It’s no secret that South Korean pop culture has taken the world by storm. Musical acts like BTS, Seventeen, and Twice are all over the airwaves; “KPop Demon Hunters” is one of the most popular animated films of 2025. And of course, K-dramas have a pretty easy time snapping up the top spots on streaming services. When it comes to those shows, there are plenty to choose from too. Whether you want a lighthearted romance, a gripping thriller, or straight-up horror, there’s no shortage of K-dramas for you to sink your teeth into. But if you have no idea where to get started, we’ve got your back.
Here’s a quick guide to K-dramas to get you started on the rabbit hole.
“Squid Game”
Even if you’ve never watched it before, there’s no way you haven’t heard of the global Netflix phenomenon that took the world by storm in 2021. In this hyper-popular streaming show, a group of 456 people compete in a mysterious series of children’s games. Losing at any point means a swift and merciless death, but whoever manages to come out victorious wins a grand prize of 45.6 billion Korean won (approximately 39.86 million USD). Each player has their own reason to win, whether it’s to support their struggling families, escape crippling debt, or even for their own greed. The rules to each game may be simple, but the stakes have never been higher. How far will these contestants go to claim the prize?
All three seasons of “Squid Game” are currently streaming on Netflix.
“All of Us Are Dead”
This exciting zombie thriller is based on a 2017 webtoon manhwa and proudly takes cues from other popular Korean zombie flicks like “Train to Busan.” A high school science teacher accidentally unleashes a zombie virus, kicking off an epidemic at Hyosan High School. As the infection violently spreads throughout the city, a group of students are forced to survive an onslaught of the undead while trapped in their school.
Season 1 is streaming on Netflix. A second season is expected to premiere in 2026.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines”
If you’re in the mood for something lighter and romantic, check out this critically-acclaimed series. This coming-of-age love story follows Oh Ae-sun and the dramatic experiences she has throughout her life. Told in a non-linear narrative, the story follows Ae-sun at various points of her life as she navigates the difference between island and city living, becoming a poet, falling in love, and raising a family.
The series is streaming in its entirety on Netflix.
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo”
This highly-rated and beloved series centers on the titular Woo Young-woo. Young-woo is an autistic lawyer with remarkable intellect and a photographic memory. After finally landing a job at a major Seoul law firm, she uses her skills to become a fantastic lawyer. However, she struggles to navigate emotional interactions and the ethics that come with her cases.
Stream all 16 episodes on Netflix.
“Sweet Home”
Based on another popular webtoon, “Sweet Home” focuses on the troubled and eccentric residents of the Green Home apartment complex. One night, terrifying monsters begin to terrorize the city with many of them spawn from Green Home. As the residents try to unravel the mystery behind their transformations, they struggle to retain their humanity as darkness encroaches on them.
All three seasons are available on Netflix.
Get started with these to be well on your way to K-drama fandom greatness! Which one will you start with? Comment below!
