The Gr8est of 2024: 8 Korean Dramas Everyone Was Watching (And You Should, Too)
Dec 25, 2024 • Meryl Medel
There was no shortage of new K-dramas this year; from both big-name studios to underdogs that no one expected to rise to the top. Though many fans believe some dramas fell short, some exceeded our expectations. Here’s what we enjoyed watching this year:
Disclaimer: Please note that, regardless of whether it became unpopular after its conclusion, if I personally enjoyed the drama (or, at least, most of it), then it’s probably here. Haha.
Lovely Runner
In 2024, a fan’s desperate wish to save the life of her favorite K-pop idol throws her back in time, where she realizes that very same K-pop idol was actually her next-door neighbor. Every time our protagonist slips in time, we see new sides to our leads, and the career-skyrocketing performances of Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok as Im Sol and Ryu Sun-jae throughout different stages of their lives only solidify our love for this drama.
Queen of Tears
Baek Hyun-woo might have started the drama wanting to divorce his proud heiress wife Hong Hae-in, but when he finds out she suffers from a fatal illness and he can inherit her assets, he stays and remembers that he loved her — still loves her. And while the show pulls viewers back and forth between comedy and angst, the undeniable chemistry and powerful performances of lead actors Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won carried most of the drama, along with some help from their colorful cast of family members.
Family By Choice
This heartwarming drama follows three individuals who, despite not being blood-related, grow up together and form a deep, enduring bond. Their characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs, evoking a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears. But the drama’s strength lies in the captivating dynamics of the main trio — played by Hwang Inyoup, Jung Chaeyeon, and Bae Hyeonseong — who show viewers that family isn’t always defined by blood, but by love and support.
The Judge from Hell
Showcasing a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and legal thriller, this drama introduces an equally unique protagonist: a judge from the underworld who possesses a woman’s body to dispense justice in the human realm. Skillfully balancing dark humor and heartfelt moments, paired with the strong performance of lead actress Park Shin-hye, The Judge From Hell makes the viewer think about themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of human actions, challenging conventional notions of right and wrong.
No Gain No Love
After so many unsatisfying relationships, Son Hae-young has given up on love, but not on her career. With a job promotion within reach, she does everything she needs to get it, even if it means planning a fake wedding with the convenience store clerk Kim Ji-wook. Shenanigans ensue, of course, and combined with hilariously sharp dialogues and entertaining cameos, viewers will have a fun romcom to enjoy.
Love Next Door
Love Next Door is a romantic comedy that gives a fresh perspective on love and relationships, blending heartwarming moments with witty humor. Playing childhood friends turned lovers, Jung Hae-in, Jung So-min, and their undeniable chemistry make viewers believe they have been bickering for over 20 years and falling in love just as long. But beyond the romantic storyline, Love Next Door explores themes of friendship, family, and personal growth, complete with relatable characters and engaging storylines.
Lightshop Keeper
Confession time: I had to wait for Lightshop Keeper to conclude before finishing this article and deciding on the final lineup. And yes, it was worth the wait.
Lightshop Keeper (or simply Light Shop in other territories) follows a group of strangers, all of whom seem unconnected to each other, except that they are all strangely pulled to a light shop located in a dark, dubious alley. It balances suspenseful moments with poignant emotional depth (even if it doesn’t feel like it at the start).
The show may feel slow-going, especially during the first half when each story seems random, but savoring each episode is worth the payoff, just like it was in Moving. By the time Episode 8 comes around, viewers will see just how well the stories tie together and how it would make you want to rewatch the show again and again and again. And wait for Kang Full’s next adaptation.
When the Phone Rings
While it’s still currently ongoing, we’ve seen how much this contract marriage drama has captured the K-drama community’s attention, and all available episodes thus far have not disappointed us. So yes, it’s here as one of our Gr8ests. Putting suspense, mystery, and romance in one show, When The Phone Rings tells the story of a mute wife and her seemingly cold husband, whose lives take a dramatic turn when they receive a mysterious phone call.
The drama’s gripping plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, and the chemistry between lead stars Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin is so undeniable that everyone who started watching is understandably locked in and tuning in every weekend.
Honorable Mentions:
Death’s Game
Mr. Plankton
A Shop for Killers
Culinary Class Wars (which is not a K-drama per se, but is worth the mention thanks to being a Korean production that has accumulated its own global audience.)
Note: If you’re looking for Squid Game, a.k.a. one of the most anticipated K-dramas, we did not consider it for this list because while its release is 2024, it is scheduled to premiere on December 26, virtually at the end of the year.
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