Korean dramas have now become a global trend. Through Netflix, K-dramas have reached a wide audience of global fans, solidifying their place as a key representative of Korean culture. In this post, we introduce the top 5 globally popular Korean dramas on Netflix in 2025.
1. The Glory
Ratings and Reception: “The Glory” tells the story of a victim of school violence seeking revenge, captivating audiences in over 190 countries worldwide. It ranked in Netflix’s weekly TOP 10 in major markets like the United States, Brazil, and the Philippines, achieving high viewership ratings.
Drama Features:
- Genre: Revenge, Melodrama
- Main Cast: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun
- Seasons: 2-part series (completed)
This drama left a strong impression on global fans with its solid storyline and the stellar performances of its cast.
2. Squid Game
Ratings and Reception: “Squid Game”, first released in 2021, broke Netflix’s all-time viewership records and sparked a global phenomenon. Season 2, released in 2024, further enriched the story and met fans’ high expectations.
Drama Features:
- Genre: Thriller, Survival
- Main Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo
- Seasons: 2 seasons
This series goes beyond mere survival games, delivering profound social messages that resonate deeply with audiences.
3. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Ratings and Reception: This drama, portraying the life of a genius attorney on the autism spectrum, touched the hearts of global audiences. It gained immense popularity in countries like Japan and the United States, garnering attention across Asia and worldwide.
Drama Features:
- Genre: Legal, Human Drama
- Main Cast: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh
- Seasons: 1 season
Park Eun-bin’s delicate acting brought a moving portrayal that resonated with many viewers.
4. Kingdom
Ratings and Reception: Combining historical drama with zombies, “Kingdom” is one of Netflix’s original series that received immense love for its unique storyline and outstanding direction. It also gained significant popularity in Europe and North America, showcasing Korean historical content.
Drama Features:
- Genre: Historical, Zombie Thriller
- Main Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona
- Seasons: 2 seasons (including specials)
The suspenseful plot and stunning visuals made each season a hot topic.
5. Sweet Home
Ratings and Reception: Based on a webtoon, “Sweet Home” depicts the story of people fighting for survival in a catastrophic situation. With seasons 2 and 3 in production, it continues to build anticipation. It is particularly popular in Southeast Asia and South America.
Drama Features:
- Genre: Thriller, Fantasy
- Main Cast: Song Kang, Lee Si-young
- Seasons: 1 season (seasons 2 and 3 upcoming)
Its remarkable special effects and compelling storyline are key highlights.
6. Conclusion: Why K-Dramas Are Loved Globally
Korean dramas captivate global audiences with their unique stories, detailed emotional expressions, and universally relatable themes. In 2025, K-dramas continue to charm fans with diverse genres and narratives, with Netflix playing a vital role in spreading this content worldwide.
If you haven’t watched the dramas mentioned above, check them out on Netflix now. You too will be drawn into the allure of K-dramas!