2024 is proving to be an amazing year for K-Dramas and we love to see it. With the screen comebacks of top stars, rising actors making their mark on the industry, and the increasing versatility of genres, 2024 will undoubtedly give renewed impetus to Hallyu. As we step into April 2024, a number of exciting K-Dramas await.

From thrillers and fantasy to historical and crime, there's something for everyone this month. So, we compiled some of the most highly anticipated April 2024 K-Dramas in a watchlist for you!

Here are 5 April 2024 K-Dramas that you absolutely do not want to miss!

Note: This watchlist is not a ranking. It includes select K-Dramas airing on Korean national television as well as Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ original series.

 

Top 5 April 2024 K-Dramas

1. "Parasyte: The Grey"

When & Where: April 5, Netflix

Cast: Jeon SoNee, Koo KyoHwan, Lee JungHyun, Kwon HaeHyo

Summary: Based on the popular manga "Parasyte" by Hitoshi Iwaaki, "Parasyte: The Grey" will tell the story of how humans fight back against strange parasitic creatures trying to feed off of human hosts and steal their consciousness. While these worms try to expand their power and take over the control of society, can co-existence be possible?

Reasons To Watch: If you're a fan of the anime "Parasyte: The Maxim" or the manga "Parasyte", you have to tune into the April 2024 K-Drama "Parasyte: The Grey". The fact that the show is created by Yeon SangHo, and stars outstanding actors like Koo KyoHwan, Jeon SoNee and Lee JungHyun is reason enough to be hyped and we cannot wait to see what they have in store for us.

 

2. "Lovely Runner"

When & Where: April 8, Viki

Cast: Kim HyeYoon, Byeon WooSeok

Summary: "Lovely Runner" follows the story of Ryu SunJae (Byeon WooSeok), a popular star who passes away unexpectedly. However, a twist of fate gives him a second chance at life when his devoted fan, Im Sol (Kim HyeYoon), travels back in time to prevent the tragedy.

Reasons To Watch: "Lovely Runner" is arguably the most highly awaited romance drama among April 2024 K-Dramas. Kim HyeYoon and Byeon WooSeok are an absolute dream pair, and their heart-fluttering chemistry (especially the height difference) is giving us all the butterflies already! We cannot wait for this show to start airing.

 

3. "Blood Free"

When & Where: April 10, Disney Plus

Cast: Han HyoJoo, Ju JiHoon, Lee HeeJun, Lee MuSaeng

Summary: BF (Blood Free) is a company dominating the genetically engineered cultured meat market but when CEO Yoon JaYoo's (Han HyoJoo) vision starts being questioned, she realizes that her life is on the line. JaYoo meets the mysterious Woo ChaeWoon (Ju JiHoon), who starts working as her bodyguard.

Reasons To Watch: Much like other Disney Plus originals recently, "Blood Free" is a star-studded K-Drama with a novel premise. Viewers' expectations are sky high for this April 2024 K-Drama, and why wouldn't they be when some of the best actors have come together for this project? Besides, Disney Plus has established a reputation for its high-quality originals and we're hoping that this one is going to be no exception.

 

4. "Chief Detective 1958"

When & Where: April 19, Disney Plus

Cast: Lee JeHoon, Seo EunSoo, Lee DongHwi, Choi WooSung, Yoon HyunSoo

Summary: The story of a passionate young detective, Park YoungHan (Lee JeHoon), who cannot stand injustice. He teams up with his colleagues at Jongnam Police Station in Seoul to fight crime in an age where technology wasn't as advanced as it is today.

Reasons To Watch: Lee JeHoon fighting crime again? Sign us up! This April 2024 K-Drama is one of the most highly anticipated K-Dramas of the year, and for good reason! With a retro setting, this K-Drama is going to evoke nostalgia for an age many of us have never experienced and make us fall in love with it. Besides, the cast - which combines experienced stars and rising young actors, is sure to draw your attention.

