10 of the Highest-Rated K-Dramas You Must Watch Right Now

First time with K-dramas? If you’re one of those who’ve been introduced to the world of Korean dramas recently, you’re probably also on the lookout for shows that you can watch next, right? Why not start with shows that have gained popularity and have been talked about by so many people when it first aired?

Below, we’ve listed down 10 of the highest-rated Korean dramas that are worth checking out right now. Which of these shows have you seen already and are planning to watch soon?

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Note: This list includes only K-dramas that aired in Korean cable television (JTBC, TVN, OCN, etc.) and is based on the nationwide ratings from AGB Nielsen Media Research (South Korea).

Stream it here.

10. Signal (2016)

In Signal, a police officer named Hae Yeong finds a walkie-talkie that allows him to get in contact with the detective Lee Jae Han, who is from the past. Through this new connection, he goes on a journey to solve the old cases, as well as the crime that he has witnessed when he was still an elementary student 15 years ago. Lee Jae Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, and Jo Jin Woong star in this drama.

Peak Rating: 12.544%
Channel: TVN
Number of Episodes: 16

Stream it here.

9. Hospital Playlist (2020)

Hospital Playlist chronicles the lives of five doctors, all of who are friends of 20 years from medical school, and are now colleagues in the same hospital. The drama shows how they deal with their patients on the daily, while trying to live a normal life outside the hospital. This stars Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jeon Mi Do, Jung Kyung Ho, and Kim Dae Myung.

Peak Rating: 14.142%
Channel: TVN
Number of Episodes: 12

Stream it here.

8. 100 Days My Prince (2018)

In 100 Days My Prince, the crown prince Lee Yul finds himself under the care of Hong Shim and Hong Shim’s father after an assassination attempt, with no memories of his royal background. He is then forced to marry Hong Shim to save her from being punished because of a law that he himself created as a prince. This historical drama stars EXO’s DO, Nam Ji Hyun, Kim Seon Ho, and Han Seo Hee.

Peak Rating: 14.412%
Channel: TVN
Number of Episodes: 16

Stream it here.

7. Itaewon Class (2020)

Itaewon Class follows Park Seo Joon’s Park Saeroyi in his journey of opening his own restaurant in the neighborhood of Itaewon, his way of revenge to the family who fired his father from work and caused his expulsion from school. Starring alongside Park Seo Joon are Kim Da Mi, Yoo Jae Myung, Kwon Na Ra, and Lee Joo Hyung. The show is also based on the webtoon of the same name.

Peak Rating: 16.548%
Channel: JTBC
Number of Episodes: 16

Stream it here.

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6. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

This historical drama is based on the story of the US’ expedition to Joseon, and centers on a Joseon boy who escapes to America, only to come back to his homeland as an American soldier. It’s there that he meets the noblewoman Ae Sin, and uncovers the plot of foreign forces to colonize the country. Lee Byung Hoon, Choi Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Byun Yo Han, and Kim Min Jung star in this drama.

Peak Rating: 18.129%
Channel: TVN
Number of Episodes: 24

Stream it here.

5. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

In this fantasy drama, Go Eun plays the Goblin’s bride Ji Eun Tak, the only one capable of pulling out the sword and ending the existence of the goblin Kim Shin. This task gets more complicated when the two fall in love with each other. Go Eun stars in this drama alongside Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, and Yoo In Na.

Peak Rating: 18.680%
Channel: TVN
Number of Episodes: 20

Stream it here.

4. Reply 1988 (2015)

This slice-of-life drama is set in the neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong and follows the lives of five childhood friends and their families as they navigate their teenage years while setting a path for their futures. This stars Girl’s Day’s Hyeri, Ryu Jun Yeol, Park Bo Gum, Go Kung Pyo, Lee Dong Hwi, and more.

Peak Rating: 18.803%
Channel: TVN
Number of Episodes: 20

Stream it here.

3. Crash Landing on You (2019)

Crash Landing On You tells the story of star-crossed couple Ri Jeong Hyeok of North Korea and Yoon Se Ri of South Korea after the latter crash lands in North Korean territory after a paragliding mishap. This drama stars Hyun Bin, Son Ye Jin, Kim Jung Hyun, and Seo Ji Hye.

Peak Rating: 21.683%
Channel: TVN
Number of Episodes: 16

Stream it here.

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2. SKY Castle (2018)

First aired in November 2019, this drama revolves around the families living in the luxury neighborhood that is SKY Castle, which hosts families of doctors and professors. It shows the extent that the parents will take to send their sons and daughters to the prestigious universities of South Korea. Yeom Jung Ah, Lee Tae Ran, Yoon Se Ah, Oh Na Ra, and Kim Seo Hyung star in this drama.

Peak Rating: 23.779%
Channel: JTBC
Number of Episodes: 20

Stream it here.

1. The World of the Married (2020)

Based on the BBC drama Doctor Foster, The World of the Married centers on successful doctor Ji Sun Woo who seems to have the perfect life with her husband Lee Tae Oh and son Joon Young. However, the image of perfection is shattered when she learns that her husband and her friends have been betraying her all along. It stars Kim Hee Ae, Park Hae Joon, Han So Hee, and Jeon Ji Seo.

Peak Rating: 28.371%
Channel: JTBC
Number of Episodes: 16

Stream it here.

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What’s your favorite show from the list? Let us know in the comments!

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Homestream images courtesy of Netflix.