From new releases like 'Queen of Tears' to classics like 'Crash Landing on You': Most watched K-Dramas on Netflix in the 1st half of 2024
Here's a look at the Top 10 most-watched K-Dramas on Netflix this year, ranked by total hours viewed:
Queen of Tears and Crash Landing on You
K-Dramas stayed strong on Netflix in the first half of 2024, enthralling viewers with a mix of fresh releases and beloved classics. From the sensational Queen of Tears to the timeless allure of Crash Landing on You, these series have garnered impressive viewing hours, highlighting the global appeal of Korean storytelling. Here's a look at the Top 10 most-watched K-Dramas on Netflix this year, ranked by total hours viewed:
1. Queen of Tears — 689.5 million
Stars: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon
Genres: Romance, Life, Drama, Comedy
Baek Hyun Woo, the pride of the village of Yongduri, serves as the legal director of the prestigious Queens Group, while chaebol heiress Hong Hae In reigns as the "queen" of the company's department stores. This story unfolds a miraculous, thrilling, and humorous love story about this married couple as they navigate crises and remain united against all odds.
2. My Demon — 311.2 million
Stars: Kim Yoo-jung, Song Kang, Lee Sang-yi
Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
A ruthless demon loses his powers after encountering an icy heiress who may hold the key to his abilities—and his heart. Do Do Hee, the successor of the Future Group, is cynical about love and enters into a contract marriage with Jung Gu Won. For 200 years, he has thrived on dangerous deals with humans, but after belittling them for so long, he finds himself powerless and must protect Do Do Hee, who now holds all his strength.
3. True Beauty — 293.5 million
Stars: Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-Youp
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Youth, Drama
The drama is about high school girl Lim Ju Gyeong, who becomes a "pretty girl" after mastering makeup from YouTube. She transforms into a goddess but would rather hide than show her bare face. The story follows her love for Lee Su Ho, the only boy who has seen her without makeup. Though attractive, Su Ho appears cold due to a dark past, yet he is genuinely caring. As they connect and share secrets, they discover love, but the question remains: can Su Ho help Ju Gyeong find her true beauty?
4. Doctor Slump — 258.1 million
Stars: Park Hyung-sik, Park Shin-hye, Yoon Park
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Medical
The show follows Yeo Jeong Woo, a once top student and now popular plastic surgeon whose life takes a turn after a mysterious medical accident. At his lowest point, he unexpectedly reunites with former rival Nam Ha Neul, a dedicated anesthesiologist. Struggling with her unhappiness, Ha Neul seeks change just as she meets Jeong Woo. Together, they find comfort and support, leading to a blossoming romance.
5. Welcome to Samdal-ri — 199.2 million
Stars: Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hye-sun, Kim Mi-kyung
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama
Cho Sam Dal grew up with Cho Yong Pil in their small hometown of Samdalri. While Yong Pil is content to stay, Sam Dal is determined to move to Seoul. After years as a fashion photography assistant, she achieves success under the name Cho Eun Hye. However, when everything collapses, she returns to Samdalri, still known as Sam Dal. Once inseparable, Sam Dal and Yong Pil lost contact due to a past incident. Upon her return, they rediscover the deep affection they once had for each other.
6. King the Land — 198.2 million
Stars: Im Yoon-ah, Lee Jun-ho, Lee Ji-hye
Genres: Comedy, Romance
The drama follows Goo Won, a charming heir to a luxury hotel empire, as he navigates an inheritance tug-of-war while unexpectedly falling for Cheon Sa Rang, a determined hotelier. Goo Won possesses brilliance and charm but struggles with dating, while Sa Rang, who brightens the world with her smile, is excited to work at King Hotel, where she has cherished childhood memories. However, she must quickly mature to face workplace prejudices and misunderstandings.
7. Gyeongseong Creature — 134.4 million
Stars: Ahn Ji-ho, Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee
Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Sci-Fi
Jang Tae Sang is a wealthy, charming figure in Bukchon, Gyeongseong, known for his quick thinking. His life changes when he meets Yoon Chae Ok, prompting him to reassess his priorities. Chae Ok is a skilled todugun, or missing persons finder, who learned survival skills while travelling between Manchuria and Shanghai with her father. With her mother missing for a decade, she comes to Gyeongseong to search for her. Together with Tae Sang, they investigate a series of mysterious disappearances and uncover a dark reality.
8. Crash Landing on You — 131.2 million
Stars: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-Hye
Genres: Military, Comedy, Romance, Political
After a paragliding accident, South Korean heiress Yoon Se Ri crash-lands in North Korea, where she encounters North Korean army officer Ri Jung Hyuk. He agrees to help her return to South Korea, and despite the tensions between their countries, they begin to fall for each other.
9. Parasyte: The Grey — 126.8 million
Stars: Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun
Genres: Action, Mystery, Horror, Sci-Fi
The plot revolves around alien parasites who kill humans to obtain mastery over their bodies. Jung Soo In becomes infected with a hand parasite, resulting in an unusual coexistence as it fails to overpower her mind. Seol Kang Woo searches for his lost sister by following parasitic water, while Choi Jun Kyung, leader of the extermination team "The Grey," strives to eradicate the parasites after losing her husband to them.
10. Captivating the King — 122 million
Stars: Jo Jung-suk, Shin Se-Kyung, Lee Sin-young
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Melodrama
Lee In, a prince, is captured by the Qing Dynasty for his loyalty to his brother, King Lee Sun, who perceives this as betrayal and grows to despise him, leaving Lee In in emotional turmoil. In captivity, Lee In becomes fascinated by a mystery baduk player. He later ascends to the throne, appearing powerful but very miserable inside. Kang Hee Soo, a budding Baduk star, meets Lee In and falls in love. Their fates collide as she becomes a spy, seeking revenge against him.