Korean dramas have captivated audiences around the world, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Netflix has been a key enabler of this phenomenon, making Korean content accessible globally through dubbing and subtitles in various languages.
The recently revealed ranking of Netflix’s most-watched Korean dramas by total hours watched highlights the global impact of these shows. Hours of viewing aren’t just a measure of popularity; they also reflect a series’ enduring appeal and cultural significance. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most-watched Korean dramas on Netflix:
1. Squid Game – 2.328 billion hours
Squid game reigns supreme as the most-watched Korean drama on Netflix, amassing a staggering 2.328 billion hours of viewing. With just nine episodes, this survival drama has captured global attention with its intense psychological tension and gripping social commentary. It earned a Guinness World Record as the most-watched Netflix series ever, cementing its status as a global cultural phenomenon.
2. All of Us Are Dead (Season 1) – 659.51 million hours
This zombie apocalypse school drama is in second place with 659.51 million hours of viewing across 12 episodes. Its fast-paced narrative and suspenseful plot captivated audiences around the world, pushing the boundaries of the “K-zombie” genre and becoming a huge hit, especially among younger viewers.
3. The Glory: 560.99 million hours
Taking third place is The Glorywith Song Hye-kyo. With 16 episodes, it has garnered 560.99 million hours of viewing. This revenge drama, centered on a protagonist seeking justice against her childhood bullies, has won acclaim for its compelling story and complex emotional depth. Its intense characters and narrative made it a Netflix hit.
4. My Name: 194.14 million hours
In fourth place there is My namewith 194.14 million hours viewed across eight episodes. This action-packed drama follows a protagonist who infiltrates a crime syndicate to avenge her father’s death. Han So-hee’s stunning performance and the show’s intense action sequences have drawn widespread praise.
5. Bloodhounds (Season 1) – 164.87 million hours
Hounds is in fifth place, with 164.87 million hours of viewing for its eight episodes. This crime action thriller explores the corruption and human struggles within a broken society, delivering a gripping narrative that has left viewers eagerly awaiting future seasons.
6. Hellbound (Season 1) – 142.85 million hours
Infernalin sixth place with 142.85 million hours of viewing across six episodes, it delves into supernatural events in which beings predict the deaths of individuals. Combining religious themes with social commentary, it has become a topic of conversation for its unique premise and bold storytelling.
7. Gyeongseong Creature (Season 1) – 141.70 million hours
Set in 1940s Korea, Creature Gyeongseong occupies seventh place with 141.70 million hours viewed in ten episodes. This period drama mixes historical elements with supernatural horror, offering a distinctive narrative that left a strong impression on viewers.
8. Juvenile Justice – 134.56 million hours
In eighth place there is Juvenile justicewith 134.56 million hours viewed for its ten episodes. This courtroom drama explores the complexities of juvenile crime, blending legal narratives with social commentary. Its thought-provoking themes and strong performances resonated with audiences.
9. Money theft: Korea Joint Economic Area-133.51 million hours
A Korean adaptation of the hit Spanish series, Money Heist: Korea it secured ninth place with 133.51 million hours of viewing for its 12 episodes. It fused the heist elements of the original with uniquely Korean cultural and political themes, appealing to fans of the original series and new viewers alike.
10. Narco-Saints – 103.50 million hours
Closing the top ten is Narco-Saintswith 103.50 million hours viewed across six episodes. Based on true events, this thriller follows a civilian trapped in a dangerous drug cartel. Its gripping story and high-stakes drama have captivated global audiences.
Source: Wikitree
