Renowned British pop culture magazine NME has unveiled its list of the “Top 10 Korean Dramas of 2024,” with CJ ENM-produced dramas dominating the top three spots.
3rd Place: “Marry My Husband”
Taking the third spot is “Marry My Husband,” a drama that broke records as the first Korean series to top Amazon Prime Video’s global daily TV show rankings. Its success extended beyond Asia, captivating audiences in North America and Europe. The series ranked 2nd in the U.S., 1st in Canada, 2nd in France, and 3rd in the UK. Even after its finale, it maintained a spot in the global top 10 for 27 consecutive weeks, showcasing its lasting popularity.
2nd Place: “Lovely Runner”
Coming in second is “Lovely Runner,” a 2024 hit that achieved the highest buzz among dramas aired this year. Distributed globally on Rakuten Viki, it topped rankings in 109 countries, including the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Brazil, and Mexico, for six consecutive weeks. It was also named the best K-drama of the year by Time Magazine. NME praised the drama for its perfect balance of familiar tropes and fresh storytelling.
1st Place: “Queen of Tears”
The top spot belongs to tvN’s “Queen of Tears,” a collaboration between acclaimed writer Park Ji-eun and directors Jang Young-woo and Kim Hee-won. The series set a record for tvN’s highest ratings at 31% and garnered an impressive 292 million views and 682.6 million hours of watch time on Netflix within the first half of 2024. NME noted the drama’s global influence, mentioning that even stars like A$AP Rocky and Rihanna were seen watching it.
Other Notable Mentions
• 4th Place: “The Frog” (A Harrowing Mystery in the Woods)
• 5th Place: “The Atypical Family” (A Refreshing Twist on the Hero Genre)
• 6th Place: “Pyramid Game” (The Only Korean Drama Invited to France’s ‘Series Mania’ Festival)
• 7th Place: “A Shop for Killers” (Dark Comedy at Its Best)
• 8th Place: “A Killer Paradox” (A Complex Thriller)
• 9th Place: “A Virtuous Business” (A Satirical Look at Corporate Life)
• 10th Place: “What Comes After Love” (A Heartfelt Exploration of Life After Love)
CJ ENM’s Stellar Year
CJ ENM, the powerhouse behind many of these dramas, had an exceptional year. For the first time since tvN’s establishment, the network achieved the highest prime-time ratings in the first half of the year. Shows like “Queen of Tears” and “Lovely Runner” dominated with an 82% buzz share during their airing periods, reflecting their immense popularity.
This list not only underscores the global influence of Korean dramas but also celebrates their rich storytelling and ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. As we look forward to 2025, expectations are high for what K-dramas will deliver next.
Source: Wikitree
