From K-Pop Demon Hunters to K-Dramas: 5 Must-Watch Korean Series on Netflix

With the global popularity of K-pop Demon Hunters this year, international interest in Korean dramas is rapidly growing. Beyond that trend, Netflix offers many Korean-favorite hit dramas. Here are 5 must-watch Korean series highly recommended for global viewers in 2025.

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1. Taxi Driver (모범택시)

Genre: Action, Crime, Revenge

Taxi Driver is a dark revenge action drama based on a popular webtoon. It follows a secret organization that delivers justice on behalf of crime victims who were ignored by the legal system. Each case highlights social issues such as school violence, workplace abuse, and corruption.

With powerful action scenes and strong moral questions, this drama became a massive hit in both Korea and overseas. It is perfect for viewers who enjoy fast-paced revenge thrillers with social commentary.

2. My Mister (나의 아저씨)

Genre: Slice of Life, Human Drama

My Mister is widely regarded as one of the greatest Korean dramas of all time. It tells the story of an emotionally exhausted middle-aged man and a young woman struggling with poverty and loneliness. Their quiet relationship slowly heals their inner wounds.

The drama focuses on real-life hardships, emotional survival, and human dignity. It resonates deeply with international audiences who appreciate realistic, slow-burn storytelling and profound character development.

3. When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다)

Genre: Romance, Life, Historical

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a highly anticipated Korean drama set on Jeju Island, portraying the lifelong love story of two ordinary people across different generations. With beautiful cinematography and emotional storytelling, it reflects family, sacrifice, and enduring love.

This drama has attracted global attention even before its official release and is expected to become one of Netflix’s most touching Korean originals.

4. The Glory (더 글로리)

Genre: Revenge, Psychological Thriller

The Glory is a brutal yet powerful revenge drama centered on a woman who meticulously plans her revenge against her former school bullies. Starring Song Hye-kyo, the series gained massive international popularity for its intense storytelling and dark realism.

Beyond revenge, the drama also exposes the long-term effects of school violence and social indifference. It remains one of Netflix’s most successful Korean originals worldwide.

5. The Dream Life of Mr. Kim (서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김부장 이야기)

Genre: Office Drama, Family, Reality-based Story

This title is internationally known as "Mr. Kim Who Works at a Major Company and Lives in Seoul". It originated as a popular Korean web novel and webtoon depicting the realistic struggles of a middle-aged office worker balancing corporate life, family pressure, and personal identity.

Important note: As of 2025, this title is not an official Netflix original drama yet. However, due to its massive popularity, many industry insiders expect a future adaptation for global platforms such as Netflix.

Why International Viewers Love Korean Dramas on Netflix

Korean dramas stand out for their emotional depth, strong storytelling structure, social relevance, and high production quality. Unlike many Western series, K-dramas usually deliver complete stories within one or two seasons, making them highly binge-worthy.

Netflix’s global distribution allows these stories to travel across cultures, creating a worldwide K-drama fandom.

Final Recommendation

If you enjoy revenge and action, start with Taxi Driver and The Glory. For emotional healing and realistic storytelling, My Mister is a masterpiece. For romance and life-centered storytelling, When Life Gives You Tangerines will be a perfect choice.

More Korean dramas will continue to be released globally on Netflix. Stay tuned to All About Korea for more curated K-drama recommendations and Korean culture insights.