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" - 10.8%

The retro crime drama "Chief Detective 1958" starring Lee JeHoon, Lee DongHwi, Choi WooSung, Yoon HyunSoo, and Seo EunSoo started with 10.1% and reached 10.8% with its 3rd episode. 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!

 

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.

Nowadays, it is quite common to see K-Pop idols venture into acting alongside their music careers. However, this is no new trend. Idols all the way from the very first and second generations of K-Pop have transitioned into acting, and today, they are some of the best and most renowned actors in the industry, receiving love and respect from global fans. Here are 5 actors from the 1st and 2nd generation of K-Pop who ultimately became some of the finest actors in the Korean entertainment industry!

 

1. Yoon KyeSang

Yoon KyeSang debuted as a member of the hugely popular 1st generation K-Pop boy group g.o.d in 1999. He left the group to pursue acting but reunited with his members years later and continues to be active as an idol. Today, Yoon KyeSang is one of the finest actors the Korean entertainment industry has to offer, and his talent is beyond comparison. From action to romance, Yoon KyeSang is extraordinary in any and all genres. Most recently, he appeared in the thriller K-Drama "The Kidnapping Day", impressing a whole new generation of K-Drama fans.

 

2. Eugene

Eugene is an actress whose roles are impossible to forget. She is simply that iconic! Before becoming an actress, however, Eugene debuted in 1997 in the K-Pop girl group S.E.S., which went on to become one of the best-selling musical acts in South Korea. Needless to say, Eugene made K-Pop history and is now taking over the acting scene too! Her latest K-Drama projects include the three immensely successful seasons of "The Penthouse: War In Life".

 

3. Lee Joon

Lee Joon's acting is the most impeccable work of art we have ever seen. Constantly challenging himself to new genres and characters, Lee Joon has made a name for himself for his outstanding versatility. Prior to becoming a renowned and highly sought-after actor, Lee Joon was an idol in the K-Pop group MBLAQ, but even before that, he started off as an actor. So, essentially, Lee Joon is an actor turned idol turned actor, and he's fantastic at both professions! His most recent K-Drama was "The Escape of the Seven: War for Survival".

 

4. Lee JunHo

A heartthrob across generations, Lee JunHo's appeal knows no bounds. Not only is he incredibly successful and beloved as an actor but simultaneously also as an idol! For those who might not know, Lee JunHo is a member of the K-Pop group 2PM! What's more is that Lee JunHo has a flourishing career as a soloist too! Talk about being an all-rounder! Lee JunHo is truly a genius of the arts. He most recently appeared in the blockbuster rom-com "King The Land".

 

5. Yim SiWan

No conversation about the top idol actors of today would be complete without the prodigy himself - Yim SiWan! Yim SiWan is a critically acclaimed, commercially successful, award-winning actor widely recognized as the future of Chungmuro (the Korean film industry). He is one of the first names that come to mind when you think about multifaceted actors, especially considering his exceptionally diverse filmography. However, did you know that Yim SiWan is also a member of the idol group ZE:A? The idol actor has expressed his desire to keep doing music as well as acting. His latest works include the K-Drama "Boyhood" and the film "Road to Boston".