11 Best Korean Dramas of 2020

Korean dramas have become a constant companion for viewers around the world. They’ve made people cry, laugh, scream, swoon, and even frustrated. Sometimes, all at once. It has become a guilty-pleasure and obsession that it can be difficult to pin down what is considered the best among the best.

In this article, check out our list of the 11 best Korean dramas 2020 to keep you glued to your screens. Don’t worry, these are all spoiler-free too!

1. Crash Landing On You

This drama is by far the biggest hit of 2020. It tells the story of a South Korean heiress named Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) and a North Korean soldier, Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin). Fans of the drama would consider their romance as Romeo and Juliet-esque because of their circumstances. Plus, their chemistry is off the charts too.

It’s not all romance because it mixes action and comedy as well. The drama will keep you at the edge of your seat and wanting more. For any Korean drama enthusiasts, the secondary couple is as important as the leads. You’ll find yourself rooting for them too.

Number of Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

2. Itaewon Class

Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) aspires to become a policeman. However, his dreams of becoming one were thwarted following an accident causing him to end up in jail. Once released, he opens up his pub called DanBam. He then forges relationships with different individuals that will help his pub prosper while seeking revenge on those who wronged him.

This drama comes highly recommended by its viewers because it deviates from the norm. Viewers love the plot twists, character growth, and messages tackled in the drama. As such, it has become one of the best Korean dramas 2020 that many love to binge-watch.

Number of Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

3. The World of the Married

The World of the Married is the Korean remake of the BBC One drama, Doctor Foster. It’s about a couple who seem to have everything because of their marriage. However, their seemingly happy union would be tested and eventually turn toxic because of the husband’s affair. As the characters’ marriage crumbles, viewers will see the consequences of the affair. Plus, the ripple effect on the people in their lives.

Still, even if that’s the case, the drama was gripping. It got viewers hooked and wanted to see more of the story progress as it ended.

Kim Hee-ae plays the wife, Ji Sun-woo, while Park Hae-joon plays her husband, Lee Tae-oh. 

Presently, The World of the Married is the most-watched drama in South Korea.

Number of Episodes: 16 + 2 Specials

Where to Watch: Netflix

4. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Mental health isn’t a widely talked about topic in South Korea. However, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay challenged that, making it one of the best Korean dramas 2020. It blends romance, family drama, and even comedy. There are some horror elements to it, but don’t let that stop you from watching it.

The story focuses on Ko Mun-yeong (Seo Ye-ji) and Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun). Mun-yeong is a children’s book author who exhibits anti-social behavior, while Gang-tae is a psychiatric caregiver. 

Oh Jung-se also stars as Moon Gang-tae’s brother, Moon Sang-tae, a man with an autism spectrum disorder. His character is also central to the story of the two leads.

The two leads end up meeting one another and learning how to overcome their pain and emotional trauma. Eventually, as they fall for each other, they’ll discover a haunting secret that intertwines their past and might jeopardize their future.

The chemistry of the trio was one of the strongest points of the drama. Their connection with the side characters helped viewers understand their character and personalities more. Plus, through storytelling, viewers can understand lessons interlaced with fairytale elements.

Number of Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

5. Hospital Playlist

Fans of the Reply Series and Prison Playbook will enjoy this new drama by acclaimed writer, Lee Woojung.

Hospital Playlist is about five doctors who have been friends for 20 years. They juggle the challenges they face as physicians while managing their personal lives. Get ready to cry and laugh, thanks to the fantastic and talented cast. It’s one of the best Korean dramas 2020 because of the slice-of-life element, making their stories relatable to the audiences. Plus, if you watch the drama, you’ll know why Playlist is part of the title.

Fan favorites Jo Jung-seok, Yoo Yeon-seok, and Jung Kyung-ho make up three of the quintet. Rising stars Kim Dae-myung and Jeon Mi-do round up the main cast.

Don’t worry about its short run, because it’s coming back for a second season in 2021!

