Chaebol K-dramas have consistently drawn viewers in with their dazzling depictions of wealth, power, and intricate family dynamics.
These series focus on Korea’s upper-class families, offering a chilling mix of luxury and intense personal conflict. What sets some apart, though, is the tension and suspense that simmers beneath the surface, keeping audiences invested.
In 2024, several Chaebol K-dramas pushed boundaries with gripping storylines, filled with power plays and betrayals. The complicated relationships and high-stakes decisions in these dramas often leave viewers torn, making the characters’ situations both frustrating and irresistible to follow.
With dramatic plot twists and emotionally charged moments, these dramas offer a thrilling combination of elite lifestyles and personal turmoil. For those who enjoy a mix of excitement and emotional conflict, these 15 Chaebol K-dramas provide the perfect escape.
Get ready for a ride through these dramatic tales of power and deception, where nothing is quite as straightforward as it seems.
1. The Penthouse: War in Life (2020)
Hera Palace, a lavish 100-floor penthouse in Seoul, is home to residents with deep secrets and hidden ambitions. Sim Su Ryeon, born into affluence, reigns as the queen of the penthouse, embodying its opulence.
Cheon Seo Jin, a glamorous figure of the residence, is fiercely determined to secure a prosperous future for her daughter. Her efforts reflect her unwavering commitment to her family’s success.
Oh Yoon Hee, hailing from a modest background, views becoming the queen of Hera Palace as the ultimate achievement. Her relentless pursuit of high society drives her ambitions.
The drama centres around a fierce battle for wealth, influence, and status in Seoul’s elite social circle, specifically inside the luxurious penthouse where these power players live. The combination of high-stakes competition and personal vendettas creates a tense atmosphere, as ambition drives these individuals toward inevitable confrontations, both professionally and emotionally.
- Aired: Oct 26, 2020 – Jan 5, 2021
- No of Episodes: 21
- Cast: Lee Ji Ah, Kim Se Yeon, Eugene, Uhm Ki Joon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
2. SKY Castle (2018)
Han Seo Jin, Noh Seung Hye, Jin Jin Hee, and Lee Myung Joo reside in SKY Castle, a prestigious enclave for affluent doctors and professors. They are all focused on ensuring their children gain entry into top universities, reflecting their high aspirations.
After Lee Myung Joo’s son is accepted into Seoul National University’s medical program, a troubling incident forces the family to leave abruptly. This event stuns the other residents of SKY Castle.
Lee Soo Im, whose family moves into the vacated home, becomes actively involved in the lives of the other residents. She challenges the existing dynamics and begins questioning her own approach to supporting her stepson.
As Soo Im delves deeper into the situation, she starts to unravel the truth behind Myung Joo’s family’s sudden departure and its connection to the grade coordinator, Kim Joo Young. Her investigations disclose hidden truths and stir up the tense atmosphere in SKY Castle.
- Aired: Nov 23, 2018 – Feb 1, 2019
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Yeom Jung Ah, Lee Ta Ran, Yoon Se Ah, Oh Na Ra, Kim Seo Hyung
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
3. Mine (2021)
“Mine” centres on strong, ambitious women who strive to overcome societal prejudices to discover their true selves.
Seo Hee Soo, a former top actress, sacrifices her career to marry the second son of the Hyo Won Group. Despite the drastic life change, she remains determined to maintain her identity and fit into her new role as a daughter-in-law with confidence.
Jung Seo Hyun, married to the first son of the same chaebol family, brings her own strengths to the table. As a daughter of another chaebol family, she embodies elegance, intelligence, and rationality, observing her role with grace.
Both women confront the challenges in the powerful Hyo Won family, striving to assert their individuality while managing the expectations placed upon them.
- Aired: May 8, 2021 – Jun 27, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Bo Young, Kim Seo Hyung, Ok Ja Yeon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. The Escape of the Seven: War for Survival (2023)
A drama production company CEO, an ex-gangster, a wannabe idol, an OB-GYN doctor, an entertainment CEO, a school art teacher, and a detective seem to have little in common at first glance. However, their lives become intertwined when they all become involved in a high-profile case of a missing girl.
As each of these seven individuals tries to distance themselves from the scandal, they become entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and dark desires. Their pursuit of truth takes them down dangerous paths, unfolding unexpected connections and buried motives.
In this thrilling tale, the characters face moral dilemmas as they grapple with their pasts and the consequences of their actions. As the mystery unfolds, they find that escaping fate may be more complicated than they ever imagined.
