Daebak! Here’s The Beat’s 2024 K-Drama Must Watch List

2024 saw another iconic year for K-Drama fans. From heart-fluttering romances and jaw-dropping thrillers to binge-worthy soaps, Korean dramas once again proved they're the best in storytelling. Whether you're a longtime stan, a casual watcher, or someone just dipping your toes bit by bit into the K-Drama scene, this year's lineup was stellar; they had something for everyone.
So, grab your ramyeon, fried chicken, and somaek — here's our list of the best K-Dramas of 2024 that we think absolutely stole the show, in no particular order!
Love Next Door
Starring: Jung Hae-in, Jung So-min
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A woman living the perfect life abroad, employed by one of the best companies in the world and engaged to an international lawyer, abruptly returns home to South Korea and reboots her life. She reconnects with one of her childhood best friends, who turns out to be the top architect in Korea.
Where to stream: Netflix
Why it's on our list: Seok-ryu's (Jung So-min) experiences of being burnt out while having the life everyone dreams of should be talked about more, seriously. Plus, we'll always tune into the childhood friends turned lovers trope.
The Atypical Family
Starring: Jang Ki-yong, Chun Woo-hee, Go Doo-shim, Claudia Kim
Genre: Fantasy Romance
A family with superpowers that are fading, and how they are affected by modern-day problems. Their fate soon changes when they come across a beautiful con artist who attracts the family member’s attention.
Where to stream: Netflix
Why it's on our list: The premise is already as interesting as the title itself; a family losing their powers to modern-day issues. We don't get to see plots like this all the time, so it's worth the watch. Some parts of the first episode might irk you, but it gets better.
The Frog
Starring: Kim Yoon-seok, Yoon Kye-sang, Go Min-si, Lee Jung-eun
Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller
Two old friends are managing a villa-turned-holiday rental in a secluded forest town. Their lives take a turn for the worse when a mysterious woman arrives with her son to spend a night, only to leave blood stains, an overpowering scent of bleach, and without her son the next day. The present connects to the past, where the life of a motel owner also turns awry when he unknowingly invites a serial killer to stay the night. A policewoman with an innate ability to solve crime returns to her old police station to solve the mystery surrounding the holiday rental.
Where to stream: Netflix
Why it's on our list: Our top reason right off the bat? It's Go Min-si in her villain era. But seriously? It's the kind of drama that you should keep your eyes on at all times if you don't want to get confused at the time jumps. Some scenes will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. There were even moments wherein we found ourselves pausing to catch our breath.
Flex X Cop
Starring: Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Ji-hyun
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Romance
An immature third-generation chaebol turned detective, and a veteran detective become unlikely partners.
Where to stream: Disney+
Why it's on our list: We're used to seeing traditional detective shows where the villains have all the money and power at their grasp. But what if it's the law enforcement that has it and the villains are the ones practically scrounging all their resources just to get away? This one's a breath of fresh air from all that, plus some eye candy (Ahn Bo-hyun).
Queen of Tears
Starring: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Joo-bin
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A third-generation chaebol heiress and a son of farmers try to save their marriage of three years amidst different factors.
Where to stream: Netflix
Why it's on our list: Angst? Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won power couple? Honestly, while this drama is a melting pot of all kinds of possible love plots in one, it's the main leads' chemistry and acting prowess that brought all the views to this drama. No spoilers, but prepare some tissues and maybe line up a feel-good drama right after.
Love in the Big City
Starring: Nam Yoon-su, Byun Jun-seo, Lee Soo-kyung, Oh Hyun-kyung, Kwon Hyuk, Na Hyun-woo, Jin Ho-eun, Kim Won-joong
Genre: Melodrama, Coming-of-age, Slice of Life
A story of a gay man and a heterosexual woman living together and navigating love and life in Seoul.
Where to stream: Viki, Netflix (SEA soon)
Why it's on our list: Surely, we've all heard about this drama because we've seen how some South Koreans reacted to it. Also, we've seen how the lead actor (Nam Yoon-su) reacted nonchalantly to it and shared how he prepared for this role. The drama is a commentary about how life and love go for young adults (queer or not) and is a genuine portrayal of growth. A must-watch for everyone, tbh.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
Starring: Kim Tae-ri, Shin Ye-eun, Ra Mi-ran, Jung Eun-chae, Kim Yoon-hye
Genre: Period Drama, Coming-of-Age, Musical
Set after the Korean War in the 1950s, a girl born with a talent for singing enters the Yeoseong Gukguk troupe to become a Korean traditional opera actress.
Where to stream: Disney+
Why it's on our list: Everyone knows Kim Tae-ri and her range, but when paired with other powerful actresses? There's no overshadowing or clashing of skills involved, only the creation of a drama that shouldn't be missed out on. Plus, we found the focus on traditional Korean theatre art to be cool.
Doubt
Starring: Han Suk-kyu, Chae Won-bin
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Drama
A well-known criminal profiler in South Korea and his daughter are entangled in a murder case, questioning his professional beliefs. He does everything to prove his daughter’s innocence.
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
Why it's on our list: This drama will confuse you if you haven't been hooked from the start, to be honest. This drama touches on criminal profiling (if you're into that) and the father-daughter dynamic is interesting to watch. A lot will be happening all at the same time, so keep your eyes peeled. This isn't a casual watch, but we love it anyway.
Lovely Runner
Starring: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon
Genre: Time Slip, Romantic Comedy, Fantasy
The story of a top celebrity and his fan, who end up being transported to 2008, when they are both high school students. A romance unfolds when two people who missed each other finally meet.
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Viu
Why it's on our list: There's a reason why Byeon Woo-seok is beloved by every avid K-Drama lover right now — and this drama is a reason why. Both he and Kim Hye-yoon were darlings to watch; their chemistry could be described as "cuteness aggression." That aside, the drama was also a message to viewers saying to "live in the moment," and just love. It's a definite must-watch!
Mr. Plankton
Starring: Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Oh Jung-se, Kim Hae-sook
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Dark Comedy
The world’s unluckiest woman ends up traveling with her terminally ill ex-boyfriend in search of his family.
Where to stream: Netflix
Why it's on our list: Despite being fairly new, the drama stopped us in our tracks with just the plot. What do you mean exes are traveling together? What do you mean the girl was kidnapped by her ex when she was about to get married? Then, the angst factor enters: the guy is terminally ill. Anyway, life can throw you into the most unexpected situations, and this drama just portrays it well. Just try to give it a watch, it might even give you a life lesson or two.
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