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" - 10.1%

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

 

If you're a K-Drama fan, you will have noticed the pretty scenery of your favorite show. While a majority of series are filmed in Korea, there are some that take viewers international, venturing out to foreign filming locations. While the United States is a popular destination, not all filming sites are based in America.

Production teams also look towards Europe for potential filming sites. As a whole, Europe is extremely large with a wide array of people. Many dramas filmed there embraced the various cultures and landscapes that Europe had to offer. Central-eastern Europe is popular, with "Descendants of the Sun" being filmed in Greece and "Are You Human Too?" filmed in Czech Republic. However, production teams and staff have also filmed all across Western Europe, showing love and interest to the entire continent. You have probably watched a drama filmed in Western Europe, and you might not even know it!

So here is a list of K-Dramas filmed in Western European countries.

Note: the terms western, central and eastern Europe have different delimitations depending on concepts.

 

1. "Shopping King Louie" - France

"Shopping King Louie" was a hilarious drama starring Seo InGuk, Nam JiHyun, Yoon SangHyun, and Lim SeMi. The MBC series followed the romance story between Kang JiSung/Louie (Seo InGuk) and Ko BokSil (Nam JiHyun). Louie learns about the meaning of true love after meeting BokSil.

The iconic drama was filmed in the romantic country of France. While many might immediately think of the capital city Paris, the filming for the drama takes place outside.

Instead, the production crew decides on a a chateau outside of Paris named Château de Bourron. The location is a charming castle hotel, surrounded by moats in white water, and classified as a historic monument! The filming site might not be within Paris, but the vibes are immaculate and give off an air of elegance and grace.

 

2. "The Package" - France

This JTBC drama stars the likes of Lee YeonHee, CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa, Choi WooShik, Park YooNa, and Yoon Park. It tells the story of a travel tour guide in France, leading a group of tourists on a package tour. All the travelers have their own stories and do not wish to get close to one another. However, they begin to open up and let down their walls as they travel more together.

"The Package" was filmed in France for a majority of the drama. The production team went to various locations and showed viewers the charm of Paris and the Northern part of the country. The went to locations like Auvers-Sur-Oise (in relation with the painter Van Gogh), Mont Saint-Michel, Honfleur, Deauville, Saint-Malo, etc. The country of France is well-highlighted in this romantic comedy.

 

3. "The K2" - Spain

"The K2" was a memorable K-Drama featuring Ji ChangWook, Girls' Generation's YoonA, Song YoonAh, and Cho SeongHa as its main leads. The drama follows Kim JeHa (Ji ChangWook), a former solder for hire who is referred to as K2. The tvN series is filled with an endless amount of action, that you might need to get checked for high blood pressure.

But for some parts of the heart-racing drama is the beautiful backdrop of Spain. The drama was partly filmed in the Western European country, with a few scenes being shot in the streets of Barcelona. There were moments of reprieve in between all the action scenes to take in the beauty Spain had to offer.

 

4. "The Legend of the Blue Sea" - Spain

"The Legend of the Blue Sea" starred the legendary Jun JiHyun and Lee MinHo. The SBS drama depicts the story of a mermaid's long-lasting love story. The drama draws inspiration and borrows motifs from an old folktale about a mermaid. The series is touching as the two main leads confront the past and work to make a future together.

"The Legend of the Blue Sea" was filmed partly in Spain, particularly in Barcelona, Girona and A Coruña. The backdrops of these scenes were absolutely gorgeous, taking viewers on a literal trip abroad and into the world of the SBS drama. After the series concluded, the locations featured became hot spots for fans of the cast, and most especially the show.

 

5. "Saimdang, Memoirs of Colors" - Italy

"Saimdang, Memoirs of Colors" is a historical romance that transcends time and space. The SBS series stars Lee YoungAe and Song SeungHeon as its main leads. The story depicts a Korean art history lecturer's discovery of a diary belonging to historical figure Shin Saimdang (Lee YoungAe). In reading the diary, she discovers the secrets behind a mysterious portrait.

For some parts of "Saimdang, Memoirs of Colors", the scenes were filmed in Italy, specifically Bologna and Tuscany. Through those parts, we follow lead actress Lee YoungAe, as she travels through the Italian streets. The backdrop of these scenes are breathtaking and make you want to hop on the next flight to Italy.

 

6. "Memories of the Alhambra" - Spain

"Memories of the Alhambra" had its original run on both Netflix and tvN. The iconic drama starred Park ShinHye and Hyun Bin as its main leads. It depicted the story of investment company CEO, Yoo JinWoo (HyunBin). He visits Granada, Spain for business and ends up staying at the hostel run by Jung HeeJoo (Park ShinHye). They become tangled up in a strange, yet thrilling affair.

Overseas filming for the drama took place in several cities including Granada, Barcelona, Girona, and Terrassa. Not only did the characters pose in front of scenic views, but the production crew brought viewers to small, street-side cafes and cozy hidden streets. "Memories of the Alhambra" make Spain look magnificent and a prime travel destination!

