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K-dramas have become a global sensation due to their storytelling, emotional depth, and strong performances. Each year, a new wave of K-dramas pushes boundaries, explores fresh themes, and redefines what makes these stories so engaging. TIME magazine's Best 2024 K-Dramas highlights shows that have made a lasting impact on viewers and critics.
From tales of time travel like Lovely Runner and supernatural family sagas like The Atypical Family to thrilling mysteries like A Shop For Killers, the dramas featured in TIME magazine's Best 2024 K-Dramas list represent a diverse range of genres. Here’s a closer look at these exceptional series ranked by TIME magazine and what makes them remarkable in 2024.
Exploring TIME magazine's top K-dramas of the year
1) Lovely Runner
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In Lovely Runner, Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) experiences a miraculous time slip to 2008 following the tragic death of her idol, Ryu Sun-jae (Byun Woo-seok). The drama intricately weaves themes of hope, love, and the consequences of altering destiny. As Sol tries to save Sun-jae from a dark future, the narrative explores whether fate can truly be rewritten or if her actions have unintended repercussions.
This series captivated audiences with its poignant depiction of loss, second chances, and the enduring impact of love. Its inclusion in TIME magazine's Best 2024 K-Dramas highlights its universal appeal and the emotional resonance it achieved.
Where to watch: Netflix
2) Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born
Set in the 1950s, Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born chronicles Yoon Jeong-nyeon’s (Kim Tae-ri) rise from selling clams to pursuing her dreams in Seoul’s theater world. Facing intense competition and personal struggles, her journey with rival trainee Heo Young-seo (Shin Ye-eun) portrays the challenges of ambition and the sacrifices needed to achieve greatness.
Praised for its historical depth and richly drawn characters, this K-drama brought a bygone era to life. TIME magazine recognized it for its compelling storytelling and its ability to balance cultural nostalgia with timeless themes of aspiration.
Where to watch: Disney+
3) Love in the Big City
Love in the Big City follows Go Young (Nam Yoon-su), a gay man navigating societal pressures, personal heartbreak, and self-discovery. His journey, framed through his bond with Mi-ae (Lee Soo-kyung) and a transformative trip to Thailand, explores the themes of identity and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
The drama’s candid portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences and universal themes of love and resilience earned it a spot on TIME magazine's Best 2024 K-Dramas. Its empathetic storytelling resonated with viewers worldwide.
Where to watch: Viki
4) A Shop For Killers
Jeong Ji-an (Kim Hye-jun) unravels dark family secrets after her uncle’s (Lee Dong-wook) sudden death in A Shop For Killers. The story follows her discovery of her uncle's mysterious shopping mall, which is not an ordinary shopping mall but a forefront for something else.
This drama stood out for its gripping suspense, incredible action scenes, and layered narrative. TIME magazine highlighted it as a must-watch K-drama because of how it explores morality and the weight of familial bonds.
Where to watch: Disney+
5) The Atypical Family
The Atypical Family blends fantasy and realism as Bok Gwi-ju (Jang Ki-yong) and his family, who lost their supernatural powers, begin a healing journey after meeting Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee). The drama's focus on family dynamics and mental health made it a standout of 2024, earning praise from TIME magazine for combining fantastical elements with real-life struggles.
Where to watch: Netflix
6) The Judge From Hell
In The Judge From Hell, Kang Bit-na (Park Shin-hye), an elite judge and secret demon, sends irredeemable criminals to Hell. Her life changes when she meets detective Han Da-on (Kim Jae-young). The drama, praised by TIME for its moral complexity and thrilling storyline, was one of the standout K-dramas of 2024.
Where to watch: Disney+
7) Pyramid Game
Sung Soo-ji (Bona) becomes the target of relentless bullying after losing a popularity contest in the Pyramid Game. As she becomes determined to end the cycle of abuse, she fights to dismantle the toxic system.
TIME magazine recognized it as one of the most thought-provoking K-dramas for shedding light on critical societal issues. This drama’s unflinching portrayal of school violence and social pressure resonated strongly with viewers.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
8) Marry My Husband
Marry My Husband follows the story of Kang Ji-won (Park Min-young) who gets a chance to rewrite her life after her tragic death. Going back 10 years, she plans to avoid her doomed marriage and seeks happiness on her terms.
This compelling mix of romance and self-empowerment made it a memorable addition to 2024’s lineup of K-dramas. TIME magazine praised its strong lead performance and thought-provoking narrative.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
9) Death’s Game
In Death's Game, Choi Yee-jae (Seo In-guk) is punished by Death (Park So-dam) for ending his life, experiencing death 12 more times in different forms. This forces him to reconsider life’s value and sparks a journey of self-discovery. TIME praised the drama for its bold storytelling and philosophical depth, making it one of the standout K-dramas of 2024.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
10) Mr. Plankton
In this romantic comedy, Hae-jo (Woo Do-hwan) embarks on a life-changing journey to uncover his father’s identity, accompanied by his ex, Jo Jae-mi (Lee Yoo-mi), a woman yearning for familial connection.
Together, their journey becomes a profound exploration of identity and self-worth. The show’s introspective narrative and moving performances earned it a place on TIME magazine's Best 2024 K-Dramas. Its themes of identity and family resonated universally.
Where to watch: Netflix
TIME magazine's Best 2024 K-Dramas list, along with the honorable mentions, highlights what a phenomenal year it has been for Korean dramas.
In addition to these 10 K-dramas, TIME Magazine also included Queen of Tears, Family By Choice, Doubt, Doctor Slump, The Trunk, Like Flowers in the Sand, Love For Love’s Sake, Good Partner, Flex Cop X, Wonderful World, and No Gain No Love in their honorable mentions.
