The results for the 2024 Overseas Hallyu Survey has been released, naming the most beloved K-Dramas of viewers from across the globe. The top 5 series consists of "Squid Game", "The Glory", "King The Land", "Crash Landing On You", and "Taxi Driver", in that order. For the third time since its release, "Squid Game" continues to dominate, earning mass-attention from audiences worldwide.

Conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Overseas Hallyu Survey aims to compile the data on the impact of the Hallyu wave. With a sample size of 25,000 people from over 26 countries, the survey tries it best to show an accurate representation of what types of K-Content is being consumed in different countries.

While many more amazing series have popped up over the years, "Squid Game" is still named as one of the most enjoyed K-Dramas by 9.0% of survey participants. While they're not all the same genre, they do have some similarities, and some clear cut reasons why "Squid Game" remains at the top.

 

Top Ratings And Streams

Looking at the list across the board, these series cover a variety of different themes. This includes everything from lighthearted romantic comedy to suspenseful thriller and heart-racing action.  As vastly different as they might be, they share a similarity in receiving top ratings and streams.

At their highest ratings, "Crash Landing On You" received 21.7%, "King The Land" ended on 13.8%, and "Taxi Driver" received 16% for season 1 and 21% for season 2 respectively. When it comes to the Netflix-produced shows of "Squid Game" and "The Glory", rather than percentage ratings, there are hours viewed. At its peak and according to FlixPatrol, "The Glory" reached an astonishing 124,460,000 hours viewed. But this seems pale in comparison to the 571,760,000 of "Squid Game".

Earlier, we mentioned that Squid Game was picked by 9.0% of survey respondents. The rest are as follows: "The Glory" (3.4%), "King The Land" (2.6), "Crash Landing On You" (2.2), and "Taxi Driver" (1.6). While the rest of these series are amazing in their own right, the difference between "Squid Game" still remains quite large, even three years after its release.

While these numbers don't tell the whole story, they portray these shows' mass appeal and how they naturally had the entire globe wrapped around their finger, eagerly moving from episode to episode. With a majority of these shows made available through Netflix, and "Taxi Driver" as the lone Amazon Prime Video representative, it was easy for individuals around the globe to become hooked and name them as their top series of 2023.

 

More Than Just A K-Drama

Now, we have a general idea of how well these series have done, according to stats. And while statistics might be a clear representation of these K-Dramas' success, when breaking things down, it becomes more than just the numbers. And in turn, these shows become more than just a regular, old K-Drama. In the case of "Squid Game", "The Glory", and "Taxi Driver", they certainly were not your typical K-Dramas that ended with a couple riding into the sunset towards their happily-ever-after. Instead, they erred more on the intensity of the world, how some actions are simply unforgivable, and the sheer ruthlessness of certain individuals. They introduced global audiences to a grittier, less explored side of K-Dramas that left a lasting impression on millions.

Looking over at "Crash Landing On You" and "King The Land", these two offered a totally different experience for viewers, acting as quintessential examples for your tried and true K-Drama. They had layers of depth and character development, while remaining lighthearted enough for you to witness a swoon-worthy romance, made you smile in unending laughter, and kept audiences coming back every single week.

Millions of individuals raved about these series' incredible success and how they managed to change the landscape of the K-Dramas we see today. And aside from the feel good happy endings and the idea that love is real from "Crash Landing On You" and "King The Land", they approached a myriad of real-life topics that are generally harder to talk about for any one person. "Squid Game" tackled economic disparity, "The Glory" depicted the lasting effects of bullying, and "Taxi Driver" portrayed the idea that the less fortunate can receive their due justice.

It's in these life lessons, combined with the pure entertainment factors, that make these shows so worth it.

 

The Lasting Effect Of "Squid Game"

It's no secret that Netflix's "Squid Game" became a world-renowned hit. According to data collected by Netflix, as of April 14th, 2024, "Squid Game" has received a approximately 265,200,000 total views, earning it the top spot of Netflix's Most Popular TV (Non-English) list. During its initial year of release, it became an international craze, with millions flocking to filming locations of the series, creating a boon in the tourism industry. Even the official VISIT SEOUL website curated a list of "Squid Game" filming locations that travelers could visit in Seoul.