Where was your favorite drama's filming location? Let us know in the comments!

 

Readers have been asking us about underrated romantic comedy K-Dramas after the release of Best Romantic Comedy K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist. Are you done watching the most popular dramas and looking for more? This list is for you.

It is always hard to make a good drama watchlist. Hopefully, the following list will help you! It is composed of romantic comedies which received less attention (when they were released) from the international audience despite having great plots and skilled actors. They are "underrated" dramas.

Let us know in the comments and the vote which one for you are the ones you would advise your friend to watch.

Note: This list was first published in 2019 and updated once with new releases. Latest update: December 2023. This is not a ranking.

 

1. "My Strange Hero"

When: 2018-2019

Cast: Yoo SeungHo, Jo BoAh, Kwak DongYeon

Summary: It tells the story of BokSoo who was unfairly expelled from his high school because he was accused of being a school bully. When he is an adult, he plans to get revenge by going back to school. However, it did not go as planned. He starts to get in trouble again and gets linked to love again.

Why watch?: Starting with the main actors' outstanding acting skills and the original plot of an adult entering high school again, it is a must-see. Overall, the show has humor, cute scenes, touching stories, a solid issue to be overcome, and a critique of the Korean education system. The drama is based on revenge, but it is actually more light, don't expect much on that side.

 

2. "7th Grade Civil Servant"

When: 2013

Cast: Joo Won, Choi KwangHee, 2PM's ChanSung

Summary: It tells the love story between NIS rookie agents hiding their identities.

Why watch?: If you like comedy, and romance with a bit of action this is for you. The drama has many funny scenes that will get hooked on the show and the cute couple.

 

3. "Cinderella and the Four Knights"

When: 2016

Cast: Park SoDam, Jung IlWoo, Ahn JaeHyun, CNBLUE's Lee JungShin, Choi Min, Apink's NaEun

Summary: Eun HaWon received the mission to change three handsome chaebols who are impossible to control into humans. She starts to live in the mansion to fulfill her mission and ends up being in a love quadrangle (adding on the bodyguard).

Why watch?: If you like K-Dramas like "Boys Over Flowers" or "The Heirs", this is for you. If you don't like this type of K-Drama, you might want to look out for something else. The story is fun, sweet, and light from the beginning to the end. The viewers' heart also has a hard time deciding who to root for between these 4 eye-candy men who have their own colors and stories.

 

4. "High Society"

When: 2015

Cast: UEE, Sung Joon, Park HyungSik, Lim JiYeon

Summary: It tells the love story of a chaebol daughter and a man who tries his best to climb up the social ladder.

Why watch?: There has been quite a debate about this drama -whether you like it or not- but many agree on the perfect chemistry of the second lead couple (Park HyungSik and Lim JiYeon) who steal the spotlight of the drama. Their couple's story is captivating and has an incredible level of intensity.

 

5. "Modern Farmer"

When: 2014

Cast: FTISLAND's Lee HongKi, Park MinWoo, Lee SiEon, Kwak DongYeon, Lee HaNee

Summary: It tells the friendship and love stories of the 4 members of a rock band who come to the countryside to farm.

Why watch?: The keyword of this drama is "crazy hilarious". If you want to see dorks faces having crazy adventures, this is for you. The drama is quite new in the fact that the drama is set in the countryside, which is exceptional for a K-Drama (for 2014). The lead character acted by Lee HongKi suits him perfectly. Don't expect too much from the love stories.

 

6. "Personal Taste"

When: 2010

Cast: Lee MinHo, Son YeJin, Kim JiSeok

Summary: The cohabitation story of a fake gay man and a girl who is always betrayed in love.

Why watch?: This drama will never be too old. The two actors acting draw the viewers into their characters. The story is comic and addictive. Overall, this is a good romantic comedy.

Note: The word "underrated" for this drama is still debatable. It is a popular drama yet however rarely mentioned compared to other Lee MinHo's dramas.

 

7. "The Beauty Inside"

When: 2018

Cast: Seo HyunJin, Lee MinKi, Lee DaHee, Ahn JaeHyun

Summary: The special romance between a woman that lives with the face of another person for a week every month and a man who cannot recognize faces at all.

Why watch?: The two main couples are sweet and moving with mature love stories. The story is also well-written and engaging. It is a good romantic comedy.

 

8. "The Package"

When: 2017

Cast: Lee YeonHee, CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa

Summary: It tells the events and communications that take place when a group of people with different stories travel to France on a package tour.

Why watch?: First, most of the drama is filmed in the beautiful sceneries of France (and not only Paris), giving a lovely background to this drama. Second, this drama is somehow quite different from others, it has its own uniqueness. The drama looks simple at first but the drama's story is quite deep. Don't expect much romance.

