tvN has emerged as the clear leader in 2024’s competitive K-drama scene, claiming the top five spots for the most buzzworthy shows according to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex report.
The highly popular dramas Lovely Runner, Queen of Tears, Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born, Marry My Husband, and Love Next Door secured their rankings as the most-discussed series of the year, while tvN maintained its dominance in drama-related conversations for all but seven weeks throughout 2024.
Global Recognition and Record-Breaking Performances
Among these, Queen of Tears achieved a peak viewership rating of 31%, setting a new record as tvN’s most-watched drama of all time. Released globally on Netflix, it garnered 29.2 million cumulative views and 682.6 million hours of watch time in the first half of 2024, solidifying its appeal beyond Korea. Additionally, its popularity on social media was staggering, accumulating an incredible 13 billion TikTok views, which contributed to CJ ENM winning the “Entertainment of the Year” award at the TikTok Awards Korea 2024.
Lovely Runner matched its domestic success with worldwide acclaim, earning the title of “Best K-drama of the Year” from Time magazine and topping Rakuten Viki’s charts in 109 countries. Its soundtrack also made waves, with the song Shower climbing to the top 3 on Melon’s TOP 100 and entering the Billboard Global 200, a rare feat for a K-drama OST.
Innovative Audience Engagement
tvN stood out not only for its high-quality storytelling but also for its unique efforts to connect with audiences. For example, the finale of Lovely Runner featured a group-viewing event where 1,000 tickets sold out within minutes. Meanwhile, Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born captivated viewers with pre-broadcast fan events, including a debut spoiler party and live interactions with the cast, which boosted interest in traditional Korean culture like pansori and the national theater.
Romantic Comedies and New Records
In addition to high-stakes dramas, romantic comedies solidified tvN’s reputation as a leader in diverse genres. Love Next Door, with its lighthearted charm and chemistry between Jung Hae In and Jung So Min, remained in Netflix’s Global TOP 10 (non-English) for 11 weeks. Studio Dragon’s pop-up stores dedicated to the show in Korea, Taiwan, and upcoming locations in Japan further extended its appeal to international fans.
Similarly, Marry My Husband broke records as the first K-drama to top Amazon Prime Video’s global daily TV show rankings. It found success not only in Asia but also in Western countries, such as the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, staying in the global TOP 10 for 27 consecutive weeks after its conclusion.
Enduring Success and Future Trends
Throughout 2024, tvN consistently broke its own records, with Queen of Tears leading the charge in both ratings and audience engagement. Across all platforms, tvN dramas garnered a cumulative 6.8 billion views on YouTube, dominating the digital space alongside traditional broadcasting.
As 2025 approaches, trends in audience preferences are shifting towards “material charm,” where viewers seek experiences that go beyond passive watching. tvN has already adapted by offering offline and online events that allow fans to interact with their favorite shows. By combining innovative content creation with immersive fan experiences, tvN continues to set a new standard in global entertainment.