In today’s era of streaming platforms and cable networks, it is easy to forget the time when a single drama in the early evening could glue an entire nation with their TV screens. Then, the evaluations could rise over 60% – an unimaginable figure today when even huge shots like Answer 1988 OR The world of married Peak under 30%.
We revisit the 10 most voted Korean dramas of all time, the iconic shows that remain without equal decades later.
1. First love (1996, KBS) – 65.8%
At the top of the graph is First loveA 1996 drama that reached a stunning public of 65.8%. The series tells a tragic love story set against the post -war period of Korea and the class struggles. With powerful performances by Bae Yong-Joon and Lee Seung-Yeon, cinematographic images and an unforgettable soundtrack, the drama has become a cultural phenomenon and helped to launch the wave of Hallyu.
2. What is love? (1991, MBC) – 64.9%
Broadcast in 1991, What is love? National attention captured with its representation of mother -in -law and dynamic of the daughter -in -law in a traditional Korean family. Known for its realistic version of everyday life, the spectators often joked about the fact that it seemed to look at their families on the screen. His recognizable narrative helped him to climb almost 65% in the assessments.
3. Sandy (1995, SBS) – 64.5%
Often considered the most important drama of Korea, Sandy He explored the turbulent political climate of the 70s and 80s. His representation of the movements of democracy and social disorders, in particular the revolt of Gwangju, has left a profound cultural impact. The non -floating political issues of the drama and the intense scenes have gained a massive consensus and 64.5% of spectators.
4. Like June (1999, MBC) – 63.5%
This medical Sageuk (historical drama) tells the life of the doctor of real life Hur Jun, who has gone from humble beginnings to the doctor of the Royal Court during the Joseon dynasty. With 64 episodes, strong moral themes and no melodramatic trick, Like June He won the audience during the generations and made Jun Kwang-Ryul a family name.
5. Me and you (1997, MBC) – 63.5%
This family drama revolves around the eldest son Park Jae-Chul who pushes the charges of his family after his father’s death. That embraces 58 episodes, Me and you They have skillfully sailed themes of love, duty and generational conflict, all while creating memorable arches of characters – gaining a point between the elite with over 63% of evaluations.
6. A sunny place of young people (1995, KBS) – 62.7%
A melodrama that defines his era, A sunny place of young people He told stories of young people, dreams, cracks and romance. With Jeon Do-Yeon and Lee Jong-Won, the drama helped to move spectators from family sagas to urban love stories and left a strong sign on the scene of pop culture of the 90s.
7. Dake gums (2003, MBC) – 57.8%
Known all over the world as Jewel in the palaceThis historic epic follows Jang Geum, the first real woman of Korea. With rich visual elements of the palace, culinary traditions and performances of Breakout of Lee Young -e, the drama has gained enormous popularity throughout Asia and has contributed to cementing the Hallyu wave internationally.
8. Lovers in Paris (2004, SBS) – 56.3%
One of the most iconic Cinderella stories in the history of the drama K, Lovers in Paris Enchanted audience with its romantic Parisian setting and the classic rich-man-donna plot. Despite his polarizing ending, memorable and chemical lines between Park Shin-Yang and Kim Jung-Eun have helped become a record success.
9. Jumong (2006, MBC) – 52.7%
This epic epic to 81 episodes tells the legendary story of Jumong, founder of the kingdom of Goguryeo. With elements of war, romanticism and intrigues of the palace, Jumong The public fascinated both at home and abroad, sold to over 30 countries. The representation of Song Il-Gook transformed it into an icon of the historical drama.
10. My rosy life (2005, KBS2) – 47.2%
Subverting expectations, My rosy life Started as a light romanticism but has turned into a story of treason, disease and mortality. The raw and heartfelt performance of Choi Jin-Shil while Sun Ae-Soon moved millions. His emotional depth and realism have aroused a awakening of the Melodrama genre in primordial television.
Sources: Naver
