Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Korean dramas with these must-watch series. From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming romances, each show offers a unique blend of intrigue, drama, and emotion that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama enthusiast or new to the genre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for an unforgettable binge-watching experience!
Netflix’s upcoming original K-drama, “Hierarchy,” takes viewers inside the prestigious Jooshin High School, where the elite student body is comprised of the children of South Korea’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals.
When transfer student Kang-ha arrives with a mysterious past and a full scholarship, he sets off a chain of events that threatens to expose the school’s dark secrets. As tensions rise and alliances shift, Kang-ha must face the cutthroat world of Jooshin High School while keeping his own hidden agenda under wraps.
1. Extracurricular (2020)
“Extracurricular” follows the lives of four high school students as they plunge into a world of crime in pursuit of financial gain, only to find themselves entangled in unforeseen peril.
Ji Soo, once an exemplary student, takes a drastic turn towards criminality after committing a shocking act. Jung Da Bin portrays Min Hee, a school bully whose path intersects with Ji Soo’s criminal endeavors. Park Joo Hyun embodies Gyu Ri, Ji Soo’s perilous partner in crime, while Nam Yoon Soo takes on the role of Ki Tae, Min Hee’s boyfriend and the school’s heartthrob.
As the group delves deeper into their illicit activities, they find themselves facing a treacherous situation fraught with unexpected dangers. Each decision they make propels them further into a world of darkness, where the consequences of their actions threaten to unravel their lives irreversibly.
Aired: Apr 29, 2020
Cast: Kim Dong Hee, Park Ju Hyun. Jung Da Bin, Man Yoon Su
No. of Episodes: 10
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Class of Lies (2019)
In this drama, a once-renowned lawyer experiences a dramatic downfall due to a single case, leading him to take on a role as a temporary teacher at a high school linked to his past. Initially driven by selfish motives to restore his tarnished reputation, he soon finds himself confronting the harsh realities in the classroom.
As he witnesses the prevalence of crimes among the students and the lack of consequences they face, he is compelled to take action. Despite his initial intentions, he begins to advocate for the victims, determined to protect them from the injustices perpetuated by their peers.
The narrative sheds light on the disturbing truth of teenage delinquency and the absence of accountability that often accompanies it. Through his journey, the protagonist not only seeks redemption for himself but also endeavors to challenge the systemic failures that leave victims vulnerable and unprotected.
Aired: Jul 17, 2019 – Sep 5, 2019
Cast: Yoon Kyun Sang, Geum Sae Rok, Lee Jun Young, Choi Yoo Hwa
No. of Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Viki
3. Pyramid Game (2024)
At Baekyeon Girls’ High School, students engage in a monthly popularity poll, dictating the ruthless social order of the school. Newcomer Sung Su Ji enters with a zero score, plunging her to the lowest rung and subjecting her to bullying and violence.
Determined to climb the hierarchy, Su Ji embarks on a journey to ascend to the top. However, her quest for dominance raises questions about the toxic ranking system itself. Will Su Ji conquer the pyramid, or will she defy the rules and challenge the very foundation of the game?
Aired: Feb 29, 2024 – Mar 21, 2024
Cast: Bona, Jnag Da A, Ryu Da Im. Kang Na Eon
No. of Episodes: 10
Where to watch: TVING
4. Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
Yeon Shi Eun, a seemingly frail high school student, defies expectations by dominating his school with intellect and psychological tactics. Despite his physical appearance, he rises to the top of the social hierarchy through strategic maneuvres, challenging the prevailing violence both inside and outside the school walls.
In the upcoming second season of Weak Hero Class, Shi Eun continues to shake the foundations of the school’s power structure. As bullies target the weakest, Shi Eun emerges as a formidable opponent, threatening to disrupt the established order. Despite his small stature, his calculated and merciless fighting style leaves adversaries defeated and pleading for mercy.
Now, the school’s toughest bullies find themselves scrambling to confront this enigmatic new hero. Shi Eun’s arrival sparks a battle for supremacy, where brains and strategy clash against raw strength and brutality. As tensions escalate, the once unchallenged tyrants of the school must confront the unexpected challenge posed by the unconventional hero, Yeon Shi Eun.
Aired: Oct 7, 2022
Cast: Park Ji Hoo, Choi Hyun Wook, Hong Kyung
No. of Episodes: 8
Where to watch: Wavve
5. The Glory (2022)
A high school student harbours dreams of becoming an architect until brutal school violence shatters her aspirations, forcing her to abandon her education. Years later, her tormentor moves on to start a family. When the perpetrator’s child enters elementary school, the former victim finds herself in the role of their homeroom teacher.
