It was during the height of COVID in 2020 when I finally was able to just sit down, relax and enjoy as many Korean dramas as I could. When in years previous, I might be able to watch a few a year, starting in 2020, I’d be able to binge on a new drama every other week.
Fast forward to 2024 and real life has really caught up with me. Unfortunately, I was only able to watch a total of 14 full-length Korean dramas. That’s down from the 22 I was able to watch last year. Even though there were many series I had penciled in and was looking forward to watch. I guess they’ll have to wait until 2025 when hopefully I can carve out some time to keep up.
So really, instead of a Top 10 Favorites list, I basically can just rank all 14 series I did watch this year. And not all of them I enjoyed. (The two I specifically and clearly note below lol) Also, three of them actually originally aired in 2023. But I’ve ranked them as well. So let’s go down the list!
14. Goodbye Earth
NOT RECOMMENDED
Goodbye Earth is ambitious and has high aspirations. But it ends up being very far from what it aspires to be. It is not a deep, philosophical study of humanity in a time of crisis. It is not a character-driven drama about relationships. It is not even a simple action extravaganza. Instead, Goodbye Earth is an unfortunate disappointment.
It might be an experience in and of itself just watching the series to marvel at all the many ways it goes wrong. But a fair warning, there will be many times during the 12 episodes where you wish the asteroid would just hurry itself up and put everyone, the viewer included, out of their misery.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Goodbye Earth
13. Hierarchy
NOT RECOMMENDED
A solid cast with good potential and a premise that should be ripe for a juicy and engaging presentation is instead wasted away in poor and eyeroll-inducing execution. Hierarchy is just a contrived mess that tries too hard to be something it can never be. If you want to watch something that tackles similar themes this series attempts to, there’s plenty of other options to choose from. And even if you do give Hierarchy a shot, you can always go to those other, better series to cleanse your palate later. And you’re definitely going to need it.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Hierarchy
12. Wedding Impossible
If you are going into a series just wanting some nice, cute and fluffy romance, perhaps this series will be enough. But it’s hard to overlook the potential for Wedding Impossible to be something far more than what it ends up being. Underdeveloped stories and characters and unnecessary subplots take away from what should be a strong basis for a full, well-rounded experience. Instead, Wedding Impossible is a frustratingly unsatisfying series that wastes a talented cast.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Wedding Impossible
11. Evilive
Evilive is a dark exploration of morality wrapped up in suspenseful and gritty package. Shin Ha Kyun, Kim Young Kwang and Shin Jae Ha deliver captivating performances in this slowburn of a story. You may not know exactly what you’re getting into when you first begin the series. But as our main characters’ stories become more intertwined, the dark path they eventually embark upon reveals some interesting and thought provoking ideas.
For anyone that’s a fan of crime thrillers, complex stories and deep character studies, Evilive is just the series for you.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Evilive
10. Soundtrack #2
Originally aired in December 2023, Disney+’s Soundtrack #2 is a thoughtful, introspective series about love. Whether that is love for another person or love for yourself, the series is able to tell a story about the many complicated feelings that can come about because of it. Noh Sang Hyun, Keum Sae Rok and Sohn Jeong Hyuck (aka Demian) are excellent leads as they bring the simple, though engaging story to life.
Of course there are some things the series could have done more of or differently. But ultimately, Soundtrack #2 is a simple, though engaging series with a story that is both dreamy and relatable.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Soundtrack #2
9. Hellbound, Season 2
It’s been a long wait. But I can say it was well-worth it. Season 2 of Netflix’s Hellbound has no problem picking up right where it left off three years ago.
Hellbound definitely requires an emotional investment. One that should be easy to make and one that will yield satisfying and exciting results. Season two of Hellbound effectively draws upon the solid foundation of the first. Bringing together the many pieces that have been laid over the course of now 12 episodes to present an even more concise and perhaps clearer and more accessible experience this time around.
