In recent years, Korean dramas have continuously earned new ratings records. Rating is also considered an important measure of the success of many productions. Popular dramas can see ratings of up to over 20%, even over 30%. However, many young viewers are probably unaware of the time when ratings for Korean TV series exceeded 60%. This was when the Internet was not yet widespread and online streaming platforms had not yet appeared.
1. You and me
You and me it is the highest rated series in the history of Korean dramas. The maximum score was 66.9%, a record that may never be broken. The drama aired in 1999-1998, focusing on the life of an old sailor and his three sons. You and me it’s also one of the first dramas he helped Seung Heon song become one of Korea’s most outstanding actors.
2. First love
Published in 1997, First love it is also a drama watched by a large number of Koreans when the highest rating was 65.8%. First love is a typical melodrama that describes conflicts in the relationship between family and love. Until now, First love it is still considered one of the most iconic works in Korean TV history.
3. What is love
What is love revolves around two families with strongly contrasting lifestyles. One is conservative and patriarchal, while the other is modern and practical. Airing in 1991, the drama once achieved a rating of 64.9% – a result that no current drama with a family theme can surpass.
4. Sandblasted glass
Sandglass achieved the highest score of 64.5%. The notable success of the drama is the launching pad for famous actors who still manage to maintain their popularity to this day, such as Go Hyun Jung, Lee Jung Jae,… Sandglass tells the story of two men whose friendship is tested from the late 1960s to the 1980s, one of Korea’s tumultuous political periods.
5. ComeJun
63.5% is the highest score for the only historical drama on this list, Like Jun achieved in the past. Broadcast late 1999, early 2000, Like Jun it remains the highest-rated Korean drama of the 21st century to this day. Like Jun tells the life story of the famous doctor Like Jun during the Joseon Dynasty.