- Aired: Sep 15, 2023 – Nov 17, 2023
- No of Episodes: 17
- Cast:
- Streaming Platform: Viki
5. High Class (2021)
In this mystery suspense drama, the seemingly perfect lives of women in the top 0.1 per cent of society hide dangerous lies and deep hypocrisies. Song Yeo Ul’s world falls apart when she is wrongfully accused of her husband’s murder, forcing her to observe a treacherous path to clear her name.
At her son’s elite international school, Nam Ji Sun reigns as the “queen bee” among the mothers, while former ice hockey player Danny O works as a teacher. Hwang Na Yun, a kind single mother, is the only person who extends friendship to Song Yeo Ul during her ordeal.
Cha Do Yeong, a former top actress desperate for the spotlight, follows Nam Ji Sun’s lead, adding further tension to the already complex social dynamics. As secrets unravel, these women’s seemingly flawless lives begin to crack, exposing the dangerous truths hidden beneath the surface.
- Aired: Sep 6, 2021 – Nov 1, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Cho Yeo Jung, Kim Jee Soo, Park Se Jin, Ha Joon, Gong Hyun Joo
- Streaming Platform: iQIYI
6. The Devil Judge (2021)
In a dystopian Korea, society has fallen into chaos, and Head Trial Judge Kang turns his courtroom into a public spectacle, punishing the guilty in a reality show-like manner. Dubbed the “Devil Judge,” his harsh methods leave the public torn between seeing him as a hero or a dangerous instigator of disorder.
Jung Sun Ah, a woman who has risen from poverty to a position of power, opposes Kang in a fierce rivalry. Their battle for control further fuels the crumbling state of society, making the stakes higher as their conflict intensifies.
At the same time, childhood friends Kim Ga On, a rookie judge, and Yoon Soo Hyun, a police officer, aim to seek true justice. However, their journey is complicated by the powerful forces of Kang and Jung Sun Ah, who dominate the system they hope to challenge.
As the two friends move through this dangerous environment, the question remains whether they can expose the truth behind Kang’s motives or if they will be ensnared in a struggle beyond their control.
- Aired: Jul 3, 2021 – Aug 22, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Ji Sung, Kim Min Jung, Park Jin Young
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
7. Little Women (2022)
Three sisters, deeply connected through their shared struggles with poverty, find themselves caught up in a life-altering event as they clash with the nation’s wealthiest family.
Oh In Joo, the eldest, is determined to protect her family with money after growing up in poverty. Her simple dream of living a normal life is shattered by a major incident that upends everything she knows.
The second sister, Oh In Kyung, is a principled news reporter who refuses to let money influence her decisions. When an old case resurfaces, she begins a relentless search for the truth, driven by her commitment to justice.
The youngest sister, Oh In Hye, is talented in art but has been held back by their financial hardships. Despite this, she enters an art high school, inspired by her older sisters’ sacrifices.
- Aired: Sep 3, 2022 – Oct 9, 2022
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Kim Go Eun, Nam Ji Hyun, Park Ji Hu
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
8. Celebrity (2023)
Seo Ah-ri, played by Park Gyu-young, is thrust into the high-stakes world of social media influencers, where fame and fortune come at a heavy price. As she embraces this glittering yet deceptive reality, Ah-ri uncovers the dark truth behind the influencers’ rise to fame — many buy followers, creating false perceptions of celebrity status.
As Ah-ri climbs the ranks, her once-glamorous life begins to unravel, exposing a web of scandals involving scams, harassment, and drug abuse. Amidst the chaos, she exposes the hidden, sinister side of influencer culture, where the quest for power turns deadly, even leading to murder.
Fame, money, and power become dangerous currencies in this cutthroat world, as Ah-ri fights to stay relevant and uncover the truth.
- Aired: Jun 30, 2023
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Park Gyu Young, Kang Min Hyuk, Lee Chung Ah
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
9. The World of the Married (2020)
Ji Sun Woo’s life seems flawless. As a respected family doctor and associate director, she lives comfortably in Gosan with her husband, Lee Tae Oh, and their son, Joon Young. Sun Woo even helped Tae Oh establish his entertainment company, believing in his dreams. However, her seemingly perfect world shatters when she discovers his affair, a betrayal made worse by their friends’ involvement in covering it up.
Devastated by this betrayal, Sun Woo’s heartbreak quickly turns into rage. She decides to seek revenge, not only against her unfaithful husband but also against those who deceived her. Her quest for justice becomes a deeply personal battle as she strives to regain her pride.
As Sun Woo embarks on this vengeful journey, she must confront the harsh realities of her crumbling marriage. Her pursuit of retribution becomes intertwined with her need for healing and self-reclamation.
In the process, Sun Woo learns that her journey is not just about vengeance but about rediscovering her own strength and identity in the wake of betrayal.
