The South Korean entertainment industry never runs out of charm, especially through its lineup of dramas that consistently captivate global audiences. Every year, loyal fans are treated to new stories filled with emotions, thrilling plotlines, and characters that leave a lasting impression.

The year 2024 witnessed the emergence of several outstanding Korean dramas (K-Dramas) that not only captured attention but also became hot topics on social media, even breaking viewership records. From sweet romantic tales and heartwarming family dramas to suspenseful thrillers and mysteries, each production delivered remarkable quality.

Here's a roundup of the 10 most popular K-dramas of 2024 that left a deep impression on fans around the world.

1. Queen of Tears

The Korean drama Queen of Tears broke viewership records with its impressive ratings. Featuring Kim Soo Hyun’s long-awaited return after a three-year hiatus and his collaboration with Kim Ji Won, this drama quickly drew significant attention. In its final episode, Queen of Tears achieved a 24.8% rating, surpassing Crash Landing On You, which previously held the record at 21.6%.

The story follows Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo Hyun) as he faces a major dilemma in his divorce from Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji Won), which takes a drastic turn after shocking news. The presence of Hollywood actor Sebastian Roche further boosted the drama's international appeal. It’s no surprise that Queen of Tears became one of the most popular dramas of 2024.

2. Light Shop

Light Shop achieved an extraordinary feat as the most-watched South Korean original series on Disney+ Hotstar globally in 2024. Within just 12 days of its premiere on December 4, the drama quickly captured attention and became the second most popular Korean series of all time on the platform, right behind Moving.

The story follows six individuals struggling with traumatic pasts, leading them to a mysterious light shop hidden at the end of a corridor. This shop is no ordinary place—it holds secrets that unlock the past, present, and future. With its blend of supernatural elements and themes of love, life, and death, Light Shop offers a deeply reflective and mysterious viewing experience.

3. Lovely Runner

Lovely Runner succeeded in captivating global audiences, propelling Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon to the forefront of stardom. The drama dominated streaming platforms like Viki, Viu, and Netflix, with an impressive rating of 8.7 from its premiere on April 8 to its finale on May 28, 2024.

Adapted from the web novel The Best Tomorrow, the drama tells the story of Im Sol, a fan who time-travels to save her idol, Ryu Sun Jae, from a tragic fate.

The drama’s popularity also extended to the music world, with the Lovely Runner OST setting a pre-order record for Korean drama soundtracks. The song "Sudden Shower" by the fictional band Eclipse even made its way onto the Billboard Global 200 chart.

4. Family By Choice

Adapted from the Chinese drama Go Ahead, Family by Choice tells the story of childhood friendships that grow into adolescence in South Korea. With a blend of light comedy and emotionally touching moments, this drama successfully captured the attention of viewers, including in Indonesia.

With a rating of 8.3/10 on IMDb, the drama, starring Hwang In Yeop, Jung Chae Yeon, and Bae Hyun Sung, remains one of the highest-rated series amidst stiff competition from other ongoing dramas. Its warm storyline and relatable characters make it a memorable watch.

5. Marry My Husband

Marry My Husband, adapted from the webtoon of the same name, has captured the audience’s attention since its premiere on January 1, 2024. Starring Park Min Young, the drama earned a rating of 8.5/10 on IMDb, reflecting its growing popularity.

Centered on themes of infidelity and revenge, Marry My Husband follows the story of Kang Ji-won (Park Min Young), who is murdered by her husband after his affair is exposed. However, Ji-won’s life takes an unexpected turn when she experiences a time travel, returning to the past and gaining a second chance to plan her revenge against her husband.

6. A Killer Paradox

A Killer Paradox, a thriller comedy drama, captured significant attention with over 5.5 million viewers in its first week of release. With a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the drama proved its captivating storytelling quality.

The story follows an ordinary man who accidentally kills a serial killer, making him a target for police pursuit. The combination of tension and humor makes A Killer Paradox a unique and entertaining watch.

7. When the Phone Rings

Premiering on November 22, 2024, When the Phone Rings quickly gained attention, accumulating over 15 million views and securing the second spot on the Top 10 Global Netflix list for non-English content. The final episode achieved the highest rating with 7.5%, setting a record for its viewership.

This drama also boosted the popularity of its original web novel and webtoon. It follows Baek Sa Eon, a presidential spokesperson trapped in a political contract marriage, whose life dramatically changes after receiving a mysterious phone call threatening his wife’s life.

8. The Judge From Hell

The Judge From Hell combines dark fantasy, action, and legal thriller elements in 14 tension-filled episodes. Directed by Kim Hee-won, the drama stars Park Shin-hye as Kang Bit-na, a judge possessed by Justitia, a judge from Hell.

Justitia's mission is to punish ten unrepentant murderers within one year to save her own life. The drama has earned a rating of 7.8/10 on IMDb.

9. The Frog

The Frog (also known as In The Woods With No One) presents a compelling mystery story, starring Kim Yun Seok, Yoon Kye Sang, Go Min Si, and Park Chanyeol. The drama follows Jeon Young Ha, a holiday lodge manager, whose life takes a dramatic turn due to the arrival of a mysterious woman.

With flashbacks to the early 2000s, The Frog unravels the mysteries surrounding the lodge, showing how past events affect the present.

10. Chief Detective 1958

Premiering on April 19, 2024, Chief Detective 1958 is a criminal mystery drama set in 1958, consisting of 12 episodes. Directed by Kim Sung-Hoon and written by Kim Young-Shin, the drama has received a rating of 9.1/10 on IMDb.

This drama marks the return of actor Lee Je Hoon, who plays Park Yeong Han, a passionate and dignified young detective. Known for his success in capturing petty criminals, Yeong Han faces major cases, including murder and car bombings, which challenge his beliefs. He teams up with three other detectives to tackle corruption and defend the people.