 

5. "Missing Crown Prince"

When & Where: April 13, Viki

Cast: EXO's SuHo, Hong YeJi, Kim MinKyu

Summary: The crown prince of the nation has been kidnapped by a woman fated to be the princess! As they flee, a gentle romance blooms between the two.

Reasons To Watch: SuHo of EXO captivated global K-Drama audiences with his performance in "Behind Your Touch," heightening anticipation for his upcoming lead role in "Missing Crown Prince." Joining him is super rookie Hong YeJi, celebrated for her role in "Love Song For Illusion," garnering a devoted following, and rising star Kim MinKyu, making fans curious about the characters' relationships. You don't want to miss this one!

One of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry and especially in broadcasting and to many K-Drama lovers is none other than 'KBS'. KBS, the Korean Broadcasting System, has played a vital role in the growth of K-Dramas over the decades with continuously high-ranking K-Dramas placing in the best ratings list of 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Additionally, KBS has been known for producing some of the most iconic dramas adored by K-Drama lovers. Thanks to this, they also have some record ratings worth mentioning such as for the K-Drama "Bread, Love and Dreams" which aired in 2010 that reached a record 50.8% rating! Another of their K-Drama hits with sky-high ratings is "Descendants of The Sun" (2016) with a 38.8% rating.

Make sure to check out the KBS dramas with the highest ratings from 2015-2020 in this article:

Here are the top KBS dramas with the highest ratings since 2020!

Note: This ranking does not include daily and weekend dramas. 'Drama specials' and 'weekend drama specials' are also not included in the ranking.

 

1. "Royal Secret Agent" - 14%

"Royal Secret Agent" is the KBS drama with the highest rating (since 2020) at a 14% rating. Starring INFINITE's L (Kim MyungSoo), Kwon NaRa, and Lee YiKyung, many hailed the drama as one of the best historical K-Dramas out there. The drama turned its viewers into detectives who were just as invested in cracking the story as the characters and made for an immersive experience.

 

2. "Goryeo–Khitan War" - 13.8%

"Goryeo-Khitan War" is a 32-episode long and old-style historical drama that gained the hearts of a lot of viewers. It tells the story of the King of Goryeo named HyeonJong who united Goryo with various events including by leading the war with the Khitans. Starring Kim DongJun, Choi SooJung, and Ji SeungHyun, the drama ended with its highest rating at 13.8% (the drama started at 5%).

Note: this drama is a special drama to commemorate the 50th anniversary of KBS.

3. "The King's Affection" - 12.1%

"The King's Affection" was hailed as a drama that gives you butterflies, as K-Drama lovers couldn't get enough of the sweet storyline and affectionate chemistry between the main couple. Add to that the visual beauty of this historical drama and the deal is sealed. Starring RoWoon and Park EunBin, the drama earned a rating of 12.1%.

 

4. "King Of Tears, Lee BangWon" - 11.7%

"King Of Tears, Lee BangWon" told the history of King TaeJong in a way that put a refreshing twist on the well-known history of the king. The drama was particularly enjoyed by history buffs for the way that it kept the already-known narrative exciting. Starring Joo SangWook, Kim YeongCheol, Ye JiWon, and Park JinHee, the drama made a rating of 11.7%.

 

5. "Woman of 9.9 Billion" - 11.6%

This is yet another drama that made a bold impression on K-Drama lovers. Many found the narrative thrilling and filled with suspense that had you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how it ended. Starring Cho YeoJeong and Kim KangWoo, the drama achieved a rating of 11.6%.

 

6. "River Where the Moon Rises" - 10%

This drama earned praise for many elements from the cast's acting portrayals, to the cinematography, to the OST, and more. Fans couldn't get enough of the electric chemistry between the actors, too. Starring Kim SoHyun, Na InWoo, Lee JiHoon, and Choi YuHwa, "River Where The Moon Rises" earned a rating of 10%.

 

7. "Oasis" - 9.7%

This drama took a fresh approach to an educational lesson on Korean history. Many were impressed with the actors who gave the noir drama its depth. "Oasis", starring Jang DongYoon, Seor InA, and Choo YoungWoo, secured a rating of 9.7%.

