From Lovely Runner to Queen of Tears: Top 10 most iconic K-dramas of 2024 that stole our hearts
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the year's most unforgettable K-dramas. From the romantic comedy Lovely Runner to the swoon-worthy Queen of Tears, here are the top 10 K-dramas of 2024 that made our hearts skip a beat.
Can we collectively agree that 2024 came through with some of the best K-dramas ever? Some drama heads even declared this year, K-drama makers managed to outdo 2016, the golden year when cult classics such as Descendants of the Sun, Legend of the Blue Sea, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, Signal, and Reply 1988 were released. Yes, can you believe these K-dramas were all released in the same year? We couldn't either!
As 2024 closes its curtains, and we wait for the new year to bring fresh stories that make us ugly cry, uncontrollably laugh, and teach valuable life lessons¡ªall while making our hearts flutter¡ªlet's take a look at 10 of the best K-dramas released this year.
1. Lovely Runner
When K-pop idol Ryu Sun-jae of the boy band ECLIPSE dies under mysterious circumstances, his devoted fan Im Sol's life turns upside down. But in a surprising twist, Sol is transported back in time to 2008, when she was a high school student and Sun-jae was her neighbor. Seizing the chance to alter destiny, Sol embarks on journey to save the love her life.
Cast: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-hoon
Where to watch: Netflix & Viki
2. Family by Choice
Circumstances cause Kim San-ha, Yoon Ju-won, and Kang Hae-jun to form an unbreakable bond despite being unrelated by blood. Raised by two devoted fathers, they grow up as a family but get separated as teenagers. A decade later, they reunite, rekindling memories and their unformidable bond.
Star cast: Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-sung
Where to watch: Viki
3. Mr. Plankton
Hae Jo, a man with a terminal brain condition, kidnaps his ex-girlfriend Jae-mi on her wedding day. Despite initial reluctance, Jae-mi, who's struggling with early menopause, comes along with Hae Jo on a road trip to find his biological father. As they reconnect, they rekindle fond memories of their haunting but beautiful past.
Cast: Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Death's Game
Choi Yi-jae, a struggling job-seeker, is given a second chance by Death after his failed suicide attempt. But as a punishment, he must relive death 12 times in different bodies. If he can prevent just one death, he'll get to live on in that body.
Cast: Seo In-guk, Park So-dam
Where to watch: Prime Video
5. Marry My Husband
Kang Ji-won, a terminally ill woman, leads a miserable life with her debt-ridden husband, who is also cheating on her with her best friend. But fate gives her a second chance when she wakes up 10 years in the past, determined to seek revenge against those who wronged her.
Cast: Park Min-young, Na In-woo
Where to watch: Prime Video
6. No Gain No Love
Ambitious marketing professional Son Hae-yeong enters a sham marriage with convenience store clerk Kim Ji-uk for workplace benefits. With their past intertwined, the two develop feelings for each other during their pretend game.
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Young-dae
Where to watch: Prime Video
7. Love Next Door
Bae Seok-ryu leaves her successful job in the States to return to Korea after a major life upheaval. Upon returning, she reconnects with her childhood friend Choi Seung-hyo only to realise everything that she has ever wanted is here.
Cast: Jung So-min, Jung Hae-in
Where to watch: Netflix
8. Doctor Slump
Child prodigy turned star surgeon Yeo Jeong-woo's life gets disrupted when he's accused of medical negligence and put on trial. Meanwhile, his high school rival Nam Ha-neul is struggling to cope with the pressures of her job, leading to a devastating mental health diagnosis. The duo reunites in a chance encounter and helps each other get over their slump.
Cast: Park Hyung-sik, Park Shin-hye
Where to watch: Netflix
9. Queen of Tears
Hong Hae-in, a wealthy chaebol heiress, and Baek Hyun-woo, a farmer's son, are on the brink of divorce after three troubled years of marriage. However, Hae-in's diagnosis of a life-threatening disease changes everything for the couple.
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won
Where to Watch: Netflix
10. When the Phone Rings
Baek Sa-eon's life is turned upside down when his 'mute' wife Hong Hee-joo is kidnapped. In the process of tracking down the mysterious kidnapper who knows too much about his guarded life, his sham marriage takes an unprecedented turn.
Cast: Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin
Where to watch: Netflix
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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