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!

 

Despite cherry blossom season coming to a close, audiences everywhere can still feel that spring-like bliss through the web novel based K-Drama, "Lovely Runner". Nearing its halfway mark, the show has become an undeniable source of serotonin to viewers across the globe. It's shaping up to be the perfect pick-me-up for the start of the week.

The drama is led by Byeon WooSeok and Kim HyeYoon, with N.Flying's Lee SeungHyub and Song GeonHee. It follows the story of Ryu SeonJae (Byeon WooSeok), a dearly beloved celebrity who has mesmerized since his debut. He meets Im Sol (Kim HyeYoon), his dedicated supporter who was comforted and healed through SeonJae's music. After something tragic happens to Ryu SeonJae, Im Sol finds herself thrust back 15 years in the past where she meets SeonJae's 19-year-old self as a fellow schoolmate. She makes every effort to alter the future and ultimately save him from a tragic fate.

Swooning story of romance aside, it tackles real life issues and showcases amazing chemistry between characters, all with a cast who are able to masterfully pilot their role to perfection. And as one looks directly at Kim HyeYoon, you're able to see an actress who remains at the top of her game and only seems to improve as her career progresses forward. She's been a delight to watch, making everyone feel a swarm of butterflies appear in their chest.

Considering the success of "Lovely Runner" so far, the actress is set to top the search engines and trend on social media even after the finale episode.

 

A Welcomed Comeback

Prior to the premiere of "Lovely Runner", Kim HyeYoon was absent from the K-Drama space for nearly three years. But now that she's returned to television screens, fans can't help but express their joy all across social media far and wide. Audiences are glad to once again witness Kim HyeYoon's naturally bright demeanor that also reveals itself through her portrayal of Im Sol. Moving back and forth between past and present, the actress shows that she's a master at her craft, a quality that has been worked on and refined since her humble debut.

The time she's spent away from the limelight certainly did not take away from her skills whatsoever, as she's still extremely skilled while remaining a much needed source of sunshine behind the scenes. Her ability to switch between the two modes speaks to her ability as an actress and that even a small break cannot deter her from putting on the best performance possible, immersing fans into yet another award-winning hit.

Her comeback with Im Sol seemed like the perfect move, as the character truly feels like an extension of Kim HyeYoon's sunshine-like persona herself. However, she's also able to make audiences feel crushingly sad heartache, a fear of losing someoen you love, and a hesitancy that would prevent anyone from acting upon their heart. Kim HyeYoon makes you sympathize for her character, while also hoping she doesn't lose her dazzling shine.

 

A Storied Career That Elevated Her Status As An Actress

Kim HyeYoon made her official debut through "Samsaengi" in 2013 and in the following year, gained attention for her appearance in "Bad Guys". And while some might think this is where the actress truly hits the ground running and she decides to shift her focus towards academics, attending the prestigious Konkuk University. While attending school, she was able to procure numerous guest roles in widely recognized dramas. Some of these series include "Doctors", "The Legend Of The Blue Sea", "Goblin", and "Let's Eat Season 3". While she participated in smaller roles, audiences quickly became accustomed to seeing Kim HyeYoon on the screen, excited for the moment she'll receive her big break.

After finally finishing her schooling, Kim HyeYoon was ready to audition for bigger roles. The first role that she landed in pursuing this endeavor was as Kang YeSeo in the highly acclaimed "Sky Castle".

Unlike the bright and bubbly Kim HyeYoon that we're so accustomed to, Kang YeSeo's academic excellence served as a double-edged sword which became even harsher under the pressure of her highly critical parents and pressure to achieve perfection. "Sky Castle" showed the dark side of the education system and how many students are pushed to the point of exhaustion in order to enter one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea.

"Sky Castle" served as one of Kim HyeYoon's most prominent stepping points, and still manages to retain its popularity today. Netizens continue to show "Sky Castle" favorably interest even in the past year when countless more series have premiered to raving success. Shortly afterwards, she was able to land yet another memorable main role in "Extraordinary You" (2018), which featured a cast of then rising stars in RoWoon, Lee JaeWook, Lee NaEun, Kim YoungDae, Jung GunJoo, and Lee TaeRi. Kim HyeYoon's acting was spectacular throughout the series. Then there was her chemistry with RoWoon that created waves of butterflies all throughout your stomach.

Even in the past year, it continues to remain a dearly beloved series among the K-Drama community worldwide as they continue to show it interest until today.

Kim HyeYoon would then continue proving herself through "Secret Royal Inspector & Joy" (2021) and "Snowdrop" (2021). Then before briefly stepping away from the spotlight, she made an appearance in "Cleaning Up" in 2022. These iconic K-Dramas continued to raise the bar of what audiences could expect out of Kim HyeYoon's acting. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she was a marvelous talent, capable of taking on a myriad of different roles.

 

Current Ratings Of "Lovely Runner"

In just three weeks, "Lovely Runner" was able to earn 3.946% ratings for its most recent episode, according to Nielsen Korea. Compared to the 3.176% of its first episode, the slow and steady increase showcases the drama's potential to take off even further. And part of the drama's success can be owed to Kim HyeYoon's acting prowess. Watching her pilot Im Sol as she navigates her relationship with Ryu SeonJae has offered a number of different experiences. Witnessing Kim HyeYoon's acting prowess acts as a form of healing, a beacon of hope, and a revitalizing vitamin that can be taken at any moment.

The moment "Lovely Runner" premiered, things started taking off once for the actress, as she was mentioned all across the internet. This has only increased with every passing episode. In addition, netizens have positively welcomed her back as she delivers another award-winning performance.

While both data and numbers can serve as one representation of Kim HyeYoon's current influence, but it is the kind and encouraging words that truly embody the hearts of fans. Found all across social media and forum sites are cheers from the actress' supportive fans that just won't stop talking about her endless talent.

Considering her unending perseverance, the success of her previous roles, and how well she's doing through "Lovely Runner" today, it's almost certain that Kim HyeYoon will continue to trend on search engines and social media. And once award season comes around, she's sure to be recognized for her amazing work.

Are you watching "Lovely Runner"? How do you like Kim HyeYoon's acting so far?

You know the feeling when you're watching a romance K-Drama, and you can feel your heartbeat getting faster? Or, perhaps when you're with your crush in real life and your heart feels like it's beating right out of your chest? In Korean, there's a word for that pit-a-pat feeling. It's called "두근두근" (dugeun dugeun).

"Dugeun dugeun" is an onomatopoeia that mimics the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat and is commonly used to express excitement, nervousness, or anticipation in various contexts, including romantic situations or moments of suspense. If you're a K-Pop or K-Drama fan, you must have heard this phrase often in dramas or song lyrics.

You can use "dugeun dugeun" when your heart is racing or pounding because of something or someone. For instance, in "Lovely Runner", Ryu SunJae (Byeon WooSeok) can feel his heart go dugeun dugeun for Im Sol (Kim HyeYoon).

You can use "dugeun dugeun" in a sentence (informal) as below:

만날 때마다 마음이 두근두근해

Mannal ttaemada maeumi dugeun dugeunhae

My heart races every time we meet

There's also a Korean abbreviation for dugeun dugeun that you can use in text messages or on the internet. It's ㄷㄱㄷㄱ.

What makes your heart go dugeun dugeun? Tell us on X!

To learn more fun Korean words, stay tuned to Your Korea Tutor - Kpopmap!