TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The K-Wave has undeniably made its mark around the world, with K-dramas taking center stage. From the zombie-filled chaos of All of Us Are Dead to the global phenomenon Squid Game, and the heartfelt charm of When Life Gives You Tangerines, some of the best K-dramas on Netflix cater to every mood and emotion.
It’s important to keep an open mind, as the lineup continues to grow and evolve. Citing Netflix.com and Entertainment Weekly, we’ll take a look at the best K-dramas on Netflix that truly deserve a spot on your watchlist.
List of the Best K-Dramas on Netflix
1. All of Us Are Dead (2022–present)
Follow the students of Hyosan High as they battle a terrifying zombie outbreak in All of Us Are Dead. Adapted from a popular webtoon, this gripping series blends intense zombie action with the raw emotions of teenage life, including the brutal reality of fighting the undead alongside their own bullies. Both its gore and compelling story keep viewers hooked, with Season 2 already confirmed. Simply put, All of Us Are Dead stands out as one of the best K-dramas on Netflix.
2. Business Proposal (2022)
Office romance reaches new heights in Business Proposal, thanks to its delightfully chaotic fake-dating setup. When Shin Ha-ri steps in for her friend on a blind date, she’s shocked to find her date is none other than her company’s CEO, Kang Tae-moo. What was meant to be a harmless impersonation quickly spirals into something much more complicated and more real, all packed with humor, heart, and plenty of ups and downs.
3. D.P. (2021–2023)
Satisfy your curiosity about Korea’s mandatory military service with D.P. (Deserter Pursuit), following Private Ahn Joon-ho and Corporal Han Ho-yeol as they track down soldiers who’ve gone AWOL. Across two gripping seasons, their mission to catch deserters slowly unravels into something deeper, exposing the harsh realities of bullying, hazing, and abuse within the military system. Season 2 dives even further into the complexities, making D.P. one of the best K-dramas on Netflix.
4. A Killer Paradox (2024)
Expect brilliant writing brought to life on screen in A Killer Paradox. Adapted from a Naver comic, Lee Tang is a seemingly ordinary convenience store worker who discovers a dark talent for eliminating those who deserve it. After accidentally killing a serial murderer, he finds himself pursued by the relentless Detective Jang Nan-gam. With gripping twists, this crime thriller is simply a must-watch for fans of suspense and dramas.
5. Squid Game (2021–2025)
No list of the best K-dramas on Netflix would be complete without the global phenomenon Squid Game. The deadly competition for a debt-erasing fortune proves irresistible for desperate contestants, among whom is Gi-hun, a divorced father struggling with a gambling addiction.
In Season 1, he emerges as the sole survivor, but his story doesn’t end there. Driven by a desire for justice, Gi-hun returns in Season 2 to confront the game’s creator. As the series continues to explore themes of greed, survival, and human desperation, all eyes are on how Gi-hun’s journey will conclude in the highly anticipated Season 3.
6. Sweet Home (2020–2024)
Another adaptation from a Naver webtoon of the same name, Sweet Home unfolds a gripping blend of fantasy, horror, and survival. The story follows Cha Hyun-su, a lonely orphan who moves into the Green Home apartment complex after losing his family in a car accident. Soon after, terrifying monsters begin to overrun the city. As the apartment’s residents struggle to survive together, Hyun-su finds himself infected and ultimately gains superhuman abilities.
7. Physical: 100 (2023–present)
Physical: 100 brings together the best of the best, from elite athletes, bodybuilders, military professionals, and fitness fanatics. Competing to prove their unmatched strength, endurance, agility, willpower, and strategy, all the 100 contestants are eliminated after each grueling challenge until only one remains. The winner takes home a grand prize of approximately $230,000. And yes, Season 2 is out now.
8. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
Get ready to brace your heartstrings with When Life Gives You Tangerine. Set in 1960s Jeju, this touching drama follows the decades-long love story of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik. But the story’s charm doesn’t necessarily lie there. When Life Gives You Tangerine also delves into the life of their daughter, Geum-yeong, portrayed by the same actress who plays Ae-sun, the beloved IU.
9. Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023)
Set in the fictional kingdom of Daeho, Alchemy of Souls centers on powerful mages who can shift their souls between bodies, or known as alchemy of souls. At the heart of the story are Jang Wook, a young nobleman with a troubled past, and Mu-deok, a fierce warrior trapped in the body of a weak servant. Together, they form a bond that defies the rules of magic, class, and fate.
10. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
A true classic that helped propel K-dramas to global fame, Boys Over Flowers is undeniably one of the best K-dramas on Netflix. The story follows Geum Jan-di, a working-class girl who gets a scholarship to an elite high school. Struggling to adapt into a world of privilege, her life becomes even more complicated when she gets entangled in a dramatic love triangle involving members of the infamous F4, a group of wealthy, arrogant, and handsome boys.
Whether you're new to the world of K-dramas or a seasoned fan looking for your next binge-worthy obsession, these best K-dramas on Netflix offer a treasure trove of stories that span every genre. For more to add on your watchlist, discover 10 Korean dramas that don’t have villains but are still touching.
Editor’s Choice: 6 Netflix Movies with Murder Mysteries
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
