Since the debut of Kingdom and Love Alarm in 2019, Netflix has significantly expanded its catalog of original K-dramas. The platform has not only released numerous original titles but has also offered licensed K-dramas, with some standout examples like Queen of Tears, which premiered in South Korea and later made its way to Netflix in various regions. This trend indicates that while licensed K-dramas still constitute a large part of Netflix’s offerings, the number of original Korean series continues to grow each year.
Typically, Netflix’s original K-dramas are limited series, featuring fewer episodes compared to traditional K-drama formats, which often consist of around 16 episodes. However, many of these web series, such as Sweet Home and Squid Game, have garnered multiple seasons. The platform has successfully collaborated with some of Korea’s most talented actors, writers, and directors, resulting in a vibrant collection of original K-dramas that cater to diverse tastes.
15 Celebrity
(2023)
Park Gyu-young stars in Celebrity, a poignant Netflix series that examines the profound influence of social media on mental well-being and critiqued celebrity culture, especially in the age of social media influencers. Her performance shines as the series tackles critical issues in a thoughtful manner without being overly preachy. Despite not being groundbreaking, this K-drama is considered one of Netflix’s hidden gems.
14 The Trunk
(2024)
Gong Yoo’s much-anticipated return to the screen came with The Trunk, approximately three years following his role in The Silent Sea. While his comeback was exciting, the series fell short of expectations, blending into the crowded genre of psychological thrillers. It offers a slow-burn narrative with a layered mystery, featuring Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin in a variation of the classic fake-marriage trope.
13 Parasite: The Grey
(2024)
Diverging from the mixed reception of Netflix’s live-action anime adaptations, Parasite: The Grey stands out due to its originality. Instead of revisiting the well-trodden storylines of the Parasyte universe, this series introduces new characters in a distinct setting—Seoul—providing a fresh perspective within the beloved narrative world.
12 Gyeongseong Creature
(2023-2024)
Gyeongseong Creature, featuring Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee, tells a story that might feel less cohesive due to its ambitious 79-year time jump between the two seasons. While the chemistry between the leads is commendable, the character development falls flat, leaving much to be desired for viewer engagement.
11 Hellbound
(2021-2024)
Delving into profound themes of faith and societal dynamics, Hellbound raises intriguing questions about the emergence of “angels of death” and their role in condemning individuals. The series is marked by its enigmatic storytelling, leaving viewers with more questions than answers and inviting them to ponder how humanity grapples with the incomprehensible.
10 The Frog
(2024)
Praising Go Min-si’s performance, The Frog originally explores the long-lasting impact of trauma through intertwining stories. Her portrayal of a calculated woman who displays no remorse adds depth to this psychological thriller, showcasing her range as an actress.
9 The Silent Sea
(2021)
Gong Yoo made waves with his role in The Silent Sea, which merges horror with sci-fi elements at a time when the streaming world had high expectations. The series revolves around an unsettling space mission as it builds an atmosphere of suspense rather than relying solely on jump scares. It features a self-contained narrative and stellar performances.
8 Love Alarm
(2019)
As Netflix’s inaugural K-drama, Love Alarm marked the beginning of Song Kang’s branded success with the platform. Although it follows traditional romance tropes—especially a love triangle in a high school setting—it captivates with its unique premise centered around a futuristic dating app.
7 Kingdom
(2019-2020)
Launching Netflix’s original Korean programming, Kingdom has endured as one of the platform’s premier K-dramas. Set amidst the backdrop of a 17th-century zombie apocalypse, it melds genres of horror, fantasy, and romance into a captivating narrative that appeals to a wide audience.
6 Sweet Home
(2020-2024)
Regarded as Netflix’s first global K-drama hit, Sweet Home set the stage for other major productions. Featuring dynamic characters and a gripping storyline, it successfully navigates a monster apocalypse while showcasing emerging talents like Song Kang and others, despite significant changes in its follow-up seasons.
5 Mr. Plankton
(2024)
In a refreshing twist, Mr. Plankton delivers a humorous take on the struggles of two down-on-their-luck protagonists. With impressive chemistry between Woo Do-hwan and Lee Yoo-mi, the series masterfully weaves tragedy and humor into a love story that’s both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, highlighted by Oh Jung-se’s standout comedic performance.
4 My Name
(2021)
Shifting from her typical roles, Han So-hee delivers a riveting performance in My Name, a series steeped in themes of vengeance and deception. As the protagonist plunges into the depths of the criminal underworld to avenge her father’s murder, audiences are treated to a multi-layered narrative with unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
3 All Of Us Are Dead
(2021-)
As one of Netflix’s most viewed K-dramas, All of Us Are Dead revitalizes the zombie genre by delivering a thrilling storyline packed with intense moments and remarkable action sequences. The series executes a perfect blend of horror and suspense, all while allowing room for character development and emotional story arcs, making it a staple in Netflix’s Korean content lineup.
2 The Glory
(2022-2023)
The Glory elevates the revenge K-drama genre, offering a harrowing exploration of the psychological effects of bullying. The series captivates viewers, pushing them to empathize with Dong-eun as she navigates her quest for vengeance, establishing itself as one of the most critically acclaimed K-dramas available on Netflix.
1 Squid Game
(2021-2025)
Squid Game has firmly secured its place as Netflix’s flagship K-drama, drawing millions of viewers and critical acclaim. The show’s gripping narrative, led by Lee Jung-jae’s compelling performance, revolves around high-stakes games that have dramatic and tragic consequences. Its blend of social commentary and entertainment ensures that Squid Game will remain a benchmark in the realm of original streaming content.
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