TOP 5 K-Dramas that stole my heart in 2024.
It happens to all of us. We often neglect one drama, skip one book, or ignore one person, only to realize later that they had to gift us the best part of our lives. There’s an exquisite charm in delayed gratitude so here are a few K-dramas that I overlooked but now obsessed with.
From swoon-worthy romances to cozy plots that will transport you back to a place where time slows down, the scent of home-cooked meals drifts through the air, and laughter over corny jokes echoes through every nook and corner of the streets.
Here is a list of my favorite TOP 5 K-Dramas that stole my heart in 2024. I promise you will be hooked from the very beginning.
MR. PLANKTON
Total Episodes: 10
Stream Platform: Netflix
Even though this series was released on November 8th, I was an idiot to wait till late November or early December to watch this gem. A perfect year-end gift from Netflix to all K-drama lovers like me. The plot revolves around that one hot drifter and his pretty little bumpkin Jae Mi, who set off for a road trip to practically nowhere Throughout the short uncalled road trip, the plot transforms into the perfect doze of adrenaline with moving dialogues that would stay etched into your heart for years to come.
Woo Do Hwan’s bewitching charm hooked me in the very first episode, but later, this couple became my endgame. The more I watched Mr. Plankton, the more I learned about the hidden life lessons shared throughout the series. Woo Do Hwan and Lee Yoo Mi didn’t just act; they owned my heart with their soulful portrayal and sizzling chemistry. A must-watch if you are looking for a perfect blend of humor, romance, and heartbreak or make your 2025 unforgettable.
LOVELY RUNNER
Total Episodes: 16
Stream Platform: Netflix, Viki
The highest-rated drama of 2024 and the long-awaited love letter for me. This drama was suggested to me by one of our avid readers but I being the master procrastinator kept it aside for uncountable months. Honestly, I’m still saving the last episode and there are two reasons why I always blank out when somebody asks me about this particular drama review, first and foremost there was never a dull moment throughout the series. Not one scene felt like the plot was being dragged and I was completely stunned by how the actors had rejected the plot previously. The only answer that I found to calm my soul is this series is custom-made for Byeon Woo Seok. I desperately want to accomplish my dreams like Im Sol did. Desperately want to be able to meet the person in real. (iykyk)
For some reason, I couldn’t stop thinking that it was truly a love letter for me sent from the universe, because there are some unexplainable, mind-blowing coincidences I’ve witnessed thoroughly starting from the day it was released. This is also one of the many reasons why I’m so possessive when it comes to sharing details about this series or watching the last episode of it. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll watch the last episode anytime soon because who would willingly want to finish a love letter written for them exclusively? (Feed my delulu here. Will you!)
XO Kitty
Total Episodes: 18 (2 Seasons)
Stream Platform: Netflix
X.O. Kitty is a perfect watch for people who are new to the K-drama world or are obsessed with modern American rom-com series. The perfect 30-minute bite-sized episodes makes it more exciting to kill exam stress and score excellently. I first watched it a day before my TOPIK Level 1 exam and secured first rank in my batch. So there’s no lie in that sentence for sure. 😉
The plot revolves around a Korean American girl determined to meet her long-distance boyfriend and experience the first kiss of her life but once she reaches the Korean Independent School of Seoul, life takes a turn of events for Kitty Song Covey, the beloved little sister of Lara Jean from the American series To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.
Would Kitty get to kiss her boyfriend is a mystery for you to resolve, but here’s a little clue: Season 2 is making viewers desperately wish to relive their high school chaos.
WELCOME TO SAMDAL-RI
Total Episodes: 16
Stream Platform: Netflix
The Korean artists Ji-Chang Wook and Shin Hae Sun have never disappointed me with any of their works. They are the comfort couple that people wish to become. Welcome to Samdal-ri is a slow-burn romance that captures the quaint charm of a small village and a group of friends growing up and leaving the town together to greet life in the big city.
The best part of this series is how often it makes you forget that you are watching digital content and not reading a book with richly layered characters that strike the perfect balance of humor, romance, drama, friendship, and the good old feeling of homecoming.
This series had me obsessed right from the office cafeteria scene in the pilot episode. If nothing else, it made me realize how blessed I am to have someone like Cho Yong Pil in my real life.
NO GAIN NO LOVE
Total Episodes: 12
Stream Platform: Amazon Prime Video
I watched this series recently when I was looking for a short K-drama to beat the afterblues of finishing Mr. Plankton. This was my second series of Kim Young Dae after Shooting Stars and my first series of Shin Min Ha. The plot revolves around a mid-30s career-driven woman who prioritizes avoiding losses in life. For financial gain at her work, she decides to fake her marriage to gain the trust and myriad amenities offered by her company. Perfect for people who are looking for a rom-com K-drama to watch on a Sunday afternoon.
How many dramas have you already watched from this list? Let me know which story or K-drama couple made your 2024 bearable with their bewitching charm and alluring chemistry.
Check out the previous blog: Top 5 Zombie Dramas That Will Make You Believe In The Horrors Of Undead.
Follow us on Instagram to get a sneak peek of the exclusive K-dramas @thekoreanhanami.