In 2021, the Korean drama scene was vibrant and diverse, offering a rich array of stories that captivated audiences worldwide. From the intense and dramatic narratives of “The Penthouse” series to the heartwarming tales in “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,” the top 10 Korean dramas of 2021 presented a mix of genres and themes that appealed to a wide range of viewers. Please find out the Top 10 Korean Dramas in 2021 below:
1. The Penthouse Season 2
“The Penthouse Season 2,” the highly-anticipated continuation of the hit Korean drama series, has captivated audiences with its intense drama and gripping plot. Known for its dramatic twists and engaging storyline, the series achieved remarkable success in terms of viewer ratings and popularity.
Viewing Rate
“The Penthouse Season 2” set new records in viewership, making it one of the most-watched Korean dramas of 2021. It boasted an average rating of 22.2%, with its peak rating soaring to an impressive 29.2%. This incredible performance underscores the drama’s widespread appeal and the strong following it garnered from its debut season.
Cast
The success of “The Penthouse Season 2” can be partly attributed to its stellar cast, featuring prominent actors such as Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-yeon, and Eugene. These talented actors bring depth and intensity to their roles, contributing to the show’s dynamic and engaging narrative. Their performances have been widely praised, further elevating the drama’s status in the Korean entertainment industry.
Plot
Set in a luxurious penthouse apartment, the plot of “The Penthouse Season 2” revolves around the lives of its affluent residents. The storyline delves into themes of ambition, revenge, and betrayal, as the characters navigate through a web of deceit and power struggles. The show’s plot is characterized by unexpected twists and high-stakes drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the series.
2. The Penthouse Season 3
“The Penthouse Season 3,” the third installment of the highly acclaimed Korean drama series, continued to capture the audience’s attention with its intense storyline and dramatic developments. Building on the success of its predecessors, this season maintained a strong viewership and reinforced the series’ status as a television phenomenon.
Viewing Rate
Reflecting its popularity, “The Penthouse Season 3” garnered impressive viewing rates. It achieved an average rating of 17.1%, with a peak rating of 19.5%. These figures are a testament to the series’ ability to retain its audience and consistently deliver captivating content, keeping viewers engaged episode after episode.
Cast
The cast of “The Penthouse Season 3” included returning stars such as Kim So-yeon, Yoon Jong-hoon, and Uhm Ki-joon, who reprised their roles with the same intensity and passion as in the previous seasons. The seasoned actors continued to deliver powerful performances, further immersing viewers in the complex world of the Penthouse universe.
Plot
“The Penthouse Season 3” continued the saga of the residents of Hera Palace, a luxury penthouse apartment. This season delved deeper into the intricate web of secrets, revenge, and power struggles that define the lives of the main characters. The plot was marked by unexpected twists and turns, maintaining the suspense and high drama that fans of the series have come to expect.
3. One the Woman
“One the Woman,” a standout Korean drama from 2021, captured the hearts of audiences with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and intrigue. This series distinguished itself through its creative plot, stellar cast, and impressive viewership ratings.
Viewing Rate
The drama achieved notable success in terms of viewing rates, highlighting its popularity among viewers. “One the Woman” recorded an impressive average rating of 13.5%, with its peak rating reaching 17.8%. These high ratings reflect the drama’s widespread appeal and the strong connection it established with its audience.
Cast
The success of “One the Woman” can be largely attributed to its talented cast, headlined by Lee Ha-nee, who plays a dual role with remarkable versatility. The supporting cast, including notable actors such as Lee Sang-yoon, Jin Seo-yeon, and Lee Won-geun, also delivered strong performances, adding depth to the storyline and engaging viewers with their dynamic portrayals.
Plot
“One the Woman” presents a compelling story of a prosecutor who loses her memory in an accident and wakes up assuming a new identity. The plot thickens as she finds herself in the life of her look-alike, the daughter-in-law of a wealthy family. The drama weaves elements of comedy, romance, and mystery, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It explores themes of identity, justice, and the complexities of human relationships in an intriguing and humorous manner.
4. Taxi Driver
“Taxi Driver,” a Korean drama released in 2021, is a gripping series that combines action, suspense, and a touch of social commentary. It has resonated strongly with audiences, making it one of the standout K-dramas of the year.
Viewing Rate
“Taxi Driver” achieved significant success in terms of viewership. The drama boasted an average rating of 12.6%, with a peak rating of 16.0%. These numbers are indicative of the drama’s wide appeal and its ability to captivate a large audience, demonstrating its impact in the competitive landscape of Korean television.
Cast
The cast of “Taxi Driver” is led by Lee Je-hoon, who delivers a compelling performance as the lead character. His portrayal of a mysterious taxi driver who delivers vigilante justice has been praised for its intensity and depth. Alongside Lee Je-hoon, the drama features Esom and Kim Eui-sung, both of whom contribute significantly to the series’ depth and appeal with their strong performances.
Plot
The plot of “Taxi Driver” is both unique and engaging. It follows the story of a secret taxi service that delivers revenge on behalf of victims who cannot get justice through the legal system. The narrative explores various themes, including crime, revenge, and the flaws in the justice system, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The drama skillfully combines elements of action and drama, keeping viewers engaged through its suspenseful storyline and well-developed characters.
5. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,” a Korean drama that aired in 2021, has been a delightful addition to the world of K-dramas, combining romance, humor, and a touch of heartwarming community life. The show gained significant popularity for its charming story and relatable characters.
Viewing Rate
The drama enjoyed considerable viewership success, reflecting its popularity among a wide range of audiences. “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” recorded an impressive average rating of 9.5%, peaking at 12.7%. These ratings are a clear indicator of the drama’s strong appeal and its ability to keep viewers engaged throughout its run.
Cast
The series stars Shin Min-ah and Kim Seon-ho in the lead roles, both delivering performances that are both endearing and captivating. Shin Min-ah plays a dentist who moves to the seaside village, while Kim Seon-ho portrays a jack-of-all-trades who becomes involved in her life. Their chemistry is one of the highlights of the show, earning praise from viewers and critics alike.
Plot
Set in the picturesque seaside village of Gongjin, “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” follows the story of Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-ah), a dentist from the city who moves to the village. There she meets Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho), known to locals as Chief Hong, who helps her adjust to village life. The plot unfolds as they navigate their growing relationship amidst the vibrant and quirky village community. The drama beautifully encapsulates themes of love, community, and healing, making it a heartwarming watch.
6. Jirisan
“Jirisan,” a Korean drama released in 2021, is a captivating series that takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through the mysteries and challenges of Jirisan National Park. The drama blends elements of suspense, mystery, and the great outdoors, creating an immersive viewing experience.
Viewing Rate
“Jirisan” achieved impressive viewership ratings, showcasing its popularity and the audience’s engagement with the story. The drama recorded an average rating of 8.4%, with a peak rating reaching 10.7%. These numbers reflect the drama’s strong appeal, particularly to viewers who appreciate a mix of adventure and intrigue.
Cast
The series features a stellar cast led by Jun Ji-hyun and Ju Ji-hoon, two of Korea’s most acclaimed actors. Their portrayals of dedicated park rangers add depth and intensity to the narrative. The supporting cast, including Sung Dong-il and Oh Jung-se, also contribute significantly to the series, bringing to life the diverse characters who populate the Jirisan National Park.
Plot
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Jirisan Mountain, the drama revolves around the lives and missions of park rangers, specifically Seo Yi-gang (Jun Ji-hyun) and Kang Hyun-jo (Ju Ji-hoon). The plot delves into the mysterious incidents occurring in the park and the rangers’ efforts to uncover the truth behind them. The drama skillfully combines elements of the supernatural with the natural beauty and dangers of the mountain, creating a story that is both thrilling and visually stunning.
7. Mine
“Mine,” a Korean drama that aired in 2021, is a fascinating series that delves into the lives of the wealthy and powerful, uncovering secrets and exploring the theme of self-discovery. The drama has been praised for its intriguing storyline, strong performances, and its portrayal of high society.
Viewing Rate
“Mine” achieved notable success in terms of viewership, reflecting its wide appeal. The drama recorded an average rating of 8.2%, with its peak rating reaching 10.5%. These ratings indicate the drama’s strong presence in the competitive world of Korean television, capturing the interest of a diverse audience.
