The Korean Wave, also known as K-wave, refers to the rise in global popularity of South Korean culture from the 1990s. Initially fueled by the expansion of K-dramas and K-pop across East, Southeast, and South Asia, the Korean Wave grew from a regional phenomenon to a worldwide one, propelled by the Internet and social media, as well as the explosion of K-pop music videos on YouTube. Since the turn of the century, South Korea has emerged as a major exporter of popular culture and tourism, both of which have become important components of the country’s booming economy.

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, the Korean wave has become a powerful worldwide phenomenon, greatly influencing modern cultures, the music business, the film industry, the television industry, and the behavioural characteristics of people all over the globe. With the international success of K-dramas such as Descendants of the Sun, Goblin, Boys Over Flowers, and Heir, South Korea became acknowledged as a hub of both economic and soft power similar to many Western nations, with few comparisons, particularly for a non-Western nation. In terms of production value, technology, and talent, South Korea’s mass media and entertainment sector has caught up with those of English-speaking Western countries.

Here is the list of the top 10 K-dramas that carried the Korean Wave:

NOTE: This article is purely written for entertainment purposes. The dramas are given this ranking based on the author’s opinion. The author does not aim to impose his/her/their viewpoint on anyone and does not consider the rankings to be absolute. Enjoy this listicle with a light heart and a pleasant mind!

10. My Mister

• Cast: Lee Sunkyun, IU,
• Year: 2018
• Channel: tvN
• Episode: 16
• Where To Watch: Netflix, Viki

The narrative of “My Mister” revolves around Park Dong Hoon, a man in his middle age employed as an engineer, and his spouse, Kang Yoon Hee, a lawyer. Though outwardly successful, Dong Hoon’s life is far from contentment. He grapples with the burdens of supporting two jobless brothers and coping with the betrayal of his wife, who is engaged in an extramarital affair with their CEO, Do Joon Young.

Despite his professional accomplishments, Dong Hoon finds himself entrenched in personal turmoil, grappling with the complexities of familial responsibility and marital infidelity. As the story unfolds, it delves into the intricate dynamics of Dong Hoon’s relationships, highlighting the poignant struggles he faces in navigating the complexities of his life.

9. Hospital Playlist

• Cast: Jungsuk, Yeonseok, Kyungho, Daemyung, Mido
• Year: 2020
• Channel: tvN
• Episode: 12
• Where To Watch: Netflix

The narrative revolves around a group of five close friends employed at Yelje Medical Center, delving into the intricacies of their lives against the backdrop of a meticulously woven medical drama, tinged with elements of romance and suspense. These five individuals, all in their forties, share a profound bond forged since their days in medical school back in 1999.

The plot revolves around their enduring friendship, which acts as the foundation for the unfolding drama, as well as their mutual love of music. Through their professional and personal adventures, the story examines themes of friendship, loyalty, and the intricacies of human relationships in the dynamic setting of a crowded hospital workplace.

8. Start-Up

• Year: 2020
• Channel: tvN
• Episode: 16
• Where To Watch: Netflix

“Start-Up” unfolds its narrative within the vibrant setting of Korea’s equivalent of Silicon Valley, Sandbox. The storyline revolves around Suzy, a determined woman embarking on the journey to establish her own startup venture, and Nam Do San, portrayed by Nam Joo Hyuk, who is steering a struggling startup of his own. As their paths cross, the story goes into their combined attempts to overcome challenges and achieve their separate goals.

The series, set against the backdrop of invention and entrepreneurship, delves deeply into the struggles, triumphs, and complexity that exist in the startup sector. Through their intertwining narratives, “Start-Up” offers a compelling portrayal of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of success in the dynamic landscape of technology startups.

7. Penthouse

• Cast: Lee Jiah, Kim Soyeon, Eugene
• Year: 2020
• Channel: SBS
• Episode: 21
• Where To Watch: Netflix, SBS World, Prime Video, Viki

“Penthouse” looks into the linked lives of affluent families living in the lavish confines of Hera Palace, where their children attend the elite Cheong-ah Arts School. At the heart of the narrative is Shim Su-Ryeon (portrayed by Lee Ji-ah), an alluring figure of wealth tainted by a dark past. Her husband, Joo Dan-Tae (played by Uhm Ki-Joon), epitomizes success as a thriving entrepreneur, yet harbors undisclosed truths from his wife.

As the story unfolds, Su-Ryeon embarks on a journey of revelation, uncovering layers of deceit that threaten to unravel the very fabric of her existence. Through a tapestry of secrets and betrayals, “Penthouse” navigates the intricate dynamics of power, privilege, and the consequences of hidden agendas within the gilded walls of high society.

