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As 2024 is coming to a wrap, the K-drama world has released some stellar shows like Gyeonseong Creature 2, Queen of Tears, Lovely Runner, Mr. Plankton, and more. K-drama fans have been treated to an incredible lineup of shows that push boundaries, tell diverse stories and feature acclaimed performances.
This year’s slate of K-dramas has something for everyone—whether it’s supernatural horror, historical epics, or heartfelt romances. With fresh narratives, top-tier performances, and stunning production values, fans were treated with comeback performances like Kim Soo-hyun, Park Seo-joon, and more. Byeon Woo-seok rose to worldwide fame with fame with Lovely Runner and more.
From the thrilling adventures of Gyeongseong Creature 2 to the emotional depths of Queen of Tears and the historical grandeur of Queen Woo, here are seven dramas that made 2024 memorable.
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Disclaimer: This article is not ranked and is solely based on the author's opinion.
From Queen of Tears to Lovely Runner- 7 K-dramas that stole 2024 with its stellar cast, plot, and performances
1) Gyeongseong Creature 2
The thrilling return of Gyeongseong Creature has captivated fans worldwide. Set in the dark, gritty backdrop of 1940s Korea during Japanese rule, season 2 builds on the success of its predecessor. The show follows Jang Tae-sang (played by Park Seo-joon) and Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee) as they battle monstrous creatures born out of human greed and ambition.
With higher stakes, more gruesome foes, and deeper character development, season 2 has been praised for its masterful blend of historical drama and supernatural horror. Claudia Kim, Bae Hyun-sung, and Lee Moo-saeng joined season 2 of the show.
2) Queen of Tears
Written by the acclaimed screenwriter Park Ji-eun (Crash Landing on You), Queen of Tears takes a heartfelt dive into the life of Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), the heiress of a corporate empire, and her husband Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun). Their seemingly perfect marriage is tested when a family crisis threatens to tear their lives apart.
From high-stakes corporate battles to emotional reckonings, Queen of Tears explores themes of love, loyalty, and resilience. The series, directed by Jang Young-woo (Vincenzo), included a cameo of Song Joong-ki as Vincenzo. Its mix of romance, drama, and suspense makes it one of the most engaging K-dramas of the year.
3) Mr. Plankton
This whimsical and unconventional drama stars Woo Do-hwan as Hae-jo, a man who feels disconnected from the world around him and believes he has no "roots." He learns he has three months to live due to a brain tumor, sets out to reconnect with his true love, Jae-mi (Lee Yoo-mi), and ventures out on one last adventure to find his dad.
Mr. Plankton combines humor and melancholy, delving into existential themes of death, abandonment, pre-menopause, love, and life. Woo Do-hwan’s heartfelt performance has been particularly praised for bringing depth to a quirky character, cementing Mr. Plankton as a standout in 2024’s lineup.
4) Family By Choice
This slice-of-life drama offers a heartwarming take on unconventional families. Following a group of unrelated individuals who come together to form their version of a family, Family By Choice explores themes of belonging, forgiveness, and healing.
With stellar performances from an ensemble cast including Hwang In-yeop, Bae Hyun-sung, Jung Chae-yeon, Choi Won-young (Twinkling Watermelon), and Choi Moo-sung (Like Flowers in Sand), the series shines in its portrayal of the complexities of relationships and parenthood.
5) Dear Hyeri
A poignant drama, Dear Hyeri (aka To My Hye-ri), centers on the titular Hye-ri, played by Shin Hye-sun. She portrays both personalities of Joo Eun-ho and Joo Hye-ri, a TV announcer who develops dissociative identity disorder after her younger sister goes missing and her breakup with Jung Hyun-oh (Lee Jin-uk).
Comforting situations with heartwarming one-liners that blend into all-too-emotionally resonant scenes, such as Eun-ho and Hyun-oh's breakup after 8 years of relationship. The show heavily focuses on mental health and how it takes a massive toll on someone's life, wreaking havoc in their relationships and how they deal with the world alone.
6) Lovely Runner
Romance meets time travel in Lovely Runner, where a K-pop idol, Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok), tragically dies at 31. His fan, Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon), accidentally time-traveled 15 years in the past to realize that she was Sun-jae's classmate. She sets on a mission to change the timeline to protect Sun-jae from dying.
The show balances lighthearted moments with meaningful explorations of love, friendship, and how far one can go to protect one's loved ones. The chemistry between the leads and the scenic backdrops make it a visually stunning and emotionally rewarding watch.
7) Queen Woo
This historical epic tells the story of Queen Woo, a legendary figure in Korean history known for her intelligence and political savvy. Portrayed by the talented Jeon Jong-seo, Queen Woo navigates the dangerous waters of palace intrigue, forging alliances and outsmarting enemies to secure her kingdom after her husband's (Ji Chang-wook) death.
The series has been praised for its rich storytelling, meticulous attention to historical detail, and Jeon Jong-seo’s commanding performance. Queen Woo consists of a stellar cast of Ji Chang-wook as King Go Nam-woo, Lee Soo-hyuk as Prince Bal-gi, and Kim Mu-yeol as Prime Minister Eul Pa-so.
Gyeongseong Creature, Queen of Tears, Lovely Runner, and Mr. Plankton are available on Netflix for global streaming. Family By Choice and Dear Hyeri are available on Viu and Rakuten Viki. Queen Woo is available on TVING's official OTT platform.