- Aired: Mar 27, 2020 – May 16, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Hee Ae, Park Hae Joon, Han So Hee
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
10. Graceful Family (2019)
Mo Seok Hee, the heiress to the powerful MC Group, returns to South Korea after years abroad, still haunted by her mother’s mysterious death. Her return triggers a series of unexpected events that could impact both her life and the future of the MC Group.
Upon her arrival, Seok Hee meets Heo Yoon Do, a modest lawyer working in the MC Group’s crisis management team. Despite their differing backgrounds, they form an unexpected partnership driven by a shared goal. Together, they set off on a quest to uncover the truth behind Seok Hee’s mother’s death.
In their pursuit of justice and truth, Seok Hee and Yoon Do must handle complex personal and professional obstacles, ultimately discovering more about themselves and each other.
- Aired: Aug 21, 2019 – Oct 17, 2019
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Im Soo Hyang, Lee Jang Woo, Bae Jong Ok
- Streaming Platform: Viki
11. Remarriage and Desires (2022)
Seo Hye-seung’s life as a middle-class housewife in Gangnam takes a drastic turn when she loses everything overnight. In a quest for revenge, she encounters the woman responsible for her downfall at Rex, an elite marriage information company specializing in matchmaking for the upper class.
At Rex, Hye-Seung searches into the competitive world of high-society matchmaking, where women vie to marry influential bachelors and secure their place among the elite. Her involvement in this exclusive arena is fueled by a desire for both retribution and a dramatic change in her circumstances.
As Hye-seung steer the cutthroat environment of Rex, she confronts the complexities of social status and personal ambition. Her journey intertwines with the aspirations of other women who seek to elevate their lives through strategic marriages.
Through this intense and glamorous pursuit, Hye-Seung aims to reclaim her life and achieve a measure of justice, all while grappling with the seductive allure of high society and the harsh realities it entails.
- Aired: Jul 15, 2022
- No of Episodes: 8
- Cast: Kim Hee Sun, Lee Hyun Wook, Jung Eugene, Park Hoon, Cha Ji Yeon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. Battle for Happiness (2023)
The series showcases the intense and competitive world of mothers who use social media to undermine each other’s happiness. Each mother is locked in a battle to outdo the others, driven by personal grievances and a quest for liberation from their burdens and secrets.
The tension escalates when one of the group members dies under mysterious circumstances, triggering a more profound conflict. The surviving mothers are split between those who wish to conceal the truth and those determined to uncover it, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
As the mystery unfolds, the series exposes the darker side of social media and its impact on personal relationships. The mothers’ struggles highlight their quest to reclaim their identities while dealing with the pressures and deceit that plague their lives.
This suspenseful drama offers a thrilling look at the lengths people will go to secure their happiness and the complex dynamics that drive their actions.
- Aired: May 31, 2023 – Jul 20, 2023
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee El, Jin Seo Yun, Cha Ye Ryun, Park Hyo Joo, Woo Jeong Won
- Streaming Platform: Viki
13. Eve (2022)
Lee Ra El, once a devoted daughter of a brilliant father and a stunning mother, faces devastation when her father is killed by forces beyond their control. The tragedy shatters her family and fueled by grief and anger, she seeks revenge against the super-rich responsible for her father’s death. Her main target is Kang Yoon Kyum, the CEO of the influential LY Group, who played a key role in the conspiracy.
Ra El’s strategy involves a high-stakes divorce case worth USD 1.6 billion, aimed at dismantling Kang Yoon Kyum and LY Group. This elaborate plan has been brewing for 13 years, and she intends to leverage her legal battle to expose the corrupt elite.
As she prepares for this monumental legal fight, Ra El must handle complex power dynamics and face formidable opponents. Her quest for vengeance is not only a battle in the courtroom but also a personal struggle with the potential to consume her entirely.
Will her meticulously planned revenge bring the justice she seeks, or will it ultimately overwhelm her and prevent her from finding peace?
- Aired: Jun 1, 2022 – Jul 21, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Seo Yea Ji, Park Byung Eun, Yoo Sun, Lee Sang Yeob
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
14. The Golden Spoon (2022)
Seung Cheon, from a poor but loving family, stumbles upon a magical spoon that lets him swap lives with his wealthy best friend. Initially, it seems like an easy choice to embrace a life of luxury. However, as the realities of both worlds unfold, he starts to question whether the switch was the right decision.
With only three chances to reverse his choice, Seung Cheon faces a dilemma. The allure of riches contrasts sharply with the warmth and closeness of his original life. Each chance to change his mind weighs heavily on him as he contemplates the true value of his relationships and material wealth.
As he negotiates the complexities of his new life, Seung Cheon must grapple with unexpected consequences and the emotional costs of his decisions. His journey becomes a profound exploration of what truly matters—whether it’s wealth and status or love and family.
