Top 30 K-Drama Releases in 2024 That Will Keep You Hooked

The K-drama scene in 2024 has been nothing short of exceptional, offering everything from romantic tales that warm the heart to time-bending adventures, fantastical journeys, and even adrenaline-pumping horror and suspense. 

Fans are enjoying a stellar year of K-drama releases in 2024, each crafted to deliver compelling storytelling and keep audiences glued to their screens!

What’s Hot in K-Dramas This Year? Top 30 K-Drama Releases in 2024 to Watch Right Now!

We’ve already seen some incredible K-drama hits throughout 2024, along with lesser-known gems that are sure to keep you hooked!

1. Lovely Runner

• Release Date: April 8, 2024
• Genre: Time Slip, Fantasy, Romance
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix, iflix, Viu, Hotstar, Apple TV
• Rating on MDL: 9.2🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 8.8🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon
• Creator(s): Kim Bbang, Yoon Jong-ho, Kim Tae-yeop

Lovely Runner, inspired by the web novel and webtoon Tomorrow’s Best, follows the exciting journey of Im Sol (once a thriving film director) who sees her dreams crumble after an accident that leaves her paralyzed. She finds a new source of inspiration in the music of her favourite idol, Ryu Sun-jae. Tragically, her world is shaken once more when Sun-Jae takes his own life. The drama weaves a poignant tale of resilience and recovery, exploring how Sol navigates her grief and rekindles her passion for life and art against all odds.

2. Hierarchy

• Release Date: June 7, 2024
• Genre: Teen Drama, Romance, Mystery
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 7🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 6.2🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Roh Jeong-eui, Lee Chae-min, Kim Jae-won, Ji Hye-won, Lee Won-jung
• Creator(s): Bae Hyeong-jin, Chu Hye-mi

At the elite Jooshin High School, newcomer Kang Ha quickly learns that the corridors of power are lined with secrets and intrigues. Behind his charming smile, Kang harbours a secret potent enough to upend the school’s rigid hierarchy. Hierarchy offers a captivating tale of youth, romance, and mystery, revealing the hidden depths beneath the surface of a top-tier educational institution.

3. Queen of Tears

• Release Date: March 9, 2024
• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 8.8🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 8.3🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Kim Soo-Hyun, Kim Ji-Won
• Creator(s): Jang Young-woo, Kim Hee-won

Queen of Tears portrays a couple at the helm of retail empires who rediscover love amidst a marital crisis. This romantic comedy masterfully blends humour with heartfelt moments, promising to be a standout among K-drama releases in 2024.

4. Blood Free

• Release Date: April 10, 2024
• Genre: Thriller, Drama
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Disney+
• Rating on MDL: 8🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 7.1🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Han Hyo-joo
• Creator(s): Lee Soo-yeon

Blood Free takes a deep dive into the future of food with its focus on a company that leads the market in genetically engineered cultured meat. As BF’s influence grows under the leadership of CEO Yoon Ja Yoo, internal and external forces start questioning the ethical implications and the true costs of their success. This gripping thriller combines drama and moral queries, making it a must-watch in 2024 for those intrigued by the intersection of technology and humanity.

5. Doctor Slump

• Release Date: January 27, 2024
• Genre: Medical Drama, Romantic Comedy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 8.3🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 7.5🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Park Hyung-sik, Park Shin-hye
• Creator(s): Kim Sun-cheol, Song Hyun-joon

In a delightful twist of fate, former high school rivals Nam Ha-neul and Yeo Jeong-woo find themselves entangled once more—this time at the lowest point in their life! What starts as disdain slowly morphs into romance, offering a fresh take on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope within the bustling life of medical professionals.

6. Chicken Nugget

• Release Date: March 15, 2024
• Genre: Comedy, Mystery
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 6.9🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 5.1🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Jung Ho-yeon, Ahn Jae-hong
• Creator(s): Park Ji-dok, Lee Byeong-heon

Chicken Nugget presents an outlandishly entertaining premise where a woman, after stepping into a peculiar machine, finds herself transformed into a chicken nugget. This bizarre turn of events launches her father and her admirer on a comedic and mysterious quest to restore her human form.

