With the release of the second season of the most-watched Netflix series in history, “Squid Game,” other K-dramas are also gaining attention for their newfound artistry. Among these, the US media New York Times highlighted 9 unexpectedly well-made but less mainstream K-dramas.
Below is the full list from the 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 Auditor” aired from July to August last year. The story revolves around the audit team of a construction company plagued by embezzlement, corruption and scandals. The team’s no-nonsense leader, Shin Cha-il, played by Shin Ha-kyun, takes on the challenge of eradicating white-collar crimes within the company.
In its review, The New York Times named Shin Cha-il one of the funniest new K-drama characters of the year.
2. Chicken nuggets
This bizarre sci-fi comedy follows two hapless office workers faced with an absurd metaphysical dilemma. The drama asks the question “What would you do if a loved one walked into 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 looking for a momentary escape from the darkness of recent tragic events, “Chicken Nugget” can be a delightful pick-me-up.
3. Chief Investigator 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 the corrupt authorities and fight for the people.
“Chief Detective 1958” is a prequel to the popular “Chief Detective” series (1971-1989). The series showcases the team’s daring battles against local gangsters and corrupt cops, maintaining the legacy of its predecessor.
4. Accident
With a maximum rating of 6.6%, it became the most watched Monday-Tuesday drama in ENA history. “Crash” blends investigative drama with comedy, action and thriller elements, tackling serious incidents with humor and emotional depth. Its tight plot and refreshing action sequences have led to unprecedented success for an ENA drama, and the second season is already confirmed.
5. Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (also known as “Jeong Nyeon”)
This huge hit aired from October to November last year, reaching 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 has received praise for its high-quality direction and compelling storytelling. Set in the 1950s after the Korean War, it depicts female protagonist Jeong-nyeon’s journey to becoming the best mainstream theater actress, with strong resonance in a time of growing support for female-centric narratives. The drama was also named one of the best Korean dramas of 2024 by Time magazine.
6. Lovely runner
This romantic fantasy, which aired from April to May last year, reached a peak audience share of 5.8%. Actor Byun Woo-seok and actress Kim Hye-yoon have gained worldwide popularity with this drama, which skillfully mixes vibrant school drama with a cheerful romantic fantasy.
7. Miss Night and Day
This 16-episode series aired from June to August last year, reaching a peak audience rating of 11.7%. The story follows a twenty-year-old looking for work, who during the day transforms into the body of a woman in her fifties. Its intriguing premise captivated viewers with its characters, plot, and direction.
8. No gain, no love
This 12-episode series ran from August to October last year, peaking at 5.0%. Starring Shin Min-ah and Kim Young-dae, the drama follows female protagonist Son Hae-yeong, who is obsessed with money. Faced with the possibility of missing out on a job promotion, she plans a fake wedding and recruits part-time cashier Kim Ji-wook as her fiancé.
9. A shop for assassins
This stylish action series depicts the survival story of Ji-an (played by Kim Hye-joon), a niece targeted by assassins due to a dangerous legacy left by her uncle Jin-man (played by Lee Dong- wook). With a second season already confirmed, it has been named one of the best international TV series of 2024 by the New York Times.
