Throughout the world of K-Dramas, various broadcasting stations bring numerous series to the home of fans all across the globe. One of these stations is the illustrious MBC. MBC is one of the most popular broadcasting channels, with its K-Dramas consistently placing in the best ratings list. The channel continues to deliver high-quality productions appealing to fans in South Korea and abroad. As such, MBC drama ratings rise to the very top, with many reaching record highs.

Here are the top MBC Dramas with the highest ratings since 2020!

 

1. "Knight Flower" - 18.4%

Starring Lee Hanee and Lee JongWon, the historical drama "Knight Flower" starred high in ratings and quickly reached high ratings. The drama gained even more popularity in its last weeks and reached the ratings of 18.4% with its final episode. In 2024, the drama broke the previous records held by "The Red Sleeve". The drama is available on Viki, Kocowa, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

 

2. "The Red Sleeve" - 17.4%

Among historical K-Dramas, "The Red Sleeve" was phenomenally made, filled with moments of romance and yearning that cannot be easily forgotten. Due to its massive success, it gained 17.4% ratings, making it the highest rated series among MBC K-Dramas from 2020 to 2023. Luckily for fans new and old, the K-Drama is available to watch on Rakuten Viki.

 

3. "Big Mouth" - 13.7%

"Big Mouth" made big waves during its initial run. The chemistry between Lee JongSuk and Girls' Generation's YoonA was magnificent, and combined with a compelling storyline, it became an immediate hit, reaching 13.7% ratings. The drama can be watched via streaming site Hulu.

 

4. "My Dearest (part 1 & 2)" - 12.9%

Starring NamKoong Min and Ahn EunJin, "My Dearest" gained massive success and tugged on the heartstrings of all its viewers with a total of 21 episodes. Reaching its highest rating of 12.9% with the final episodes, it puts the series as one of the most watched of MBC. "My Dearest" is currently available on Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.

 

5. "Wonderful World" - 11.4%

"Wonderful World" (2024) is a revenge and thriller drama starring Kim NamJoo and ASTRO's Cha EunWoo. The drama went viral on social media and the mysterious story caught attention. The drama peaked at 11.4% with its 9th, 11th, and 13th episodes. It started at 5.3%.

 

6. "Chief Detective 1958" - 10.1%

The retro crime drama "Chief Detective 1958" starring Lee JeHoon, Lee DongHwi, Choi WooSung, Yoon HyunSoo, and Seo EunSoo started with 10.1%. The drama started after "Wonderful World" and garnered a lot of attention to be able to start with such high ratings.

 

7. "The Veil" - 9.8%

Also starring NamKoong Min, "The Veil" kept audiences at the edge of their seats with its various twists and turns. Its captivating suspense allowed the drama to reach its highest ratings of 9.8%, landing it at number four among MBC dramas. "The Veil" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki or Kocowa.

 

8. "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract" - 9.6%

"The Story of Park's Marriage Contract" based on webtoon gained a lot of popularity. Bae InHyuk and Lee SeYoung's chemistry was amazing and the story was full of mystery so the drama gained a lot of viewers. The drama started at 5.6% and reached the highest rating of 9.6%.

 

9. "Tracer" - 9.0%

This MBC drama depicted the hard working performance of the National Tax Service. Featuring a cast with Yim SiWan, Go AhSung, Son HyunJoo, and much more, "Tracer" reached its highest rating at 9.0%, earning it the fifth spot among MBC dramas so far. "Tracer" is available on Rakuten Viki, Kocowa, and Wavve.

 

10. "The Golden Spoon" - 7.8%

"The Golden Spoon" is a webtoon-based drama that followed poor, yet studious Lee SeungCheon (BTOB's SungJae) and chaebol son Hwang TaeYong (Lee JongWon) as they switched lives during adolescence and adulthood. The drama explored the stark differences between the extremely rich and those living in poverty. While there were moments of crushing heartache, there were scenes of uplifting hope that lit up all the dark spaces in your heart. "The Golden Spoon" earned its highest ratings at 7.8% and is available on Disney+ and Hulu.