Seizing the opportunity for retribution, she embarks on a calculated mission to confront not only the perpetrators but also the bystanders who stood idly by during her days of torment. As she faces the complexities of her past and present, she confronts the ghosts of her trauma while seeking justice for the pain inflicted upon her.
Aired: Dec 30, 2022
Cast: Song Hye Kyo, Lee Do Hyun, Im Ji Yeon
No. of Episodes: 8
Where to watch: Netflix
6. Revenge of Others (2022)
After her twin brother’s apparent suicide at school, Ok Chan Mi refuses to accept the tragic explanation. Determined to uncover the truth, she enrolls at Yongtan High, her brother’s school, where she encounters Ji Soo Heon, the witness to her brother’s death. As she delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding her brother’s demise, a mysterious “hero” emerges at Yongtan High, exacting revenge on behalf of bullied students.
Chan Mi suspects a connection between this vigilante and her brother, prompting her to set off on a quest to unravel the hero’s identity. Along the way, she faces the complexities of grief, betrayal, and hidden truths, determined to find justice for her brother and uncover the secrets lurking beneath the surface of her new school.
Aired: Nov 9, 2022 – Dec 14, 2022
Cast: Shin Ye Eun, Lomo, Seo Ji Hoon
No. of Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Disney+
7. The King of Pigs (2022)
As two old friends reminisce about their past experiences as victims of school bullying, a message from a long-lost acquaintance from twenty years ago reignites memories of their shared trauma. Suddenly, a string of mysterious serial killings begins to unfold, plunging them into a web of suspense and danger.
Kyung Min finds himself grappling with the resurfacing of suppressed emotions as an unexpected case dredges up memories of the school violence he endured two decades earlier. Meanwhile, Detective Jong Suk receives a cryptic message from a friend of the past, prompting him to revisit the dark history of school bullying that still haunts him.
As Jong Suk races against time to decipher the message and halt the relentless killings, the drama follows the origins of school violence and the pervasive culture of bullying in modern society. Through the intertwined fates of these characters, the series sheds light on the lasting impact of past traumas and the urgent need to confront the demons of the past.
Aired: Mar 18, 2022 – Apr 22, 2022
Cast: Kim Dong Wook, Kim Sung Gyu, Chae Jung An
No. of Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Prime Video
8. The Killing Vote (2023)
In a society where justice evades the grasp of the law, a radical system emerges: all citizens above 18 receive a text, deciding the fate of heinous criminals. If over 50% vote for the death penalty, executioner “Dog Mask” enacts the verdict in the virtual realm. Amidst this turmoil, three individuals are thrust into the fray:
Kim Moo Chan, leader of the First Investigation Team at the Southern Police Agency, grapples with the challenge of apprehending “Dog Mask” while tackling the moral complexities of the system.
Kwon Seok Joo, a former renowned legal scholar, finds himself entangled in the web of justice after taking matters into his own hands to avenge his daughter’s assault. Despite turning himself in, he must confront the consequences of his actions.
Joo Hyun, a seasoned police officer from the Cyber Safety Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, is drawn into the hunt for “Dog Mask,” leveraging his expertise to face the digital and uncover the truth behind the elusive executioner.
As their paths converge, they are forced to confront their beliefs, ethics, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance in a society governed by the whims of the masses.
Aired: Aug 10, 2023 – Nov 16, 2023
Cast: Park Hae Jin, Park Sung Woong, Im Ji Yeon
No. of Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Wavve, Prime Video
9. Bitch X Rich (2023)
“Cheongdam International High School” tells a gripping tale of intrigue and rivalry inside the elite echelons of society. Baek Je Na, an heiress to a prestigious conglomerate, exudes privilege as the epitome of the highest class at Cheongdam International High School. In contrast, Kim Hye In, hailing from a humble background, secures admission to the school under a veil of secrecy, her silence bought with the promise of education.
As Je Na and Hye In’s paths converge, a tension-fueled rivalry ensues, marked by psychological warfare and hidden agendas. Their clash transcends mere academic competition, digging into the depths of power, privilege, and the price of silence in the face of dark secrets. Amidst the opulent backdrop of Cheongdam International High School, a web of deception and betrayal unfolds, shrouded in the shadows of a murder witnessed by Hye In.
