Korean dramas have gone from local TV hits to global sensations, thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, and Disney+. In recent years, several K-dramas have shattered viewership records worldwide, proving that the Korean Wave is stronger than ever. These shows didn’t just win over fans; they became cultural moments, trending across continents and dominating charts in multiple countries.
Here are 10 of the most popular K-dramas that broke global streaming records and left an unforgettable mark on the world of entertainment.
1. The Glory
The Glory, starring Song Hye-kyo, is one of the most impactful revenge dramas ever made. It tells the heartbreaking story of a woman who suffered extreme school bullying and returns years later to take calculated revenge. With a haunting narrative and powerful performances, this drama became an instant hit.
Released on Netflix, The Glory quickly topped the global non-English TV charts, ranking number one in over 35 countries. Its gripping plot and emotional depth resonated with audiences from Asia to South America. The show’s success even boosted international awareness about school violence in South Korea, sparking discussions beyond entertainment.
2. Squid Game
No list of record-breaking K-dramas is complete without mentioning Squid Game. Released in 2021, this survival drama became a global phenomenon, reaching number one in over 90 countries and becoming Netflix’s most-watched show at the time with more than 1.65 billion hours streamed in its first 28 days.
The story, which features debt-ridden participants playing deadly childhood games for a huge cash prize, captivated audiences with its suspense, symbolism, and social commentary. It opened the floodgates for international viewers to explore more K-dramas, marking a major turning point in Korean content on global platforms.
3. All of Us Are Dead
Zombie apocalypse meets high school drama in All of Us Are Dead, a thrilling series that quickly caught the attention of global viewers. Released on Netflix in early 2022, it surged to the top of the non-English TV chart and was watched for more than 124 million hours in just three days.
The show’s mix of horror, survival, and emotional storytelling made it one of the most talked-about K-dramas online. Its fast pace, strong characters, and realistic portrayal of teenage emotions amid chaos helped it reach massive popularity in the US, Philippines, India, and Latin America.
4. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
With a fresh storyline and heartfelt performances, Extraordinary Attorney Woo became one of the most beloved legal dramas of all time. It follows Woo Young-woo, a brilliant rookie attorney on the autism spectrum, as she navigates challenges in court and in life.
Streaming on Netflix, the drama became a breakout hit in 2022, consistently ranking in the platform’s global Top 10 for non-English shows. What made it stand out was its gentle storytelling, insightful representation of autism, and Park Eun-bin’s unforgettable performance. It received love from fans across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, proving that relatable storytelling knows no borders.
5. Vincenzo
Vincenzo mixed crime, comedy, and revenge into a stylish masterpiece starring Song Joong-ki as a Korean-Italian mafia consigliere. The show’s witty writing, fast-paced action, and stylish visuals made it an instant favorite.
Streaming globally on Netflix, it broke into the platform’s Top 10 in dozens of countries, including the US, where it reached the Top 5 among non-English content. The drama’s dark humor and slick execution helped it appeal to both K-drama fans and newcomers alike, becoming one of the most internationally successful Korean series of its year.
6. Crash Landing on You
One of the most romantic K-dramas in recent memory, Crash Landing on You tells the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and falls in love with a North Korean soldier. This unlikely love story touched hearts across the world.
The drama gained massive popularity on Netflix, topping streaming charts in Japan, Southeast Asia, and even the US. It became a cultural sensation in Japan, where it stayed on Netflix’s Top 10 for over a year. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin’s real-life relationship added even more attention to the show’s success. For many viewers, this was their gateway into the world of Korean dramas.
7. Kingdom
Netflix’s Kingdom offered a bold twist on the historical genre by combining political intrigue with zombies. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the show follows a crown prince uncovering a mysterious plague that brings the dead back to life.
As Netflix’s first original Korean series, Kingdom set a high standard, receiving critical acclaim and attracting global viewership. Its unique premise, fast pacing, and stunning cinematography helped it rise quickly in global rankings, particularly in the US, UK, and Brazil. The series proved that Korean content could compete with the best of international TV.
8. Itaewon Class
With its story of youth rebellion, personal growth, and social justice, Itaewon Class became a defining drama for a new generation. Based on a popular webtoon, the show follows Park Sae-ro-yi, a former convict who opens a bar in the diverse Itaewon neighborhood to fight against a corrupt food conglomerate.
The show struck a chord with viewers worldwide, ranking in Netflix’s Top 10 in multiple regions, including the Middle East and Europe. Its diverse characters, modern themes, and catchy soundtrack helped it stand out. The drama also gained attention for featuring one of the first prominent transgender characters in a mainstream K-drama, highlighting the industry’s growing inclusivity.
9. Sweet Home
If you’re into horror and monster flicks, Sweet Home is a must-watch. This psychological thriller revolves around residents in a crumbling apartment complex fighting off mysterious creatures after a strange virus outbreak.
Upon its release, the drama became a surprise global hit on Netflix, reaching the Top 10 in more than 70 countries, including the US and Australia. With its intense visuals, emotional backstories, and high production quality, Sweet Home showcased just how far Korean storytelling could push genre boundaries on an international stage.
10. My Name
My Name is a gritty revenge drama starring Han So-hee as a young woman who joins a crime ring and infiltrates the police to find her father’s killer. With powerful action scenes and raw emotion, this show captured attention worldwide.
Released on Netflix, it quickly entered the global Top 10, especially in the US, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Audiences were drawn to its intense storytelling, dynamic fight choreography, and the transformation of Han So-hee into a full-fledged action star. My Name proved that Korean dramas could successfully dive into darker, more mature territory and still dominate the charts.
Bottom line
Korean dramas have gone far beyond borders, winning hearts across languages and cultures. The global success of these 10 K-dramas shows how powerful storytelling, unique characters, and emotional depth can create unforgettable viewing experiences. Thanks to streaming platforms, international fans now have easier access to Korean content than ever before, and these record-breaking shows are just the beginning of what’s to come.
If you’re new to K-dramas or want to see what the hype is all about, these titles are the perfect place to start. Not only did they dominate charts, but they also shaped the future of global streaming in a big way.