6. Hwarang

• Cast: Park Seojoon, Go Ara, Park Hyungsik, Kim Taehyung, Seo Yeaji, Choi Minho
• Year: 2016
• Channel: KBS2
• Episode: 20
• Where To Watch: Netflix, Viki

In the South Korean TV drama “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth,” actors Park Seo-Joon, Go A-ra, and Park Hyung-Sik take on prominent roles. The series follows the lives of a chosen group of young men known as hwarang against the backdrop of the Silla Kingdom’s turbulent period stretching from 57 B.C. to A.D. 935.

In this story, audiences see the hwarang negotiating their own ambitions, sexual entanglements, and strong relationships of friendship, all against the backdrop of a kingdom in change. As the story unfolds, it intertwines themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice, offering a captivating portrayal of life during this pivotal era in Korean history.

5. Boys Over Flowers

• Cast: Gu Hyesoon, Lee Minho, Kim Hyunjoong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon
• Year: 2009
• Channel: KBS2
• Episode: 25
• Where To Watch: Netflix, Viki

“Boys Over Flowers” debuted on South Korean television screens back in 2009, boasting a star-studded cast featuring Ku Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-Joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon, and Kim So-Eun. Inspired by Yoko Kamio’s popular Japanese shojo manga series of the same name, the show’s plot revolves around the lives of a modest, working-class girl who is thrown into the wealthy realm of a prominent high school dominated by the F4, a gang of affluent young men.

As she navigates this unfamiliar territory, she finds herself intricately entwined in the complex lives and dynamics of these wealthy and influential individuals. With its compelling storyline and charismatic characters, “Boys Over Flowers” quickly captured the hearts of audiences, establishing itself as a timeless classic in the realm of South Korean television dramas.

4. The Heirs

• Cast: Lee Minho, Park Shinhye, Kim Woobin
• Year: 2013
• Channel: SBS
• Episode: 20
• Where To Watch: Netflix, SBS World, Prime Video, Viki

The series centers around a clique of affluent teenagers, born into privilege and groomed to take over their family’s corporate dynasties. These elite high school students navigate the challenges of their impending inheritance, undergoing personal growth amidst the pressures of their legacy. At the forefront is Kim Tan (played by Lee Min-ho), the heir apparent to the formidable Jeguk Group, a huge conglomerate with deep roots in Korean society.

Tan’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of wealth, power struggles, and the complexities of familial expectations, providing a nuanced exploration of ambition, identity, and the price of privilege in modern society.

3. Goblin

• Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Goeun, Lee Dongwook, Yoo Inna, Yook Sungjae
• Year: 2016
• Channel: tvN
• Episode: 16
• Where To Watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki

Kim Shin, portrayed by Gong Yoo, emerges as a celebrated military figure during the Goryeo Dynasty, only to face betrayal from the very monarch he faithfully serves. Despite his valorous deeds, Kim Shin finds himself confronting death instead of the anticipated glory following a fierce battle. However, fate takes a mystical turn when God intervenes, bestowing upon him the role of a goblin tasked with a divine mission.

Kim Shin, who has been transformed into this otherworldly entity, is tasked with the sacred mission of rescuing specific people from eternal torment. Thus, his journey transcends mortal boundaries, navigating realms of both human and divine significance as he embarks on his quest to fulfill the mandate laid upon him by the divine.

2. Legend Of The Blue Sea

• Cast: Lee Min Ho, Jun Ji Hyun
• Year: 2016
• Channel: SBS
• Episode: 20
• Where To Watch: Netflix, Viki

Shim Cheong, portrayed by Jun Ji-Hyun, and Heo Joon-Jae, played by Lee Min-ho, stand as the central figures in the series. Shim Cheong, a mermaid, and Heo Joon-Jae, a cunning con-artist, embark on a compelling journey fraught with twists and turns.

Intertwined with their contemporary narrative is the captivating side story of their counterparts from the Joseon era: Se-Hwa, the mermaid, and Kim Dam-Ryeong, the esteemed town head. This parallel story explores themes of reincarnation, fate, and the intricacies of unrequited affection. Through the lens of these dual narratives, the series explores profound notions of love, sacrifice, and the enduring nature of human connection across time.

1. Descendants Of The Sun

• Year: 2016
• Channel: KBS2
• Episode: 16
• Where To Watch: Netflix Viki

The narrative centers on the romantic entanglement between Captain Yoo Shi Jin, a distinguished officer in the South Korean Special Forces, and Doctor Kang Mo Yeon, a skilled surgeon practicing at Haesung Hospital in the bustling metropolis of Seoul. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of significant upheavals and imminent dangers, spanning not only the familiar terrain of their homeland but also the fictitious and war-torn landscape of Urk.

As their relationship progresses, they face complex obstacles, reconciling professional responsibilities with personal wants amidst the volatility and instability of their environment. Throughout their trip, they face problems of loyalty, sacrifice, and perseverance, weaving a captivating story about the depths of human connection in the face of hardship.

If you got into the Korean Wave through other dramas, please let us know in the comments.