Are you curious about which Korean drama has captured hearts and dominated TV ratings throughout history? As of 2024, we’ve compiled an updated list of the top Korean dramas that have not only enthralled audiences with their compelling narratives and charismatic characters but also achieved the highest ratings ever recorded. Join us as we delve into the 10 best Korean drama that have set the bar with their highest rating in the world of television.
Best Korean Drama with the Highest Rating in History
Top 10 Dominating the Viewership Ratings According to Nielsen Korea – Updated 2024
1. The World of The Married (28.31%)
Romance, affair, revenge, and justice! Everything about “The World of the Married” makes you feel like pulling your own hair out. With all those blood-boiling issues and shameless villains, it is no wonder this Korean drama achieved the best and highest rating of all time.
2. Reborn Rich (26.948%)
Secondly, we have the chaebol Kdrama, “Reborn Rich,” placing 2nd best Korean drama with the highest rating. Through this drama, you will understand better the power struggle and all the consequences behind the glamorous conglomerate families in South Korea.
3. Sky Castle (23.779%)
- Cast: Yum Jung Ah, Yoon Se Ah, Lee Tae Ran, Oh Na Ra.
- Year: 2018
- Episode: 20
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Disney+.
The success of one’s children cannot be separated from the effort of their parents. That is why every time a child enters a prestigious college, Sky Castle residents throw a party for the mother. This prestige creates massive pressure and issues among the parents and the kids. And the drama’s perfect depiction of these issues makes “Sky Castle” the 3rd Korean drama with the highest rating in history.
4. Crash Landing on You (21.683%)
- Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye Jin.
- Year: 2019
- Episode: 16
- Where to Watch: Netflix.
Can you imagine what happens when a South Korean chaebol heiress falls in love with a North Korean soldier? The opposite differences, the hilarious interactions, and all the inevitable conflicts placed “Crash Landing on You” at #4. Not to mention the fact that its main cast, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin eventually got married in real life. What a historical masterpiece!
5. Queen of Tears (20.732%)
- Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won.
- Year: 2024
- Episode: 16
- Where to Watch: Netflix.
Meanwhile, at #5 of best Korean drama with the highest rating in history is “Queen of Tears.” Said to be inspired by the real-life story of Samsung’s heiress, this series gained impressive achievement in just a few weeks after its first broadcast. It’s the perfect series if you’re looking for a balance between romance, humor, and complicated chaebol issues.
6. Reply 1988 (18.803%)
- Cast: Hyeri, Park Bo Gum, Ryoon Joon Yeol, Go Kyung Pyo, Lee Dong Hwi.
- Year: 2015
- Episode: 20
- Where to Watch: Netflix.
On the other hand, if you want to travel in time to the not-so-distant past, “Reply 1988” will accompany you with stories of love and friendship.
7. Goblin (18.680%)
Imagine being haunted by ghosts for the rest of your life, only to find out that you’re the bride of this charismatic immortal creature, the almighty goblin. The heart-fluttering romance—and bromance!—combined with its hilarious jokes, it’s truly no wonder the Korean drama received the #7 best and highest rating.
8. Doctor Cha (18.493%)
- Cast: Uhm Jung Hwa, Kim Byung Chul, Myung Se Bin, Min Woo Hyuk.
- Year: 2023
- Episode: 16
- Where to Watch: Netflix.
Do you think a female medical student can return to the field after 20-year hiatus? After spending most of her life becoming a dedicated housewife, dr. Cha Jeong Suk decides to return as a first-year medical resident. This drama is not only hilarious, but it gives you one of the most heartwarming inspirations.
9. Mr. Sunshine (18.129%)
- Cast: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri
- Year: 2018
- Episode: 24
- Where to Watch: Neflix.
When you are a Korean descendant who grew up in the United States, does it make you a Korean or United States citizen? And what happens when you join war in such a situation? “Mr. Sunshine” will give you the whole package of romance, drama, and heartbreaking stories set in the historical era of South Korea.
10. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (17.534%)
- Cast: Park Eun Bin, Kang Tae Oh, Joo Hyun Young.
- Year: 2022
- Episode:
- Where to Watch: Netflix.
Lastly, we have the legendary Korean drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” with the #10 highest rating. It tells the story of an autistic lawyer navigating through her career amid her limitations, defending justice in various heartwarming cases.
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