 

9. "Still 17"

When: 2018

Cast: Shin HyeSun, Yang SeJong, Ahn HyoSeop, Wang JiWon

Summary: A 17 years old promising genius violinist star that was going to enter a music school in Germany suddenly got into an accident. She falls into a coma and was in a vegetative state in the hospital for 13 years. She suddenly opens her eyes at the age of 30 and the story starts when she meets Gong WooJin.

Why watch?: The story is engaging and touching. The main characters are lovable and interesting with their own wounds and personality. The drama is worth watching and will warm your heart.

 

10. "Where Stars Land"

When: 2018

Cast: Lee JeHoon, Chae SooBin, Lee DongGun, Kim JiSoo, SF9's RoWoon 

Summary: It tells the story of a new employee with secrets and an employee of one year with a troubled story who embrace each other wounds while meeting people in Incheon Airport.

Why watch?: One of the main reasons to watch this drama is the sincere and moving love story. Moreover, the main female lead is relatable, making the drama even more entertaining. With a bit of mystery and a background set at the airport, you are sure to not be bored with this drama.

 

11. "Memorials"

When: 2020

Cast: NaNa, Park SungHoon

Summary: It is the office romance comedy of Koo SeRa who chooses to run for office instead of getting a job and Seo KongMyung a demoted elite officer. They team up and punish corrupted politicians.

Why watch?: Are you not curious to learn about the work of the civil servant in your district in a simple way? Not only hilarious, with NaNa's character Koo SeRa being a total living meme, but "Memorials" is also informative on local administration and politics and gives good lessons to never give up in your life. You can expect a good match for the main couple, the reckless Koo SeRa and smart Seo KongMyung.

 

12. "Love All Play"

When: 2022

Cast: Park JuHyun, Chae JongHyeop

Summary: “Love All Play” is a sports romance between Park TaeYang, who is a refreshing 25-year-old, and Park TaeJoon" who is a professional athlete. These badminton athelets deal with their wounds, sports, and their feelings for each other.

Why watch?: This is for you if you are looking for a sweet and romantic male lead. With the perfect boyfriend, Park TaeJoon, Chae JongHyeop once again proved that he can make your heart flutter only with his bright and innocent smile. Park JuHyun's acting is also on point, dragging you into her characters' issues in no time. Aside from the main couple's romance, the other couples are just as good to watch.

 

13. "Summer Strike"

When: 2022

Cast: AOA's SeolHyun, ZE:A's Yim SiWan

Summary: After her boyfriend dumps her, Lee YeonReum's mother dies in an accident. She experiences one of her worst moments in life. Following her mother's death, she decides to live a completely different life and leave her job. She then moves to a small village. Upon entering the village, Lee YeonReum meets the residents, such as An DaeBeom who works as a librarian, and he rarely talks to people. However, he manages to get comfortable with Lee YeonReum despite his stutter. Throughout their time together, Lee YeonReum also learns more about herself.

Why watch?: This healing drama makes you depart for a soft-pathed journey with the most introverted couple ever seen in the K-Drama land. You will keep looking for their awkward meetings and smile at their heartwarming interaction and how they embrace each other wounds. This drama will question your way of living and give you the strength to give up on things that give you stress in your busy life.

 

14. "She Would Never Know"

When: 2021

Cast: Won JinAh,  RoWoon, Lee HyunWook, Lee JooBin

Summary: It tells the complicated office love story of sunbae SongAh and hoobae HyunSeung who has a one-sided love for her.

Why watch?: "She Would Never Know" is one of the most heart-fluttering office romances with one of the most handsome Korean actors. If you need more than these two reasons, we can promise that you will be satisfied with the chemistry and the story. This drama is also key to how to deal with a cheating ex-boyfriend and open your heart to a new man.

 

15. "Let Me Be Your Knight"

When: 2021-2022

Cast: Jung InSun, U-KISS's Jun (Lee JunYoung), Kim JongHyeon (former NU'EST's JR), Yoon JiSung, AB6IX's DongHyun, Jang DongJoo

Summary: It is the romance between a famous world star (part of the idol band LUNA) suffering from somnambulism and the fake doctor who enters the group's dorm in order to secretly treat him.

Why watch?: "Let Me Be Your Knight" is fun and easy to watch. Its storyline is addictive and typical of old dramas. The bromance is just as interesting as the romance. If you like idols or music, this is even more for you!

 

16. "Love to Hate You"

When: 2023

Cast: Kim OkBin, Yoo Teo, Kim JiHoon, Go WonHee

Summary: The love story of the lawyer Yeo MiRan who detests losing to men and the top star Nam KangHo who doesn't trust women.

Why watch?: From the enemies to lovers trope to the best chemistry, this drama has the best elements to make viewers swoon from the beginning to the end in front of their screen. The story is also a nice lesson as they both got to trust the opposite gender in the end.

 

You can also recommend to readers through the poll (opened on January 19, 2023. "Love to Hate You" was added on November 2023) and the comments.