Ultimately, Seung Cheon’s struggle is about finding the balance between two very different lives and deciding which future he genuinely wants to keep.
- Aired: Sep 23, 2022 – Nov 12, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Yook Sung Jae, Lee Jong Won, Jung Chae Yeon, Yeonwoo
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
15. Perfect Marriage Revenge (2023)
Han Yi Joo, a painter adopted by the wealthy Han family, has always felt unloved and isolated. Despite her father, Han Jin Woong’s prominence at Hanwool Financial Group, Han Yi Joo never received affection from her family, including her younger sister Han Yoo Ra. She marries Yoo Se Hyeok, only to discover he is in love with Han Yoo Ra. The revelation leads to a tragic car accident that kills Han Yi Joo.
Miraculously, Han Yi Joo wakes up in the past, before her marriage to Yoo Se Hyeok. Determined to alter her fate and seek revenge, she breaks off the engagement and decides to target Seo Do Guk, the man her sister desires. Seo Do Guk, the intelligent and attractive grandson of the Taeja Group’s founder, agrees to a contract marriage with Han Yi Joo. However, he has his conditions—he wants their arrangement to evolve into a genuine marriage.
As Han Yi Joo steers this second chance at life, she must balance her quest for revenge with her evolving relationship with Seo Do Guk. Will she find the redemption she seeks, or will her plans lead to unforeseen complications?
- Aired: Oct 28, 2023 – Dec 3, 2023
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Sung Hoon, Jung Yoo Mi, Jin Ji Hee, Kang Shin Hyo
- Streaming Platform: Viki
16. Reborn Rich (2022)
Yoon Hyun Woo is a loyal secretary to the powerful Soonyang chaebol family. The family controls the massive Soonyang Group, founded by Jin Yang Cheol. However, during an internal power struggle, Hyun Woo is betrayed and killed under mysterious orders from one of the family members.
Miraculously, Hyun Woo wakes up to find himself reborn in the body of Jin Do Jun, the youngest member of the family. Realizing his unique position, he begins to plan his revenge. His goal is to take over the Soonyang Group and punish those who wronged him.
Yet, Jin Yang Cheol, the group’s ruthless CEO, stands in his way. A firm believer in primogeniture, he won’t easily give up control. Hyun Woo must outwit the family to succeed in his mission of revenge.
Adding more complexity is Seo Min Young, a prosecutor known as the “Soonyang Group Grim Reaper.” Her pursuit of the family could alter the entire game. Will Hyun Woo succeed in his quest for justice?
- Aired: Nov 18, 2022 – Dec 25, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Song Joong Ki, Lee Sung Min
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
17. Law School (2021)
A tragic event at a prestigious law school tests the boundaries of justice for a tough law professor and his ambitious students. Yang Jong Hoon, once an elite prosecutor, now teaches criminal law with strict, no-nonsense methods. His uncompromising attitude makes him a feared yet respected figure on campus.
Among his students is Han Joon Hwi, a brilliant first-year student with top marks and leadership skills. While his charming demeanour makes him appear perfect, there is more to him than meets the eye. His hidden side leaves others wondering about his true motives.
Kang Sol (A), another first-year student, has battled poverty and struggles with feelings of inadequacy in the face of her wealthy classmates. Her journey through law school pushes her to uncover what it means to be a good lawyer.
Kim Eun Sook, a civil law professor, brings a different teaching style. Once the head of the school’s legal clinic, her relatable, authoritative nature makes her a courtroom master. She’s the only colleague with whom Yang Jong Hoon shares his thoughts, creating a complex dynamic in this legal battle.
- Aired: Apr 14, 2021 – Jun 9, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Myung Min, Kim Bum, Ryu Hye Young
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
18. Perfect Family (2024)
In the seemingly perfect world of Choi Jin Hyeok, his wife Ha Eun Ju, and their daughter Seon Hui, a shocking incident shatters their tranquillity. Seon Hui returns home one day covered in blood, claiming she may have killed her friend.
As the family grapples with the revelation, their lives are further disrupted when the friend’s house is destroyed in a fire. The mysterious circumstances fuel suspicions both at home and in the community.
The situation escalates when another child goes missing, intensifying the blame cast on the family and their acquaintances. Trust erodes as those closest to the family begin to question each other’s motives.
Amidst rising tension and fractured relationships, the truth about the family’s perfect facade comes into question. Will they ever uncover what happened and restore their lives to normalcy?
- Aired: Aug 14, 2024 – Sep 19, 2024
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Park Ju Hyun, Yoon Se Ah, Kim Byung Chul
- Streaming Platform: Viki
