Top 5 Most Popular Korean Dramas You Should Watch This Season

Korean dramas continue to attract massive audiences with their bold storytelling and powerful performances. In recent weeks, viewers have been treated to a lineup of new shows and grand finales that dominated national and international entertainment headlines. Many fans are actively searching for the most talked-about Korean dramas and trending series currently available across various streaming platforms.

Below are five Korean dramas that received remarkable attention and impressive audience ratings. Each of these titles, both ongoing and concluded, has made a significant mark through exceptional storytelling, star-studded casts, and high audience engagement.

1. Bon Appetit, Your Majesty Achieves Record Ratings

"Bon Appetit, Your Majesty" made a historic journey with its final episode, which struck a remarkable national viewership rating. According to Nielsen Korea, the twelfth and concluding episode reached 17.1 percent, a new milestone for the drama’s entire season. This achievement surpassed the previous series record of 15.7 percent, reinforcing its popularity among local audiences.

The drama’s plot revolves around Yeon Ji-young, a perfectionist chef, brought to life by YoonA. Ji-young is at the height of her culinary career and dreams of opening a Michelin-starred restaurant in her homeland. However, her path takes an unexpected turn as she is mysteriously transported back to the Joseon Dynasty, where danger and intrigue await. This gripping mix of culinary ambition, time travel, and palace drama drew viewers from the start and kept them engaged through every episode.

2. Queen Mantis Delivers a Dark Crime Thriller

"Queen Mantis" concluded with a notable boost in viewership, posting a national average rating of 7.4 percent for its finale. In the Seoul metropolitan area, the figure was even higher, peaking at 7.9 percent. Data from Nielsen Korea confirms a steady climb in viewership, particularly for the last two episodes, an achievement for a genre-bending crime thriller.

The series centers on Jung Yi-shin, portrayed by Ko Hyun-jung, a notorious serial killer who gained infamy two decades ago. Her son, Cha Soo-yeol, now a police officer, finds himself forced to seek out his estranged mother’s expertise when a copycat killer emerges. Themes of guilt, familial tension, and the search for justice run deeply throughout the narrative, captivating audiences right up to the finale. "Queen Mantis" is available for streaming on Netflix.

3. My Troublesome Star Offers Unusual Second Chance Story

"My Troublesome Star" wrapped up its run by notching its highest series rating. The final episode posted a nationwide 4.3 percent, marking a steady increase from previous installments. According to Viu, where the drama is exclusively available, the rise is attributed to a unique storyline and an emotional performance by the cast.

The drama introduces viewers to Im Sera, an actress played by Uhm Jung-hwa, who wakes up after a decades-long coma. The accident that caused her long sleep brings her into a modern world vastly different from what she remembers. Sera’s attempts to adjust and reclaim stardom form the emotional core of the show, attracting both longstanding fans of the actress and younger viewers interested in a story about change and renewal.

4. You and Everything Else Gains International Buzz

"You and Everything Else" quickly made a strong debut on the global stage. Within days of release, the series entered the top five most popular shows on Netflix worldwide, as reported by FlixPatrol analytics. The drama stars Kim Go-eun, who is widely recognized for her dynamic and authentic portrayal of Ryu Eun-joong.

The story follows the intertwined lives of Eun-joong and her lifelong friend-turned-rival Cheon Sang-yeon, played by Park Ji-hyun. Their complicated friendship, which spans from primary school to middle age, weaves through rivalry, jealousy, and repeated separations before a heartfelt reunion. The drama has been praised for its nuanced depiction of friendship and personal growth, making it a trending topic not just in South Korea but internationally, as covered by leading entertainment news outlets.

5. Tempest Leads Streaming with Star-Studded Ensemble

The new drama "Tempest" achieved immediate success in the streaming market, according to Disney+ Hotstar. The series became the most-watched Korean debut on the platform across South Korea, Asia Pacific, and globally in just five days. Data from FlixPatrol placed "Tempest" as the second most-watched television show worldwide on Disney+, and it also took the top spot in key regions, including Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Turkey.

Packed with action and espionage, "Tempest" features an ensemble cast led by Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won, John Cho, and several industry veterans. The series delivers suspense-filled twists over nine episodes and was notable for releasing three installments simultaneously at launch. Its unique release strategy helped drive early audience numbers while its international intrigue storyline resonated with a wide audience. Disney+ Hotstar’s official release noted the show’s remarkable global performance as a major highlight in Korean streaming this year.

Comparison Table: Korean Drama Trends

Each of these dramas represents a different genre and appeals to various types of audiences. Their notable ratings and international achievements demonstrate the appeal of Korean content in the digital streaming era. For viewers eager to keep up with current trends, these titles offer a diverse range of stories to enjoy this season.