As the stakes escalate, alliances are forged and loyalties tested, blurring the lines between friend and foe. In a world where appearances deceive, and ambition reigns supreme, Je Na and Hye In face treacherous waters, each determined to emerge victorious in the high-stakes game of survival
Aired: May 31, 2023 – Jun 28, 2023
Cast: Lee Eun Saem, Yeri, Lee Jong Hyuk, Yoo Jung Hoo
No. of Episodes: 10
Where to watch: Netflix
10. Solomon’s Perjury (2016)
“Solomon’s Perjury” takes viewers into the complexities of a murder mystery shrouded in the turmoil of adolescent growth. On a fateful Christmas night, a student tragically falls to his death from the school’s rooftop, initially deemed a suicide by the authorities. However, when a mysterious witness comes forward with a statement suggesting foul play, the truth becomes a battleground.
Seo Yeon, a classmate of the deceased, receives the chilling testimony, igniting a quest for justice amidst a rush to sweep the incident under the rug. As the school, police, and media clash over competing narratives, the students find themselves caught in the crossfire, grappling with the pain of betrayal and injustice.
Refusing to be silenced, Seo Yeon and her allies take a stand, vowing to uncover the truth through an unconventional school trial. With students assuming roles as counselors, judges, and jurors, the trial becomes a crucible of revelation, laying bare the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of the case.
As the trial unfolds, it exposes not only the hidden truths of the murder but also the pervasive hypocrisy of the adults tasked with upholding justice. Through the students’ courageous fight for transparency, “Solomon’s Perjury” illuminates the power of resilience and solidarity in the face of institutional indifference and moral ambiguity.
Aired: Dec 16, 2016 – Jan 28, 2017
Cast: Kim Hyun Soo, Jang Dong Yoon, Seo Ji Hoon, Seo Young Joo
No. of Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Disney+, Viki, Netflix
11. Shadow Beauty (2021)
Koo Ae Jin lives a double life shaped by her appearance and her online persona. By day, she endures the cruelty of bullying and strangers’ scorn due to her looks. But when the school bell rings, Ae Jin transforms into Genie, a social media sensation boasting 770K followers, meticulously curated through makeup and photo editing.
As Ae Jin straddles the line between her authentic self and the glamorous facade of Genie, her worlds collide when a fellow student stumbles upon her secret. Caught between the fear of exposure and the desire for acceptance, Ae Jin grapples with the consequences of her dual identity.
With her carefully constructed facade at risk of crumbling, Ae Jin must confront the complexities of identity and self-acceptance. Will the discovery of her secret lead to liberation or further entanglement in the web of deception? As Ae Jin’s worlds collide, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, the blurred lines between perception and reality in the age of social media.
Aired: Nov 20, 2021 – Dec 29, 2021
Cast: Shim Dal Gi, Choi Bo Min, Lee Na Gyung, Heo Jung Hee
No. of Episodes: 13
Where to watch: Viki, WeTV, Kakao TV
12. My Strange Hero (2018)
When Kang Bok Soo was a high school student, his life was derailed by false accusations of violence, leading to his expulsion. The accusers were his first love, Son Soo Jung, and fellow student Oh Se Ho.
Now an adult, Bok Soo finds himself struggling, unable to shake off the impact of those past injustices. Determined to seek revenge, he returns to his old high school. However, his plans for retribution take an unexpected turn as he becomes entangled in a series of unforeseen events.
Back in the familiar hallways, Bok Soo faces the challenge of confronting his past while facing the complexities of his present. As he interacts with old acquaintances and new students, he finds himself caught in a web of secrets and lies that go deeper than he anticipated.
Bok Soo’s journey at the high school becomes more than just a quest for revenge; it evolves into a path of self-discovery and redemption. Through the trials and tribulations he encounters, Bok Soo must decide whether to continue down the road of vengeance or to seek a different kind of justice and closure
Aired: Dec 10, 2018 – Feb 4, 2019
Cast: Yoo Seung Ho, Jo Bo Ah, Kwak Dong Yeon
No. of Episodes: 32
Where to watch: Viki, Apple TV, KOCOWA
13. Room No. 9 (2018)
Eulji Hae Yi is a formidable lawyer known for her unblemished record in the courtroom. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she visits Jang Hwa Sa, a notorious death row inmate convicted of a high-profile poison murder case. During their meeting in Room No. 9 of the high-security women’s prison, an inexplicable event occurs: Hae Yi and Hwa Sa’s souls switch bodies.
Now trapped in each other’s lives, Hae Yi and Hwa Sa must face their new realities. Hae Yi, in Hwa Sa’s body, faces the grim existence of a prisoner on death row, while Hwa Sa, in Hae Yi’s body, steps into the shoes of a successful lawyer with a fierce reputation.