7. Dare to Love Me

• Release Date: May 13, 2024
• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: KBS2, Netflix, Viki
• Rating on MDL: 7.6🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 7.5🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Kim Myung-soo, Lee Yoo-young
• Creator(s): Sun Woo

Dare to Love Me brings to life the charming narrative from the Naver Webtoon by Sun Woo. This series unfolds the tender romance between Shin Yoon-bok, a thoughtful ‘MZ scholar’ known for his deep sense of humanity and wisdom, and Kim Hong-do, a woman wearied by a life of disregard. Together, they navigate the complexities of their evolving feelings, finding solace and strength in each other’s company. The K-drama captures the whimsical ups and downs of a blossoming romance, making it a delightful addition to the binge-watch K-drama releases in 2024!

8. Marry My Husband

• Release Date: January 1, 2024
• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Revenge, Workplace, Time Travel
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Prime Video
• Rating on MDL: 8.5🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 7.9🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, Song Ha-yoon
• Creator(s): Park Won-guk, Han Jin-seon

Marry My Husband is one of the top K-drama releases in 2024. The series follows a dramatic and fantastical journey of a woman betrayed by her husband and best friend. After a fatal betrayal, she is granted a chance to travel back in time. Armed with knowledge of the past, she embarks on a mission to reshape her future and exact revenge. This unique blend of romance, fantasy, and suspense makes it a thrilling addition to the best K-drama releases in 2024.

9. The Bequeathed

• Release Date: January 19, 2024
• Genre: Occult, Thriller, Suspense, Horror
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 7.5🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 6.4🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Kim Hyun-joo, Hao Feng
• Creator(s): Kang Tae-kyung, Min Hong-nam

Yoon Seo-ha finds herself unexpectedly revisiting painful chapters of her past when she becomes the sole heir to a family burial ground—a legacy from her long-estranged uncle. As she delves deeper, hidden family secrets begin to surface, shrouding her life in suspense and the eerie whispers of the occult.

10. My Sweet Mobster

• Release Date: June 12, 2024
• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 8.3🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 8.5🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Roh Jeong-eui, Lee Chae-min, Kim Jae-won, Ji Hye-won, Lee Won-jung
• Creator(s): Na-kyung, Kim Young-hwan, Kim Woo-hyun

My Sweet Mobster is one of the best rated K-drama releases in 2024. The series follows the unexpected romance between Seo Ji-hwan, a former prisoner turned successful CEO, and Go Eun-ha, a beloved children’s content creator. As their worlds collide, Ji-hwan, who has cautiously guarded his heart, finds himself exploring the uncharted territories of love. This romantic comedy delves into the complexities of life and love, proving that even the most guarded hearts can find their match!

11. Goodbye Earth

• Release Date: April 26, 2024
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Dystopian
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 6.5🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 4.3🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Ahn Eun-jin, Yoo Ah-in, Jeon Sung-woo, Kim Yoon-hye
• Creator(s): Jung Sung-joo, Kim Jin-min

Goodbye Earth explores the dire scenario of an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, capturing the relentless efforts of a devoted teacher determined to protect her former students in the face of impending doom. This gripping sci-fi dystopian series, based on Kōtarō Isaka’s novel The Fool At the End of the World, combines intense human drama with the existential stakes of a global catastrophe. 

12. LTNS 

• Release Date: January 19, 2024
• Genre: Black Comedy, Satirical Drama
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: TVING, Viki
• Rating on MDL: 7.4🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 7.1🌟/10🌟
• Rating on Viki: 8.6🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Esom, Ahn Jae-hong
• Creator(s): Lim Dae-hyung, Jeon Go-woon

LTNS delves into the tumultuous and often humorous dynamics of a couple reevaluating their relationship. This South Korean black comedy and satirical drama shines a light on the complexities of love and companionship through the lens of an estranged couple. 