Number of Episodes: 12

Where to Watch: Netflix

6. Hi Bye, Mama!

Prepare tissues as you watch Hi Bye, Mama because every episode will leave you ugly crying. 

This drama is about Cha Yu-ri (Kim Tae-hee), who gets a second chance to live with her family. Romance isn’t the central theme. But it’s a heartwarming tale about reconnecting with your loved ones and living life to the fullest. There’s also talk of grief. Even so, viewers will learn more lessons along the way, as they finish the drama.

Lee Kyu-hyung from Prison Playbook stars as Kim Tae-hee’s husband, Jo Kang-hwa. Seo Woo-jin plays their adorable daughter, Jo Seo-woo.

Number of Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

7. Hyena

Hyena deals with two lawyers that represent only the filthy rich. Hot-shot lawyers Jung Geum-ja (Kim Hye-soo) and Yoon Hee-jae (Joo Ji-hoon) repeatedly cross paths as they try to one-up each other. Both characters are brilliant and cunning as they fight their way to reach their goals.

It’s the amazing undeniable chemistry between the two leads that keeps viewers hitting the Next Episode button. Aside from that, many fans praise Geum-ja’s characterization. Joo Ji-hoon also carries his character well throughout the series. That’s why many people root for their characters.

Number of Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

8. Extracurricular

Extracurricular revolves around high school students who choose to do the wrong things and suffer its consequences. What makes this one of the best Korean dramas 2020 is because it deviates from stereotypes. 

It’s not your typical chipper high school drama. They explore the dark intentions of each character while not giving them a good or bad label. It started slow, but it gets intense as you watch every episode. Plus, the leads are impressive, making for a great viewing experience for those who binge-watch it.

Kim Dong-hee, Jung Da-bin, Park Joo-hyun, and Nam Yoon-soo are the show’s four main stars.

Number of Episodes: 10

Where to Watch: Netflix

9. Mystic Pop-Up Bar

If you’re thinking about watching fantasy comedy, Mystic Pop-Up Bar is your best bet. The story is about a trio who runs a pop-up bar for the dead. Wol-ju (Hwang Jung-eum), the owner of the bar, must help comfort and resolve 100,000 souls for a certain time. Or else she’ll be sent to hell. But she isn’t alone, since she has Chief Gwi (Choi Won-young) and Han Kang-bae (Yook Sung-jae) to help her before time runs out.

Avid Korean drama viewers will compare this story to Hotel del Luna. However, it does hold its own through humor and the heartwarming scenes. Moreover, viewers believe that the drama deserved more attention because of the lessons everyone can pick up while watching the show.

Number of Episodes: 12

Where to Watch: Netflix

10. My Unfamiliar Family

My Unfamiliar Family is one of the most underrated Korean dramas on this list. Most would fawn over most of the titles here, but this is a realistic family drama that anyone can relate to. Kim Eun-hee (Han Ye-ri) is the main protagonist where she’s distancing herself from her family. At this time, she’s also growing closer to Park Chan-hyuk (Kim Ji-suk). However, when things unfold, she must decide who to turn to.

It’s one of the best Korean dramas 2020 because it focuses on family issues that may hit close to home. Most fans praise the writing and the ensemble. There’s also a discussion about LGBT, which remains a sensitive topic in the country. But it’s the lessons that many take away from this show and leave an impression on them.

Number of Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki

11. Memorist

Memorist is a supernatural crime thriller that follows a detective named Dong Baek (Yoo Seung-ho). When he touches someone, he can see their memories. Opposite to him is a skilled profiler named Han Sun-mi (Lee Se-young) who solves cold cases. They will come together because of a serial killer case. This will then test their abilities and reveal a truth about their past.

The plot is worth-noting as it integrates crime with a supernatural twist. It left viewers at the edge of their seats as they tried to solve the thrilling case alongside the leads. Plus, the leads work perfectly with the whole cast that made viewers stick with it until the end.

Number of Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki