2023 has proven to be another remarkable year for K-dramas, capturing viewers’ hearts through exceptional storytelling, character development, and, most notably, viewer engagement.
In this era of digital streaming platforms that allow K-drama to transcend borders and reach viewers worldwide, the popularity of K-dramas is reaching unprecedented heights.
As we come to the end of 2023, let’s look at the TOP 10 K-dramas with the highest viewer ratings this past year!
1. Taxi Driver 2 (21%, SBS)
Concealed beneath the guise of a seemingly ordinary taxi company, a clandestine cadre of vigilantes operates a covert, on-call revenge service. Their mission: to mete out justice to those who prey on the vulnerable and downtrodden, becoming champions for the oppressed. With meticulously crafted missions and strategic precision, this covert team navigates the shadows to right the wrongs and be the unwavering guardians for those in desperate need.
2. Doctor Cha (18.5% JTBC)
At the heart of “Dr. Cha” lies Cha Jung Sook, our protagonist whose life took an unexpected turn many years ago when she found herself pregnant by her now-husband. As he advanced in his career, ultimately becoming a successful surgeon, Jung Sook reluctantly relinquished her pursuit of a medical education. Instead, she embraced the role of a devoted homemaker, sacrificing her own professional aspirations to wholeheartedly dedicate herself to raising their children.
3. Crash Course in Romance (17% TvN)
Embark on a winsome love journey as we unravel the tale of Cho Chi Yeol, a celebrity math tutor, and Nam Hang Saeon, a compassionate single mother managing her own store. In the midst of their unique paths, a heartfelt connection blossoms. Hang Saeon, with a heart of gold, desires nothing but the best for her daughter, setting the stage for a charming love story that transcends the boundaries of celebrity and single parenthood.
4. Doctor Romantic 3 (16.8% SBS)
The historic Doldham Hospital is on the brink of a transformative addition—a state-of-the-art trauma center boasting the latest in cutting-edge medical equipment. However, before the official inauguration of this crucial facility, an unexpected crisis unfolds. A North Korean ship, adrift in South Korean waters, becomes the epicenter of an urgent situation that necessitates the immediate response of the impending trauma center.
5. Agency (16% JTBC)
Go Ah In finds herself ascending the ranks within an advertising agency, achieving the prestigious title of director. However, hidden motives lurk behind this promotion, as the higher-ups intend to sideline her after merely a year in the position. The series delves into Ah In’s arduous journey amid the male-dominated agency, spotlighting the formidable challenges she faces as a woman striving not only to thrive but also to survive. Witness her tenacity as she navigates the intricate landscape, unraveling the lengths she must go to secure her place in a professional world rife with gender biases and hurdles.
6. King The Land (13.8% JTBC)
In the midst of a heated inheritance battle, a charismatic heir finds himself at odds with his diligent employee, whose captivating smile is lovely yet strangely irksome to him. The tension unfolds against the backdrop of a fierce struggle for legacy, as these two contrasting personalities clash in a narrative brimming with conflict and, perhaps, unexpected connection.
7. My Dearest (12.9% MBC)
In the poignant aftermath of the Qing invasion of Joseon, two lovers find each other, only to be cruelly torn apart by the ravages of war. Against the backdrop of conflict, turmoil, and despair, the flame of hope flickers within their hearts as they cling to the belief that destiny will reunite them once more.
8. The Good Bad Mother (12% JTBC)
A tragic accident shatters the life of an ambitious prosecutor, leaving him with the mind of a child. In the wake of this devastating turn of events, he and his mother find themselves on a poignant journey to rebuild not only his fractured mental state but also the bonds that tie them together. Together, they navigate the challenging terrain of healing, love, and rediscovery in a story that unfolds with both heartbreak and resilience.
9. Payback (11.4% SBS)
The series intricately weaves the narratives of individuals who boldly jeopardize everything to confront a money cartel entangled with the legal system. Refusing to be silenced in the presence of inept and unjust authority, they channel their defiance into a fervent and unique battle against the forces that be. In a display of unwavering passion, these characters carve their own path as they courageously stand up to challenge the collusion of wealth and law.
10. Revenant (11.2% SBS)
Centered on the enigmatic occurrences within a city, the series unfolds the intertwined destinies of a young woman, possessed by an otherworldly entity, and a professor of folklore gifted with the ability to perceive ghosts. United by a shared quest for the truth, they delve into the shadows of inexplicable suicides haunting the urban landscape, unraveling a complex tapestry of mystery and supernatural intrigue.
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