Additionally, a pop-up playground was previously set up at Itaewon station, which ran from September 17th, 2021 until September 26th, 2021.

Many would think that the first year of global success aside, and with the amount of incredible K-Dramas that have graced our screens since, surely there would have been at least one to overtake the no. 1 spot from "Squid Game". However, going from 21.2% to 11.3%, and now 9.0% shows just how much presence the Netflix series continues to retain.

From mentions & reach to netizen sentiment, "Squid Game" remained truly relevant within such a fast-paced and ever-changing entertainment world. And while there are dips here and there, the sentiment around "Squid Game" is ultimately positive, a consensus shared by a large portion of survey respondents and the world. Although the drama's mentions and reach are on a downwards trend, it has yet to fall off completely, showing that audiences still have their tabs open to search more about "Squid Game".

Looking at it even deeper, there's many reasons for that.

 

The 'Wow' Factor

Entertainment-wise, "Squid Game" is truly a special title. As the characters participate in a series of missions in an attempt to earn a life-changing monetary prize, audiences await with bated breathe to see just who will make it out alive. Taking simple Korean games and transforming them to psychologically frightening tasks blows everything out of proportion, but creates such an inescapable  magnetic pull that you can't help but be dragged along by its explosive plot. This 'wow' factor certainly contributed to the overall success of "Squid Game" and how it became such a loved hit for three years in a row.

 

Spinoffs And Reimagined For Real Life

Even with its immense virality and worldwide influence, many probably could not foresee that it would incite others into action to replicate the hit series and create a real-life "Squid Game". One of the most notable attempts was done by popular YouTuber, Mr. Beast. Although the contestants do not carry a sense of desperation to succeed like the original characters nor is blood actually shed, the spirit of "Squid Game" is still present. This 26 minute video by the YouTuber now sits at around 600M views.

Then, just last year in 2023, Netflix tapped into the success of "Squid Game" and created "Squid Game: The Challenge". This was the official real-life rendition of the iconic series. While this was a bit more laidback like Mr. Beast's version, tensions were a little higher as the streaming giant tried its best to stay as true to the K-Drama as possible.

Outside of these, along with many other attempts to bring "Squid Game" to life, the iconic tracksuits, guard outfits, and more reached store shelves everywhere. Then when Halloween came around the corner, millions walked along the street dressed from head to toe in "Squid Game" attire, showing their enjoyment and outright affection for the show.

 

"Squid Game" Moving Forward

Considering the news about "Squid Game 2" and how it's going to drop sometime this year, it seems the craze is far from over. Rather, it will most likely receive a second wind, dominating watchlists and search engines worldwide. And even then, depending on whether or not the response for season 2 is similar or surpasses expectations, there could even be a chance that the "Squid Game" universe is expanded even further. This would pave the way for even more exploration into the "Squid Game" narrative and an expansion of an already complex story. This time next year, "Squid Game 2" could be like its predecessor and be chosen as the top K-Drama from 21.2% of survey respondents, or more.

What do you think of the results for the 2024 Overseas Hallyu Survey? Have you gone back to rewatch "Squid Game" in the past year?

tvN is a cable channel of Korea and its dramas are popular in and out of Korea. The channel has quite a lot of hit dramas on its record. The channel keeps on having high ratings with interesting plots and Hallyu actors in its cast.

Here is a list of the tvN dramas with the highest ratings up until now (all years) (updated article).

 

1. "Crash Landing On You" - 21.7%

The drama "Crash Landing On You" (2019-2020) with Hyun Bin and Son YeJin makes tvN history by breaking the record of its highest ratings. With the final episode of the drama, the drama ratings reached 21.7%. The love story of the North Korean soldier and South Korean chaebol hooked the country.

