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For the fourth year, the most popular Korean drama is Squid Game, according to the most recent Global Hallyu Survey conducted by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. The annual survey monitors global consumption along with international perception of Korean content in major global markets.
K-Drama Ratings In Q1 2025: The Biggest Hits, Misses, And SurprisesK-Drama StoriesApr 2, 2025
7 out of the 10 popular K-Dramas are on Netflix, reflecting eloquently enough the platform's central position in globalizing the popularity of K-Dramas. It's a question that we can't help but ask: What is streaming platforms' role in K-Dramas' success? And what other factors make a K-Drama popular globally?
Let’s take a closer look at the K-Drama global fan favorites and explore the nine key factors behind their international popularity.
1. "Squid Game" (Available on Netflix)
Netflix
456 desperate players who need money are enticed into an underground survival game in which they are forced to play children's games for an enormous cash prize—only to realize that elimination means death, and victory costs them morality.
2. "Queen of Tears" (Available on Netflix)
tvN
When long-hidden secrets and lies erupt, one of Korea's most famous couples is on the verge of divorce. They must fight to reclaim their lives and relationship with grief, vengeance, and the price of love.
3. "Crash Landing on You" (Available on Netflix)
tvN
After South Korean heiress Yoon SeRi unintentionally drifts into North Korea while paragliding, she is rescued from the clutches of death by a chivalrous North Korean soldier; together, as they cross dangerous political borders, their forbidden love challenges their loyalty and changes both their worlds.
4. "True Beauty" (Available on Netflix)
tvN
Having mastered the art of concealers for hiding blemishes and acne, one high school girl finds herself entangled with two handsome classmates—a popular "cold" classmate and an empathetic classmate—causing her to weigh appearance vs. reality and learning how to love who she is on the inside, not just on the outside.
5. "Lovely Runner" (Available on Viu)
tvN
A devoted fan of a former idol dies and is reborn as a high school girl who will restart her life; chasing after her childhood crush through flashbacks, she learns that love, regret, and second opportunities can overcome even death.
6. "The Judge from Hell" (Available on Disney+)
SBS
A cynical but skilled prosecutor acquires the ability to see the sinner's crime; as she is conscripted in the service of divine vengeance by an otherworldly judge, she is faced with the task of harmonizing the law of men and the law of the Underworld.
7. "The Glory" (Available on Netflix)
Netflix
A woman plots revenge against her high school bully years later after they had driven her over the edge; in penetrating their professions as well as their households, she executes a perfect vendetta that pushes the boundaries of her morals as well as the cost of vengeance.
8. "Love Next Door" (Available on Netflix)
tvN
A woman reconnects with her childhood friend—now a successful architect who had lived next door; collaboration on a community renovation project reignites old feelings as it is found that love can be found next door.
9. "Mr. Plankton" (Available on Netflix)
Netflix
A man diagnosed with a terminal illness and given just a few months to live. Alongside his ex-girlfriend who is grappling with premature menopause, he sets out on a road trip to search for his biological father.
10. "Marry My Husband" (Available on Prime Video)
tvN
After being betrayed and murdered by her husband, the woman is returned to the time before the wedding; having acquired advance knowledge, she conspires to prevent the murder, reveal his dishonesty, and find true love on her own terms.
9 Factors of K-Drama Global Success
Kpopmap
In the top 10 K-Dramas, 5 of the popular actors star in it. You can read the whole article about the top actors below.
Who’s the #1 Korean Actor for 12 Years? Kim SooHyun Still In Top 10!K-Culture InsightsApr 9, 2025
With that, streaming platforms are not the only things that help a K-Drama to become popular globally. Relatability of the story and recommendations from viewers are also some of the factors. Let's look at the 9 factors that help K-Dramas to gain popularity abroad.
1. Access through Streaming Platforms
tvN
"Squid Game" came out as a Netflix Original along with being prominently featured on the platform's worldwide Top 10 list, immediately presenting it in front of hundreds of millions of subscribers. All K-Dramas in top 10 were on OTT, which made it readily accessible for the users to watch and binge-watch it.
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