13. Parasyte: The Grey

• Release Date: April 5, 2024
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 8.4🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 7🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim In-kwon, Yoon Hyun-gil, Lee Hyun-kyun
• Creator(s): Ryu Yong Jae, Yeon Sang Ho

Parasyte: The Grey is a gripping sci-fi thriller adapted from the renowned manga series Kiseiju by Iwaaki Hitoshi. The series unfolds an eerie narrative where parasites from space start controlling human hosts to gain power, focusing on Jung Soo In, who becomes partially infected. Instead of taking over her brain, the parasite resides in her hand, leading to a bizarre coexistence. This intense drama combines elements of horror and existential intrigue, adding a thrilling edge to the binge-watch K-drama releases this year.

14. Love Song for Illusion

• Release Date: January 2, 2024
• Genre: Fantasy, Period, Romance
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Apple TV
• Rating on MDL: 7.6🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 7.1🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Park Ji-hoon, Hong Ye-ji, Hwang Hee, and Ji Woo
• Creator(s): Vanziun

Love Song for Illusion delves into the entangled fate of Yeon Wol, who initially plots revenge against the king responsible for her family’s demise. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she falls into a trap and awakens as the concubine of Prince Sajo Hyun. This period drama—set against a richly imagined fantasy backdrop—blends love, betrayal, and intrigue in one show, making it a compelling watch among the top K-drama releases in 2024.

15. Miss Night and Day

• Release Date: June 15, 2024
• Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 7.9🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 6.2🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Lee Jung-eun, Jung Eun-ji
• Creator(s): Park Ji-Ha, Lee Hyeong-Min, Choi Sun-Min

Miss Night and Day offers a whimsical twist on identity and age. A young job seeker finds her life turned upside down when she wakes up in the body of a fifty-year-old woman. As she navigates her new reality, her path crosses with a sharp prosecutor, leading to a cascade of humorous and heartwarming misadventures. 

16. Branding in Seongsu

• Release Date: February 5, 2024
• Genre: Thriller, Romance, Supernatural
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Viki
• Rating on MDL: 7.6🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 6.5🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Kim Ji-eun, Park Solomon, Yang Hye-Ji
• Creator(s): Director: Jung Hun Soo

Branding in Seongsu is an intriguing entry among the K-drama releases in 2024, featuring a captivating mix of romance, thriller, and supernatural elements. The story revolves around So Eun Ho, an older intern with a youthful charm and a ‘YOLO’ lifestyle, who finds himself at odds with Kang Na Eon, a legendary marketing team leader known for her rigorous work ethic and rapid rise in the corporate world. Their professional clashes take a dramatic turn when a spontaneous kiss leads to an unexpected body swap, throwing their lives into chaos. This unique twist forces them to confront their differing values and live in each other’s shoes, leading to humorous and heartwarming escapades that challenge their perceptions of life and love.

17. Knight Flower

• Release Date: January 12, 2024
• Genre: Historical, Mystery, Comedy, Drama
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Viki
• Rating on MDL: 8.5🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 7🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Lee Hanee, Lee Jong-Won, Lee Ki-woo
• Creator(s): Directors: Jang Tae Yoo, Choi Jung In

Knight Flower emerges as a standout in the K-drama releases in 2024, capturing the dual life of Cho Yeo Hwa—a noble widow by day and a vigilant hero by night. Married into a prestigious family and widowed on the same day, Yeo Hwa confines herself to her home in remembrance of her husband during daylight. Yet, as darkness falls, she transforms into ‘Hero,’ a masked vigilante using her martial arts skills to protect the helpless. Her secretive escapades catch the attention of Park Soo Ho, a discerning officer of the Capital Guard, who begins to unravel her dual identity. This series blends historical depth with mystery and drama, making it a unique addition to the top K-drama releases in 2024.

