As we near the fourth quarter of 2024, we can finally look back on the year in a bird's eye view to see which Korean dramas have succeeded in drawing out as masterpieces to the end, and which dramas have fallen short of the hype they received upon release. If you're tired of the famous Korean dramas circulating the internet and want a change of pace, a bit of thrill, and a brilliant drama to be invested in, here are seven must-watch Korean dramas in 2024.

Disclaimer: This list does not include dramas like ‘Queen of Tears’ and ‘Lovely Runner’ – if you haven't watched them yet, what are you waiting for?

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A Shop for Killers

Perfect for a weekend binge-watch, ‘A Shop for Killers’ is thrilling, entertaining, and an absolute blast with its action scenes. When her uncle Jin Man dies, Jeong Ji-An finds out that he has been secretly running a shop that sells weapons to serial killers. Ji-An then finds herself under the attention of the killers and, with the help of some unlikely allies, Ji-An turns the drama into nothing short of a masterpiece as she fights to survive. ‘A Shop for Killers' is a must-watch for any fan of thrill and excitement.

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Death's Game

‘Death’s Game' began in December 2023 but ended its last episode in 2024, which is why we're considering it as a 2024 drama. When a man finds himself at the wrath of the hands of death, he must experience excruciating death several times in order to have a chance to survive again. ‘Death’s Game' is thrilling and entertaining, keeping you on the edge of your seat at all times. However, underneath lies a layer of deep meaning and love behind what is lost and what lasts when death takes the people you love away.

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Marry My Husband

After the release of ‘Queen of Tears’ and ‘Lovely Runner’, most drama watchers slept on ‘Marry My Husband’. Starring Park Min-Young, who was thrown into stardom by dramas such as ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?' and ‘Her Private Life’, her newest drama follows a woman as she travels to the past to seek revenge on her husband and best friend when she witnesses them having an affair. With the perfect amount of thrill, romance, and entertainment, ‘Marry My Husband’ is bound to have you binging from evening until morning.

A Killer Paradox

‘A Killer Paradox’ deals with a man who accidentally kills a serial killer, and then finds himself chased by a detective who will stop at nothing to catch him. With slow-moving parts and intense scenes, ‘A Killer Paradox’ is ultimately an interesting, unique, and powerful drama with a fresh take on the crime genre – it will hook you in and keep you invested in the storyline with its powerful premise of murder and justice.

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Connection

One of the most underrated Korean dramas of 2024 is ‘Connection’. Ji Sung comes back from a long military hiatus with a thrilling drama. When a detective is forced to become addicted to drugs by a mysterious person, Jae-Kyung (Ji Sung) begins revealing an elaborate corruption behind a 20-year friendship. The storyline behind ‘Connection’ is one of the most powerful aspects of the drama, bringing out its true potential and making it one of the top Korean dramas you must watch in 2024.

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The Atypical Family

You've probably heard this a million times, and you'll hear it again. If you still haven't watched ‘The Atypical Family’, you should do it right now. ‘The Atypical Family’ is one of the most unique dramas (aside from maybe ‘Chicken Nugget’) in 2024. With just the right blend of comedy, fantasy, and romance, ‘The Atypical Family’ has the perfect cast, a brilliant plot, and a story that will have you binging for hours.

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The 8 Show

Last but not least on this list, ‘The 8 Show’ captured the attention of audiences around the world instantly when the trailer was released. Giving off enormous ‘Squid Game’ vibes, ‘The 8 Show’ featured contestants trapped in a building together. The longer they stay in the building, with the timer clicking down, the more money they receive.

As the game turns into a struggle for power and money, ‘The 8 Show’ does not disappoint. Its psychological thrill keeps you on the edge of your seat through it all.

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The Korean dramas this year have not disappointed. With incredible romance stories such as ‘Queen of Tears’ and ‘Lovely Runner’ breaking the charts, as well as this list of thrilling, entertaining dramas to watch, there is no doubt that 2024 was a plentiful and satisfying year for K-drama fans.

If you're not sure what drama you should watch next, take the quiz below to find out! If you have more Korean dramas you'd like to recommend, comment their names below or consider applying to become a writer for The Teen Magazine!