It’s a tough question to answer, as there have been so many popular and beloved Korean dramas over the years. It’s hard to narrow it down to just one as the “number one” drama, as personal tastes and opinions can vary greatly. However, there are certainly a few dramas that stand out as particularly popular and highly regarded within the Korean drama community.
One drama that consistently ranks highly among both critics and viewers is “SKY Castle,” a 2018 drama that aired on JTBC. “SKY Castle” is a dark satire that follows the lives of wealthy elite living in an exclusive residential area called “SKY Castle.” The drama delves into themes of classism, parenting, and the pressure to succeed, and it was praised for its writing, acting, and social commentary. It became a massive hit, achieving the highest viewership ratings of any Korean drama in cable TV history.
Another highly popular and critically acclaimed drama is “Itaewon Class,” a 2020 drama that aired on JTBC. “Itaewon Class” is based on a webtoon of the same name and follows the story of a young man named Park Sae-Ro-Yi who starts a food and beverage business in the trendy neighborhood of Itaewon, Seoul. The drama tackles themes of friendship, love, and entrepreneurship, and it was praised for its strong writing and well-developed characters. It became a massive hit, with high viewership ratings and a devoted fan base.
Other highly popular and critically acclaimed dramas that could be contenders for the “number one” spot include “Goblin” (2016), “Crash Landing on You” (2019), and “Mr. Sunshine” (2018). “Goblin” is a fantasy drama about a modern-day goblin who tries to end his immortal life and a grim reaper who helps him. “Crash Landing on You” is a romantic comedy about a South Korean heiress who accidentally lands in North Korea and falls in love with a North Korean officer. “Mr. Sunshine” is a historical drama set during the Joseon Dynasty and follows the story of a young boy who becomes a soldier in the U.S. army and returns to Korea as an adult.
Ultimately, it’s hard to say which Korean drama is the “number one” as it’s a subjective matter and different people will have different opinions. However, the dramas mentioned above are certainly among the most popular and highly regarded within the Korean drama community and are worth checking out for any fans of the genre.