As we near the middle of the year, the greatest Korean dramas have already been released, topping worldwide charts and breaking records held by iconic favorites of all time. From absolute bangers such as ‘Queen of Tears’ and ‘The 8 Show’, to slow romances that blossom beautifully such as ‘Lovely Runner’, South Korea has exceeded all expectations and brought its best to the stage. If you're looking for a complete ranked list of the top Korean dramas of all time, here they are.

Every one of the dramas on this list, you must watch. Some of them are from several years ago, and yet still stand as one of the most popular dramas in the world today. From ‘Crash Landing on You’ to ‘SKY Castle’, here are the top 10 Korean dramas of all time.

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Crash Landing on You

The most iconic romance drama of all time, ‘Crash Landing on You’ may seem cliche, but in reality, all the other romance dramas copied it after its spectacular, worldwide success. ‘Crash Landing on You' stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin (who are now married!) as a North Korean soldier and a wealthy CEO with largely contrasting lives. When Yoon Se-Ri (Son Ye-Jin) falls from the sky and is trapped in North Korea, we follow her through an intricate storyline of thrilling North Korean plots and a romance that will make you giggle uncontrollably. If you haven't watched this iconic romance drama yet, what are you waiting for?

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My Love from Another Star

Kim Soo-Hyun breaks into stardom as the handsome alien in one of the most famous romance Korean dramas of all time: ‘My Love from Another Star’. His counterpart, Cheong Seong-Yi, acted by Jun Ji-Hyun, is a spoiled Korean actress. Fate seems to bring them together, again and again, and somehow, against all odds, they fall in love. However, forces beyond their control, jealous lovers, and an evil villain threaten to tear them apart. ‘My Love from Another Star’ is both comedic, thrilling, and romantic, mixing a perfect blend of fantasy and romance into one of the greatest romantic K-dramas of all time.

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Descendants of the Sun

Song Joong-Ki becomes one of the most famous South Korean actors of the decade with his heartbreakingly handsome face in ‘Descendants of the Sun’. With his co-star Song Hye-Kyo (who starred in ‘The Glory’), ‘Descendants of the Sun’ tells the story of four soldiers who fall in love in the middle of a rescue mission after an earthquake devastates a town. Add in a mix of dangerous soldiers looking for revenge, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ is both heartwarming, romantic, comedic, and thrilling. Song Joong-Ki and Song Hye Kyo's on-screen chemistry will have you kicking your feet throughout.

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Guardian: The Great and Lonely God (Goblin)

With one of the most interesting plotlines on this entire list, ‘Guardian: The Great and Lonely God’, also known more simply as ‘Goblin’, follows an immortal goblin who is searching for his bride, the only one who can take the invisible sword out of his chest and end his life, thus saving him from eternal misery. A beautifully tragic and romantic drama, ‘Goblin’ will push itself deep into your heart as you get invested in the characters and their relationships, then slowly pull you apart.

Beyond this, the original soundtrack of ‘Goblin’ is amazingly composed and we recommend a listen, whether you watch ‘Goblin’ or not!

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What's Wrong With Secretary Kim

Park Min-Young and Park Seo-Joon starring in the same Korean drama together makes ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim' a must-watch. Beyond their excellent acting skills and on-screen chemistry, the comedic and romantic scenes that make you laugh your heart out are wonderfully written and spectacularly played out. When Kim Mi-So (acted by Park Min-Young) decides to quit her job as a secretary for Lee Young-Joon (Park Seo-Joon), he suddenly begins paying attention to her and he falls in love.

As the two begin playing a romantic tug-of-war, Lee Young-Joon's mysterious past begins to arise, and ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim' begins to show its true colors. If you're looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy, this drama is for you!

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Squid Game

Everyone has heard of Squid Game. The most popular drama of 2021 is now coming back for a sequel in 2024 with Squid Game Season 2. Set in a game where 456 players must compete in rounds wherein losing means certain death, the stakes are high and the rewards are higher. Although you might be expecting simply thrill, heartbreak, and loss, relationships and friendships are born in the short time the contestants are there together. ‘Squid Game’ is a drama you must watch if you love thrill and bloodshed, as well as a mix of emotion.

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Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

If you want your heart broken again and again, watch ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’. Set back a thousand years ago in the Goryeo Dynasty, we follow a young girl as she watches handsome princes fight each other for power and for love. As you begin to get entangled in a messy plot of emotional turmoil and relationships, 20 episodes later, you'll be crying your heart out. Starring internationally famous actors such as Lee Ji-Eun (IU) and Nam Joo-Hyuk, ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ will keep you captivated and is up there in one of the greatest dramas of all time.

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SKY Castle

‘SKY Castle’ is one of the first South Korean dramas following an elitist family living together, using their own social status with cunning schemes to get ahead of each other. Although there is little explicit violence, the tension in the room is great due to the intense competition between the elite families who all want their children to succeed. Starring Yum Jung-Ah, Yoon Se-Ah, and Kim Seo-Hyung, ‘SKY Castle’ has all the right elements to keep you hooked from beginning to end in this one-of-a-kind drama.

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Queen of Tears

When ‘Queen of Tears’ beat ‘Crash Landing on You’ as both the highest-rated and most-viewed tvN drama of the century, no one was surprised. Kim Soo-Hyun, the highest-paid actor in South Korea, and Kim Ji-Won, who acted in top hits such as ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and ‘Fight for My Way’, developed one of the greatest love stories of the decade between the heiress of one of the largest companies in South Korea and the handsome farmer's son. With comedy, heartbreak, romance, and love triangles all wrapped into one, ‘Queen of Tears’ is one of the greatest Korean dramas of all time.

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It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Two Kim Soo-Hyun dramas on the same list? You heard that right. ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay' is lesser known but should not be underestimated. Seo Ye-Ji returns as the beautiful, slightly psychopathic, author who falls in love with Gang-Tae (Kim Soo-Hyun). ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay' tells the story of dealing with mental illness, staying strong in the midst of storms, and most importantly, love. The drama is heartwarming and beautifully told, although its romance is not as hot or steamy as the rest, it will grow on you over time. ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay' is a masterpiece of acting and storytelling.

Take the Quiz: What Drama Should You Watch Next?

Take this quiz to find out what K-drama you should watch next!

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Many Korean dramas that should be on this list are not listed. Revenge thrillers such as ‘Vincenzo’ and ‘My Name’ are both incredibly entertaining, and more famous dramas such as ‘Business Proposal’ and ‘Itaewon Class’ are also great shows. With new dramas released each month, it is difficult to keep track of all of the great Korean dramas to watch out there!

There's one thing for sure, however – if you haven't watched any of the dramas listed above, you should definitely watch it right now. If you have any recommendations not listed in this article, please comment their names below!