 

11. "Tomorrow" - 7.6%

While this webtoon-based drama had various moments of uplifting comedy, it also did an excellent job at exploring hard-hitting topics. This involved aspects of mental health, life after death and those left behind, as well as the will to live on. At its highest peak, "Tomorrow" earned 7.6% in ratings. This MBC K-Drama is available on streaming platform, Netflix.

 

12. "Doctor Lawyer" - 7.2%

Starring the iconic actor, So JiSub, "Doctor Lawyer" is a fusion of medical and law, providing the best of both worlds. As Han YiHan (So JiSub) searched for the truth, viewers could not help but remain by his side. With the help of its loyal viewers, the MBC drama reached its highest ratings of 7.2%, placing it at eighth on this list. "Doctor Lawyer" is currently available on Disney+ and Hulu.

 

13. "Kkondae Intern" - 7.1%

Adapted from the winning script from MBC's 2018 drama writing contest, "Kkondae Intern" follows the reversal of roles between Ka YeolChan (Park HaeJin) and Lee ManSik (Kim EungSoo). The office comedy provided viewers a reason to smile and laugh, week after week, and reached its highest ratings of 7.1%. "Kkondae Intern" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.

 

14. "Dinner Mate" - 6.1%

A story of strangers to lovers, Kim HaeKyung (Song SeungHeon) and Woo DoHee (Seo JiHye) unexpectedly meet on Jeju Island. Bonding over their respective heartaches and love of food, they remain in contact and gradually fall for one another. "Dinner Mate" earned its highest ratings at 6.1% and is available to watch via streaming sites iQIYI and Prime Video.

 

15. "Find Me In Your Memory" - 5.4%

"Find Me In Your Memory" is a moving story between Lee JungHoon (Kim DongWook) and Yeo HaJin (Mun KaYoung). While the drama had its fair share of romance, it also offered moments of healing that aided broken souls everywhere. The drama earned its highest ratings at 5.4%, landing at eleventh among MBC K-Dramas. It is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.

 

16. "The Forbidden Marriage" - 4.9%

"The Forbidden Marriage" certainly had it all: a budding romance, a swoon-worthy second lead, a love triangle that broke your heart, and so much more. Audiences certainly agreed, sticking with the drama for every new episode, helping it reach its peak at 4.9% ratings. "The Forbidden Marriage" is available to watch on Prime Video, Rakuten Viki, and Kocowa.

 

17. "Kokdu: Season Of Deity" - 4.8%

"Kokdu: Season Of Deity" was filled with quirky characters, electrifying chemistry, and a romance that withstood the test of time. Switching between historical and modern, "Kokdu: Season Of Deity" had fans constantly coming back for more, earning 4.8% ratings. The MBC drama is made available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Wavve.

 

18. "When I Was Most Beautiful" - 4.7%

"When I Was Most Beautiful" is a heartbreaking love story featuring Oh YeJi (Im SooHyang) who is caught between brothers Seo Hwan (Ji Soo) and Seo Jin (Ha SeokJin). As they navigated feelings of love and jealousy, audiences remained glued to their seats, watching the story unfold. With the help of its dedicated viewers, the series earned 4.7% ratings, placing it at number fourteen among MBC K-Dramas. "When I Was Most Beautiful" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.

 

19. "From Now On, Showtime!" - 4.6% & "The Game: Towards Zero" - 4.6%

Comedic with a touch of mystery, "From Now On, Showtime!" was able to captivate viewers with its lighthearted storyline and incredible lineup of actors. On the other hand, there was the more serious, thriller series "The Game: Towards Zero" which kept viewers shrouded in suspense. While two different genres, these series earned its highest ranking at 4.6%, tying at number fifteen among MBC K-Dramas.

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

 

The K-Pop idol industry is very complex and difficult. Many idols will train their whole lives to reach their dreams of being on stage. Many idols have big dreams and they do anything they can to achieve their dream of making it big. Success is never guaranteed for K-Pop idols and very few will be able to make it far into the future.

As you can see, the idol industry is very demanding and extremely hard. From unfair systems, fans who overstep boundaries, and unfair companies, idols have to deal with many grueling tasks at times. However, many idols acknowledge the K-Pop idol industry and aren't afraid to call it out. Here are 6 times K-Pop idols and singers called out the unfairness of the industry and society.

