It’s 2025, and if you still haven’t gotten into Korean dramas (a.k.a. K-Dramas), I’m side-eying you….hard. These shows have gone from guilty pleasures to global obsessions, and for good reason.
There’s a K-Drama for everyone: supernatural thrillers, medical dramas, slow-burn romances, legal face-offs, high school chaos — you name it. With rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and soundtracks that live rent-free in your head, K-Dramas aren’t just shows; they’re experiences.
So, we asked 40 Nigerian superfans to share their all-time favourites. Yes, the list is ranked, but honestly? Every single one is a banger.
Here are the 40 best K-Dramas you should watch.
40. May I Help You? (2022)
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Romance
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
A former ping pong player becomes a funeral director and finds out that she has a special ability to talk to dead people. The dead often ask her to grant their last wishes, but whenever she refuses, her day becomes filled with bad luck.
“The first thought I had when I watched this show was, ‘No job is easy o.’ How can the dead that you didn’t kill have power over you? But the plot makes an interesting watch.” — Ben, 22.
Watch May I Help You? on Prime Video.
39. The Doctors (2016)
Genre: Action
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A rebellious teen with a troubled past meets a kind-hearted doctor, who sees her potential. Fast forward a few years, and she’d be transformed into a badass neurosurgeon. When fate brings them back together in the same hospital, love is almost gone.
“Aside from the fact that I was instantly drawn to the actors from the beginning of the drama, love as a theme will always do it for me. The characters were beautifully written and executed. Soft, easy and mature love is my delulu fuel.” — Fisayo, 28.
38. Vagabond (2019)
Genre: Action
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A stuntman’s life is flipped upside down when his young nephew dies in a mysterious plane crash. But when Dal-Geon spots someone he knows was on that flight walking around alive, he dives headfirst into uncovering the truth. He joins forces with a law enforcement agent with her own secrets. Together, they expose a dark web of government lies, espionage, and danger that goes all the way to the top.
“I like it because it’s different from the typical K-Dramas, which are usually about love. It’s action-packed and makes you think about life.” — Ola, 24
37. Dear Hongrang (2025)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 11
The heir to a powerful merchant family in Joseon, vanished as a child. But his strong-willed stepsister never stopped searching for him. Everything changes when he suddenly returns 12 years later with no memory and a strange new energy. The stepsister suspects something is off, but she also finds herself unexpectedly drawn to him.
“I love how it explores complex themes like identity and family dynamics in a historical setting. The cast is amazing. They bring so much depth to their characters. Dear Hongrang makes me feel invested in the characters’ stories and emotions. The drama’s themes of identity, love, and family dynamics resonate deeply, and I find myself reflecting on the characters’ experiences.” — Eniola, 19.
Watch Dear Hongrang on Netflix.
36. Sweet Home (2020)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 26
When an introverted teen moves into a sketchy apartment complex after a personal tragedy, he’s hoping for peace and quiet. But he gets a terrifying monster apocalypse instead. People across Korea start turning into grotesque creatures based on their deepest desires. Now, he and his reluctant neighbours must fight to survive and not turn into monsters themselves.
“Sweet Home is a cool K-Drama because it mixes scary monsters with deep emotions. The main character is fighting his own dark side while trying to protect others. It’s exciting, sad, and full of action. It’s a horror movie with heart.” — Loki, 23.
35. Dr. Romantic (2016)
Genre: Action, Drama
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 53
Dr. Romantic is like Grey’s Anatomy, but Korean, moodier, and ten times more dramatic. It follows the story of the reclusive surgeon, Teacher Kim (a.k.a. Dr. Romantic), who now runs a humble hospital far from the politics and chaos of the big city. Under his watch, it’s all about saving lives, learning humility, and standing up to the corrupt medical system. When two hot-headed young doctors get sent to his hospital, they’re forced to unlearn everything they thought they knew.
“It makes me feel ‘safe’ in a way. It’s my comfort drama. I have re-watched each season, nothing less than five times. Coincidentally, I downloaded a few episodes of Season 3 yesterday, and it feels like I am watching it for the very first time.” — Cynthia, 28.
Watch Dr. Romantic on Netflix.
34. Strong Girl DooBong Soon (2017)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
Bong Soon may look innocent, but she’s superhuman — born with insane strength passed down from generations of women in her family. When she gets hired as a bodyguard by a charismatic gaming CEO, things spiral into a whirlwind of crime-fighting and workplace romance.