18. Frankly Speaking

• Release Date: May 1, 2024
• Genre: Comedy, Melodrama
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix, JTBC
• Rating on MDL: 7.5🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDb: 6.6🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Go Kyung-pyo, Kang Han-na
• Creator(s): Choi Kyung-sun, Jang Ji-yeon

In Frankly Speaking, a well-known announcer finds himself in a peculiar predicament when he suddenly loses his ability to self-censor live on air. This unexpected twist in his career catches the eye of a creative TV writer, who sees potential for great television and recruits him for her variety show. As the series unfolds, it blends comedy with melodramatic elements, exploring the consequences of unfiltered honesty in the media spotlight. This unique setup promises plenty of laughs and poignant moments, making it a standout in the roster of K-drama releases in 2024!

19. Uncle Samsik

• Release Date: May 15, 2024
• Genre: Period Drama
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Disney+
• Rating on MDL: 7.6🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 6.6🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Song Kang-ho
• Creator(s): Shin Youn-Shick, Shin Youn-Shick

Uncle Samsik unfolds in a gripping narrative where Kim San, a determined figure with grand visions for his country, meets Pak Doochill, a cunning and adaptable fixer. Set against a rich historical backdrop, this period drama explores the dynamics of power, ambition, and the sometimes murky path to progress, promising to be a compelling entry in the K-drama releases of 2024.

20. A Shop for Killers

• Release Date: January 17, 2024
• Genre: Action Drama
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 8.8🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 8.1🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun
• Creator(s): Lee Kwon, Noh Kyu-yeob

According to ratings received on MDL & IMDB, A Shop for Killers is the best K-drama release in 2024. Jeong Ji-an’s life turns into a high-stakes action drama when she inherits a dangerous legacy from her late uncle. Thrust into a world of relentless killers, she must decode her past to survive. Each episode heightens the thrill as Ji-an unravels her uncle’s mysterious dealings and their deadly consequences.

21. A Killer Paradox

• Release Date: February 9, 2024
• Genre: Action, Thriller, Comedy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Rating on MDL: 7.9🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 7.2🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Choi Woo-sik, Son Suk-ku
• Creator(s): Kkomabi, Lee Chang-hee

When college student Lee Tang accidentally eliminates a notorious serial killer, he discovers a bizarre superpower—detecting evil. This newfound ability thrusts him into a vigilante role, hunting down criminals while evading the police. A Killer Paradox mixes intense action with unexpected laughs, offering a gripping yet humorous viewing experience.

22. The Impossible Heir

• Release Date: February 28, 2024
• Genre: Revenge Drama, Workplace, Thriller
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Disney+, Apple TV, Hulu
• Rating on MDL: 6.5🌟/10🌟
• Rating on IMDB: 6.7🌟/10🌟
• Starring: Lee Jae-wook, Lee Jun-young, and Hong Su-zu
• Creator(s): Choi Won, Min Yeon-hong, Lee Hyang-bong

The Impossible Heir follows the relentless ambition of Kang In Ha, the illegitimate son of a conglomerate owner, who pairs with his brilliant childhood friend, Han Tae Oh. Together, they craft a ruthless strategy to climb the corporate ladder and assert dominance within the high-stakes world of Korean business. This drama encapsulates a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and the insatiable hunger for power, making it a standout among the must-watch K-drama releases in 2024.

What’s Next? Upcoming K-drama releases in 2024

The year 2024 continues to amaze fans with an exciting lineup of K-drama releases still to come—get ready for even more thrilling screen time!

23. All Of Us Are Dead (Season 2)

• Release Date: TBA
• Genre: Horror, Thriller
• Seasons: 2
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Park Jihu, Yoon Chanyoung
• Creator(s): Chun Sung-il

The survivors of a catastrophic zombie outbreak face new challenges as they navigate a devastated city. With most familiar settings destroyed, All Of Us Are Dead season 2 promises to redefine survival horror. Fans eagerly anticipate how the series will evolve, especially with key characters returning to tackle the chaos of a world turned upside down.