 

8. "Bloody Heart" - 8.9%

"Bloody Heart" earned a rating of 8.9%. Starring Jang Hyuk, Lee Joon, and Kang HanNa, the drama was praised for the depth of its storyline and characters. With a riveting narrative, the characters each carried out their convictions in a convincing way.

 

9. "Police University" - 8.5%

"Police University" was a K-Drama filled with life lessons and sweet moments that brought a lot of fun to the screen. Starring Cha TaeHyun, JinYoung, and f(x)'s Krystal, the drama earned an 8.5% rating.

 

10. "Moonshine" - 7.6%

"Moonshine" did what a lot of dramas can't do easily. It mixed the complex world of politics with a romantic comedy aspect that made for a pleasant viewing experience. Fans were especially pleased with the emotional conviction of the actors, Yoo SeungHo and Girl's Day's HyeRi - earning the drama a 7.6% rating.

 

11. "Forest" - 7.4%

"Forest" gained a lot of praise for its beautiful setting and beautiful story. Many fans expressed that watching the drama had a healing effect on them and that they appreciated the sweet chemistry between the main characters, played by actors Park HaeJin and Cho BoAh, too. This earned the drama ratings of 7.4%.

 

12. "Curtain Call" - 7.2%

"Curtain Call" was a fresh kind of period drama well-received by many fans. The drama carried a deep sentiment that appealed to viewers. Starring Kang HaNeul, Ha JiWon, and Go DooShim, the drama secured 7.2% ratings.

 

13. "The Law Cafe" - 7.1%

"The Law Cafe" earned the high ratings of 7.1%. Starring Lee SeungGi and Lee SeYoung, this law-and-order type drama had fans rolling with laughter at the witty antics and had their hearts fluttering at the romantic moments.

 

14. "Sell Your Haunted House" - 6.9%

"Sell Your Haunted House" was complimented for its beguiling cast and the amazing way that it presented the horror genre to the K-Drama screen. Starring Jang NaRa and CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa, the drama secured a rating of 6.9%.

 

15. "Bad Prosecutor" - 6.3%

"Bad Prosecutor" gained a lot of praise for its thrilling action investigation storyline and comedy-filled scenes. The chemistry between the two leads was also unmatched. Starring EXO’s D.O. and Lee SeHee, the drama secured 6.3% in ratings.

 

16. "Cheat On Me, If You Can" - 5.8%

Many enjoyed this drama for its crime-novel-esque storytelling style and for the thrill of unraveling the mystery together with the main character. Starring Cho YeoJeong and Go Jun, "Cheat On Me, If You Can" earned 5.8% in ratings.

Which of these KBS dramas is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

 

There are a lot of rookies or yet-to-be-known actors acting in K-Dramas that caught attention with good acting or/and with a special aura on screen. However, most of the time, it is hard for global fans to find detailed information about these actors.

At Kpopmap, we try our best to have articles about rookie actors that have little information accessible for international fans. For the past years, we have covered a lot of rookies or yet-to-be-known actors, and here is a selection of some of them. K-Drama fans should closely look at them as they have enough talent to earn more recognition and fame! We can tell you that the future top Hallyu stars are probably on this list.

The list has no particular order also. The article was first published back in 2019, we keep on updating the list (bookmark us not to miss updates).

For the detailed actor profile or their previous works, click on the links below each picture.

Are there any rookie actors you are curious about and are not on this list? Let us know in the comments, we will inform you about them!

 

1. Ko ChanBin

Age: Born in 2001

Instagram: @briller_01

Key dramas: "Love Revolution", "Oh! My Assistant"

Find more about him below.

 

2. Ryu EuiHyun

Age: Born in 1999

Instagram: @ui_hstagram

Key dramas: "Shopping King Louie", “A-Teen”, "Adult Trainee"

Find more about him below.