 

1. BIGBANG's G-Dragon "MAMA 2014"

During the "2014 MAMA Awards", BIGBANG's G-Dragon pulled off a performance that shocked many fans and called out the wickedness of the K-Pop industry. In his opening rap, the idol rapper raps in a sarcastic, playful tone about how award shows are being pushovers, allowing anyone and everyone to gain an award even if they don't deserve it. He even took to social media and posted the lyrics to his rap so fans could further read his thoughts. There are certain instances in the industry where people try to cheat or lie for awards and G-Dragon took it upon himself to call out the unfair system in awarding idols.

 

2. BTS's Discography

BTS's discography has many different songs that address numerous issues in the K-Pop idol industry such as obsessive fans, unfair treatment, and unwarranted hate. For example, the group's song 'Cypher Pt.4' talks about the unfair treatment and imitations in the idol industry that they faced. Much like BTS, many idols are treated badly in the industry simply because their songs are not charting or they are from a small company, something that BTS claims is extremely unfair if they are willing to work hard. Their song 'Pied Piper' is a bit interesting and ironic. The song addresses fan culture in the industry and how idols are hypnotizing their fans. Even though the idols acknowledge their fans spend too much time and energy on them, they still sing to the fans about continuing to follow them. This could be a message on how devoted fans can be to their favorite idols to the point of unhealthiness.

 

3. LE SSERAFIM's HuH YunJin 'I ≠ DOLL'

LE SSERAFIM's Huh YunJin shared her self-produced song 'I ≠ DOLL' which expressed her feelings on appearance, a main topic in the K-Pop idol industry. The song talks about how people fail to see other's values and true nature because they like to judge them based on their looks. Appearance is important in the K-Pop idol industry and many idols have been on the bad end of criticism when it comes to their appearance. Huh Yunjin's song expresses the struggles of this and seeing people as who they are on the inside and not just for their looks.

 

4. (G)I-DLE 'Nxde'

(G)I-DLE have never been afraid to point out the issues in the idol industry, especially when it comes to young women. A song in particular by them that stood out was 'Nxde'. This jazzy title track by the popular girl group talks about how women are objectified and how you should show your true bare self, no matter what others think. Being loved for a fake image is not what the girls want, they want to be their true, authentic, "nude" self. Many idols have to put on a fake act in the industry to please others but (G)I-DLE don't want to hide behind a mask.

 

5. Girls' Generation's TaeYeon Protects Red Velvet

Girls' Generation's TaeYeon protected Red Velvet's SeulGi and Wendy and subtly called out the harshness of idol diets. In her YouTube video, TaeYeon takes the two girls out for ice cream. The girls seemed nervous and soon started nervously laughing, stating that their manager was watching them very closely when eating ice cream. TaeYeon scolded the manager and told them that eating ice cream for one day would not harm the girls, stating that they felt uncomfortable because of the staring. K-Pop idols sometimes undergo harsh training and strict diets and it was very brave of TaeYeon to stand up for the girls. She knows how harsh the industry can be when it comes to small things like eating a little ice cream for one day.

 

6. IU's 'BBIBBI'

South Korea's little sister took it upon herself to call out the hatefulness of many so-called "fans". IU's song 'BBIBBI' was a different style from the artist and the message was powerful. Imitating the sound of a beeper to leave a message, the song discusses negative commentary from people and even fans. People will say harsh words to idols without even realizing the consequences of their actions. Idols can be affected by these words and many have stated their sadness at hate comments online. IU calls out negative comments stating that people always love to cross the line but they need to just mind their business. In the K-Pop world where many people criticize others, 'BBIBBI' was a refreshing reminder that if you have nothing nice to say, simply don't say it.

While some idols do not have individual Instagram accounts, more and more are opening them. Also, some idols have been gathering followers for years.

Here are the most followed male K-Pop idols on Instagram and a rough ranking of other idols on Instagram. If you are not following your favorite idols' Instagram, it is time to do so.

All data were retrieved on February 20 (latest update), 2024, at 11:00 AM KST. We will update regularly.

