Top 10 Most Watched K-Dramas On Netflix!

"Squid Game" is a gripping South Korean drama series that has captured a global audience, becoming the most-watched show on Netflix. The series revolves around a disturbing competition where 456 desperate contestants, drawn from various walks of life but each deeply in debt, compete in a series of children's games for a chance to win a life-changing cash prize. However, there's a deadly twist: losing a game results in death. The stark portrayal of societal inequalities, the desperation that drives people to extreme measures, and the brutal consequences of failure make "Squid Game" a chilling yet compelling watch.

Upon its release, "Squid Game" quickly ascended to the top of Netflix's charts, becoming the platform's most-viewed drama ever. It amassed over 111 million views within just 28 days of its release, setting a new record for the streaming service and solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. The show's intense storyline, rich character development, and its commentary on social stratification resonate with a wide range of audiences, making it a landmark series in the world of television.

"Sweet Home" is a South Korean apocalyptic horror-action fantasy series that has captivated a global audience on Netflix. Starring Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, and Lee Si-young, the show is adapted from a widely popular Naver webtoon by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, which amassed over 2.1 billion views online. The storyline follows residents of a decrepit apartment complex who transform into monstrous reflections of their deepest desires, creating a battle for survival amid their newfound horrors. This dark and compelling narrative combines elements of psychological thriller and gory spectacle, pulling viewers into its bleak and desperate world.

The series has seen substantial success on Netflix, ranking as the 6th most popular TV show worldwide on December 3, 2023, according to FlixPatrol. "Sweet Home" rapidly entered the top 10 rankings in several countries upon its release, maintaining a strong position on Netflix across diverse regions including Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, and many more. Despite its widespread popularity, the drama is not yet available in a number of countries, limiting its global reach. This blend of horror, action, and deep human emotion has established "Sweet Home" as a standout show within the international television landscape.

"All of Us Are Dead" is a gripping K-Drama that revolves around a group of high school students trapped inside their school amidst a terrifying zombie virus outbreak. As the infection spreads rapidly, turning their classmates into ravenous zombies, the students are forced to fight for their survival, making harrowing decisions that blur the lines between life and death. The drama is noted for its intense action scenes and deep social commentary, particularly critiquing the pressures within the South Korean educational system.

The series was a massive hit globally, evident from its performance on Netflix's streaming charts. On Tuesday, "All of Us Are Dead" debuted in the fifth-place slot on Netflix’s all-time rankings for the Top 10 most popular non-English TV series, based on hours viewed in their first 28 days, accumulating a remarkable 361 million hours. This strong showing in the rankings reflects its broad appeal and the dramatic, visceral portrayal of a zombie apocalypse that resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a standout in the horror genre on the platform.

Queen of Tears is the most watched K-drama of 2024 so far and trumps Crash Landing On You's record ratings. The K-Drama from tvN that has quickly risen to prominence since its premiere in March 2024. The series features Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won in leading roles, portraying a couple navigating through marital struggles until they rediscover their love, adding layers of depth and emotion to the storyline. The drama's premiere achieved notable ratings of 5.85% nationwide and 6.49% in metropolitan areas, with subsequent episodes showing a steady increase in viewership. By the second episode, ratings had surged to 8.66% nationwide and 9.82% in metropolitan areas, indicating growing popularity.

Internationally, "Queen of Tears" has garnered significant attention, ranking within the top 10 TV shows on Netflix in over 40 countries shortly after its release. It also ranks fifth globally among the most popular TV shows on Netflix, highlighting its broad appeal and international success. In a testament to its quality and viewer engagement, the series recorded a peak viewership of 19% by its tenth episode, placing it among tvN's highest-rated dramas. This performance is underscored by critical acclaim for the cast's outstanding acting, which has been pivotal in driving the show's high ratings and viewer interest.

"The Glory" is a South Korean drama series that captures a compelling tale of revenge and psychological thriller elements. The narrative revolves around Moon Dong-eun, a woman seeking retribution against those who bullied her in school. She meticulously plans her vengeance by becoming the homeroom teacher of her main tormentor's child, setting the stage for a gripping and strategic confrontation. This series, marked by its intense storytelling and deep character development, was written by Kim Eun-sook and has received significant acclaim (Wikipedia).

In terms of viewership, "The Glory" achieved impressive records on Netflix, becoming the third most-watched content globally in the first half of 2023 with 622.8 million hours viewed. It premiered on December 30, 2022, and quickly rose to prominence, illustrating its wide-reaching impact and popularity. Notably, the series was also recognized at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards, winning awards for Best Drama, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress, underscoring its critical success and the strong performances of its cast.