 

3. Kim SungHyun (Yoo JungWoo)

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @dggyang

Key dramas: “Mama Fairy And The Woodcutter”, "Secret Boutique", "The Temperature of Language: Our Nineteen"

Find more about him below.

 

4. Lee JungJun

Age: Born in 1999

Instagram: @right_jun_

Key dramas: "Best Mistake 2", "Kairos", "Cheer Up", "Celebrity"

Find more about him below.

 

5. Park TaeIn

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: @ehoili_

Key dramas: "The Mermaid Prince", "Doom at Your Service", "Doctor Cha"

Find more about him below.

 

6. Han SeJin

Age: Born in 1996

Instagram: @ahoi_ing

Key dramas: “A Piece of Your Mind", "Phantom the Secret Agent", "Mr. Heart", "Nobleman Ryu's Wedding", "Hope or Dope"

Find more about him below.

 

7. Choe ChanYi

Age: Born in 1995

Instagram: @choechani

Key dramas: "Best Mistake", "Light on Me"

Find more about him below.

 

8. Kang Yul

Age: Born in 1993

Instagram: @_kangyul_

Key dramas: "Best Mistake"

Find more about him below.

 

9. Jung HaJoon

Age: Born in 1996

Instagram: @chjoooon

Key dramas: "Memorist", "Police University", "Café Minamdang"

Find more about him below.

 

10.  Kang Hui

Age: Born in 1991

Instagram: @kanghui_

Key dramas: "Ending Again", "Cherry Blossoms After Winter"

Find more about him below.

 

11. Kim GeonWon

Age: Born in 1993

Instagram: @gxbbang

Key dramas: "Ending Again"

Find more about him below.

 

12. Lee KiTaek

Age: Born in 1994

Instagram: @leekiitaek

Key dramas: "In Seoul 2", "One Fine Week 2", "The Devil Judge", "Moonshine"

Find more about him below.

 

13. Choi JaeHyun

Age: Born in 1995

Instagram: @choijaehyun7

Key dramas: "Love with Flaws", "Sweet Munchies", "Dalgona", "Run On", "Peach of Time", "The Heavenly Idol"

Find more about him below.

 

14. Choi KyungHoon

Age: Born in 1993

Instagram: @k__h_c

Key dramas: "Romance, Talking", "Trap", "Legally Dad", "Re-Feel: If Only", "Snowdrop"

Find more about him below.

 

15. Choi WooSung

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @c.woo_sung

Key dramas: "At Eighteen", "It's Okay to Not Be Okay", "Police University", "Melancholia"

Find more about him below.

 

16. Son HyeonWoo

Age: Born in 1996

Instagram: @sssonzino

Key dramas: "Not Alright, But It's Alright", "Standby Curator", "Trap"

Find more about him below.

 

17. Cheon SeungHo

Age: Born in 1996

Instagram: @xxurricane

Key dramas: "Where Your Eyes Linger", "Mr. Heart", "Jun & Jun"

Find more about him below.

 

18. Lee WonJung

Age: Born in 2001

Instagram: @jung_or__

Key dramas: "Real:Time:Love", "Live On", "Bio Homme", "Can You Deliver Time? 2002", "The World of My 17 2", "Hierarchy"

Find more about him below.

 

19. Ahn SeMin

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: @saemings

Key dramas: "Let Me Off The Earth", "User Not Found", "School 2021"

Find more about him below.

 

20. Kim SeungHo

Age: Born in 2001

Instagram: @_s_ngho_

Key dramas: "My Fuxxxxx Romance", "Going to the Blue House Like This", "Rookie Cops"

Find more about him below.

 

21. Cho HanGyeol

Age: Born in 2002

Instagram: @cho.0910

Key dramas: "Let Me Off The Earth", "Love Mate", "Blue Temperature"

Find more about him below.

 

22. Yoo Jun

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: @yyjjun_xx

Key dramas: "Color Rush" (1 and 2), "Crash Course in Romance", "Duty After School: Part 1"

Find more about him below.