24. Squid Game (Season 2)

• Release Date: December 2024
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Action
• Seasons: 2
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul
• Creator(s): Hwang Dong-hyuk

Squid Game is set to return with a new season that promises to twist the original formula. With Gi-hun back, the game’s new iteration will challenge returning viewers’ expectations while exploring deeper themes of survival and humanity. Anticipation is high as the production gears up for a dramatic and thrilling continuation! 

25. Gyeongseong Creature (Season 2)

• Release Date: Part 1 premiered on December 22; Part 2 debuts on January 5, 2024
• Genre: Historical Drama, Suspense, Mystery, Horror
• Seasons: 2
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Park Seo-jun, Han So-hee
• Creator(s): Written by Kang Eun-kyung; Directed by Chung Dong-yoon

Gyeongseong Creature Season 2 marks a thrilling transition in the series, taking viewers from the historical backdrop of 1945 to the modern-day bustle of Seoul in 2024. This season promises to weave a complex tapestry involving the intertwined destinies of Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok, with new twists and a dramatic leap through time. This shift not only enhances the storyline but also introduces new layers to the existing narrative, expanding the series’ universe as hinted by Director Chung Dong-yoon. Season 2 will explore these new dynamics while maintaining the suspense, mystery, and horror elements that captivated audiences in the first season.

26. Sweet Home (Season 3)

• Release Date: July 19, 2024
• Genre: Action, Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi
• Seasons: 3
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Song Kang, Lee Do-hyun, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Go Min-si
• Creator(s): Kim Kan-bi, Hwang Young-chan

Sweet Home returns with its third season, continuing the eerie tale of Hyun-su and his monstrous neighbors. The quick turnaround for this season promises more heart-pounding suspense and dark twists. Also, fans won’t have to wait long to see how the cliffhangers from season 2 will unfold in this chilling narrative!

27. Ask the Stars

• Release Date: 2024, TBA
• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin
• Creator(s): Park Shin Woo

Set against the vast backdrop of a space station, Ask the Stars spins a thrilling tale of love that transcends earthly bounds. Lee Min-ho (a tourist and obstetrician-gynecologist) and Gong Hyo-jin (a Korean-American astronaut) find their paths intertwined in zero gravity. Their celestial romance is supported by a stellar cast and promises a fresh twist on love-at-first-sight narratives.

28. The Trunk

• Release Date: 2024
• Genre: Mystery, Comedy
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Gong Yoo, Seo Hyeon-jin
• Creator(s): Kim Ryeo Ryeong

After a mysterious trunk washes ashore, a series of bizarre and humorous events unfold involving Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin. Featuring Gong Yoo in a long-awaited comeback, The Trunk refreshes the K-drama scene this year by blending suspense with bursts of laughter, ensuring viewers are hooked from start to finish!

29. Everything Will Come True

• Release Date: 2024 or Early 2025
• Genre: Fantasy Romance
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Kim Woo-bin, Bae Suzy
• Creator(s):  Kim Eun-sook, Lee Byeong-heon

In Everything Will Come True, a mystical love story unfolds between Ga-young (played by Bae Suzy) who frees a genie that grants her three wishes. This genie (portrayed by Kim Woo-bin) brings charm and challenges to their unfolding romance. The series beautifully explores the dynamic chemistry between the leads while delving into the magical possibilities of love!

30. The Whirlwind

• Release Date: June 28, 2024
• Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama, Political
• Seasons: 1
• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Starring: Sol Kyung-Gu, Kim Hee-Ae
• Creator(s): Park Kyung-Soo, Kim Yong-Wan

In the high-stakes political thriller The Whirlwind, Prime Minister Park Dong-Ho, played by Sol Kyung-Gu, embarks on a daring mission to cleanse the corrupt corridors of power by plotting to assassinate the president. Opposing him is the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Jung Soo-Jin, portrayed by Kim Hee-Ae. Their intense political battle unveils a thrilling mix of alliances and betrayals, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of ambition and morality in the upper echelons of South Korean politics.

Thoughts on the K-drama releases in 2024?

It’s been an incredible year for K-dramas! Which K-drama releases in 2024 have you not been able to stop watching? And which upcoming release are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation with other K-drama fans!