12 K-Dramas With 100% On Rotten Tomatoes You Should Watch Right Now (2024)

Whether one is new to K-Dramas or a long-time binge-watcher, there are a LOT of shows available to watch across multiple streaming services, so it can be hard to know what to watch next. One reliable indicator of quality is Rotten Tomatoes scores, where a perfect 100% rating signals a reasonable consensus that the TV show or film is worth watching. With so many options now available, knowing which series has achieved this rare distinction can save you time and ensure a satisfying experience without fear of a shock mid-season cancelation or frustrating cliffhanger series ending.

Korean TV shows are a style unto their own, and as such, they tend to span the spectrum of genres. As shows like Squid Game, Sweet Home, and All of Us Are Dead have brought K-Dramas into the mainstream for international audiences (and, for reference, none of these have 100% RT scores), these highly acclaimed and loved series are among the best. Discover some of South Korea's most diverse and compelling storytelling, and fall into the charm of the perfect K-Drama.

12 Parasyte: The Grey (2024)

Starring: Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun

Parasyte: The Grey

Action

Mystery

Horror

Sci-Fi

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"Parasyte: The Grey" imagines a world where alien parasites begin taking over human hosts, blending horror with psychological drama. The story follows a young man who forms a symbiotic relationship with his alien parasite, leading to a morally complex journey as they confront other parasites threatening humanity. This adaptation adds a unique twist, focusing on the grey areas of survival, identity, and the essence of being human.

Cast

Jeon So Nee , Koo Kyo Hwan , Lee Jung Hyun , Kwon Hae Hyo , Kim In Kwon

Release Date

April 5, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Ryu Yong Jae , Yeon Sang Ho

Directors

Yeon Sang Ho

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

Creator(s)

Yeon Sang Ho

Parasyte: The Grey is a thrilling live-action spin-off of the beloved manga, Parasyte, that seamlessly blends horror and sci-fi. Written and directed by Train To Busan director, Yeon Sang-ho, the Korean adaptation ponders on deep philosophical questions about the meaning of identity, humanity, morality, and survival while staying true to its more gory roots. The K-Drama challenges viewers to consider what it means to be human when faced with parasitic entities that blur the line between human and monster.

Jeon So-nee's portrayal of the conflicted Su-in is riveting, as she struggles with balancing her human instincts with the alien presence. Although the depiction of Su-in in the K-Drama diverges from the Parasyte manga in certain ways, it by no means detracts from the energy of the K-Drama. With such an intriguing blend of genres and standout performances, it's easy to see why Parasyte: The Grey has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and why it was one of the most watched non-English shows on Netflix for two weeks upon its release.

11 Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Starring: Park Eun-bin, Oh Ji-yul, Kang Ki-young

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

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See Also

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Extraordinary Attorney Woo follows the life of Woo Young-woo, a young attorney with autism spectrum disorder, who navigates the challenges of the legal profession in South Korea. The series portrays her brilliant legal mind and unique approach to cases, highlighting her struggles and triumphs both in and out of the courtroom. Park Eun-bin stars in the titular role, delivering a poignant and nuanced performance.

Cast

Park Eun-Bin , Kang Tae-oh , Kang Ki-young

Release Date

June 29, 2022

Seasons

1

Creator(s)

Yoo In-shik , Moon Ji-won

In a world that often treats neurodiversity with misunderstanding, prejudice, and harmful stereotypes, Extraordinary Attorney Woo is the antidote. The series follows Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), an extremely talented and bright autistic lawyer, as she enters her first job at a law firm. What most endeared viewers to the K-Drama was that its heart-warming story doesn't treat Woo Young-woo with the usual stereotypes and tropes common with portrayals of the autistic community. She struggles in certain areas of her life, and needs support, but when she shines, she's an absolute star.

In addition to its sensitive and nuanced representation of neurodiversity, Extraordinary Attorney Woo also highlighted numerous modern societal issues and disability rights. Few K-Dramas have dared to tackle these types of issues, particularly with the care and empathy that Attorney Woo does. This delightful and lightly romantic legal K-Drama is a must-watch show for anyone. And clearly, critics agree, as its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is a testament to its kind and fair depiction of autism, and its empathetic performances.

10 Doctor Slump (2024)

Starring: Park Hyung-sik, Park Shin-hye

Doctor Slump

Not Rated

Comedy

Medical

Romance

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Doctor Slump is a South Korean romantic medical comedy-drama that initially aired in 2024. Two former high-school rivals, Nam Ha-neul and Yeo Jeong-woo, find themselves reunited after pursuing careers as doctors but were forced to leave their professions after unfortunate circ*mstances. Out of luck and out of jobs, the two live together in a small studio apartment and must learn to get along.

