama, best K-drama 2021
Conclusion: A Decade of Excellence in K-Drama
Korean dramas have evolved over the last 10 years into a global powerhouse, offering an impressive variety of genres, stories, and performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. From the heart-pounding action of Vincenzo to the emotional depth of My Mister, these series showcase the incredible range of talent within the Korean entertainment industry. Whether you’re a longtime K-Drama fan or a newcomer to the world of Korean television, the past decade offers a treasure trove of captivating series that are sure to entertain and inspire.
SEO Keywords: Best K-dramas 2025, Korean series top 10, best K-drama romance, best Korean thriller series
