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 main appeals of most K-Dramas is their ability to wrap up a story in a singular season. Many shows can tie up loose ends, take down the bad guy, and even showcase a blossoming romance, all in the span of 16 or more episodes. However, there are some rare cases when a drama is so good that fans passionately call for a second season.

In the case of tvN fantasy thriller, “Signal”, it concluded with an open ending, leaving the option for a second season available, but never confirmed. Now, after a little over 8 years since the show’s premiere, it’s been announced that there will finally be a second season.

K-Drama enthusiasts are rejoicing left and right, as this means the story of Detectives Lee JaeHan (Choi JinWoong) and Cha SooHyun (Kim HyeSoo), along with criminal profiler, Park HaeYoung (Lee JeHoon) will continue forward.

A release date has yet to be confirmed, however, fans are ecstatic over this news. Now, it has been some time since the drama’s conclusion, so naturally viewers will be having multiple binge sessions until season two’s premiere.

And as it draws ever closer, the questions that need to be answered will only pile up higher and higher.

With that said, here’s some things to consider about the second season of “Signal”.

 

Will the second season have the same cast?

It’s not everyday that a K-Drama comes back for a second season. But when they do, the question of whether they’ll retain the same cast needs to be asked. In the case of “Signal”, Lee JeHoon, Kim HyeSoo, and Choi JinWoong showcased a perfect portrayal of their characters. While it would be understandable that they would be unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts, not seeing them in the second season would be akin to a criminal offense.

 

How much time has passed since the end of the first season?

Even in the first installment of the tvN series, we saw the characters go through various time jumps, in correlation to the cases they worked on. Although many might hope season two will start right where “Signal” left off, there’s a chance that it doesn’t and audiences are thrust right into the action several months, or even years, later.

 

Will Detective Lee JaeHan’s memory still be intact?

With Lee JaeHan waking up from what appears to be a coma-induced slumber, there’s reason to believe that he might not all be there. Considering common K-Drama tropes, he could very well go through a case of memory loss that would greatly hinder the golden trio’s search for justice.

 

Do the trio of Park HaeYoung, Cha SooHyun, and Lee JaeHan finally meet up?

This might be one of the biggest questions on audiences’ minds. Despite being separated by time, they made one hell of a team, helping one another to solve several cold cases and avenge the souls lost in the process. With the announcement of season two, fans are hoping they will finally be able to meet, face to face, making it impossible for the villains to escape the jaws of justice.

 

Will they still communicate with someone from the past/future?

If Park HaeYoung, Cha SooHyun, and Lee JaeHan, there would naturally be no need to communicate using the time-bending walkie-talkie. However, with the novelty of the show being centered around this concept, it seems only right that the writers will bring it back for season two. But this time, they could communicate with a totally different person.

 

Will the Jinyang corruption finally come to light?

The K-Drama ends with the Jinyang corruption being covered by the media. Although reporters surround an older Congressman Jang YoungChul (Son HyunJoo), it remains to be seen whether he’s received due justice for his actions. With a second season, the trio might finally take down Jang YoungChul, once and for all.

 

Do Cha SooHyun and Lee JaeHan finally get their happily ever after?

As with many good things, season two also needs to have an ending. And at that end, there’s an important idea to consider: will Cha SooHyun and Lee JaeHan be able to have a happy ending. While they’ll have more important issues to tackle before this, fans of the show can only hope a healthy, happy relationship is in store for the two, after so many years of painful yearning.

It hasn’t been too long since the announcement for the second season of “Signal”, but there’s so much to ponder and think about in the meantime.

Are you excited for “Signal” to finally return? What questions do you hope they answer heading into season two?

TV Network JTBC is one of the most popular networks whose dramas have gotten global recognition for their interesting storylines, great locations, and famous actors.

Here are the top dramas with the highest ratings on the JTBC network.

Please note that these ratings are the highest ratings ever reached, not the dramas' total average ratings.

 

1. "World Of The Married" - 28.4%

The thriller drama released in 2020 is still regarded as one of the most compelling K-Dramas to date. Starring Kim HeeAe, Park HaeJoon, and Han SoHee the K-Drama 2 years after its release still rank number 1 with the highest ratings in the network's history as it has an all-time high viewer rating of 28.4%.

 

2. "Reborn Rich" - 26.9%

When a loyal employee of a conglomerate is murdered by his employers, he has a chance to get his revenge as he is reborn as the grandson of the family. Armed with the knowledge of the future and the company, he steadily gains the influence and power he needs to become the next chairman of the company. However, even with his knowledge and smarts, his path is not a rosy one as other forces create stumbling blocks on his way toward revenge. Starring Song JoongKi, Shin HyunBin, and Lee SungMin, with its engrossing storyline, the series gripped the attention of many viewers which saw its ratings reach an impressive high of 26.9%.

 

3. "SKY Castle" - 23.8%

The drama that centers around the lives of four women and their families has been quite popular for its deep, real, and meaningful storyline that had a grip on the reality that many viewers faced. Released in 2019, the drama with a stellar cast featuring actors like Kim SeoHyung, Yoon SeAh, Yum JungAh, Kim HyeYoon, and Oh NaRa, to name a few, ranks high on this list with 23.8% viewer ratings.

 

4. "Doctor Cha" - 18.5%

"Doctor Cha" reached one of the best-ever ratings for JTBC dramas. This 2023 medical drama starring Uhm JungHwa, Kim ByungChul, Myung SeBin, and Min WooHyuk started with 4.9% and rapidly gained popularity. It reached 18.5% with its 12th and final episode.

