With the release of Season 2 of Netflix’s most-watched series in history, “Squid Game,” other K-dramas are also gaining attention for their fresh artistry. Among them, US media outlet New York Times spotlighted 9 unexpectedly well-crafted yet less mainstream K-dramas.
Below is the full list of New York Times.
1. The Auditors
Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Jin Goo, Jo Ah-ram, and Jung Moon-sung, the Saturday-Sunday drama “The Auditors” aired from July to August last year. It revolves around the auditing team at a construction company plagued by embezzlement, corruption, and scandals. The no-nonsense team leader, Shin Cha-il, played by Shin Ha-kyun, takes on the challenge of rooting out white-collar crimes within the company.
In its review, New York Times named Shin Cha-il one of the most entertaining new K-drama characters of the year.
2. Chicken Nugget
This quirky sci-fi comedy depicts two unfortunate office workers grappling with an absurd metaphysical dilemma. The drama poses the question, “What would you do if a loved one entered a strange cabinet and turned into chicken nuggets?”
Based on a webtoon of the same name, it combines unpredictable mysteries with surreal humor. If you’re seeking a momentary escape from the gloom of recent tragic events, “Chicken Nugget” can be a delightful pick-me-up.
3. Chief Detective 1958
Airing from April to May last year, the 10-episode series achieved a peak viewership rating of 10.8%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Set in 1958, it tells the story of Detective Park Yeong-han (played by Lee Je-hoon), a specialist in catching petty thieves, who joins forces with three eccentric colleagues to challenge corrupt authorities and fight for the people.
“Chief Detective 1958” is a prequel to the popular series “Chief Detective” (1971-1989). The series showcases the team’s bold confrontations against local gangsters and crooked cops, living up to its predecessor’s legacy.
4. Crash
With a highest rating of 6.6%, it became the most-watched Monday-Tuesday drama in ENA’s history. “Crash” blends investigative drama with comedy, action, and thriller elements, tackling serious incidents with both humor and emotional depth. Its tightly woven narrative and refreshing action sequences resulted in unprecedented success for an ENA drama, and Season 2 is already confirmed.
5. Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (also known as “Jeong Nyeon”)
This monster hit aired from October to November last year, achieving a peak rating of 16.5% according to Nielsen Korea. Starring Kim Tae-ri as an ambitious young girl who loves the traditional Korean theater art “Gukgeuk”, the drama received praise for its high-quality stage direction and compelling storytelling. Set in the 1950s after the Korean War, it depicts female lead Jeong-nyeon’s journey to becoming the top traditional theater actress, resonating strongly during a time of rising support for female-centered narratives. The drama was also named one of Time magazine’s best Korean dramas of 2024.
6. Lovely Runner
This romantic fantasy, which aired from April to May last year, reached a peak rating of 5.8%. Actor Byun Woo-seok and actress Kim Hye-yoon gained global popularity through this drama, which skillfully blended vibrant high school drama with cheerful romantic fantasy.
7. Miss Night and Day
This 16-episode series aired from June to August last year, reaching a peak rating of 11.7%. The story follows a 20-something job seeker, who transforms into the body of a 50-something woman during the day. Its intriguing premise captivated viewers with its characters, plot, and direction.
8. No Gain No Love
This 12-episode series aired from August to October last year, peaking at a 5.0% rating. Starring Shin Min-ah and Kim Young-dae, the drama follows female lead Son Hae-yeong, who is obsessed with money. As she faces the possibility of missing out on a job promotion, she makes a plan for a fake wedding and recruits part time cashier Kim Ji-wook to be her fiance.
9. A Shop for Killers
This stylish action series depicts the survival story of Ji-an (played by Kim Hye-joon), a niece targeted by killers due to a dangerous inheritance left by her uncle Jin-man (played by Lee Dong-wook). With Season 2 already confirmed, it was named one of the New York Times’ Best International TV Shows of 2024.
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