Korean drama is one of the shows that is favored by various groups. Not only aired in its home country, but Korean dramas can also be enjoyed by international audiences.
Not a few international audiences are crazy about Korean dramas whether it’s because of the cast, the story plot, the cinematography, and much more.
Nevertheless, the success of Korean drama itself does not always go ‘smoothly’. Because, there are some Korean dramas that are considered more famous internationally than in their home countries.
According to Allkpop, here are five Korean dramas that are considered more popular abroad.
1. My Demon (2023)
My Demon is one of the Korean dramas in late 2023 that ended up airing in early 2024. Accessible on Netflix for international Korean drama lovers, the drama stars Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang.
Tells the story of Do Do Hee (Kim Yoo Jung), a human who enters into a contract marriage with a demon named Jung Gu Won (Song Kang). It was started by Jung Gu Won who accidentally saved Do Do Hee’s life with his strength, but the power was transferred to Do Do Hee’s body.
International Korean drama lovers were mesmerized by the romantic-fantasy storyline of My Demon, as well as the extraordinary visual blend of Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang, masking its simpler domestic response.
Not only that, but their chemistry as a couple also drew praise from fans from other countries.
2. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Combining elements of romance, fantasy, and kingdom in the modern era, The King: Eternal Monarch tells the story of the fateful meeting between Lee Gon (Lee Min Ho) and Jung Tae Eul (Kim Go Eun). Despite coming from two different worlds, the two still fall in love with each other.
The Korean drama that airs on Netflix also has high expectations, but has received mixed responses from within the country. But internationally, The King: Eternal Monarch gained a lot of fans thanks to its complicated storyline and production values.
3. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon or Strong Girl Bong Soon is a romantic-comedy Korean drama with elements of fantasy, action, thriller, and crime. Tells the story of a woman named Do Bong Soon (Park Bo Young), the owner of superpowers inherited from her mother.
One day, Do Bong Soon saves Ahn Min Hyuk (Park Hyung Sik), a CEO of a gaming company, when the man is attacked by bad guys. Ahn Min Hyuk is impressed by Do Bong Soon’s strength and offers him a job as his bodyguard.
The drama also successfully stole the attention of international viewers, even its international awards far exceeded domestic receipts. You can also watch Strong Woman Do Bong Soon on Netflix.
4. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Turning to the sageuk genre Korean drama, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo successfully presents a heart-wrenching romance and stars top actors and actresses.
The drama begins with the story of Ha Jin (IU), a woman from the 21st century who tries to save a drowning child at sea. However, during a solar eclipse, Ha Jin magically travels back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty and finds herself trapped in the body of a woman named Hae Soo.
During this time, he became involved in power struggles, sibling feuds, and romantic conflicts with princes from the king’s descendants.
Despite being played by top artists, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo gained a more enthusiastic audience internationally. In fact, many hope that this Korean drama can air its second season.
5. Healer (2014)
Healer is a Korean drama that tells the story of Seo Jung Ho (Ji Chang Wook) known as the ‘Healer’, a mysterious figure with a profession to carry out various secret and dangerous missions, except for the mission to kill.
He is reunited with a female reporter named Chae Young Shin (Park Min Young), and unconsciously always helps the woman in times of trouble. Unexpectedly, Seo Jung Ho and Chae Young Shin’s pasts are intertwined with each other in a big case.
This Korean drama also successfully attracted international audiences, although it did not steal much attention from domestic audiences. Healer is also available on the Netflix platform for those of you who want to watch it.
Of these Korean dramas, are any of them your favorites?
