Looking for Korean dramas that won’t take weeks to finish but still pack an emotional punch? Short K-dramas are quickly gaining traction among viewers who want compact yet memorable stories. With runtimes far shorter than regular series, these mini-dramas offer tightly woven plots, stellar performances, and impactful themes—making them perfect for binge-watching in a weekend.
These six recommended short Korean dramas have each stood out for unique storytelling, moving performances, and high-quality production. Titles on this list range from touching romance to inventive fantasy and even real-life drama, all with episodes that won’t overstay their welcome. Here’s a closer look at the most talked-about short K-dramas you can find online, based on both current trends and credible reviews from platforms such as Netflix, Viki, Prime Video, and more.
1. Soundtrack #1
“Soundtrack #1” runs only for four episodes but quickly earned a devoted fanbase. The story centers on Han Sun-woo, a quiet photographer played by Park Hyung-sik, who temporarily moves in with his longtime friend, Lee Eun-soo, portrayed by Han So-hee, a passionate lyricist. Over just two weeks of living together, their years-old friendship slowly transforms into something deeper.
Director Kim Hee-won combines emotional storytelling with a memorable musical score, which becomes a central highlight. According to reviewers, the natural chemistry between the two leads is what makes this drama so addictive, despite its short duration. Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, this romance is ideal for those wanting heartfelt drama paired with beautiful soundtracks and intimate moments.
2. Page Turner
“Page Turner” tells an inspiring story in just three episodes. The story revolves around Yoon Yoo-seul, a talented piano prodigy who loses her sight after a life-changing accident. Navigating her new reality, she encounters Cha Sik and Jin Mok, classmates who support and challenge her through a rollercoaster journey of growth.
Crafted by acclaimed writer Park Hye-ryun and under the direction of Lee Jae-hoon, this mini-series earned high praise for its strong message about resilience and hope. Kim So-hyun delivers a convincing performance that pulls audiences into Yoo-seul’s emotional world. The drama is available on Prime Video and is frequently recommended for viewers interested in stories about pursuing dreams in the face of adversity.
3. Splash Splash Love
Combining romantic comedy with fantasy, “Splash Splash Love” grabs attention with only two episodes. It follows Dan-bi, a high school student overwhelmed by exam pressures, who is transported back in time to the Joseon era during a rainy day. There, she crosses paths with young King Lee Do, who is desperately seeking solutions for his kingdom’s problems.
The drama’s lighthearted humor and creative premise make it a favorite for those looking for refreshing entertainment. Streaming on Viki, this series became the talk of the town thanks to its quirky romance and laugh-out-loud moments. Despite its brevity, the connection between the modern-day heroine and historical king leaves a lasting impression.
4. Move to Heaven
While ten episodes may seem lengthy by mini-drama standards, “Move to Heaven” still counts as a short series compared to typical K-dramas. The story follows Han Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome, who works alongside his uncle to organize and clean what’s left behind by people who have passed away.
Under the direction of Kim Sung-ho, this Netflix original drew significant acclaim for its thoughtful exploration of life, death, and compassion. Critics particularly noted each episode’s ability to tell a heartfelt story about different families, grief, and healing, often leaving viewers teary-eyed but uplifted. The drama successfully highlights often-overlooked aspects of loss and remembrance in a sensitive, respectful manner.
5. Hymn of Death
Based on true events, “Hymn of Death” immerses viewers in a tragic romance set against the backdrop of colonial-era Korea. Spanning only six episodes, it tells the story of Yun Sim-deok, Korea’s first soprano (played by Shin Hye-sun), and her passionate but ill-fated romance with playwright Kim Woo-jin (Lee Jong-suk).
Available on both SBS and Netflix, this drama stands out for its classical artistic style and moving performances. Director Park Soo-jin places a strong emphasis on visually evocative scenes, echoing the sorrow and longing felt by the real-life couple. “Hymn of Death” is frequently cited in reviews as a must-see for admirers of romantic tragedy and Korean musical history.
6. Be Positive
This six-episode series follows Hwan-dong, a film student struggling to complete his graduation project. Things get complicated—and interesting—when he recruits his ex-girlfriend Hye-jung as the female lead in his movie. The story unfolds with comic awkwardness as old feelings resurface amidst tight deadlines.
Directed by Lee Byung-hoon and available on Naver TV, “Be Positive” delivers both entertainment and meaningful life lessons. The series stands out for blending humor with themes of perseverance, dreams, and the bittersweet nature of moving on. It’s highly recommended for those in search of feel-good drama with a realistic take on young adults chasing their passions.
Table: Quick Guide to Short K-Dramas
| Title | Genre | Episodes | Trackable Themes | Available On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack #1 | Romance/Music | 4 | Friendship, music, love | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Page Turner | Coming-of-age | 3 | Resilience, self-discovery, ambition | Prime Video |
| Splash Splash Love | Fantasy/Comedy | 2 | Time travel, youth, light romance | Viki |
| Move to Heaven | Drama | 10 | Healing, family, grief, acceptance | Netflix |
| Hymn of Death | Historical/Romance | 6 | Tragic love, art, history | SBS, Netflix |
| Be Positive | Youth/Comedy | 6 | Dreams, relationships, creative process | Naver TV |
Today’s growing demand for quick yet satisfying stories makes these short K-dramas a go-to choice for fans worldwide. Many titles above have trended across social media and received high user ratings, confirming their wide appeal and rewatch value. For those wanting quality drama in a compact package, these series prove you don’t need dozens of episodes to leave a lasting impression. Dive into these six mini-dramas for an emotional boost, plenty of entertainment, and a new appreciation for concise storytelling from Korea.