Vincenzo" is a captivating South Korean drama that blends elements of crime, comedy, and romance. The series centers on Vincenzo Cassano, an Italian lawyer and Mafia consigliere of Korean descent who returns to South Korea due to conflicts within his organization. In Korea, he embarks on a mission to recover a hidden trove of gold beneath a dilapidated building. However, his plans are complicated by a sharp and righteous lawyer, Hong Cha-young, and her intern, who are fighting a conglomerate involved in numerous crimes. Together, they form an unlikely alliance, using Vincenzo's Mafia tactics to bring down corrupt entities in a way that the law cannot.

Upon its premiere, "Vincenzo" achieved a 7.7% average viewership rating nationwide, marking it as the third-highest premiere rating for a weekend drama on its network, only behind heavyweights like "Mr. Sunshine," "Encounter," and "Mr. Queen."

The series has been recognized as the tenth highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history, reflecting its domestic acclaim. Internationally, "Vincenzo" has resonated with audiences on Netflix, consistently appearing in the top 10 TV shows globally on the platform. In 2021, it ranked fourth on Forbes' list of most-viewed Korean series on Netflix. This international appeal underscores the drama's wide-reaching impact, blending intense storytelling with culturally rich content to engage viewers around the world.

"Crash Landing on You" is a captivating South Korean drama that follows the unexpected romance between Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean heiress and fashion mogul, and Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean military officer. The series begins with Se-ri accidentally paragliding into North Korea due to a storm, where she meets Jeong-hyeok, who decides to protect her. As they navigate their stark cultural differences and the political tensions of the border, their initial animosity turns into a deep, forbidden love, captivating audiences with its mix of romance, comedy, and drama.

This K-drama became one of the most beloved shows on television, achieving significant viewership ratings. On tvN, it recorded the channel's fourth highest ratings ever, with a peak at 21.7% nationwide, reflecting its massive popularity. Additionally, it reached impressive ratings of up to 19.0% per episode, particularly popular among women in their forties and the key demographic of viewers aged 20 to 49. Its success extended internationally as it became available on Netflix, where it continued to garner a broad audience, contributing significantly to the global K-drama wave.

"Strong Girl Namsoon" is an action-packed K-Drama that serves as a spin-off to the popular 2017 series "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon." Starring Lee Yoo-mi, the series follows the adventures of Kang Nam Soon, who possesses superhuman strength. Returning to South Korea to track down her family's roots and her own history, Nam Soon gets entangled in drug-related crimes in the sophisticated Gangnam district. The narrative delves into the challenges she faces, supported by three generations of women in her family, all of whom share the same extraordinary abilities.

The series has been a notable success in terms of viewership. It premiered with modest ratings but saw a steady increase, eventually peaking at 10.42% nationwide and 11.10% in metropolitan areas. This was the only instance during its run that "Strong Girl Namsoon" achieved double-digit viewership . Additionally, the drama made significant strides internationally, ranking within Netflix's global top 10 TV shows, which underscored its appeal beyond the domestic market .

"Parasyte: The Grey" is a Korean drama adaptation of the classic Japanese manga, directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The series presents a gripping tale of alien parasites that infiltrate humanity, focusing on deep themes of survival and the essence of human identity. The central narrative follows Jung Soo-In, played by Jeon So-Nee, who struggles with a parasite living within her, delivering a nuanced portrayal that captures both fear and defiance.

While the series has drawn attention for its dark and intense narrative, it has also performed impressively on Netflix, gaining significant viewership. "Parasyte: The Grey" quickly climbed the ranks in Netflix's global top 10 list shortly after its release, indicating a strong reception among international audiences. The Grey topped Netflix's Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) category three days after its release and was well received in 68 countries from April 1–7, with 31.5 million hours watched by 6.3 million viewers in its first week. During the second week, the series maintained its top spot and viewership increased to 49 million hours watched by 9.8 million viewers. It also ranked among the top 10 in 84 countries and at number one in 34 countries. 

"King the Land" is a South Korean drama that combines romance with workplace intrigue, set against the backdrop of a luxurious hotel. The series follows the story of Goo Won, a cheerful and charming heir to the King Group who is groomed to take over the family business. Despite his privileged background, Goo Won seeks genuine happiness and freedom from his rigid corporate responsibilities. He meets Cheon Sa Rang, an employee at the King Hotel, known for her bright personality and impeccable customer service. Together, they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives, finding love and understanding in each other's company.

While "King the Land" has garnered attention for its engaging plot and charismatic leads, it has not achieved the same level of global viewership as "Squid Game." Unlike "Squid Game," which broke records on Netflix, "King the Land" caters to a different audience with its focus on romance and interpersonal relationships rather than intense drama and life-or-death stakes. Nevertheless, the show has been well-received for its heartwarming narrative and the chemistry between its main characters, contributing positively to the rich tapestry of Korean dramas.