 

2. "Queen of Tears" - 21.6%

The awaited K-Drama "Queen of Tears" (2024) with top Hallyu stars Kim SooHyun and Kim JiWon started with 5.9% and reached impressive ratings of 21.6% with episode 14.  Viewers are hooked and the drama went viral for its story and amazing acting. It is still airing.

 

3. "Goblin" - 20.5%

The drama "Goblin" also titled "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" aired in 2016-2017 starring Gong Yoo, Kim GoEun, Lee DongWook and more. In and out of Korea, the drama was extremely popular. There was definitely a "Goblin craze". The final episode of the drama reached its highest personal ratings at 20.5%. "Goblin" held the record of tvN best ratings until "Crash Landing on You" broke it.

 

4. "Reply 1988" - 18.8%

The "Replies" series were popular and "Reply 1988" (2015-2016) was the most popular. The last episode reached 18.8%. Girl's Day's HyeRi, Park BoGum, Go KyungPyo, Ryu JunYeol and Lee DongHwi acted in the drama.

 

5. "Mr. Sunshine" - 18.1%

The historical drama "Mr. Sunshine" (2018) with Lee ByungHun and Kim TaeRi had a huge budget and it received a lot of love in and outside of Korea. The drama scored 18.1% of ratings on its last episode.

 

6. "Mr. Queen" - 17.4%

The comedy historical drama "Mr. Queen" (2020-2021) starring Shin HyeSun and Kim JungHyun was also popular. The drama started at 8.0% and kept on increasing its ratings up to 17.4% for the final episode.

 

7. "Crash Course In Romance" - 17%

The romance drama "Crash Course in Romance" (2023) starred Jeon DoYeon and Jung KyungHo. The drama started with 4.0% but gained a lot of popularity week after week with its love story, elite education, and scandals. The drama reached 17% with its last episode.

 

8. "Under The Queen's Umbrella" - 16.852%

The historical drama "Under The Queen's Umbrella" (2022) starred Kim HyeSoo, Kim HaeSook, Choi WonYoung, Moon SangMin, SF9's Chani, Yoo SeonHo, Kim MinGi, and more. It was a hit drama. Starting at 7.6%, the drama kept on gaining viewers and reached 16.852% with its last episode. The story of the queen, her sons, and all the political schemes passionated.

9. "Vincenzo" - 14.6%

The black comedy drama "Vincenzo" (2021) starring Song JoongKi, Jeon YeoBeen, 2PM's Ok TaecYeon, Kim YeoJin, and Kwak DongYeon was popular. The drama was also available on Netflix at the same time. The drama started at 7.7% and ended at 14.6%. Viewers have been stunned by the amazing acting and the catchy storyline of a mafia consigliere getting rid of the bad guys.

 

10. "Our Blues" - 14.6%

The life drama "Our Blues" (2022) starring Lee ByungHun, Shin MinA, Han JiMin, Kim WooBin, Cha SeoungWon, and Lee JungEun gathered a lot of interest with its touching story and its talented cast. The drama started at 7.3% and ended at 14.6%.

 

11. "100 Days My Prince" - 14.4%

The comedy historical drama "100 Days My Prince" (2018) starring EXO’s D.O. and Nam JiHyun was also one of the most popular dramas of tvN. The last episode of the drama reached 14.4%.

 

12. "Hospital Playlist" - 14.1%

The drama "Hospital Playlist" (2020) with Jo JungSuk, Yoo YeonSeok, Jung KyungHo, and Kim DaeMyung was popular. The drama kept increasing in ratings and reached 14.1% with its last episode. The story of these close friends working at the hospital had interested many.

 

13. "Signal" - 12.5%

The drama "Signal" (2016) with Lee JeHoon, Kim HyeSoo, and Choi JinWoong was also a hit. The drama reached 12.5% of ratings with its last episode. This drama is often mentioned as one of the best K-Dramas in the international K-Drama community.

