With an influx of every genre of Korean drama, you can imagine that 2024 has been nothing short of a heyday for millions of fans and viewers worldwide. From comedic romance dramas mixed with tragedies to fantasy romances teleporting fifteen years into the past to psychological thrillers akin to Squid Game, drama directors have not fallen short of our high expectations for binge-able dramas to watch after a long day.

As Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Ji-Won dethrone "Crash Landing Onto You" to become the highest-rated romance drama, Byeon Woo-Seok and Kim Hye-Yoon become the most popular Korean drama leads of 2024. If you need a fresh start to the best Korean dramas in 2024 so far, this article is for you.

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Queen of Tears

There is no 2024 Korean drama list without "Queen of Tears," starring Kim Soo-Hyun, the highest-paid actor in Korea, and Kim Ji-Won, the supporting lead in the international hit "Descendants of the Sun." Surpassing the highest viewership rating recording by "Crash Landing Onto You," "Queen of Tears" is undoubtedly one of the greatest Korean dramas of 2024 so far. Through a rough patch in their marriage, Hong Hae-In (acted by Kim Ji-Won), a conglomerate heiress, and Baek Hyun-Woo (acted by Kim Soo-Hyun), their love miraculously begins to rekindle. In a perfect blend of comedy, romance, family, and jealousy, "Queen of Tears" will hook you in from the first episode and take you on an emotional rollercoaster filled with romantic scenes, memory loss, and power struggles.

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Lovely Runner

"Lovely Runner" followed closely after "Queen of Tears" and became the most popular TVN drama in April and May. With Byeon Woo-Seok and Kim Hye-Yoon having one of the most electric chemistry on screen this year, viewers binged through all sixteen episodes, hanging on their every word. The story takes us to Im Sol, who travels back in time to save her idol, Ryu Sun-Jae, from death.

As she travels back and forth between time, the two fall desperately in love, and the timelines get woven together to produce a beautiful story. With traumatic pasts, comedic subplots, and playful romantic scenes, "Lovely Runner" has everything you need to take a break from real life and escape into a world of fantasy and romance.

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The 8 Show

Giving off huge "Squid Game" vibes, "The 8 Show" features Chun Woo-Hee, who is also famously known for her other 2024 drama, "The Atypical Family," and Ryu Jun-Yeol. When eight strangers are offered the opportunity to win money by staying in a building, the amount increases with each minute they remain in the game, and they take the offer. However, as the game progresses, it becomes a power struggle as each character fights to remain in it. A psychological thriller where the game ends immediately once someone dies, this drama is bound to keep you entranced from start to finish.

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The Atypical Family

"The Atypical Family" stars Do Da-Hee, acted by Chun Woo-Hee, who enters the scene with the Bok family. The Bok family is unusual and 'atypical' due to their superpowers. However, as the Bok family enters the modern era, they encounter various problems in the form of various disorders thatthat prohibit their powers. As Da-Hee revives their powers, secrets and backgrounds unfold, and the plot becomes more interesting. "The Atypical Family," with its interesting premise and unique characters, is nothing short of spectacular.

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Doctor Slump

"Doctor Slump" was released on January 27th and quickly shot up Netflix's top 10 dramas. Starring Park Hyung-Sik and Park Shin-Hye, who both acted in the 2013 hit "The Heirs," this drama has all the comedy and romance you need. When two high school rivals meet again in the 'slumps' of their careers, they fall in love as romance blossoms. With multiple subplots, numerous plot twists, and wonderful on-screen chemistry between the two leads, you will not be bored as you binge through all 16 episodes of "Doctor Slump"!

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A Killer Paradox

When a college student accidentally kills two people, he finds himself chased by a cop who will stop at nothing to catch him. This exciting thriller, "A Killer Paradox," will wrap you up with its intricate plot and interesting storylines. Starring Choi Woo-Shik, who was the main lead in the romance hit "Our Beloved Summer" as well as the 2019 thriller film "Parasite," Son Suk-Ku and Lee Hee-Joon, the cast of "A Killer Paradox" is bloody and violent, but a promising escape from the usual romantic scenes that typically crowd Korean dramas.

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Wonderful World

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Cha Eun-Woo, the handsome lead in "True Beauty" and a member of the boy band "ASTRO," returns in one of the most popular dramas of this year, "Wonderful World." Starring Kim Nam-Joo, "Wonderful World" follows a mother who seeks revenge after her son's unjust death. However, she unexpectedly finds solace in others who share the same pain she experiences, and together, they mutually heal and solve each other's mysterious cases. With numerous plot twists and heartbreaking moments, "Wonderful World" is the perfect drama to watch on a rainy day with a blanket and some popcorn.

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As we near the middle of the year, there is no doubt that we have not seen the last of binge-able dramas. With Squid Game Season 2 expected soon, "Hierarchy" starring Roh Jeong-Eui, and Gyeongseong Creature Season 2, starring Han So-Hee and Park Seo-Joon, released in late 2024, countless fans worldwide are waiting in anticipation for what the K-drama world will bring to the table next.