The three-year wait was difficult. But for anyone who hopped on the ride for the first season should be treated to another wild, exciting and fulfilling ride once again.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Hellbound Season 2
8. Welcome to Samdal-ri
It’s always a welcome treat when a series like Welcome to Samdal-ri comes along. Dramatic and funny. Witty and charming. Emotional and romantic. A strong cast, compelling storylines, beautiful cinematography and well-paced narrative power the series. And for anyone who might join these lively and relatable characters on their journey, a fully satisfying and fulfilling viewing experience awaits.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Welcome to Samdal-ri
7. Flex X Cop
Flex X Cop is one of the most complete Korean drama series I’ve ever watched. Anything you might want to find in a K-drama, you’ll find here. An effortless blend of mystery, drama and plenty of humor; the series is a fun, exciting and very satisfying experience. Ahn Bo Hyun and Park Ji Hyun lead an excellent ensemble cast who help to bring to life an intricate and well-rounded story alongside slick and purposeful direction. And it all comes together into this wonderful package.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Flex X Cop
6. Twinkling Watermelon
This series aired at the end of 2023 and if I had watched it then, it would’ve easily made my year-end 2023 favorites list. But! It certainly makes my 2024 list!
Twinkling Watermelon is ultimately powered by captivating and charming characters and its engaging and heartwarming stories. Sincerity allows the stories to be relatable and realistic, even with its other-worldly twist. And the talented cast helps to bring it all together. Twinkling Watermelon is without question a delightful and inspiring viewing experience.
Nostalgic and heartwarming. Fun and dramatic. An excellent, charming cast. Great music. What an incredible treat this series is.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Twinkling Watermelon
5. Like Flowers in Sand
Like Flowers in Sand is an absolute treasure of a series. A sincerely captivating storyline is supported and elevated by an excellent cast, well-developed, compelling characters and cinematic visuals. All to make for a heartwarming, exciting and thoroughly satisfying and memorable viewing experience.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Like Flowers in Sand
4. Pachinko, Season 2
The first season of Pachinko was my favorite Korean drama of 2022. Though it only comes in at #4 this time around, that doesn’t mean season 2 is any less excellent than the first. The series delivered another incredible television experience this time around, continuing the stories of Kim Sunja and the many people around her throughout her life.
Once again, the stunning cinematography and detailed set and costume design immerse you into both the historical context and necessary backdrop for the character-driven stories. And as stunning as the direction and visual undertaking is and as tight as the writing can be, the performances from this cast truly make Pachinko the immersive, profound experience that it is.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Pachinko, Season 2
3. Love Next Door
I had one last opportunity to watch a Korean drama in these closing weeks of 2024 and I decided it would be Love Next Door. And I definitely made the right decision. Just finishing the series last week, I had a smile on my face for all 16(!) episodes. And it’s actually quite a feat to be able to keep viewers engaged with the full 16 episodes these days when Korean dramas have seemed to move toward shorter runs.
Jung Hae In, Jung So Min, Kim Ji Eun and Yoon Ji On lead an excellent ensemble cast in this mix of romance, family, comedy, drama and slice of life goodness. With the right amount of nostalgia, a welcome sincerity, depth and warmth and irresistible charm, Love Next Door is one of the best feel-good series you will be able to find and enjoy.
>>Click here to read my Good Ol’ Review of Love Next Door
2. Love in the Big City
Love in the Big City is a groundbreaking and thoroughly engrossing series that delves into the complex journey of Go Yeong, a gay man navigating societal expectations, family pressures and the search for true love.
The care, sincerity, honesty and heart that the series holds allows for this poignant and introspective look at love, identity and the search for happiness all the more impactful and resonant. It is definitely groundbreaking. But at its core, Love in the Big City is an emotionally resonant, universally relatable and invaluably enlightening series that deserves to be experienced by as wide an audience as possible.
And it ultimately will leave a lasting impression, both on the viewer and hopefully on Korean entertainment media as well.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Love in the Big City
1. Lovely Runner
It is absolutely wonderful when you come across a Korean drama that just brings you so much joy and laughter and tears (in a good way!). That is exactly what Lovely Runner is. This romantic comedy drama fantasy time travel adventure is a rare breed in Korean drama. You would be hard-pressed to find Korean dramas these days that resonate long after the final credits. But Lovely Runner might just be one of those rare instances where you fondly look back at the series and still vividly remember how it felt watching these episodes for the first time. Rarely does a series instill so much joy and warmth and happiness and welcome tears as much as Lovely Runner does.
With its wonderful mix of fantasy, grand love story, deep character-driven stories, comedy, drama, high concept time travel and everything in between; Lovely Runner is a heartwarming and enthralling viewing experience that you won’t soon forget.
>>Click here for my Good Ol’ Review of Lovely Runner
Interesting list! Are there any shows you wanted to watch but didnt?