“Though this show is funny, it’s one of the K-Dramas with elements of feminism. I like that.” — Bolu, 26.
Watch Strong Girl DooBong Soon on Netflix.
33. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)
Genre: Romance
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
An immortal goblin is cursed to live forever until his bride pulls an invisible sword from his chest and ends his life with it. His search for his destined bride leads him to a sweet high school student who turns his world upside down.
“This is the first K-Drama about the supernatural that I loved. I watch it almost every five months.” — Mary, 24.
Watch Guardian: The Lonely and Great God on Netflix.
32. Hwarang (2016)
Genre: Action, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
Hwarang follows a group of elite, young warriors secretly assembled to protect the Silla Kingdom. Among them is a mysterious commoner with a hidden past. As they train, fight, and fall in love, secrets unravel and loyalties are tested.
“One of my favourite things about K-Drama is when it assembles a vigilante group. You’ll get thrilling sword fights and showmanship. This series delivers on that.” — Tope, 27.
31. Prisoner Playbook (2017)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A superstar baseball player ends up behind bars for beating up someone while defending his sister. A crash course in prison life follows, full of unexpected friendships, crooked guards, and reformed (and not-so-reformed) inmates.
“I first felt rage when I began watching this show, because I feel that people shouldn’t be punished for defending someone who’s wrong. Then later, I warmed up to the story when it got to prison life.” — Joseph, 28.
Watch Prisoner Playbook on Netflix.
30. Reply 1988 (2015)
Genre: Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
Set in a small neighbourhood in Seoul, Reply 1988 follows five childhood friends as they stumble through the chaos of adolescence, crushes, awkward family moments, and wholesome bonds.
“I love the friendship between the five main lead characters and the subtle lessons you could pick out from this drama. If you understand humour and storytelling and are ready to laugh like a banshee, I suggest you check this series out.” — Oluwatobilola, 28.
29. Hospital Playlist (2020)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Medicine
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 24
This slice-of-life gem follows five best friends who met in med school and now work at the same hospital. They’re doctors by day, bandmates by night, and certified emotional support humans all the time. Through surgeries, heartbreaks, awkward confessions, and spontaneous jam sessions, they show us what it means to truly ride for your people.
“It’s a great take on adult friendship and relationships. They also explored love, cheating, conflict resolution and even child care. Shows on friendships are my favourite.” — Omolewa, 25.
Watch Hospital Playlist on Netflix.
28. True Beauty (2020)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A sweet and goofy high schooler becomes a makeup pro to escape years of bullying about her appearance. With her new skills, she transforms into a literal goddess at her new school. No one knows what she looks like without makeup until a mysterious classmate accidentally discovers her secret and falls for the real her anyway.
“I loved it because of the blend of humor and romance. But beyond those, I liked how it portrayed self-acceptance. No one can love you better than yourself and until you love yourself, you will not be able to accept love from other people.” — Eri, 21.
27. Crash Landing On You (2019)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
When a rich and independent lady gets swept up by a freak tornado while paragliding, she accidentally lands in North Korea. There, she’s discovered by a stoic and principled North Korean army officer who decides to hide and protect her against all odds.
“The romance was top tier. I’m a lover girl, and they portrayed it perfectly. It was the first K-Drama to make me cry my eyes out. It was so good that I won’t be going back to it cause I don’t want to cry again.” — Ella, 24.
Watch Crash Landing On You on Netflix.
26. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
Ae-Sun and Gwan-Sik grew up together in 1950s Jeju, South Korea. Ae-Sun is a fierce, free-spirited book lover with big dreams of becoming a poet. Even though her family’s poverty keeps her from school, she wears her heart on her sleeve and never backs down. Gwan-Sik, on the other hand, is quiet, hardworking, and utterly devoted to Ae-Sun, loving and respecting her with all he’s got.
“It made me see my parents, especially my mum, in a much different light as an adult, just doing life for the first time. It helped me be kinder to them. I could also relate to the young protagonists on what it’s like navigating life as young adults, having dreams and losing dreams.” — Mofiyinfoluwa, 23.
Watch When Life Gives You Tangerines on Netflix.
25. The Heirs (The Inheritors) (2013)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 20
The story revolves around the heir to a massive business empire, who’s sent to live in the US but returns to Korea to take charge of his family’s company. Along the way, he meets a girl from a poor background who is trying to make her way in the world. Their worlds clash, sparks fly, and a complicated romance begins with plenty of drama, jealousy, and power struggles thrown in.
“I’ve watched it too many times to count. No other K-Drama has really made me feel the way this does. At this point, it’s like a rite of passage for everyone who starts watching K-Dramas at the start of the 2010s.” — Princess, 25.
Watch The Heirs (The Inheritors) on Netflix.
24. Itaewon Class (2020)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
After a tragic injustice ruins a guy’s life and lands him in prison, he’s laser-focused on building a restaurant empire in Itaewon and taking down the powerful family that destroyed him. With a ragtag crew of misfits, including a fierce businesswoman and a loyal chef, he battles corrupt corporations and his own past demons.
“I love it because in recent times (2021 to date), I’ve watched more office-centric K-Dramas because of my interest in workplace dynamics across different cultures. This movie symbolises what’s possible with sheer tenacity, discipline and having the best talents work with your organisation from inception. I also love the inclusion (DEI) undertone that was championed.” — Emmanuel, 30.
Watch Itaewon Class on Netflix.
23. My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (2010)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
A spoiled young man with no interest in staying in college wants to become an actor. His life is flipped upside down when he accidentally frees a Gumiho, a mythical nine-tailed fox spirit. She’s adorable, kind of clueless about human life, and desperately wants to become human. Instead of fighting for his life, what follows is slow-burning romance.
“The series is a perfect mix of funny, sweet and emotional. It’s light, soft, romantic, old school and funny. It made me feel warm—the type to get you out of a shitty mood and have you smiling like a mumu.” — Adedolapo, 25.
Watch My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho on Netflix.
22. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
Genre: Romance
Number of Season: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A guy who looks after his older brother with autism at a psychiatric hospital meets a famous children’s book author with a traumatic past of her own. When their worlds collide, chaos meets control, and what follows is a slow, emotional unpacking of childhood wounds, mental health, and complicated love.
“I can’t deny the lasting impact It’s Okay to Not Be Okay had on me. It wasn’t just another drama—it was a revelation. It was one of the first Korean dramas I’d ever seen that flipped the script on how women are usually portrayed—not just in Korean media, but in many Asian dramas. The female lead wasn’t your typical soft-spoken, passive character waiting to be saved. The drama challenged the norm and still holds a special place in my heart.” — Daisy, 18.
Watch It’s Okay to Not Be Okay on Netflix.
READ NEXT: Romantic K-dramas That Will Make You Shout, “God When?”
21. My Liberation Notes (2022)
Genre: Drama
Number of Season: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
This drama follows three siblings who are tired of commuting. The youngest sibling is pretending to be okay. The middle child talks big games but can’t seem to catch a break, while the eldest sibling still clings to hope despite disappointments.
“People mostly associate Korean dramas with fantasy and daydreaming, and sometimes, it is that, but not this film. It shows how life can just be routine for some people and how they try to find joy in that routine.” — Fati, 25.
Watch My Liberation Notes on Netflix.
20. The Penthouse: War in Life (2020 – 2021)
Genre: Drama, Family
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 48
This show looks into a luxury high-rise where the kids are elite, the parents are elitist, and someone is always plotting someone’s downfall. Between brutal class divides, cheating scandals, children being used as weapons, and at least one murder per season, this show is high-tension.
“I like shows that are intense and give me suspense. This show is on top of that list.” — Deborah, 17.
Watch The Penthouse: War in Life on Netflix.
19. The Escape of the Seven (2023 – 2024)
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 33
The show kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl, involving seven morally bankrupt adults — from a K-pop CEO to a shady OB-GYN. They lie, scheme and sell their souls for clout and coin. And when it all starts unravelling, it gets dark and bloody.
“I loved this show for its twists and turns.” — Sola, 18
Watch The Escape of the Seven on Prime Video.
18. King the Land (2023)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
This is an office romance between a man, the heir of a big company, and a lady, the front desk worker in the building. Their work relationship has a difficult start, but as they become familiar with each other, they find themselves together.
“King the Land is goated to me for its romance.” — Favour, 17.
Watch King the Land on Netflix.
17. Weak Hero (2022 — Present)
Genre: Action, Drama
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 16
This show is tense from beginning to end. It follows Si-eun, the soft-spoken, top-of-the-class student who turns into John Wick when provoked. Si-eun’s character is what you call small but mighty. The guy’s brain is his deadliest weapon. He doesn’t fight with fists; he fights with sense, and honestly.
“My feelings went from pain to anger and heartbreak. But somehow, it still gave me hope, too. It’s one of those shows you finish and you’re just staring at your screen like, ‘What did I just watch?’” — Naya, 27.
16. Marry My Husband (2024)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
Imagine finding out your walking red flag of a husband is cheating on you. Now imagine he’s doing it with your best friend. Then imagine they both murder you despite being terminally ill. That’s the life of Kang Ji-won.
However, the plot twist is that she reincarnates 10 years before her marriage and gets a second chance to change her fate. This time, she’s determined to flip the script and make her former best friend marry her husband instead.
“I love K-Drama because basically, it’s a safe option. It is just a drama and the suspense is not so bad, so I’m not really anticipating anything. And K-Drama romance is not as bad as American movies, with all their nudity.” — Eniola, 25.
Watch Marry My Husband on Prime Video.
15. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Genre: Romance
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a slow-burn romance with small-town shenanigans and personal growth. It’s about starting over, building community, and falling in love when you’re not even sure you’re ready.
“It was just a feel-good show. Love shouldn’t be difficult. You shouldn’t be guarded or jaded in a relationship. Love should not be something where you have a strategy; you should just go with your feelings.” — Feranmi, 26.
Watch Hometown Cha Cha on Netflix.
14. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
The protagonist, Woo Young-woo, is an autistic lawyer with a photographic memory and a high IQ who tackles challenges in and out of the courtroom as a rookie at a prominent law firm. At the law firm where social “norms” are everything, she’s not exactly welcomed with open arms.
“This made me feel the same way The Good Doctor did. It made me see disability or difference in another light, and taught me patience and to give grace to people with special needs.” — Praise, 28.
Watch Extraordinary Attorney Woo on Netflix.
13. Start-Up (2020)
Genre: Romance
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
A babe with dreams of becoming the next tech guru drops out of university and takes up a part-time job. While figuring out how she’d make $90,000 to open her business, she meets a tech bro with whom she falls in love. But their relationship is threatened by a secret love interest.
“This one is fun. It will make you love tech and the world of capital sourcing or seed funding competitions. It covers product management, ownership, and creation. Then, there is young love and adulthood. It’s a good series.” — Jordan, 29.
12. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A self-obsessed vice chairman believes the world spins on his schedule. His long-suffering, hyper-efficient secretary, Kim, has put up with his diva antics for 9 years, but one day, sis decides she’s done. But her boss? He spirals hard. Suddenly, the man who never cared about anyone but his reflection is begging and scheming to keep her around and maybe win her heart, too.
“I love everything about this show. It’s just so cute.” — Aisha, 24.
Watch What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim on Netflix.
ALSO READ: 27 Phrases Only K-Drama Fans Will Understand
11. Mr. Queen (2020)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A 21st-century cheeky and free-spirited chef is trapped in a queen’s body in the historical days of the Joseon Dynasty. As the Queen gets familiar with her new life, she’s stuck in the past, navigating royal politics and palace drama.
“This movie makes me feel happy and also gives me another perspective on life. It entails comedy, romance and suspense. It’s so entertaining and thrilling.” — Dorcas, 18.
10. HeartBeat (2023)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
A half-human, half-vampire has been sleeping in a coffin for over 100 years, waiting for the one moment that will finally make him fully human. But he misses his chance just before he can fully transform. Now he’s stuck between worlds, not quite vampire or human.
“The vampire guy was so handsome and sacrificial. It makes me feel like life doesn’t always dance to our tunes, and we should be ready to embrace whatever it throws at us while using it to our advantage. It’s my favourite K-Drama.” — Toyosi, 19.
Watch HeartBeat on Prime Video.
9. Tomorrow (2022)
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A jobless young man who ends up in a coma and becomes half-human, half-spirit gets recruited by a team of grim reapers. They’re not the soul-collecting kind, but a crisis management squad that saves people from dying by suicide. He helps strangers find hope again while figuring out his purpose.
“I love it because the plot is based on saving people who had lost hope in life and are inspired to continue living a good life. It made me feel at ease knowing that every challenge in life is just there for a while, not forever. It’s an emotional show for me.” — Priscilla, 18.
8. Empress Ki (2013)
Genre: Drama, History
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 51
A low-born woman disguises herself as a man to escape slavery and fight for her homeland. But fate has other plans. In a twisty turn of palace politics and emotional warfare, she catches the eye of not one but two kings who have feelings for her. As she navigates love triangles, court betrayal, and national identity, she rises from servant to warrior to the empress, outplaying schemers, emperors, and destiny itself.
“In my opinion, this is the best K-Drama that’s set in ancient times.” — Peace, 28.
7. Playful Kiss (2010)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 16
An insecure teenage girl tries to get her crush’s attention, whom she thinks is out of her league, but her efforts are futile—until one situation makes her and her father move in with a friend who turns out to be her crush’s father.
“I felt seen and not alone, that people on the other continent also have similar experiences to mine. Most especially because we didn’t have stories like that here.” — Pelumi, 28.
6. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A special forces soldier and a no-nonsense surgeon fall madly in love. They try to make it work, but split due to ideological differences. Sometime later, a war breaks out in a chaotic foreign land, and the soldier is deployed there. But who also lands there to work? His ex, the surgeon. Amidst the war, thrown back together, they catch feelings.
“It made me understand the dynamics of a relationship, especially long distances and when your partner’s job puts them in the line of fire or high pressure, where life and death are separated by seconds. It made servicemen (not Nigerian police o) sexy and attractive to me.” — Lami, 27.
Watch Descendants of the Sun on Netflix.
5. Vincenzo (2021)
Genre: Action, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 20
The Korean-born mafia consigliere, Vincenzo, was raised in Italy. When his adoptive mafia family turns on him, he flees to Seoul to recover hidden gold buried beneath a seemingly harmless apartment complex. But the building is now occupied by a group of weird but lovable tenants, and a corrupt, evil megacorp is threatening the gold. Now, he has to fight for it.
“I like seeing a good guy who is also a badass beat up the bad guys in movies and TV shows. The lead actor is so firm and charismatic. His fashion sense and poise are some of the best I have seen in K-Drama too.” — Joseph, 28.
4. Boys Before Flowers (2009)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
A working-class girl gets a scholarship to an elite high school. She is picked on by Gu Jun Pyo, one of the richest and most popular students, who belongs to a group called F4, but she stands up to him. Instead of bullying her more, Jun Pyo finds himself attracted to her.
“Watching the show was like watching people in my secondary school back then, minus the billionaire kids part. I couldn’t even escape watching it due to the frenzy my classmate made about it. I ended up raving about it too.” — Folaranmi, 29.
Watch Boys Before Flowers on Netflix.
3. Iris (2009)
Genre: Action, Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
An elite agent recruited into South Korea’s top-secret organisation is at the centre of this high-stakes action-thriller. Alongside his best friend and fellow agent, he dives into dangerous missions. Betrayal, hidden agendas, and a mysterious global group called “IRIS” pull him into an unexpected turn of events.
“First of all, I like that it has spy games plot twists where everyone has something to hide. 10/10 show.” — Francis, 25.
2. Kingdom (2019)
Genre: Horror
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 12
A crown prince is caught in a web of deadly royal secrets when he discovers that his father, the king, has been turned into a flesh-eating zombie. As the mysterious plague spreads across the kingdom, the crown prince must fight off zombies, power-hungry officials and betrayal at every turn.
“This is one of the most intensive zombie shows that I have ever seen. It’s painful that Netflix discontinued it.” — Akin, 26.
1. Alchemy of Soul (2022 – 2023)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 20
In a magical land, where people can literally switch souls, a badass assassin is forced to hide her soul inside the weak body of a blind servant girl. She’s a maid to a chaotic heir to a powerful magical family. He’s looking for someone to teach him how to master the forbidden magic that everyone’s been gatekeeping from him. But the only help he has is his maid.
“The first time I saw a K-Drama with magical powers was this show, and I really liked it. I went to the internet, digging for more K-Dramas with plotlines of supernatural and metaphysics.” — Babarinde, 30
Watch Alchemy of Soul on Netflix.