The key to reversing their predicament lies with Doctor Gi Yoo Jin, Hae Yi’s boyfriend, who unknowingly holds the solution to their bizarre fate. As the women struggle to adapt and find a way back to their original bodies, they uncover deeper connections and secrets that bind them together.
In a race against time, Hae Yi and Hwa Sa must rely on their wits and resilience, while Yoo Jin’s role becomes pivotal in untangling the mystery. The drama unfolds as they confront their pasts, challenge their identities, and strive to reclaim their lives amidst the chaos.
Aired: Oct 6, 2018 – Nov 25, 2018
Cast: Kim Hee Sun, Kim Hae Sook, Kim Young Kwang
No. of Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Viki
14. Law School (2021)
When a grim incident shakes their prestigious law school, the pursuit of justice is put to the test by a stern law professor and his ambitious students.
Yang Jong Hoon, a criminal law professor and former elite prosecutor, is known for his harsh demeanor and uncompromising standards, making him the professor students often avoid. Despite his tough exterior, his rigorous teaching methods demand excellence from those aspiring to join the legal profession.
Han Joon Hwi, a top-ranking first-year law student, appears to be the perfect candidate for success. His leadership skills, good looks, and charm make him stand out, but beneath his polished surface lies an unexpected depth and complexity.
Kang Sol (A), another first-year law student, has overcome a life of poverty and hardship to gain special admission to the school. Surrounded by wealth and privilege, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and shame. Through her journey, she discovers her true passion for the law and what it means to be a dedicated lawyer.
Kim Eun Sook, a civil law professor with a reputation for courtroom mastery, once led the law school’s free legal clinic. Her authoritative yet approachable demeanor makes her a beloved mentor. She is also the only colleague Yang Jong Hoon trusts enough to confide in.
As the incident unfolds, these characters face the complexities of justice, integrity, and personal growth, each learning valuable lessons about the true nature of the law and their roles in it.
Aired: Apr 14, 2021 – Jun 9, 2021
Cast: Kim Myung Min, Kim Bum, Ryu Hye Young
No. of Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Netflix
15. Why Her? (2022)
Oh Soo Jae, the youngest partner at one of the nation’s most prestigious law firms, has already established herself as one of the country’s top lawyers. Her self-righteous principles and relentless drive to win have paved her way to the top at TK Law Firm. However, when a major case takes an unexpected turn, her career comes crashing down.
Demoted from her high-ranking position, Soo Jae finds herself taking on the role of an adjunct professor at a local law school. While she begrudgingly adjusts to her new position, the sting of her demotion remains. It is only when she meets Gong Chan, a kind-hearted university student with a painful past, that her outlook begins to change.
Gong Chan, whose life repeatedly intersects with Soo Jae’s, becomes a source of unwavering support. His warm and resilient nature, combined with his growing affection for her, helps to ease her struggles. Despite the burdens he carries, Gong Chan remains steadfastly by her side, providing her with the emotional support she needs.
As Soo Jae battles to reclaim her position at TK Law Firm, she learns valuable lessons about resilience and trust. With Gong Chan’s unwavering support and her own determination, she fights to restore her standing. But will her resolve and Gong Chan’s loyalty be enough to overcome the obstacles set by the powerful forces working against her?
Aired: Jun 3, 2022 – Jul 23, 2022
Cast: Seo Hyun Jin, Hwang In Yeop, Heo Joon Ho, Bae In Hyuk
No. of Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Viki
16. The Penthouse: War in Life (2020)
The residents of Hera Palace, a luxurious 100-floor penthouse apartment, harbor many secrets and hidden ambitions. Sim Su Ryeon, born into wealth, reigns as the queen of the penthouse. Cheon Seo Jin, the prima donna of the residence, will stop at nothing to provide her daughter with the best of everything. In obvious contrast, Oh Yoon Hee, hailing from a poor background, fiercely aspires to climb the social ladder and become the queen of the penthouse, which she views as the ultimate symbol of success.
As these three women face their lives, a fierce battle for wealth, power, and prestige unfolds in Seoul’s most coveted residence. Deceit, betrayal, and ambition drive the residents, each striving to outmaneuvre the others in their pursuit of the pinnacle of high society. The drama captures their relentless quest for supremacy, revealing the dark underbelly of their glittering world.
