10 K-dramas that broke records: Ranking the all-time top-rated hits

Queen of Tears | Image Via: tvN
Queen of Tears | Image Via: tvN

K-dramas have taken the world by storm. These shows have the ability to captivate the audience right from the very first episode. From stellar performances to intriguing storylines, these K-dramas are not just well-known among fans but also have received huge success globally.

These record-breaking hi K-dramas became cultural phenomena. Though the highest viewership rating is not the only criterion of a drama to be record-breaking, several other factors are also at play. This list of K-dramas has resonated deeply with the viewers for their own unique reasons. So, let’s dive right in.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.


10 K-dramas that broke records: Ranking the all-time top-rated hits

10) Lovely Runner

Lovely Runner | Image Via: tvN
Lovely Runner | Image Via: tvN

Lovely Runner truly was one of the most unique and intriguing kdramas of recent times. From the concept of the drama to the character developments in it, this drama took story building to the next level. The drama masterfully blends elements of time slip fantasy, romance, and youthful nostalgia.

There were several factors that led to the high rating of this drama. The chemistry between the lead actors, Byeon Woo Soek and Kim Hye-yoon, has been widely praised by viewers all around the world.

The nostalgic portrayal of the early years also added a level of comfort and familiar backdrop to the drama. This has also contributed to the higher ratings.


9) Descendants of The Sun

Descendants of The Sun | Image Via: KBS2
Descendants of The Sun | Image Via: KBS2

The combination of military conflicts with a medical background makes this drama such an intriguing one. It has the perfect blend of tension and suspense of a military drama. It also has the intrigue and detail of a medical drama. This adds to the overall high ratings of this drama.

Furthermore, Descendants of the Sun was one of the first K-dramas that received huge widespread recognition beyond the walls of Korea. It was not just limited to the Korean citizens it became a global phenomenon in no time.

The story of Yoo Shi-jin and Kang Mo-yeon truly captures the hearts of the viewers. As their fate intertwines, their love story has been developed in an interesting manner.

There is romance, there is drama, and there is a constant threat and suspense. This combination became the perfect blend to give the viewers a K-drama that paved the way.


8) My Love From the Star

My Love From the Star | Image Via: SBS TV
My Love From the Star | Image Via: SBS TV

Cheon Song-yi and Do Min-joon’s story captured the hearts of millions of viewers all around the world. Do Min-joon is not a typical hero as he might look. He is an alien who has been living on this planet for hundreds of years.

Though he had a chance to go back to his home planet, he missed his chance because of a woman. As the years passed, he grew more and more averse towards human beings.

However, his life completely changes when he comes across Cheon Song-yi. Cheong Song-yi’s demeanor and attitude reel him in. The clever addition of flashbacks in the series makes the drama even more intriguing.


7) The Atypical Family

The Atypical Family | Image Via: JTBC
The Atypical Family | Image Via: JTBC

The blend of supernatural and plot twists in this drama made this drama one of a kind. The family members of Bok Gwi-ju have superpowers. Each of them has different kinds of powers.

One of them has the ability to see the future through dreams, while the other has the ability to fly. Bok Gwi-ju, on the other hand, has the ability to travel back in time. Though they have superpowers, over the years their life have taken a different turn and they have started to lose the strength of their powers.

Along with this, the storyline about Bok Gwi-ju and Da-hae is truly intriguing as well. Their story brings a unique taste as they unravel each other’s secrets.


6) True Beauty

True Beauty | Image Via: tvN
True Beauty | Image Via: tvN

Lim Ju-kyung’s story is nothing similar to the typical high school life one would think of. She struggles with her insecurity and gets bullied. This caused her to start using makeup to hide her insecurities.

She became such a skilled makeup user that the students at her new school easily believed that she was naturally beautiful. The K-drama received extremely high ratings, especially because of its intriguing plotline, which was both humorous and emotional.

The show resonated with the younger audience, hence its popularity quickly spread worldwide. The K-drama is based on an already popular webtoon of the same name, which adds to the overall intrigue of it.


5) Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Image Via: JTBC
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | Image Via: JTBC

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is undoubtedly one of the binge-worthy K-dramas. Do Bong-soon and Min Hyuk’s story truly resonated with the viewers. Especially if we consider the unique plot of the superhero perspective, which added to the overall intrigue of the drama.

Do Bong Soon belongs to a family of women who get superpowers when they are born. Their super strength is truly one of a kind. However, the drama is not just about the superhero perspective; the addition of the plotline revolving around the killer gives a grim and suspenseful addition to the drama.

The chemistry between Do Bong Soon and Min Hyuk is undeniable. Their playful banter and genuine connection contribute to the positive aspect of the drama. The fresh perspective of this drama was one of the main reasons behind its high ratings.


4) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | Image Via: SBS TV
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo | Image Via: SBS TV

Yet another drama with the blend of historical elements. The intense chemistry and the plot twists of this drama are truly one of a kind. We see complex relationships, along with the ambitions and palace politics.

These aspects have been delved into deeply in this drama. It has made this K-drama such an intriguing one. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is not just a drama focusing on romance.

It is a poignant exploration of love and sacrifice. No wonder this drama received such high ratings and has remained an unforgettable K-drama.


3) Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Image Via: tvN
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Image Via: tvN

Guardian: The Lovely and Great God is often called Goblin. This drama is a masterclass combination of the past and the present. Kim Shin has been living among the mortals for hundreds of years.

He is searching for his bride, who will be able to end his suffering and finally help him to gain peace. After hundreds of years, he finally meets Ji Eun-tak, a bright and resilient high school girl with the ability to see ghosts. She not only has the ability to see the ghosts but also has the ability to see the sword, which is lodged in Kim Shin’s chest.

The past and the present timelines intertwine and create an intriguing story, which is extremely binge-worthy. Each and every character of this series adds to the overall intrigue of the story. This visual masterpiece received immensely high ratings.


2) Crash Landon On You

Crash Landon On You | Image Via: tvN
Crash Landon On You | Image Via: tvN

A paragliding accident causes Yoon Se-ri to land in North Korea. She gets stranded in the land of the unknown when she encounters Ri Jeong-hyeok. Jeong-hyeok is not just any normal military personnel but an elite and special agent.

Though he initially tries to give her the directions towards South Korea, instead of believing him, Se-ri takes a different route and gets stranded even more. Hence, to protect Se-ri from getting captured, Jeong-hyeok decides to give her shelter at his own house.

Now, Se-ri had been living a completely different kind of lifestyle from the one she was pushed into with Jeong-hyeok in North Korea. She is a successful businesswoman. Her life turned upside down after the paragliding experience.

The masterful blend of romance and genuinely funny moments, along with the tense political tension that has been depicted in this series, has made Crash Landing On You such a highly rated K-drama.


1) Queen of Tears

Queen of Tears | Image Via: tvN
Queen of Tears | Image Via: tvN

Queen of Tears captured the hearts of the viewers right from the start. With the depiction of the tumultuous marriage of Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo, the story was truly intriguing. This K-drama was also inspired by the real-life story of the Samsung heiress, Lee Boo-jin, and her ex-husband’s story.

Hae-in and Hyun-woo navigate through the complications of their relationships along with the sudden diagnosis of Hae-in’s disease. As Hae-in’s health declines rapidly, the couple slowly starts to rebuild their relationship.

The series undoubtedly generated huge popularity. This K-drama became one of the highest-rated ones in recent times. The portrayal of marital struggles and the heart-wrenching addition of the couple fighting against all odds resonated deeply with the viewers.


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Edited by Sugnik Mondal