 

1. BTS' V - 64m followers - @thv

 

2. BTS' JiMin - 53.2m followers - @j.m

 

3. BTS' j-hope - 48.8m followers - @uarmyhope

 

4. BTS' Suga - 48.5m followers - @agustd

 

4. BTS' Jin - 48m followers - @jin

 

6. BTS' RM - 45.2m followers - @rkive

 

7. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - 42.6m followers - @eunwo.o_c

 

8. GOT7's Jackson Wang - 33m followers - @jacksonwang852g7

 

9. EXO's ChanYeol - 24.1m followers - @real__pcy

 

10. EXO's SeHun - 23.4m followers - @oohsehun

 

11. BIGBANG's G-Dragon - 22.3m followers - @xxxibgdrgn

 

12. EXO's BaekHyun - 22m followers - @baekhyunee_exo

 

13. GOT7's BamBam - 17.7m followers - @bambam1a

 

14. T.O.P - 17.6m followers - @choi_seung_hyun_tttop

 

15. TXT's YeonJun - 17.3m followers - @yawnzzn

 

16. NCT's JaeHyun - 16.1m followers - @_jeongjaehyun

 

17. BIGBANG's TaeYang - 15.9m followers - @__youngbae__

 

18. EXO's Kai - 14.7m followers - @zkdlin

 

19. Lay Zhang - 14.2m followers - @layzhang

 

20. GOT7's Mark Tuan - 14.1m followers - @marktuan

 

21. NCT's JaeMin - 14.1m followers - @na.jaemin0813

 

22. NCT's Mark - 12.8m followers - @onyourm__ark

 

23. SEVENTEEN's MinGyu - 12m followers - @min9yu_k

 

24. GOT7's YuGyeom - 12.4m followers - @yugyeom

 

25. Stray Kids' Felix - 12.2m followers - @yong.lixx

 

26. NCT's DoYoung - 12.1m followers - @do0_nct

 

27. Lucas - 12m followers - @lucas_xx444

 

28. NCT's TaeYong - 11.5m followers - @taeoxo_nct

 

29. NCT's Ten - 11.3m followers - @tenlee_1001

 

30. EXO's SuHo - 11.1m followers - @kimjuncotton

 

31. Stray Kids' HyunJin - 10.8m followers - @hynjinnnn

 

32. NCT Johnny - 10m followers - @johnnyjsuh

Over 9m followers

SHINee's Key (@bumkeyk), GOT7's JinYoung (@jinyoung_0922jy), NCT's Yuta (@yuu_taa_1026), NCT's RenJun (@yellow_3to3)

 

Over 8m followers

Super Junior's SiWon (@siwonchoi), NCT's WinWin (@wwiinn_7), EXO's XiuMin (@e_xiu_o), Henry Lau (@henryl89), NCT's HaeChan (@haechanahceah), SEVENTEEN's THE8 (@xuminghao_o), SEVENTEEN's Joshua (@joshu_acoustic), TXT's SooBin (@page.soobin)

 

Over 7m followers

NCT's XiaoJun (@djxiao_888), Super Junior's DongHae (@leedonghae), NCT's Kun (@kun11xd), NCT's YangYang (@yangyang_x2), NCT's Hendery (@i_m_hendery), SEVENTEEN's SeungKwan (@pledis_boos), SEVENTEEN's S.Coups (@sound_of_coups), SEVENTEEN's Hoshi (@ho5hi_kwon), SEVENTEEN's Vernon (@vernonline), NCT's Jeno (@leejen_o_423), SEVENTEEN's WonWoo (@everyone_woo), SEVENTEEN's JeongHan (@jeonghaniyoo_n), SEVENTEEN's DK (@dk_is_dokyeom), 2PM's JunHo (@le2jh), Stray Kids Bang Chan (@gnabnahc), Stray Kids SeungMin (@miniverse.___), Stray Kids ChangBin (@jutdwae)

 

Over 6m followers

GOT7's YoungJae (@333cyj333), WINNER's Mino (@realllllmino), Super Junior's YeSung (@yesung1106_), GOT7's Jay B (@jaybnow.hr), NCT's Taeil (@mo.on_air), Hwang MinHyun (@optimushwang), RoWoon (@ewsbdi), SEVENTEEN's WooZi (@woozi_universefactory), Stray Kids I.N (@i.2.n.8)

