TIME’s ‘The 10 Best K-Dramas of 2024’ – Contrasting International and Domestic Audiences’ Perspectives

TIME Magazine has unveiled its list of the Top 10 Korean Dramas of 2024, sparking widespread attention.

Highlighting the unique storytelling style that defines Korean dramas, TIME praised 2024 as a “golden year for Korean television.” The list features diverse genres and innovative narratives that have captured global audiences.

◆ 1st Place: ‘Lovely Runner’

Topping the list is Lovely Runner, hailed as the best K-drama of 2024. TIME commended the series for its solid storytelling, achieving success without a big budget or star-studded cast.

The drama also earned the second spot on NME’s Best K-Dramas of 2024 list, further cementing its critical acclaim. It enjoyed immense popularity on the global OTT platform Rakuten Viki, ranking first for six consecutive weeks in 109 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Brazil, and Mexico.

Premiering in April, Lovely Runner follows the story of Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon), who, at her lowest point, travels back in time to save the famous artist Ryu Seon-jae (Byeon Woo-seok), whose work once gave her a reason to live.

The drama aired on TVING, becoming the first local OTT platform production to surpass Netflix in viewership. It also topped Good Data Corporation’s drama buzz rankings for four consecutive weeks in May.

◆ 2nd Place: ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born’

Securing the second spot is Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, the first Korean drama to explore the world of women’s gugak opera.

The drama brought renewed attention to the fading traditional art of gugak, sharing its charm with global audiences. It also had a positive impact on the local performing arts scene, topping the October Gallup Korea survey as the "most beloved program among Koreans." Online mentions of gugak surged, reviving interest in the traditional art form.

◆ 3rd Place: ‘Love in the Big City’

Taking third place is Love in the Big City, an adaptation of the novel of the same name.

The drama follows Ko Young (Nam Yoon-su), a young writer navigating love and life through various encounters. With just eight episodes, the series tackled queer romance in a realistic and fresh way, earning praise for its sensitive approach, cinematic direction, and excellent adaptation.

Other dramas on the list include: A Shop for Killers (4th), The Atypical Family (5th), The Judge from Hell (6th), Pyramid Game (7th), Marry My Husband (8th), Death’s Game (9th), and Mr. Plankton (10th).

Top 10 Best K-Dramas of 2024 by TIME:

Lovely Runner

Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

Love in the Big City

A Shop for Killers

The Atypical Family

The Judge from Hell

Pyramid Game

Marry My Husband

Death’s Game

Mr. Plankton