 

14. “Hotel del Luna"- 12%

IU and Yeo JinGoo addicted viewers to the ghosty fantasy drama “Hotel del Luna”. The drama was so popular that many are hoping for a second season. The drama reached 12.0% on its last episode.

 

15. "Marry My Husband" - 12.0%

The 2024 drama "Marry My Husband" based on a web novel and webtoon was a hit. With Park MinYoung, Na InWoo, Lee YiKyung, Song HaYoon, and Highlight's Lee GiKwang, the revenge drama caught attention from the start with 5.2%. It continuously grabbed viewers' attention until reaching 12.0% with its last episode.

 

Amazon Prime Video is slowly making its way into the Korean entertainment market, bringing a number of solid acquired titles on board while simultaneously venturing into original K-Drama production with dramas like "Death's Game" and "My Man Is Cupid". If you're subscribed to Amazon Prime Video and are wondering if there are any K-Dramas and Korean movies on the platform worth watching, we have the perfect watchlist for you. Check out the best K-Dramas and Korean movies on Amazon Prime Video right now that should be on your watchlist!

Note: The Amazon Prime Video K-Dramas and Korean movies mentioned in this article are listed in no particular order of ranking.

 

Amazon Prime Video K-Dramas

1. "Anna"

Starring Suzy as the eponymous Anna, this K-Drama on Amazon Prime tells the story of Lee YuMi, a working-class woman who climbs up the social ladder after stealing the identity of a rich socialite. A simple lie snowballs into a false life, and everything seems to go just as planned..until it doesn't. However, if there's anything to know about YuMi, it is that she gets what she wants. With outstanding acting and a tight-knit plot, this one is a must-watch among Amazon Prime K-Dramas.

 

2. "The Kidnapping Day"

A kidnapping goes right when a man abducts the abused daughter of a rich family for ransom money but ends up saving her life from the horrific adults around her. Starring Yoon KyeSang and YuNa, this K-Drama will have tears welling up in your eyes from how wholesome it is, but at the same time, the thrill of it all will keep you at the edge of your seat. If you enjoy the "found family" trope in K-Dramas, you simply cannot miss this one on Amazon Prime.

 

3. "Undercover"

One of the most criminally underhyped K-Dramas on Amazon Prime Video, "Undercover" tells the story of National Intelligence Service agent Han JungHyun (Ji JinHee), who has been in hiding for a long time and married Choi YeonSoo (Kim HyunJoo), a just and exemplary Human Rights lawyer. However, the secrets of his past threaten to burst at the seams when his wife gets promoted to Director of the Corruption Investigation Office, and he is the one who must take her down. Packed with riveting thrill, this K-Drama is a roller coaster ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.

 

4. "May I Help You?"

Another underhyped title among K-Dramas on Amazon Prime that deserves more attention is HyeRi and Lee JunYoung's "May I Help You?". If you're looking for a healing love story that feels like chicken soup for the soul, "May I Help You?" is ready to be at your service. It tells the story of a funeral director cursed with the duty to fulfill the last wishes of the dead stuck between this life and the next and a "butler" who takes on odd jobs for 100 Won. As their paths keep crossing, they realize that their fates are entangled with a tragic past.

 

5. "Monstrous"

Amazon Prime Video seems to have a penchant for carrying underhyped K-Dramas because "Monstrous" is one of the best horror series to come out of the K-Drama industry and yet may have missed your radar. Starring stellar actors Shin HyunBeen, Koo KyoHwan, Kwak DongYeon, Kim JiYoung, Park HoSan, Nam DaReum, and more, it tells the story of Jung KiHoon, an archaeologist fascinated by the supernatural, and Lee SooJin, his ex-wife, a skilled archaeologist haunted by the loss of their only child. The estranged couple reunite when mysterious events linked to the appearance of a cursed Buddha statue start transpiring around them.