 

23. Won TaeMin (Won HyungHoon)

Age: Born in 1993

Instagram: @one__tm_

Key dramas: "You Make Me Dance", "Unintentional Love Story"

Find more about him below.

 

24. Lim JiSub

Age: Born in 1998

Instagram: @leemjs

Key dramas: "The Eight Sense"

Find more about him below.

 

25. Lee ChanHyeong

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @nakktaa_ 

Key dramas: "Re-Feel", "Hospital Playlist", "My Sweet Dear", "Adult Trainee", "Gaus Electronics"

Find more about him below.

 

26. Kim DoMin

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: -

Key dramas: "Arthdal Chronicles", "Twenty Twenty", "Hearts and Hani"

Find more about him below.

 

27. Lee SaeOn

Age: Born in 1995

Instagram: @leesaeon

Key dramas: "Light On Me", "Boss-dol Mart"

Find more about him below.

 

28. Oh JunTaek

Age: Born in 2001

Instagram: @ohjunt

Key dramas: "The Eight Sense"

Find more about him below.

 

29. (Byeon) SeongTae

Age: Born in 1998

Instagram: @bsvvt_

Key dramas: "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha", "Happy Merry Ending"

Find more about him below.

 

30. Min InGi

Age: Born in 1995

Instagram:  @min2kki

Key dramas: "Blue of Winter"

Find more about him below.

 

31. Jeon YuBin

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram:  @u_b.97

Key dramas: "Blue of Winter"

Find more about him below.

 

32. Lee JungMin

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: @jungmin_0618

Key dramas: "Blue of Winter", "Why R U?"

Find more about him below.

 

33. Yoo YoungMo

Age: Born in 1998

Instagram: @___youngmo

Key dramas: "Blue of Winter"

Find more about him below.

 

34. Yoon HyunSoo

Age: Born in 1999

Instagram:  @hyvn_soo

Key dramas: "Racket Boys", "Juvenile Delinquency", "Kill Heel", "Hope or Dope", "Running Mate"

Find more about him below.

 

35. Song WonSeok

Age: Born in 1988

Instagram: @songwonseok88

Key dramas: "One the Woman", "Lovers of the Red Sky", "Entourage", "Business Proposal"

Find more about him below.

 

36. Park SungJoon

Age: Born in 1992

Instagram: @nujabes7479

Key dramas: "Rookie Cops", "Run On", "Eulachacha Waikiki", "Strongest Deliveryman"

Find more about him below.

 

37. Baek SeoHoo

Age: Born in 1996

Instagram: @seohoo._.b

Key dramas: "Color Rush 2", "Minamdang: Case Note", "IDOL: The Coup", "Love Revolution", "Heartbeat"

Find more about him below.

 

38. Min HyoGi

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @_minhyogi (private now)

Key dramas: "Color Rush 2"

Find more about him below.

 

39. Heo WonSeo

Age: Born in 2001

Instagram: @1hwesd

Key dramas: "Our Blooming Youth"

Find more about him below.

 

40. Ki HyunWoo

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: @hywo.o

Key dramas: "Jinx", "Semantic Error: The Movie", "Jun and Jun"

Find more about him below.

 

41. Lee JungHa

Age: Born in 1998

Instagram: @jungha.km

Key dramas: "Moving"

Find more about him below.

 

42. Kim JaeWon

Age: Born in 2001

Instagram: @rlawodnjs_

Key dramas: "Stealer: The Treasure Keeper", "King The Land".

Find more about him below.

 

43. Park KangHyun

Age: Born in 1989

Instagram: @p_k_h_

Key dramas: "Heartbeat"

Find more about him below.

 

44. Yang JunMo

Age: Born in 2001

Instagram: @emdow_

Key dramas: "Jun &Jun"

Find more about him below.

 

45. Yoon DoJin

Age: Born in 1998

Instagram: @dzyunb

Key dramas: "Love Tractor"

Find more about him below.

