"Pyramid Game" was easily one of the best K-Dramas of 2024 so far. It impressed viewers from all over the world with its simple yet effective plot and all the rising actresses in the cast delivered stellar performances, etching the K-Drama in our minds.

It hasn't been long since "Pyramid Game" ended, and we're already suffering from "missing Pyramid Game" syndrome. So, if you're looking for some riveting, well-written, thrilling K-Dramas to fill the void of "Pyramid Game", check out these K-Dramas that you may like!

 

K-Dramas Like "Pyramid Game" To Add To Your Watchlist

1. "All Of Us Are Dead"

Cast: Yoon ChanYoung, Park JiHu, Cho YiHyun, Lomon, Yoo InSoo, Lee YouMi & more

"All Of Us Are Dead" is a K-Zombie thriller that explores more complex themes like loss of innocence, human nature, the dangers of mob mentality, survival and sacrifice, actions and their consequences, and the importance of trust, self-discovery, hope, and friendship.

It is more action-packed than "Pyramid Game" (it is a zombie thriller, after all), but it revolves around similar ideas and will definitely engross you. Once again, the cast, full of rising and rookie actors, do a fantastic job of bringing the story to life with conviction, which contributes majorly to the immersion of the story.

The action choreography is top notch and the pacing is also just right. "All Of Us Are Dead" is coming back with a season 2 soon, so now would be the perfect time to binge-watch the first season and get ready for season 2.

Watch "All Of Us Are Dead" here.

 

2. "Night Has Come"

Cast: Lee JaeIn, Kim WooSeok, Choi YeBin, Cha WooMin, Ahn JiHo, Jung SoRi

What happens when the Mafia game we all love and enjoy becomes a real game of death and survival? "Night Has Come" is a mystery thriller where students from Yooil High School are forced to play a real-life Mafia game on a school trip, putting their lives on the line.

Yes, the cast in this K-Drama is also full of rising and rookie actors who are proving their mettle as the future of the industry with remarkable performances, enough to keep you at the edge of your seat throughout the show.

The psychological warfare and tension in "Night Has Come" is at par with "Pyramid Game" and can often even exceed it because the stakes are higher. This is also a K-Drama dealing with school violence and the politics and power play among the students appear as a microcosm of society. "Night Has Come" is deeply intriguing and at times, quite disturbing. However, if you enjoy K-Dramas like "Pyramid Game", trust us, you do not want to miss this one.

Watch "Night Has Come" here.

 

3. "High Cookie"

Cast: Nam JiHyun, Choi HyunWook, Kim MuYeol, Jung DaBin

Arguably one of the best-written K-Dramas on this list, "High Cookie" is a must-watch. It is a dark thriller about the pressures of modern society and how easily it can push someone over the edge. In a world that is unrelenting and unforgiving, a magical cookie can make all your dreams come true. Is it hope or greed that makes one reach for such magic? "High Cookie" is an addictive meditation on this question that never fails to impress.

As you'd expect from the cast, the acting is outstanding, to say the least. The nuances of how twisted human nature can be and what brings them to that point, is beautifully portrayed by these amazing actors, who truly enrich the viewing experience.

"High Cookie" is set in a high school, much like the other K-Dramas in this article, and dives into themes like academic pressure, classism, bullying and so on. However, the tone of this K-Drama is much darker and bleaker than the rest.

Watch "High Cookie" here.

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.

 

A majority of K-Dramas usually follow the one season format, a method that has seen immense success over decades. Very rarely do dramas see a second season to continue the storyline or explore a different branch of that show's universe. However, with the impact of "Strong Woman Do BongSoon", spin-off series "Strong Girl NamSoon" was created and is seeing much interest from viewers around the globe.

Starring Lee YouMi, Ong SeongWu, Byeon WooSeok, Kim JungEun, and Kim HaeSook, "Strong Girl NamSoon" is proving to be just as great as its predecessor. The mixture of comedy, action, and a sprinkle of romance has piqued the interest of many making it a must watch weekend drama. Kang NamSoon (Lee YouMi) as a character is extremely fun to watch as she navigates her new life in Gangnam and cracks down on the criminals that stand right in front of her.

Although she possesses traits that would rival most superheroes, there's more to her than her physical capabilities. Let's dive into Kang NamSoon's true strength and why it's anything but physical.

Note: spoilers ahead.

 

1. Carries An Optimistic Innocence

Growing up in Mongolia, Kang NamSoon was able to stave off the corruption of society and grow up truly innocent and pure. However, with her eyes set on reuniting with her biological family, she makes her way to Korea and learns firsthand what it's like to be taken advantage of. Compared to her time herding goats and sheep, with a scammer preying on her innocence, the show portrayed the deep darkness of society.

While this would make anyone feel dejected, Kang NamSoon continues to push forward and maintains her child-like innocence. This coats her in a bubble of warmth that's infectious and durable. While some might say "ignorance is bliss", this is one of NamSoon's ultimate strengths. It's an important tool to combat all the obstacles that come her way, making it possible to always see situations as a glass half-full. Such optimism is not easy to come by, making NamSoon a truly unique individual and much stronger than the eye can see.

 

2. Deep Sense Of Loyalty

While her family is built on a story of rags to riches, they have entered into the category of the extremely rich. Entering into such wealth could change many people, causing them to ignore the people who've they come to know before. But that certainly isn't the case for Kang NamSoon. She continues to hold onto her original beliefs and does not let her newfound status consume her.

NamSoon continues to remain loyal to the people she's befriended and offered her aid. This includes individuals like Kang HeeShik (Ong SeongWu), Ji HyunSoo (Joo WooJae), and Teacher No (GyeongRee). She doesn't forget their efforts and comradery in her times of need. This sort of loyalty is hard to come by and shows just how kindhearted of a person Kang NamSoon truly is.

 

3. Unbreakable Family Relationships

"Strong Girl NamSoon" is a K-Drama that revolves around family. It showcases the power that flows through the veins of three generations of women, all blessed with superhuman strength. They remain close-knit and seek to aid each other in various ways. And despite growing up elsewhere, Kang NamSoon holds this same mindset too.

She holds a strong tie to her family, to both her biological one and the people who raised her. Receiving such familial love has allowed her to see family in a positive light that it's only natural for them to be on her mind. And despite her parents' separation, NamSoon continues to show both her mother and father an undying affection. These firm, heartwarming family relationships become another source of strength for Kang NamSoon, allowing her to confidently take on any challenge without fear of being alone.

 

4. A Natural Desire To Help

In a world so focused on 'self', it can be easy for people to turn the other way even when there are cries for help. However, Kang NamSoon's entire family has shown an affinity towards justice and always seeks to do the right thing. Naturally, this trait has been passed down to Kang NamSoon as she rushes in to help at any given opportunity.

There are multiple examples of this innate quality. From stopping an out of control plane to jumping into a raging fire, NamSoon consistently goes out of her way for others. She is selfless and radiates like a beacon of hope ready to extinguish the darkness that has enveloped the streets of Gangnam.

What do you think of Kang NamSoon and her multiple examples of strength? Let us know in the comments!