Cast

Park Shin-Hye , Park Hyung-sik , Yoon Park , Kong Seong-ha , Oh Dong-min

Release Date

January 27, 2024

Seasons

2

Writers

Baek Sun-woo

Directors

Oh Hyun-jong

South Korea makes a lot of excellent medical K-Dramas and hyper-competitive student K-Dramas, but few address what happens when the star pupils' lives take a downward slump. Doctor Slump blends these styles and tropes well into an enemies-turned-lovers romantic K-Drama, and explores the pressure to perform, and the lofty expectations placed upon many young South Korean people. The K-Drama also delves into issues concerning mental health and the effects of burnout, and highlights the stigma attached to those who seek help.

Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye have an electric chemistry in Doctor Slump that really drives the show. The actors first appeared together in the 2013 K-Drama, The Heirs, but their maturity and growth as performers since then is evident in this show. While Doctor Slump is a light romantic comedy K-Drama, it also doesn't shy away from making a statement.

9 D.P. (2021)

Starring: Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, Son Suk-ku

D.P. may be quick to get through, with only six episodes and two seasons, but it's not always an easy watch. After a string of hit K-Dramas, starring in Prison Playbook, Something in the Rain, and One Spring Night, Jung Hae-in started taking risks with the roles he took on. Some of these risks didn't pay off, like his role opposite BlackPink's Jisoo as a North Korean agent in Snowdrop. But D.P. is one that has worked out well for the actor, as evidenced by the perfect Rotten Tomatoes score.

The dark and realistic K-Drama centers on a division of the Korean military police who are assigned to catching deserters. In South Korea, a period of military service is mandatory for young men, but with widespread bullying and hazing within its ranks, some will flee from their duties. D.P. touches on many raw subjects for Korea, and in doing so, it can be hard to watch at times. But the standout cast gives some brilliant performances that will make you want to keep watching, and the K-Drama's realistic ending makes the experience even more worthwhile.

8 Crash Landing On You (2019)

Starring: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin

Crash Landing On You (2019)

TV-14

Comedy

Romance

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Crash Landing On You is a South Korean television series that follows Yoon Se-ri, a wealthy South Korean businesswoman who crash-lands in North Korea after a paragliding mishap. She encounters Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean army officer, who decides to help her return to South Korea. As they navigate the ensuing challenges, their relationship evolves, highlighting the socio-political differences between their countries. The series stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin in the lead roles.

Cast

Hyun Bin , Son Ye-jin , Seo Ji-hye , Kim Jung-hyun

Seasons

1

Release Date

December 14, 2010

Writers

Park Ji-eun

Directors

Lee Jung-hyo

Main Genre

Romance

Creator(s)

Lee Jung-hyo , Park Ji-eun

Crash Landing On You is K-Drama royalty. It was the second-highest-rated series in Korean cable TV history, and the show's finale crashed China's Weibo streaming platform due to so many people trying to view it. The show's success even led to a massive boost in sales for the fried chicken chain featured throughout. And the adoration is well-earned. Crash Landing was one of the first K-Dramas to depict a mostly authentic view of daily life in North Korea, and the touchy topic is treated with respect, empathy, and nuance.

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The appeal of Crash Landing extends beyond its unique setting and sensitive portrayal of North Korea. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin's on-screen chemistry is palpable, so it was no surprise to later find out that the actors became romantically involved following the show, and have since married. The show's blend of sharply written humor, drama, romance, action, and suspense, make it the perfect K-Drama with the perfect RT score.

7 A Killer Paradox (2024)

Starring: Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-joon

A Killer Paradox (2024)

TV-MA

Comedy

Crime

Thriller

Based on the webtoon, A Killer Paradox is a comedy crime-thriller film that follows a man who goes on the run after accidentally killing a serial killer. As a detective pursues him, he continues to accidentally take out more villains in society.

Cast

Choi Woo-shik , Son Suk-ku , Lee Hee-joon

Release Date

February 9, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Kim Da-min

Directors

Lee Chang-hee

Main Genre

Thriller

A Killer Paradox deserves far more attention than it has received. The K-Drama features Parasite star, Choi Woo-shik, and the star of D.P. and the low-key My Liberation Notes, Son Suk-ku, in a take on the detective cat-and-mouse style narrative. However, the show transcends such characterizations and goes in an unexpected direction. The K-Drama is dark but also has elements of comedy, and weaves an unusual narrative that will keep you going back for more.