 

Over 5m followers

Super Junior's HeeChul (@kimheenim), ASTRO's MoonBin (@moon_ko_ng), SHINee's TaeMin (@xoalsox), Super Junior's Lee Teuk (@xxteukxx), NCT's JungWoo (@sugaringcandy), SEVENTEEN's Dino (@feat.dino)

 

Over 4m followers

Zico (@woozico0914), Kang Daniel (@daniel.k.here), Dawn (@hyojong_1994), Park JiHoon (@0529.jihoon.ig), B.I (@shxxbi131), Eric Nam (@ericnam), CNBLUE's Kang MinHyuk (@mr_kanggun)

 

Over 3m followers

Ong SeongWu (@osw_onge), BTOB's Yook SungJae (@yook_can_do_it), INFINITE's L / Kim MyungSoo (@kim_msl), iKON's Bobby (@bobbyindaeyo), WEi's Kim YoHan (@y_haa.n), CNBLUE's Lee JungShin (@leejungshin91), SHINee's MinHo (@choiminho_1209), ASTRO's SanHa (@ddana_yoon), iKON's Jay (@gnani_____), Rocky (@p_rocky), Rain (@rain_oppa), ASTRO's JinJin (@ast_jinjin), ASTRO's MJ (@mj_7.7.7), 2PM's TaecYeon (@taecyeonokay), TXT's BeomGyu (@bamgyuuuu)

 

Over 2m followers

CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa (@jyheffect0622), FTISLAND's Lee HongKi (@skullhong12), iKON's Song (@sssong_yh), iKON's DK (@_dong_ii), iKON's Chan (@chan_w000), WINNER's Yoon (@w_n_r00), KARD's BM (@bigmatthewww), SHINee's Onew (@dlstmxkakwldrl), Super Junior's ShinDong (@earlyboysd), WonHo (@iwonhoyou), TVXQ's YunHo (@yunho2154), JinYoung (@jinyoung0423), iKON's JuNe (@juneeeeeeya), WINNER's Hoony (@maetamong), Super Junior's KyuHyun (@gyuram88), JaeJoong (@jj_1986_jj), BTOB's MinHyuk (@hutazone), MONSTA X's HyungWon (@coenffl), Cha HakYeon (@achahakyeon)

 

Over 1m followers

Kwon HyunBin (@komurola), VICTON's Han SeungWoo (@w_o_o_y_a), VICTON's ByungChan (@b__yccn), INFINITE's Nam WooHyun (@nwh91), VIXX's Ravi (@ravithecrackkidz), Highlight's Yoon DooJoon (@beeeestdjdjdj), KARD's J.Seph (@j.seph_), TVXQ's ChangMin (@changmin88), Ha SungWoon (@gooreumseng), WINNER's Jinu (@xxjjjwww), Yoon JiSung (@_yoonj1sung_), Kim JaeHwan (@jaehwan0527), DAY6's WonPil (@kimwon.pil), BTOB's Peniel (@btobpeniel), MONSTA X's KiHyun (@yookihhh), DAY6's DoWoon (@d.ddablue), MONSTA X's I.M (@imnameim), Jae (@eajpark), Ren (@mingi_choi), 2PM's Nichkhun (@khunsta0624), AKMU's ChanHyuk (@leechanhyuk), Kim JongHyeon (@__jonghyeon), BLOCK B's P.O (@pyojihoon_official), Highlight's Yang YoSeob (@yysbeast), VIXX's Leo (@leo_jungtw), 2AM's Jo Kwon (@kwon_jo), Highlight's Lee GiKwang (@gttk0000), DAY6's Young K (@from_youngk), UP10TION's Kim WooSeok (@woo.ddadda), WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm), MONSTA X's MinHyuk (@go5rae), The Rose's WooSung (@iwoosung), MONSTA X's ShowNu (@shownuayo), MONSTA X's JooHoney (@joohoneywalker), Holland (@holland_vvv), SF9's Yoo TaeYang (@taeyang_0228), DAY6's YoungK (@from_youngk), THE BOYZ's Ju HakNyeong (@_juhaknyeon_), THE BOYZ's JuYeon (@tbzuyeon)

 

Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments!