The first half of 2026 has delivered a strong line-up of Korean dramas, with several titles attracting impressive television ratings in South Korea and gaining international attention through Netflix. From fantasy legal dramas and historical power struggles to office romances and mystery thrillers, viewers have been spoilt for choice.
Many of these productions have dominated local ratings while also securing spots on Netflix’s global charts. According to Netflix Tudum and South Korean viewership data, several titles have emerged as the most talked-about Korean dramas of the year.
For viewers searching for Korean dramas to watch on Netflix, these are the series that have generated the strongest audience response in 2026.
The Most-Watched Korean Dramas on Netflix in 2026
While South Korean television ratings provide one measure of success, Netflix’s global charts reveal which k-drama have resonated with international viewers.
Bloodhounds 2
The sequel to the hit action drama Bloodhounds has become one of Netflix’s biggest Korean releases of the year.
According to Netflix Tudum, Bloodhounds 2 ranked as the world’s most-watched non-English-language television series during the first week of April, attracting 7.4 million views and generating 51.4 million hours watched.
The original Bloodhounds also returned to the global rankings, demonstrating continued audience interest in the franchise.
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Can This Love Be Translated?
Romance drama Can This Love Be Translated? quickly established itself as a global hit following its release.
The series stars Go Youn Jung and Kim Seon Ho and gained additional attention through promotional events held in several countries, including Indonesia.
During its second week on Netflix, the drama accumulated 118 million viewing hours and briefly reached the top position among Netflix’s non-English-language television series.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Phantom Lawyer
Already successful on South Korean television, Phantom Lawyer also performed strongly on Netflix.
The legal fantasy drama appeared repeatedly in Netflix Tudum’s global Top 10 rankings and became one of the platform’s most-watched Korean titles during its run.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Undercover Miss Hong
Netflix and tvN’s collaborative production Undercover Miss Hong enjoyed success both domestically and internationally.
The story of a financial investigator operating undercover in a corporate environment proved particularly popular among viewers seeking a mix of mystery, workplace drama and romance.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Boyfriend on Demand
Starring BLACKPINK member Jisoo, Boyfriend on Demand combines romance with virtual reality technology.
The drama follows a woman who enters a virtual world where she encounters various ideal romantic partners portrayed by well-known actors making special appearances.
Following its debut on 6 March 2026, the series quickly entered Netflix’s global Top 10 non-English-language rankings.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The Art of Sarah
Mystery thriller The Art of Sarah became one of Netflix’s earliest Korean successes of 2026.
The drama stars Shin Hae Sun as Sarah Kim, a woman determined to project the image of luxury and status, regardless of the consequences.
Within its first week of release, the series recorded 10 million views and reached the top of Netflix’s global non-English-language television chart.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
If Wishes Could Kill
One of the latest additions to Netflix’s Korean catalogue, If Wishes Could Kill quickly attracted international attention.
The series follows a group of high school students who discover a mysterious mobile application capable of granting wishes. However, each wish comes with dangerous consequences.
From 27 April to 3 May 2026, the drama ranked first among Netflix’s global non-English-language television series, recording 7.5 million views and 44.8 million viewing hours.
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Highest-Rated K-Dramas in South Korea in Early 2026
Perfect Crown
Leading the ratings race is Perfect Crown, which concluded its run on 16 May with a nationwide rating of 13.8%.
Set in a fictional monarchy, the drama follows Sung Hui Ju and Grand Prince Ian as they navigate a dangerous struggle for power. Their ambitions are complicated by betrayal from Prime Minister Min Jeong Woo, played by Noh Sang Hyun, and the sacrifices made by Queen Yoon Yi Rang, portrayed by Gong Seung Yeon.
The political drama became one of the most successful television series of the year and is available to stream on Disney+.
Undercover Miss Hong
One of the most successful Korean dramas available on Netflix this year, Undercover Miss Hong reached a peak rating of 13.1%.
The series stars Park Shin Hye as Hong Geum Bo, an elite financial investigator in her thirties who disguises herself as a new graduate employee under the name Hong Jang Mi. Her mission is to uncover suspicious financial activities at Hanmin Securities.
Complications arise when she encounters Shin Jung Woo, played by Go Kyung Pyo, a former admirer who notices a striking resemblance between Hong Geum Bo and her undercover identity.
Set against the backdrop of South Korea’s financial sector during the 1990s, the drama combines investigative suspense with romance and workplace intrigue.
Phantom Lawyer
Fantasy legal dramas continue to attract audiences, and Phantom Lawyer proved no exception.
The SBS series recorded a peak rating of 10 per cent and later found a wider international audience through Netflix.
The story centres on lawyers Shin Yi Rang, played by Yoo Yeon Seok, and Han Na Hyun, portrayed by Esom. After becoming connected to supernatural forces, the pair gain the ability to communicate with spirits and help resolve unfinished matters between the living and the dead.
Its blend of legal cases, mystery and supernatural elements has made it one of the year’s standout titles.
My Royal Nemesis
My Royal Nemesis introduced a unique premise that helped it secure double-digit ratings, peaking at 10.3%.
The drama follows Shin Seo Ri, played by Lim Ji Yeon, a struggling actress whose life changes dramatically after becoming possessed by the spirit of a notorious criminal from the Joseon era.
She soon crosses paths with Cha Se Gye, portrayed by Heo Nam Jun, the ruthless heir of a conglomerate family. Their clash creates an unusual dynamic that combines historical fantasy with modern-day social commentary.
The series is streaming on Netflix.
Filing for Love
Rounding out the list is Filing for Love, which achieved a peak rating of 9.3%.
Starring Shin Hae Sun and Gong Myung, the romantic drama (rom-com) follows two colleagues working within the audit department of Haemu Group. While investigating suspicious activities within the company, their professional relationship gradually develops into a secret romance.
The combination of office politics and love story has helped the drama build a loyal audience.
Why Korean Dramas Continue to Dominate Netflix
The continued popularity of Korean shows on Netflix (K-drama and K-Pop content) reflects the growing global influence of South Korea’s entertainment industry. Recent successes have built upon the international popularity established by titles such as Twenty Five Twenty One, Business Proposal, Sweet Home, and numerous adaptations based on popular webtoon of the same name.
Stars including Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Jung Hae-in, Son Suk-ku and Koo Kyo-hwan have also helped expand the global reach of Korean entertainment through their performances in both television dramas and films.
Whether viewers are searching for a feel-good romantic comedy, a fantasy legal thriller, a historical drama, or a suspense-filled mystery, 2026 has already produced several must-watch titles.
With more releases expected later this year from production studios based in Seoul and across South Korea, the competition for the year’s best Korean drama is far from over.
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