'The Man from Nowhere' and 'Queen of Tears' Lose Out! Top 9 Highest-Rated Korean Dramas Revealed: A 28% Viewership Spy-Themed Drama Takes the Crown

With the rise of streaming platforms, audience viewing habits have gradually shifted from traditional TV to OTT services, making it increasingly difficult for Korean dramas to break the 20% viewership threshold. However, between 2020 and 2026, nine dramas managed to surpass this benchmark. Among them, So Ji-sub’s 'The Man from Nowhere: Return of the Agent' emerged as a dark horse, skyrocketing from 9.5% to 21.6% in just four episodes, becoming the most talked-about series of 2026. 'Queen of Tears' set a new tvN record with 24.850% but landed in fifth place. Other hits like 'The Heirs' and the 'Penthouse: The War of Wealth' series also made the list, while the true champion secured first place with a dominant 28.371%. This article presents a comprehensive roundup of the nine highest-rated Korean dramas from 2020 to 2026, detailing their rankings, viewership records, and key plot highlights.

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #9: So Ji-sub’s 'The Man from Nowhere: Return of the Agent' – 21.6% Viewership

Plot Summary: So Ji-sub plays Director Kim, an ordinary bank employee raising his daughter alone, seemingly no different from any other office worker. However, he was once a highly skilled intelligence agent who left the dangerous world behind to protect his family. When his daughter suddenly goes missing, he is forced to reactivate his dormant skills and follow clues to uncover a hidden conspiracy. This rescue mission brings his long-buried identity back into the spotlight, drawing past grudges and new conspiracies to his doorstep.

Audience Reviews: Viewers praised the dramatic contrast between So Ji-sub’s restrained father figure and his legendary spy persona, as well as the visceral, bone-crunching action sequences. Some fans declared, 'Korean dramas still reign supreme in action scenes,' while others dubbed the ensemble of elite fighters a 'Korean Avengers.' One popular comment summarized the character arc: 'A seemingly powerless father kneels down—only to rise again as a legendary agent.' So Ji-sub’s mature charisma also drew attention, with many noting his seamless performance in gunfights and hand-to-hand combat. However, some felt the early pacing was slow, and as a revenge thriller, it felt slightly delayed. A few viewers suggested a full-season drop would have enhanced the experience.

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #8: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin’s 'Crash Landing on You' – 21.683% Viewership

Plot Summary: South Korean businesswoman Yoon Se-ri accidentally lands in North Korea during a paragliding trip due to bad weather, where she encounters border officer Ri Jeong-hyeok. To protect her identity, Ri and his subordinates secretly plan her return, but as they spend time together, feelings develop. Their relationship defies the divide between North and South Korea and faces obstacles from military investigations, family interests, and political realities. What began as a fleeting encounter evolves into a deep, enduring love.

Audience Reviews: The undeniable chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin was the most discussed aspect. Fans remarked, 'It’s rare to see such a perfect on-screen couple—just watching them together is enough.' Though the premise of a chaebol heiress and a North Korean officer is unrealistic, audiences were deeply engaged, joking, 'Wealth brought us together,' and even wishing the writers would just unify the two Koreas. The drama balanced romance, political tension, and cultural contrasts effectively, with supporting characters adding warmth. Criticisms included overly dreamy sequences and a prolonged second half, but the lead chemistry, Swiss filming locations, and soundtrack cemented its status as a modern classic.

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #8: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin’s 'Crash Landing on You' – 21.683% (Image: tvN Drama)

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #7: Lee Je-hoon’s 'Taxi Driver 2' – 21.8% Viewership

Plot Summary: Lee Je-hoon returns as Kim Do-ki, the ace driver of Rainbow Transport, taking on revenge cases for victims that the law cannot address. In Season 2, the team tackles overseas scams, cult manipulation, real estate fraud, and nightclub crimes. Do-ki infiltrates criminal organizations using various disguises. With the arrival of new member On Hae-joon, Rainbow Transport realizes these cases aren’t isolated—dark forces are converging, putting the entire team in danger.

Audience Reviews: 'Taxi Driver 2' maintained the satisfying thrill of punishing villains with their own methods. Fans said, 'It’s exaggerated, but it’s so satisfying to watch.' By reducing the prosecutor subplot and focusing more on the revenge missions, Season 2 was seen as smoother and more aligned with audience expectations than Season 1. Lee Je-hoon’s transformative performances across missions stood out, especially his role as Wang Doo-ki, who gained massive popularity. Some joked, 'With that face, who cares about the plot? We’d watch 100 seasons.' However, a few viewers felt the final episodes lost control, with the main antagonist and resolution less compelling than earlier standalone cases.

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #7: Lee Je-hoon’s 'Taxi Driver 2' – 21.8% (Image: friDay Video)

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #6: Han Suk-kyu’s 'Romantic Doctor Kim 2' – 24.5% Viewership

Plot Summary: The story returns to Doldam Hospital, far from the city. Han Suk-kyu’s Kim Sa-bu recruits two struggling young doctors—Seo Woo-jin, talented but emotionally closed off due to financial stress, and Cha Eun-jae, skilled but prone to panic in surgery. Under Kim’s mentorship, they rediscover the meaning of medical practice through life-saving emergencies. Meanwhile, Park Min-gook’s arrival intensifies power struggles and ideological clashes within the hospital.

Audience Reviews: 'Romantic Doctor Kim 2' upheld the medical passion and mentorship spirit of Season 1, with consistent quality and realistic medical scenes. Viewers reported being moved to tears by Episode 12, noting that the leads grew more likable and three-dimensional. 'Kim Sa-bu is still a genius, but now he feels more human—with both passion and flaws.' Many said, 'If I could have a teacher like Kim Sa-bu, I’d be blessed for three lifetimes.' Han Suk-kyu’s portrayal of an idealistic yet grounded mentor remained the show’s core appeal. The pairing of Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Se-young also drew praise for their visuals and acting, adding emotional depth to the intense medical drama. Criticisms included overuse of eavesdropping for plot progression and political subplots overshadowing medical themes. Some disliked the female lead’s initial tendency to vomit or faint in surgery. Still, most agreed that as long as Kim Sa-bu and Doldam’s spirit endure, the show remains strong.

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #6: Han Suk-kyu’s 'Romantic Doctor Kim 2' – 24.5% (Image: IMDb)

2020–2026 Highest-Rated Korean Drama #5: Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won’s 'Queen of Tears' – 24.850% Viewership

Plot Summary: Kim Soo-hyun plays Baek Hyun-woo, a rural-born man who joins his wife’s family conglomerate, Queen Group, as legal counsel. Kim Ji-won plays Hong Hae-in, head of the department store division. Their marriage appears enviable, but privately, their relationship is icy, and Hyun-woo considers divorce. When Hae-in is diagnosed with a terminal illness, they are forced to reconnect. As the group’s control is threatened by external schemes, they fight to save their family while reconciling years of misunderstandings and buried emotions.

Audience Reviews: Fans said Kim Ji-won ‘breathes naturally as a chaebol heiress,’ while Kim Soo-hyun was dubbed ‘Korea’s most pitiful husband.’ The gender-role reversal highlighted pressures women face after marriage. Both leads received high praise for looks and acting. Despite clichéd elements like amnesia, car accidents, and obsessive villains in the second half, many viewers stayed for the leads’ performances. However, critics called the script ‘uncontrolled in the latter half,’ arguing that the actors elevated weak material. Some said the drama wouldn’t have worked with different casting.