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!

 

Are you a fan of historical dramas? Then, you don't want to miss out on the historical K-Dramas announced for 2024.

A few historical dramas were announced for 2024. We will keep updating throughout the year, so stay tuned. 

Web dramas are not included in this list and this is not a ranking.

This is not a ranking. Dramas starting in 2024 are included in this list.

 

1. "Love Song For Illusion"

When: January 2024

Cast: Park JiHoon, Hong YeJi, Ji Woo, Kim DongWon

Summary: It tells the story of a King with two opposite personalities and an assassin girl who wants to kill him but ends up falling in love with him.

Why Watch: The drama portrays a story of passionate romance and nail-biting suspense. It treads this line masterfully with an incredible performance from Park JiHoon and Hong YeJi.

This drama is based on the webtoon, "Love Song For Illusion".

 

2. "Flower That Blooms At Night"

When: January 12

Cast: Honey Lee, Lee JongWon

Summary: It is a comedy investigative historical drama that follows the story of a 15-year-long widow who is the daughter of a noble family and does not see anything of the outside world during the day, but crosses the fence at night to live a secret life.

Why watch: A mix of lightheartedness and mystery, "Flower That Blooms At Night" is a drama that will have you invested while smiling from ear to ear.

 

3. "Sejak: Charmed Deceit"

When: January 21

Cast: Cho JungSeok, Shin SaeKyeong

Summary: Depicts the cruel love story between King YiIn, who must face multiple dangers of power struggles, and Kang HeeSoo, who attempts to seduce the King in the name of revenge, but ends up falling for his charms instead.

Why Watch: A tale of romance and deceit, this drama is filled with various twists and turns that will keep audiences glued to their seats with every passing week.

 

4. "Tale Of Mrs. Ok"

When: TBA

Cast: Lim JiYeon and Choo YoungWoo (in talks)

Summary: Depicts the life of a female slave in the Joseon Dynasty and her passionate survival story.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the relase of the first teaser-

 

5. "Hong Rang"

When: TBA

Cast: Lee JaeWook, Cho BoAh, Jung GaRam, Park ByungEun

Summary: A drama that follows a long-lost son of Joseon's elite whom resurfaces carrying a load of hidden secrets. Alongside him is his persistent step-sister who looks to discover the truth.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

Based on the novel, "Tangeum".

 

6. "Queen Woo"

When: TBA

Cast: Jun JongSeo, Kim MuYeol, Ji ChangWook, Jung YuMi, Lee SooHyuk, Park JiHwan

Summary: Set in the Goryeo era, the drama revolves around Lady Woo, the first ever woman in history to become a queen twice. She will be on the hunt for her new King within 24 hours after her previous husband, the King died.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

7. "The Love Story Of Chunhwa"

When: TBA

Cast: Go Ara, Chang Ryul

Summary: The romance historical drama follows HwaRi, the youngest princess of the royal family who decides to find her husband by herself. Among her potential husbands is Choi Hwan, the wealthiest merchant with handsome good looks. He seems to hide a secret.

Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

8. "Handwritten"

When: TBA

Cast: Seo InGuk (in talks)

Summary: The drama is set in the Joseon Dynasty and the story revolves around Kwon SooYoung, his journey to find his identity after losing his memory, and how he gets caught in a power struggle.

Why watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

Adapted from the novel, "Jikpil".

 

9. "Haesi's Sinru"

When: TBA

Cast: Ahn BoHyun

Summary: In an extra space of the Joseon Palace, a burning triangle romance takes place between a mysterious woman and the monarchs of Korea and China.

Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

Adapted from the webtoon "Haesi's Sinru".

 

10. "Missing Crown Prince"

When: March 9, 2024 premiere

Cast: EXO's SuHo, Hong YeJi, Myung SeBin, Kim JooHeon, Kim MinKyu

Summary: A romantic comedy set in the Joseon era. Revolves around a crown prince who is kidnapped by the woman who is meant to become his wife.

Why Watch?: Enjoy the great chemistry between EXO's SuHo and Hong YeJi in this historical romance drama. Gte a chance to see more breathtaking Korean landscape, and dive into the beauty of Korean traditions.

 

11. "Won Kyung"

When: TBA

Cast: Cha JooYoung, Lee HyunWook

Summary: A story about Queen WonKyung and King TaeJeong. They work together to create a brand new regime, but eventually experience a downfall in their relationship.

Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

12. "Serenade"

When: TBA

Cast: Yeo JinGoo (in talk)

Summary: Follow the love story between the prince of the JoSeon dynasty, who wants to escape from the nation and find happiness, and a maiden from a poor family who wish to find happiness by becoming a successful woman in the nation.

Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

-to be updated-

 

BONUS

36. "Dae JangGeum" 20 years later

When: 2025

Cast: Lee YoungAe (Dae JangGeum)

Summary: In the continuity of the 2003 MBC drama "Dae JangGeum" (also known as "Jewel In The Palace"), this sequel will dive into the life of Dae JangGeum as she becomes a female physician.

Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-

 

 

Which historical K-Drama are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.

The webtoon-based fantasy romance, "A Good Day To Be A Dog" has finally concluded and the weeks ahead won't be the same without it. Starring ASTRO's Cha EunWoo and Park GyuYoung as its main leads, the drama provided the perfect balance of heartfelt romance and quirky comedy that had viewers coming back week after week. Despite only releasing one episode a week, audiences were excited to follow the journey of Jin SeoWon (Cha EunWoo) and Han HaeNa (Park GyuYoung) as their relationship bloomed into one of beauty.

However, like most good things, "A Good Day To Be A Dog" had to come to an end, but not without leaving a sizeable impact on fans of the show. And while there are numerous incredible K-Dramas currently on air, what might be desired is a drama with a similar vibe. So in the oncoming weeks filled with the absence of the MBC series, fill it with these dramas instead.

Here are 5 K-Dramas to watch if you enjoyed "A Good Day To Be A Dog".

 

1. "Once Upon A Small Town"

Cast: Red Velvet's Joy, Choo YoungWoo, Baek SungChul, and more

Summary: Working as a veterinarian based in Seoul, Han JiYul receives a sudden call from his grandfather and goes down to the rural village, Heedong-ri. He must take over his grandfather's animal clinic and while there, runs into local police officer Ahn JaYoung.

Reasons To Watch: The same coziness that could be felt all throughout "A Good Day To Be A Dog" can be found in "Once Upon A Small Town". The drama takes viewers away from the bustling city streets and instead drops them off in a simple country town. Combined with the inclusion of joy-inducing fur friends and you'll find yourself snuggled up in bed, binge-watching "Once Upon A Small Town" all day long.

 

2. "Because This Is My First Life"

Cast: Lee MinKi, Jung SoMin, and others

Summary: Yoon JiHo is a single woman who dreams of becoming the main scriptwriter for a hit drama. Nam SeHee is a single, IT-worker who owns a house but owes a large mortgage. In order to alleviate the costs, he rents out a room and unknowingly agrees to sign on Yoon JiHo as a tenant. After various happenings and pressures from outside sources, they decide to enter into a contract marriage.

Reasons To Watch: Similarly to "A Good Day To Be A Dog", the main leads' relationship starts off awkward and a bit distant from one another. But after various events, the distance between the two shortens and they become a pillar of support for one another. It slowly transforms from comradery to that of love and romance. There will not be a cold bone in your body as "Because This Is My First Life" will provide an all encompassing warmth that you can carry well into the night.

 

3. "My Roommate Is A Gumiho"

Cast: Jang KiYong, Girl's Day's HyeRi, and more

Summary: Shin WooYeo poses as a humanities writer, but is actually a 999-year-old gumiho. Just as he's about to become a human, he meets university student Lee Dam. Their lives become connected as she accidentally swallows WooYeo's fox bead and they must find a way to take it out of her.

Reasons To Watch: There's bits of fantasy, romance, and quirky comedy all mixed into one. "My Roommate Is A Gumiho" begs the question of what makes someone, or in this case, a gumiho, truly human. While self-discovery is part of the main leads journey, they are also led down a path of unmistakable romance that will have every cell in your body tingling with happiness. And although they experience a few rough patches, Shin WooYeo and Lee Dam's love story will have you smiling from ear to ear by the very end.

 

4. "See You In My 19th Life"

Cast: Shin HaeSun, Ahn BoHyun, and more

Summary: Depicts a story of the reckless yet sincere romance of Ban JiEum, a woman who lives with the memories of all of her past lives, and Moon SeoHa, the son of a chaebol family.

Reasons To Watch: Both "A Good Day To Be A Dog" and "See You In My 19th Life" were written by the same author, Lee Hey. Although they differ in concept and story, the essence of Lee Hey's storytelling remains and what you find is a drama that will leave a tender imprint on your soul. Seeing the evolution of Ban JiEum and Moon SeoHa's relationship will make you believe in the power of love and the monumental healing it brings.

 

5. "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract"

Cast: Lee SeYoung, Bae InHyuk, and more

Summary: After the death of her husband, Joseon woman Park YeonWoo finds herself in the modern world. There, she meets Kang TaeHa, who has the spitting image, right down to the name, of her deceased husband. In desperate need for a wife, they enter into a contract marriage, and the two begin their life together, eventually leading to true love.

Reasons To Watch: If you enjoyed the mix of modern and historical, then "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" is the drama for you. The drama creates a masterful blend of the two times and with the inclusion of a contract marriage, there is no dull moment in sight. It's extremely fun to watch Park YeonWoo and Kang TaeHa go against their fate in order to live out a life they can truly call their own. Filled with heartwarming moments and hilarious antics, don't be surprised if you find yourself binging "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" until the next morning.

Which K-Drama will you be watching after "A Good Day To Be A Dog"?