The 10 best K-dramas on this list are Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Vincenzo, Hellbound, Doom at Your Service, Yumi’s Cells, Beyond Evil, My Name, Melancholia, Move to Heaven and Happiness. They cover romance, crime, fantasy and thriller, and most are easy to stream in India on Netflix. Newer hits like When Life Gives You Tangerines are also worth adding.
Korean dramas have a large following in India, helped by Netflix and other streaming apps. This list mixes feel-good romance with dark thrillers, so there is something for every mood. Each entry has the year, lead cast and where it streams, based on details listed on Wikipedia and the platforms. Streaming catalogues change, so check the app before you start.
10 best K-dramas: quick facts
| K-drama | Genre | Episodes | Streams on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) | Romance | 16 | Netflix |
| Vincenzo (2021) | Dark comedy, crime | 20 | Netflix |
| Hellbound (2021, 2024) | Supernatural thriller | 12 over 2 seasons | Netflix |
| Doom at Your Service (2021) | Fantasy romance | 16 | Viu, Viki (varies) |
| Yumi’s Cells | Romantic comedy | Check app | Check app |
| Beyond Evil (2021) | Crime thriller | 16 | Netflix |
| My Name (2021) | Action, crime | 8 | Netflix |
| Melancholia | Drama | Check app | Check app |
| Move to Heaven (2021) | Family drama | 10 | Netflix |
| Happiness (2021) | Thriller | 12 | Netflix (selected regions) |
1. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
After losing her job in the city, a dentist sets up a clinic in a small seaside village, where she keeps running into Chief Hong, the local handyman who seems to do every job in town. Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho lead this warm, slow-paced romance set in the fictional village of Gongjin.
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The tvN series aired in 2021 and has 16 episodes. It streams on Netflix and is a good first pick for viewers new to K-dramas.
2. Vincenzo
Song Joong-ki plays a Korean-born man raised by an Italian family who ends up in the Mafia. Back in Korea, he gets drawn into a fight against powerful wrongdoers, with Jeon Yeo-been as his co-lead. The show mixes revenge, comedy, romance and suspense.
The 20-episode tvN drama aired from February to May 2021 and is on Netflix. Ok Taec-yeon and Kim Yeo-jin round out the main cast.
3. Hellbound
If you liked Squid Game, try Hellbound. Supernatural beings appear out of nowhere to announce that certain people will go to hell at a set time, and a religious group grows powerful around these events. Director Yeon Sang-ho made both seasons.
Season 1 (2021) starred Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo and Park Jeong-min. Season 2 arrived on Netflix on 25 October 2024, with Kim Sung-cheol taking over Yoo Ah-in’s role. Each season has six episodes.
4. Doom at Your Service
Park Bo-young plays a web novel editor who learns she has a terminal illness and, in a low moment, wishes for the world to end. Seo In-guk plays Myeolmang, a being who brings ruin, who grants her wish. The two sign a 100-day contract.
The 16-episode tvN drama aired in 2021. It is a good pick for fans of fantasy romances like Goblin. Availability varies, so check Viu or Viki.
5. Yumi’s Cells
Kim Go-eun plays Yumi, an ordinary office worker. The story is told through the animated cells inside her head, which handle her love, hunger, anxiety and reason. It is a light, clever take on dating and self-worth.
The mix of live action and animated cells makes it stand out from other romantic comedies. Check streaming apps for its current availability in India.
6. Beyond Evil
Two detectives, played by Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-goo, chase a serial killer in a small town and start to suspect each other. The script keeps asking who the real monster is.
The JTBC series aired in 2021 and has 16 episodes. It won Best Drama, Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Shin Ha-kyun at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. It streams on Netflix.
7. My Name
Han So-hee plays a woman who joins a crime gang to avenge her father’s murder, then goes undercover as a police officer. Park Hee-soon and Ahn Bo-hyun co-star.
This eight-episode Netflix original released on 15 October 2021. It is a fast, action-heavy watch with well-shot fight scenes.
8. Melancholia
A maths teacher tries to help a gloomy, withdrawn student who is under heavy pressure from his parents. Their bond is soon twisted by rumours of an improper relationship between them.
It is a slower, serious drama, best for viewers who like character studies more than fast plots.
9. Move to Heaven
A young man on the autism spectrum and his uncle, a former prisoner, run a trauma-cleaning business that clears out the homes of people who have died. Each case reveals a life story. Lee Je-hoon and Tang Jun-sang lead the cast.
The 10-episode Netflix series released on 14 May 2021. It is based on Things Left Behind, an essay book by trauma cleaner Kim Sae-byul. Keep tissues close.
10. Happiness
A new infection makes people crave human blood, and society starts to break down. Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik play police officers trying to keep the peace, with Jo Woo-jin in a key role.
The 12-episode tvN thriller aired from November to December 2021. It streams on Netflix and other platforms in selected regions.
Newer K-dramas worth adding
- When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025): IU and Park Bo-gum lead this 16-episode Netflix family saga set on Jeju Island from the 1950s onwards. It won Best Drama at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
- Queen of Tears (2024): Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won star in this tvN romance about a troubled marriage. Its finale became the highest-rated tvN series episode, per Nielsen Korea. It is on Netflix in selected regions.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is the best K-drama to start with?
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is an easy, feel-good start. Thriller fans can begin with Vincenzo or Beyond Evil.
Where can I watch K-dramas in India?
Netflix carries most titles on this list, including Vincenzo, Hellbound, My Name and Move to Heaven. Some shows are on other apps, so check availability.
Is there a Hellbound season 2?
Yes. Hellbound season 2 released on Netflix on 25 October 2024 with six episodes.
Which K-drama is like Squid Game?
Hellbound, from director Yeon Sang-ho, has a similar dark, high-stakes tone. Happiness and My Name also suit thriller fans.
Sources: Wikipedia: Hellbound, Wikipedia: Beyond Evil, Wikipedia: When Life Gives You Tangerines, Wikipedia: Queen of Tears.
