'My Royal Rival' and 'How to Translate Love?' Lose Out! Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026, 'Iron Fist Education' Claims Crown with 48.2 Million Views

The first half of 2026 saw fierce competition among Korean dramas on Netflix. 'How to Translate Love?', starring Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, achieved 28.6 million views, securing a strong second place. However, it was decisively outpaced by 'Iron Fist Education,' an action-packed campus drama led by Kim Mu-yeol and Lee Sung-min, which amassed a staggering 48.2 million views to claim the top spot. From romantic comedies and crime thrillers to supernatural comedies, a wide range of genres made it into the top 10. Notably, Season 1 of 'Dog Days,' originally released in 2023, re-entered the charts thanks to sustained long-tail popularity. This ranking is based on global viewing figures released by Netflix for January to June 2026, with different seasons of the same series counted separately.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 10: Ahn Hyo-seop and Chae Soo-bin, 'Love at First Sight' | Views: 12.4 million

'Love at First Sight' is a romantic comedy blending workplace drama, rural life, and enemies-to-lovers romance. Chae Soo-bin plays a shopping channel host striving to save her show, who travels to the countryside in search of a marketable agricultural product, only to encounter a mysterious farmer played by Ahn Hyo-seop. Initially clashing and interfering with each other, they gradually develop feelings through collaboration. The serene rural scenery, local community warmth, and behind-the-scenes battles of TV production lend the story a light, therapeutic tone.

Audience reactions were mixed. Fans of sweet romance called it "adorable" and praised its relaxing, low-pressure atmosphere as a reason to keep watching. Some compared its healing rural charm to 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,' though others noted the pacing weakened in later episodes and subplots failed to fully support the 12-episode run.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 9: Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, 'Dog Days' Season 1 | Views: 15.1 million

'Dog Days' Season 1 is a热血 Korean drama combining boxing action, underground finance, and revenge. Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi play young boxers Kim Geon-woo and Hong Woo-jin, who are forced into a dangerous underground world to fight a brutal loan shark organization. Intense hand-to-hand combat, fast-paced chase sequences, and the deep brotherhood forged between the two leads kept audiences engaged even three years after its 2023 debut.

International viewers described it as "adrenaline-fueled from start to finish," praising the consistently high intensity of action scenes. The chemistry between the two leads was lauded as "off-the-charts." Many viewers emphasized that beyond the fights, it was the protagonists’ willingness to risk their lives for each other that left the strongest impression.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 8: Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun, 'My Royal Rival' | Views: 15.7 million

'My Royal Rival' is a romantic comedy blending soul transmigration, chaebol romance, and fated past lives. Lim Ji-yeon plays a legendary villainess from the Joseon era who, after being executed, wakes up in modern-day Seoul and meets Heo Nam-jun’s cold chaebol heir. As she learns to use smartphones, cars, and modern social norms, she investigates the truth behind her time travel, all while developing feelings amid constant clashes with the male lead.

One viewer hailed Episode 6 as "the best single episode of any Korean drama I've seen in 2026," praising its escalating romantic tension and well-balanced comedic timing. Others ranked it among the year’s standout romantic comedies, particularly applauding Lim Ji-yeon’s bold physical comedy contrasted with Heo Nam-jun’s deadpan reactions—a dynamic that became one of the show’s most beloved features.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 7: Ji Soo and Seo In-guk, 'Boyfriend Subscription' | Views: 16.1 million

'Boyfriend Subscription' blends virtual reality, dating simulation, and workplace burnout into a fantastical romantic comedy. Ji Soo plays a webtoon producer overwhelmed by work who gains access to a beta virtual dating service, allowing her to experience romance with her ideal man in various scenarios. Seo In-guk plays a man closely tied to her real life. As virtual and real relationships blur, she is forced to confront emotional issues she has long avoided.

Viewers noted, "This drama is more complex than it appears," appreciating how, beneath a surface-level fantasy romance, it explores intimacy, emotional trauma, escapism, and self-determination. Some admitted they nearly quit after the first episode but became invested by Episode 3, ultimately calling it "unexpectedly good" and "more layered than expected."

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 6: Jeon So-nyeon and Kang Mi-na, 'Girigo: Deadly Wishes' | Views: 19.8 million

'Girigo: Deadly Wishes' is a youth horror thriller centered on a mysterious smartphone app that grants users’ wishes—but triggers a death countdown once fulfilled. Teens caught in the curse must uncover the app’s rules and stop its spread before time runs out. School secrets, fractured friendships, and survival games gradually come to light.

Many viewers said they couldn’t stop watching after the first episode. One called it "perfect for binge-watching," praising the cast, cinematography, and visual effects. However, some criticized rushed plot developments and insufficient emotional buildup before key character decisions.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 5: Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo, 'Ordinary with Superpowers' | Views: 20 million

'Ordinary with Superpowers' is a retro-styled supernatural action comedy set against the backdrop of 1999’s Y2K panic. Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo play small-town residents whose lives take a turn when they gain uncontrollable abilities after an accident. Initially using their powers to solve personal problems, they eventually form an unlikely hero team to protect their city from looming disaster. Absurd humor, sci-fi adventure, and heartfelt camaraderie form the show’s core appeal.

Viewers described it as "funny, healing, and heartwarming," praising its chaotic yet sincere tone. Many highlighted Park Eun-bin’s fearless comedic performance and the chemistry among the quirky supporting cast as key reasons to keep watching.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 4: Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, 'Dog Days' Season 2 | Views: 24.3 million

'Dog Days' Season 2 continues the story of Kim Geon-woo and Hong Woo-jin fighting crime, expanding the stage from loan sharks to the larger underground boxing industry. Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi reunite to face even crueler enemies and riskier ring battles. With upgraded set design, cinematography, and fight intensity, the unbreakable brotherhood between the two leads remains the emotional core.

Viewers praised the fight scenes as "truly, truly beautiful," noting how varied camera angles, lighting, and environments created distinct atmospheres for each battle. While action surpassed Season 1, some felt the villains’ schemes and police operations were contrived, with plot coherence lagging behind visual excellence.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 3: Shin Hye-sun and Lee Jun-ho, 'Sarah’s Truth and Lies' | Views: 25.8 million

'Sarah’s Truth and Lies' is a crime thriller revolving around false identities, luxury brands, and mysterious murders. Shin Hye-sun plays Sarah, a woman with a shifting past, while Lee Jun-ho plays the detective investigating her. From sudden corpses to rapidly rising fashion brands, every clue could be a fabrication. Viewers unravel her meticulously crafted life alongside the detective.

One viewer commented, "I’m completely hooked with just two episodes left," praising the strong script and excellent cast. Others commended Shin Hye-sun and Lee Jun-ho’s performances, noting their intense psychological duel made the series binge-worthy.

Netflix's Top 10 Most-Watched Korean Dramas in First Half of 2026 – No. 2: Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, 'How to Translate Love?' | Views: 28.6 million

'How to Translate Love?' is a romantic drama set against language barriers, celebrity life, and international filming. Go Youn-jung plays a famous actress under constant media scrutiny, while Kim Seon-ho plays a multilingual interpreter. They travel to Korea, Japan, Canada, and Italy for a show. While he can translate languages, understanding the emotions hidden behind her words proves more challenging.

Audiences focused on the chemistry between Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung. Many said, "I really love this drama," and despite occasional confusion, they wanted to keep watching.