Cast
The series boasts a strong ensemble cast, led by Lee Bo-young and Kim Seo-hyung, who deliver compelling performances as women from a chaebol (wealthy conglomerate) family. Their portrayal of complex characters who seek to find their true selves amidst a web of family secrets and societal expectations is a highlight of the show.
Plot
“Mine” follows the story of two women, Seo Hee-soo (Lee Bo-young), a former top actress who married into the chaebol family, and Jung Seo-hyun (Kim Seo-hyung), who is born into this world of privilege. The drama focuses on their journey to discover their true identities while navigating through the intricate and often deceptive world of the elite. Themes of empowerment, identity, and the dark side of wealth are explored, making “Mine” a gripping and thought-provoking series.
8. Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 1
“Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 1,” a Korean drama that aired in 2021, delves into the complexities of married life, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the challenges faced within marriages. This series has been noted for its dramatic storytelling and its exploration of mature relationship issues.
Viewing Rate
The drama saw significant viewership success, reflecting its resonance with audiences. “Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 1” recorded an average rating of 7.6%, with a peak rating of 9.7%. These numbers indicate the drama’s ability to captivate viewers, particularly those interested in stories revolving around personal relationships and emotional entanglements.
Cast
The series features a diverse cast, including Sung Hoon, Lee Ga-ryeong, and Park Joo-mi, among others. The actors deliver nuanced performances, portraying the complexities and intricacies of their characters’ marital lives. Their portrayals have been praised for bringing depth to the drama’s exploration of mature themes.
Plot
“Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 1” centers around the lives of three women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, who experience turmoil in their marriages. The series depicts their struggles as they confront infidelity, communication breakdowns, and the trials of balancing personal desires with familial responsibilities. The drama presents a raw and unfiltered look at the challenges faced in modern marriages, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally charged series.
9. Show Window
“Show Window: The Queen’s House,” a Korean drama that aired in 2021, is a riveting series that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. This drama has garnered attention for its intriguing plot and the portrayal of its multi-dimensional characters.
Viewing Rate
“Show Window: The Queen’s House” achieved notable success in terms of viewership. The drama recorded an average rating of 6.0%, with a peak rating of 10.3%. These ratings reflect the drama’s ability to engage and captivate viewers, positioning it as a noteworthy series in the Korean drama landscape.
Cast
The series features a cast that includes Song Yoon-ah, Lee Sung-jae, and Jeon So-min, among others. Their performances have been praised for effectively bringing the complex and layered characters to life, adding depth to the show’s engaging storyline.
Plot
The plot of “Show Window: The Queen’s House” centers around a woman who supports her husband’s success and, in the process, becomes entangled in an unexpected relationship, leading to a series of dramatic developments. The narrative weaves a web of secrets and lies, revealing the hidden facets of seemingly perfect lives. The drama explores the consequences of choices made in pursuit of love and ambition, presenting a gripping story that keeps viewers hooked.
10. Bossam
“Bossam: Steal the Fate,” a Korean drama that aired in 2021, is a historical series set in the Joseon Dynasty. It stands out for its unique blend of history, romance, and adventure, capturing the audience’s interest with its intriguing storyline and rich historical backdrop.
Viewing Rate
The drama achieved significant viewership success, which is indicative of its wide appeal. “Bossam: Steal the Fate” recorded an average rating of 6.0%, with a peak rating of 9.8%. These numbers highlight the show’s ability to attract and retain a large audience, marking it as a successful entry in the historical drama genre.
Cast
The cast features Jung Il-woo, Kwon Yu-ri, and Shin Hyun-soo, among others. Their performances, particularly in portraying characters from a historical era with authenticity and depth, have been widely praised. The chemistry between the leads, coupled with strong supporting performances, adds to the drama’s overall appeal.
Plot
Set during the reign of King Gwanghae, the plot revolves around the practice of ‘bossam,’ a custom where a widow is kidnapped to be remarried. The story follows Ba-Woo (played by Jung Il-woo), a rogue who accidentally kidnaps Princess Soo-Kyung (played by Kwon Yu-ri). The narrative unfolds as they navigate the complexities of their unintended relationship against the backdrop of political intrigue and societal norms of the Joseon period.
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