It's hard to discuss too much about A Killer Paradox without spoiling some of the best, most gasp-inducing reveals. The K-Drama follows Woo-shik as Lee Tang, who works at a convenience store and dreams of visiting Canada, but has been feeling aimless since completing his military service. His life takes an unexpected turn when he gets into a violent altercation and ends up killing someone who ends up being a serial killer. Things escalate from there, and Lee Tang finds himself entangled in a mysterious new world.

6 Little Women (2022)

Starring: Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, Park Ji-hu

Little Women (2022)

TV-MA

Drama

Action

Mystery

Where to Watch

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Little Women (2022) is a South Korean television series directed by Kim Hee-won that follows three sisters navigating life’s challenges and mysteries. As they grapple with financial hardship and unexpected threats, the siblings must pull together to uncover the truth and protect their family. The series stars Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, and Park Ji-hu in leading roles.

Cast

Kim Go-eun , Nam Ji-hyun , Wi Ha-joon , Uhm Ji-won , Park Ji-hu , Uhm Ki-joon , Kang Hoon , Jeon Chae-eun

Character(s)

Oh In-joo , Oh In-kyung , Choi Do-il , Won Sang-ah , Oh In-hye , Park Jae-sang , Ha Jong-ho , Park Hyo-rin

Release Date

September 3, 2022

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Drama

Although Little Women was extremely loosely based on the Louisa May Alcott coming-of-age novel, the K-Drama bears very little resemblance to the book. The production and direction take some wild swings at the fence, and the result is a visually stunningly, mind-bending ride of twists and turns and a descent into the clutches of a manipulative, wealthy family. This is probably not so surprising, however, given that it was written by frequent Park Chan-wook collaborator, Jeong Seo-kyeong, and the director of Crash Landing, Vincenzo, and Queen of Tears, Kim Hee-won.

Like A Killer Paradox, it's hard to succinctly explain Little Women without giving some of its reveals away. Its incredible cast includes Goblin star, Kim Go-eun, and All of Us Are Dead rising star, Park Ji-hu in what could become career-defining performances, as well as Squid Game star Wi Ha-joon. The show's intricate plot and multi-faceted characters make the K-Drama a standout series that keeps its audience guessing until the very end.

5 Daily Dose Of Sunshine (2023)

Starring: Park Bo-young, Yeon Woo-jin, Jang Dong-yoon

For the most part, Daily Dose of Sunshine is exactly that -- a warm K-Drama that restores your faith in humanity. What makes the series worthy of its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is the empathetic way that it treats those who work in and are patients at a mental health facility. Like Attorney Woo, the K-Drama doesn't shy away from the realities of mental health conditions, and like Doctor Slump, it explores burnout and depression from different perspectives.

What's particularly special about Daily Dose of Sunshine is that the first half of the show feels like a cozy, familiar K-Drama with many of the favorite tropes and themes. However, an unexpected moment quickly cuts through all that, and the show turns its attention to addressing bigger and deeper issues. This shift in tone is done perfectly, and Park Bo-young carries the new direction effortlessly. Yeon Woo-jin's character is also a delight, bringing unexpected comedy and loads of compassion to his role as an erratic but well-meaning proctologist.

4 Chicken Nugget (2024)

Starring: Ryu Seung-ryong, Ahn Jae-hong

Chicken Nugget (2024)

Comedy

Mystery

Cast

Ryu Seung-ryong , Ahn Jae-hong , Kim Yoo-jung , Md Rustam Ansari

Release Date

March 15, 2024

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Comedy

Chicken Nugget is... weird. There's no other way of really describing this strange and legitimately hilarious K-Drama on Netflix. It follows the story of Choi Min-ah (Kim Yoo-jung) who has been mysteriously transformed into a chicken nugget, and her father (Ryu Seung-ryong) and crush (Ahn Jae-hong) team up to try to work out how to turn her back. And somehow, it gets weirder from there.

The K-Drama's comedy is at times slapstick or situational, but often it's just borne from the awareness of the show's utterly ridiculous and wonderful premise. In some ways, it recalls the comedic style of the film Hot Tub Time Machine, where it's aware of how strange the situation is, but it rolls with it anyway. Seung-ryong and Jae-hong are a perfect pair-up as well, bringing their own forms of unique weirdness to the K-Drama. Chicken Nugget is an easy one to binge-watch on a lazy Saturday.

3 Crash Course in Romance (2023)

Starring: Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Kyung-ho

Crash Course In Romance

TV-14

Comedy

Drama

Romance

Crash Course In Romance is a South Korean drama that explores the intertwined lives of a former national athlete who now runs a banchan shop and a star mathematics instructor. As both characters navigate their respective challenges, the series delves into themes of romance, societal pressures, and personal growth against the backdrop of South Korea's competitive educational environment.