 

6. "Island"

This award-winning fantasy thriller K-Drama on Amazon Prime features incredible acting, fantastic cinematography, and a poignant heart. Starring Kim NamGil, Lee DaHee, and ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, this K-Drama tells the story of a chaebol heiress who is ousted from the city and sent to Jeju Island, where she becomes the target of evil spirits. In Jeju, she meets the mysterious Van, who seems to rescue her whenever she is in danger, and Priest JoHan, a young man with a dark past who clings to her like a little brother. Together, they join forces to survive against monsters.

 

Amazon Prime Video Korean Movies

1. "The Childe"

K-Drama star Kim SeonHo makes his silver screen debut with this movie that you can now watch on Amazon Prime Video. "The Childe" follows Marco (Kang TaeJu), a half-Korean, half-Filipino young man in the Philippines. Struggling to afford his sick mother's life-saving operation, Marco turns to illegal activities, leading to a near-fatal ambush. Desperate, he seeks his biological father's help and is contacted by representatives, offering a chance to meet him in South Korea. During the flight, Marco encounters a mysterious figure who calls himself "Friend" (Kim SeonHo), who warns him of danger on his journey. The film is well-written, the cinematography is stunning, and the acting is top-tier. There's no reason not to watch this!

 

2. "Rebound"

Coming of age, sports, and the coolest underdog story based on real events, "Rebound" tells the story of how Coach Kang YangHyun (played by Ahn JaeHong) leads the Busan JoongAng High School basketball team to the KBA National Tournament against all odds, proving the true meaning of the word "rebound". This film is not only inspirational and exhilarating but also thoroughly hilarious and entertaining from start to finish. So, if you're looking for a light-hearted laugh that lingers, "Rebound" is the perfect film for you.

 

3. "Oldboy"

"Oldboy" by director Park ChanWook is one of world cinema's greatest masterpieces, and if you're a fan of either Korean movies or simply movies in general, you cannot go without watching "Oldboy". Starring legendary veteran actors Choi MinSik, Kang HyeJung, and Yoo JiTae in the leading roles, this film is a twisted tale of revenge, deliciously gory, and unbelievably cunning. Oh DaeSu is a seemingly ordinary man who gets captured, tortured, framed for the murder of his wife, and released after 15 years with a mission: he must find out why he was captured or risk losing someone close to him. Just when you think this movie is reaching its conclusion, it throws another unnerving twist at you, and that is exactly what keeps things interesting. Needless to say, "Oldboy" is in a league of its own.

 

4. "Alienoid"

A supernatural alien, a Taoist magician, and a bounty hunter...walk into a bar? No, but they are in a battle to find a mysterious sword called the "Divine Blade" as evil forces threaten to take over, and a portal between the past and future unleashes chaos in an already messed up world. Behind it all is a vile alien mastermind, and humanity may be in danger. A good vs. evil story that spans centuries, this movie is an entertainment explosion, to say the least. With a star-studded cast, which includes Kim WooBin, Ryu JunYeol, and Kim TaeRi, "Alienoid" does not disappoint.

 

5. "Midnight"

Witness turns victim when KyungMi, a deaf woman, saves another woman from being attacked by a serial killer, who then puts a target on her back. A relentless cat-and-mouse chase ensues as KyungMi attempts to outsmart the predator and make it out alive. KyungMi is played spectacularly by Jin KiJoo, and Wi HaJun plays the sinister serial killer DoSik with unnerving precision. Both actors bounce off of each other's brilliance and bring us an unbeatable thriller that will make you want to check your locks twice at night.

 

6. "Emergency Declaration"

A sociopathic terrorist creates a DIY biological weapon and releases it inside a packed airplane. As an epidemic breaks out mid-air, affecting passengers and pilots alike, a larger evil looms on land where the aircraft is denied emergency landing out of fear of infection. Posing a moral problem that thankfully culminates in renewed faith in humanity, "Emergency Declaration" is the type of thriller that will leave you breathless. Starring Song KangHo, Lee ByungHun, Jeon DoYeon, Yim SiWan, and more, this film needs to be on your watchlist.