Aired: Oct 26, 2020 – Jan 5, 2021
Cast: Lee Ji Ah, Kim So Yeon, Eugene, Uhm Ki Joon
No. of Episodes: 21
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki, Prime Video
17. SKY Castle (2018)
In the prestigious enclave of SKY Castle, where wealthy doctors and professors reside, Han Seo Jin, Noh Seung Hye, Jin Jin Hee, and Lee Myung Joo are determined to see their children gain admission to top universities. However, when Myung Joo’s son secures a spot at Seoul National University, a shocking incident forces their family to abruptly leave SKY Castle.
In a surprising turn of events, Lee Soo Im and her less affluent family move into SKY Castle, disrupting the established order. As Soo Im interacts with the neighborhood’s families, she witnesses the immense pressure placed on the children and resolves to help alleviate their stress. In doing so, she challenges the elite women of SKY Castle while also reevaluating her methods of supporting her stepson.
As Soo Im delves deeper into the secrets of SKY Castle, she uncovers the truth behind Myung Joo’s family’s sudden departure and their connection to the grade coordinator, Kim Joo Young. In her quest for justice and truth, Soo Im confronts the hypocrisy and corruption lurking beneath the surface of SKY Castle, forever changing the lives of its residents.
Aired: Nov 23, 2018 – Feb 1, 2019
Cast: Yeom Jung Ah, Lee Tae Ran, Yoon Se Ah, Oh Na Ra, Kim Seo Hyung
No. of Episodes: 20
Where to watch: Netflix, Disney+, Viki
18. Melancholia (2021)
In a prestigious high school, a dating scandal involving a math teacher and a student ends in tragedy, casting a shadow over their lives. Four years later, they reunite as adults, determined to expose corruption in the school and reclaim their tarnished reputations.
Ji Yoon Soo, the math teacher, radiates positivity and determination despite the challenges she faces. A passionate math enthusiast, she instills a love for the subject in her students, encouraging them to embrace its complexities.
Baek Seung Yoo, once hailed as a math prodigy, now carries the burden of his past. Though gifted with extraordinary intellect, he is haunted by inner turmoil and a sense of detachment. After withdrawing from the public eye following early academic success, he returns with a mission to seek justice.
Together, Yoon Soo and Seung Yoo set off on a journey to uncover the truth behind the school’s corruption and restore their lost honor. As they confront the ghosts of their past, they must face a maze of deceit and betrayal. Through resilience and determination, they strive to make amends and find redemption in the face of adversity.
Aired: Nov 10, 2021 – Dec 30, 2021
Cast: Lim Soo Jung, Lee Do Hyun, Jin Kyung, Choi Dae Hoon
No. of Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki, TVING
19. Itaewon Class (2020)
Park Saeroyi’s life takes a tumultuous turn when he is expelled from school for standing up to a bully, and tragedy strikes with the sudden loss of his father. Determined to honor his father’s memory, Saeroyi follows in his footsteps and opens a pub named “DanBam” in Itaewon.
With unwavering resolve, Saeroyi, along with his dedicated manager and staff, embarks on a journey to turn DanBam into a thriving establishment. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, they work tirelessly to achieve success and realize their dreams.
Saeroyi and his team form unbreakable bonds and learn valuable lessons about resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. Together, they strive to overcome adversity and reach greater heights, determined to make DanBam a beacon of hope and inspiration in their lives
Aired: Jan 31, 2020 – Mar 21, 2020
Cast: Park Seo Joon, Kim Da Mi, Kwon Na Ra, Yoo Jae Myung
No. of Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Netflix
20. D.P. (2021)
Private soldier Jun Ho finds himself thrust into a world he never imagined when he unexpectedly becomes a member of the military defector arrest team. Tasked with capturing deserters, he is confronted with the harsh realities of why some soldiers feel compelled to go absent without official leave.
As Jun Ho grapples with his new responsibilities, he is forced to confront the complexities of his fellow soldiers’ decisions. Through challenging and often troubling cases, he delves into the underlying reasons behind desertion, uncovering stories of hardship, desperation, and moral conflict.
Caught between his duty to uphold military discipline and his growing empathy for those he is tasked with apprehending, Jun Ho tackles the moral grey areas of his role. As he wrestles with his own beliefs and convictions, he must find a way to reconcile his sense of duty with his compassion for his fellow soldiers.
Aired: Aug 27, 2021
Cast: Jung Hae In, Koo Kyo Hwan,Kim Sung Kyun, Son Suk Ku
No. of Episodes:
Where to watch: Netflix
Get ready to binge into the world of K-dramas with these 20 must-watch series that promise to enchant and enthrall you. From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming romances, each show offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
So, grab your popcorn and get ready to be swept away by the magic of Korean television on Netflix. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the genre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of “Hierarchy.”