Cast

Jeon Do-yeon , Jung Kyung-ho , Lee Bong-ryun , Oh Eui-Sik , Sin Jae-ha , Jang Young-Nam , Kim Sun-young , Hwang Bo-ra

Release Date

January 14, 2023

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Yang Hee-seung

Crash Course in Romance is everything that a good quality romantic comedy K-Drama should be. It's light, feels grounded in reality, it's immersive, very binge-able, and it has a sprinkling of fantasy that K-Dramas are so adept at. Crash Course doesn't delve too deep into heavy topics, but it acknowledges them. Much of the show is centered on celebrity math tutor, Choi Chi-yeol (Jung Kyung-ho), and through his private education academy, the show explores the pressure of schooling and getting good grades. However, the show doesn't get so deep into these topics that it reveals some dark underbelly. There are plenty of other K-Dramas that do that.

The main focus of the K-Drama, however, is the blossoming relationship between Chi-yeol and Nam Haeng-seon (Jeon Do-yeon), a kindly older woman who runs a banchan shop. Crash Course has a less extreme version of the rich man-poor woman K-Drama trope, but Chi-yeol is far from the usual chaebol heir that's usually at the center of such narratives. However, the series didn't need a massive wealth gap to make its point, and it's better for it. In the end, Crash Course is just peak K-Drama.

2 Moving (2023)

Starring: Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Zo In-sung, Cha Tae-hyun

Moving

TV-MA

Action

Drama

Fantasy

Sci-Fi

Supernatural

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Moving is a South Korean action-drama series that follows a group of high schoolers and their parents who have superpowers. Attempting to keep themselves quiet and off the radar, their peace is disrupted when a dangerous organization begins to hunt them down, forcing the fledgling superpowered teens to fight back against them and various governments that wish to contain and destroy them.

Cast

Ryu Seung-ryong , Han Hyo-joo , Zo In-sung , Cha Tae-hyun , Ryoo Seung-bum , Kim Sung-kyun , Lee Jung-ha , Go Youn-jung , Kim Do-hoon

Release Date

August 9, 2023

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Writers

Kang Full

Directors

Park In-je , Park Younseo

Moving was one of the standout K-Dramas of 2023, becoming the most popular Korean series on Disney+. What sets the K-Drama apart is its unique take on the superhero genre, grounded in relatable human experiences. The show follows the lives of three high school students who discover they've inherited extraordinary abilities from their parents. Then, they must navigate within a world that fears and misunderstands them. The dynamic between the students and their parents adds another layer of complexity to these characters, with the older generation having to grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Moving combines action-packed scenes with emotional family moments and personal growth, weaving intriguing plot twists and thought-provoking themes. It's easy to see why the K-Drama was such a success for the streaming platform and with critics, as it re-energized the tired genre and gave it a new perspective. Ultimately, Moving is a lot of fun, even for those burnt out on superhero stories. This K-Drama is different from the others and is well deserved of its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score.

1 Queen of Tears (2024)

Starring: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won

Queen Of Tears (2024)

TV-14

Comedy

Romance

Hong Hae-in, the heiress of the prestigious Queens Group, and her husband Baek Hyun-woo, known as the "supermarket prince," navigate the complexities of their high-profile marriage. While Hae-in exudes a cold and calculating demeanor, Hyun-woo brings warmth and emotional depth to their relationship. Their union, celebrated as the "wedding of the century," faces a monumental crisis that forces them to reassess their differences and rediscover the strength in their bond.

Cast

Kim Soo-hyun , Kim Ji-won , Park Sung-hoon , Kwak Dong-yeon , Lee Joo-bin

Release Date

March 9, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Park Ji-eun

Directors

Jang Young-woo , Kim Hee-won

Main Genre

Romance

Queen of Tears is one of the most successful K-Dramas of 2024. This was made clear when its final episode in Korea rated higher than Crash Landing on You, making it the third-highest rated show in Korean cable TV history. The series captivated audiences with its intricate plot, incredible performances, emotional depth, and perfect balance of comedy, drama, and fairytale moments.

It was almost inevitable that Queen of Tears was going to be a hit, given that it was written by famed K-Drama writer, Park Ji-eun. The screenwriter is the brains behind other mega-hits such as My Love From the Star, The Legend of the Blue Sea, and Crash Landing on You. But it's the all-star Queen of Tears cast that really brings Ji-eun's sharp script alive, with Kim Ji-won serving as the show's anchor and in turn delivering a stunning awards-worthy performance.