 

46. Han GenU

Age: Born in 1992

Instagram: @kyunnnh

Key dramas: "Tale Of The Nine Tailed 1938",

Find more about him below.

 

47. Oh JinSeok

Age: Born in 1995

Instagram: @o.b.o.n

Key dramas: "The Heavenly Idol", "Sh**ting Stars"

Find more about him below.

 

48. Do Won

Age: Born in 1994

Instagram: @yokwans

Key dramas: "Love Tractor"

Find more about him below.

 

49. Cho HyunMin

Age: Born in 1994

Instagram: @c_hm11

Key dramas: "Love Mate"

Find more about him below.

 

50. Song JiHo

Age: Born in 1992

Instagram: @ziffffo

Key dramas: "Doctor Cha"

Find more about him below.

 

51. Jeong SooHyun

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @from.jsoohyun

Key dramas: "The Heavenly Idol", "Mokkoji Kitchen"

Find more about him below.

 

52. Lee SeungGyu

Age: Born in 1999

Instagram: @gyue_ing

Key dramas: "Our Dating Sim", "User Not Found"

Find more about him below.

 

53. Lee JongHyuk

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @zonyuk_

Key dramas: "Our Dating Sim"

Find more about him below.

 

54. Kim YoonWoo

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: -

Key dramas: "Mimicus", "Deceitfully Delightful", "My Dearest"

Find more about him below.

 

55. Lee MinJae

Age: Born in 2000

Instagram: @__minnjaee_

Key dramas: "Oh! Youngsimi", "Cheer Up", "The Golden Spoon", "Crash Course In Romance"

Find more about him below.

 

56. Kim HyunWook

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @hyunvvk

Key dramas: "Cherry Blossoms After Winter", "Kill Heel", "The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch"

Find more about him below.

 

57. Woo HyoWon

Age: Born in 1994

Instagram: @whyocircle

Key dramas: "You Raise Me Up", "Bad Girlfriend", "Love Class 2"

Find more about him below.

 

58. Lee GwangHee

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @gwang._.hh

Key dramas: "Love Class 2"

Find more about him below.

 

59. Choi YoonJe

Age: Born in 1999

Instagram: @cdbswp

Key dramas: "May I Help You?", "Snowdrop", "Search", "The Forbidden Marriage", "Under the Queen's Umbrella"

Find more about him below.

 

60. Yoo JungHoo

Age: Born in 1997

Instagram: @u_junghoo

Key dramas: "Durian's Affair", "Bitch X Rich"

Find more about him below.

 

62. Kim DoHoon

Age: Born in 1998

Instagram: @7imdohoon

Key dramas: "The Law Cafe", "Today's Webtoon", "Here's My Plan", "Moving"

Find more about him below.

 

63. Yeon Oh

Age: Born in 1995

Instagram: @yeonoh._.

Key dramas: "Alchemy Of Souls", "Revenge Of Others", "The Secret Romantic Guesthouse", 'Twinkling Watermelon"

Find more about him below.

 

64. Lee SiWoo

Age: Born in 1999

Instagram: lee__s.woo.

Key dramas: "Boyhood", "Pale Moon", "Here's My Plan", "Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol" and "Hi Bye, Mama!"

Find more about him below.

 

Actors previously on this list but who gained popularity and experience. They have left our list: Nam YoonSu, Tang JunSang, Byeon WooSeok, Lee JaeWook, Kim DoWan, Kim YoungDae, Song Kang, Hwang InYeop, Seo JiHoon, Kim DongHee, Jang DongYoon, Kim SungCheol, Bae HyunSung, Ki DoHun, Chae JongHyeop, Lee JongWon, Moon SangMin, Joo WooJae, Jang EuiSoo, Choi HyunWook, Song GeonHee, Park SangNam, Kim MinGi, Cho JunYoung, Baek SungChul, Park JiBin, Kang Hoon, Park JungWoo, Kim WooSeok, Choo YoungWoo, Kim SuGyeom, etc.

 

Is there any rookie actor you want to know more about? Let us know in the comments.