 

5. "Itaewon Class" - 16.5%

The webtoon-based drama that gained prominent global recognition in 2020 with 16.5% ratings. Starring top actors Park SeoJun and Kim DaMi the youth-themed fast-paced K-Drama was a refreshing story that engrossed the minds of the viewers with its realistic storyline, impressive dialogues, and an OST that many refer to as one of the best.

 

6. "Agency" - 16.0%

"Agency" starring Lee BoYoung, Son NaEun, Jo SungHa, and Han JoonWoo was popular and even reached 16.0% with its last episode when it only started at 4.8%. Viewers have been captivated by Lee BoYoung's character, Go AhIn, who becomes the first female executive member of a large advertising agency.

 

7. "King The Land" - 13.8%

"King The Land" starring 2PM's JunHo and Girls' Generation's Yoona was popular not only worldwide but also in Korea. The romance between the heir of King Hotel and his hardworking employee gained more and more audience with their swoon-worthy scenes. Starting with 5.1%, the drama reached 13.8% with its final episode.

 

8. "Welcome to Samdal-ri" - 12.4%

The 2023-2024 romantic comedy "Welcome to Samdal-ri" starring the two popular and talented actors Ji ChangWook and Shin HaeSun was popular. The drama tells the story of two childhood friends with an unfinished romance who reunited after a famous photographer faces a scandal and returns to her hometown in Jeju Island. The drama started at 5.2% and reached its best-ever ratings at 12.4% with its final episode.

 

9. "The Lady Of Dignity" - 12.1%

The K-Drama series follows the life of a woman whose life turns around when her father-in-law loses all his finances and a mysterious caregiver with a heartbreaking story who moves in with the family to take care of him. With its clever storyline and impressive performances by its cast, the drama released in 2017 and starring Woh AhJin and Kim SunAh has a high rating of 12.1% on the network.

 

10. "The Good Bad Mother" - 12.0%

The 2023 drama "The Good Bad Mother" starring Ra MiRan, Lee DoHyun, Ahn EunJin, and Yoo InSoo was popular. From the start of the drama at 3.6% to the final episode at 12.0% the drama had a constant rise in ratings and interest. Lee DoHyun acts as a cold prosecutor and one day an accident made him become like a child and he went to live back with his mom acted by Ra MiRan.

 

11. "Strong Girl NamSoon" - 10.4%

"Strong Girl NamSoon" is the spinoff of the popular drama "Strong Girl BongSoon" starring Lee YouMi, Kim JungEun, Kim HaeSook , Ong SeongWu, and Byeon WooSeok. The rom-com follows three strong women born with supernatural powers and how they fight a drug cartel. The comedy earned a lot of interest like "Strong Girl BongSoon" which reached 10.4% with its final episode.

 

12. "Dazzling" - 9.7%

The mystery melodrama centers around a woman who mysteriously ages while trying to tamper with time in order to save her father. Now 70 years old, she embarks on a journey towards reverting the changes while also dealing with how to approach her family and friends who cannot recognize her and a young lover whose affection she holds dearly. Starring Han JiMin, Kim HeeJa, and Nam JooHyuk, the 2019 drama was well loved.

 

12. "Strong Girl BongSoon" - 9.7%

The rom-com follows a woman born with supernatural powers and a tech CEO who seeks her protection as he is a target by an unknown individual. Starring Park BoYoung and Park HyungSik, the funny and interesting series reached 9.7% viewership ratings.

 

13. "Divorce Attorney Shin" - 9.5%

"Divorce Attorney Shin" aired in 2023. The drama started at 7.3% and ended at the high ratings of 9.5%. Cho SeungWoo acts as Shin SungHan a professor who turns into a lawyer specializing in divorce. In 12 episodes, this refreshing law drama stole the hearts of viewers.

 

14. "My Kids Give Me A Headache" - 9.2%

The family drama follows the storyline of three-generational families who live in one house. Filled with so much love, and warmth, and depicting the inter-family relationship as seen today, the series released in 2013 portrays a storyline that also showcases the way societies view families and the different forms the word takes. Each episode saw high ratings as viewers were extensively engrossed by the storyline. The drama reached 9.2% ratings.

 

15. "Misty"- 8.5%

The story is about a popular anchorwoman who becomes a prime suspect in a murder case and her ex-husband who was once a prosecutor but is now a public defender and takes up her case. A story about the complicated thread of love and reconciliation, the series was released in 2018, stars Kim NamJoo and Jin JiHee whose brilliant portrayal of their characters led to the success of the series which got a high viewership rating of 8.5% on the network.

 

16. "Doctor Slump" - 8.2%

Park HyungSik and Park ShinHye take on the role of doctors who ended up in a slump in "Doctor Slump". The casting and story grabbed the interest of many reaching 8.2% with its 10th episode.

 

17. "Thirty-Nine" - 8.1%

This melodrama revolves around the deep story of friendship, love and life of three friends who are about to turn 40. The drama stars prominent actresses Son YeJin, Jeon MiDo and Kim JiHyun. With the chemistry of the said actresses and the touching element of the tearjerker, the high rating of 8.1% achieved by the drama was no longer a surprise.

 

18. "Forecasting Love and Weather" - 7.8%

The office romance drama that stars prominent K-Drama stars Park MinYoung, Song Kang, Yoon Bak, and Girl's Day YuRa portrays the story of the staff of the National Weather Service, the complications of love in the workplace, the dynamics of family, and the societal demands and expectations on youths today.

 

19. "The Good Detective" - 7.6%

The riveting crime drama filled with so much suspense, twist, and turns ranks number 10 on this list with 7.6% ratings. Starring Lee Elijah, Jang SeungJo, and Son HyunJoo the series capture the journey of a veteran detective, a young genius, and a reporter on the quest to uncover the truth of a mysterious murder that happened 5 years ago.

Which of these dramas have you watched? Let us know in the comments section below.