Queen of Tears leads as the most-watched K-drama of 2024, followed by hits like Squid Game Season 2 and Lovely Runner, captured global audiences with romance, thriller, and fantasy stories. Here are 9 K-drama of 2024-2025, that got global attention. check it out.
Queen of Tears Breaks Records
Queen of Tears topped global charts in 2024 with 689.5 million hours viewed on Netflix in the first half of the year. The romantic drama, starring Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won, follows Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in, a couple facing divorce after three years.
Their emotional journey, mixed with comedy and family drama, resonated widely. The show hit a 24.850% rating in South Korea, making it the third highest-rated cable drama ever. It ranked 14th overall in Netflix’s 2024 engagement report for non-English content.
Squid Game Season 2 Dominates Late 2024
Squid Game Season 2, released on Netflix in December 2024, amassed 619.9 million hours viewed and 86.5 million views by February 2025. The thriller, led by Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun, continues its brutal take on capitalism.
The show’s high stakes and intense games kept viewers hooked. It became the most-watched K-drama from July to December 2024, outpacing even its first season. Fans eagerly await the final season in 2025.
Lovely Runner Charms Fans
Lovely Runner, a romantic comedy starring Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, was a fan favorite in 2024. The time-travel drama follows Im Sol, a fan who goes back in time to save her idol, Ryu Sun-jae.
Its heartfelt story and catchy soundtrack, including Sudden Shower, gained massive popularity. The drama topped U-NEXT’s September 2024 rankings and was among the most-watched globally.
My Demon Casts a Spell
My Demon, aired from late 2023 to early 2024, recorded 311.2 million hours viewed on Netflix in 2024’s first half. Starring Kim Yoo-jung and Song Kang, this fantasy romance follows a demon and a CEO in a contract marriage.
The mix of supernatural elements and romance drew strong viewership. It ranked second among K-dramas on Netflix for the first half of 2024.
True Beauty Shines Bright
True Beauty, originally aired in 2020, saw a resurgence in 2024 with 293.5 million hours viewed on Netflix. The romantic comedy, starring Moon Ga-young and Cha Eun-woo, centers on a girl hiding her insecurities behind makeup.
Its relatable themes kept it trending, ranking third among Netflix K-dramas in 2024’s first half and second on U-NEXT’s September list.
Love Next Door Wins Hearts
Love Next Door, released in 2024, garnered 432.2 million hours viewed and 20.3 million views on Netflix from July to December. Starring Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min, it follows childhood friends rekindling romance.
The drama’s lighthearted story ranked third in Netflix’s most-viewed K-dramas for the second half of 2024. Fans praised the leads’ chemistry.
Doctor Slump Heals Viewers
Doctor Slump, a 2024 romantic comedy, recorded 258.1 million hours viewed on Netflix in the first half of the year. Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye star as rival doctors facing career setbacks.
The show’s focus on healing and love resonated globally. It ranked fourth among Netflix K-dramas in 2024’s first half.
When the Phone Rings Grips Audiences
When the Phone Rings, premiered in November 2024, achieved 16.9 million views on Netflix by December. Starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, this thriller follows a couple in an arranged marriage facing mysterious threats.
Its mix of mystery and romance pushed it to fourth place in Netflix’s July-December 2024 rankings. The show continues into 2025.
Miss Night and Day Entertains Globally
Miss Night and Day, a 2024 comedy-drama, recorded 12.1 million views on Netflix from July to December. Lee Jung-eun and Jung Eun-ji star in a story about a woman switching bodies between ages.
The unique premise and social commentary on ageism made it a hit. It ranked fifth in Netflix’s second-half 2024 K-drama views.
Fan and Netizen Reactions
Fans shared their excitement online for these dramas. Here are some direct comments from viewers:
“Queen of Tears had me crying every episode! Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won are perfect together.”
— Netizen reactions on social media platforms
“Squid Game S2 was intense! Can’t wait for the finale in 2025.”
“Lovely Runner’s soundtrack is still on repeat. Byeon Woo-seok is a star!”
“When the Phone Rings is a must watch for all K-Drama lovers, at least once.”
As of April 2025, Queen of Tears remains a benchmark for K-drama success, with its cast gaining global recognition. Squid Game Season 2 continues to trend, with fans discussing its cliffhangers. Lovely Runner and When the Phone Rings are still popular on streaming platforms, while Miss Night and Day has sparked talks of a potential second season.
New K-dramas like When Life Gives You Tangerines are gaining traction in 2025, but these nine dominated 2024’s viewership.
CREDITS: Netflix Engagement Report 2024
