Netflix's 'Punch Up Education' Loses! Korean Viewers' Favorite K-Drama TOP15 Crowned: Mature Male Lead's Full Charm, Can't Stop After One Episode

Korean dramas continuously innovate each year, but the ones that truly remain in viewers' hearts often feature distinct characters, intense emotions, and addictive storylines. Gallup Korea's list of favorite K-dramas includes everything from long-running family series and fantasy romances to revenge thrillers and 2026's upcoming titles, revealing the diverse tastes of audiences across generations.

In this ranking, classics like 'The World of the Married', 'My Love from the Star', and 'Descendants of the Sun' maintain strong positions in the upper ranks, while recent hits such as 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and 'Punch Up Education' also make the list. The champion is 'The Man in the Mask' starring So Ji-sub, defeating phenomenon-level dramas like 'The First Responders', 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', and 'The Glory'.

15th Favorite K-Drama: Kim Hee-ae and Park Hae-joon in 'The World of the Married'

'The World of the Married' centers on the marital breakdown between doctor Ji Seon-woo and director Lee Tae-oh. A seemingly enviable family life collapses as the husband's affair and the collective concealment by friends and family come to light, weaving together themes of love, betrayal, control, and revenge.

Kim Hee-ae powerfully portrays the shock, restraint, and fierce determination for revenge after discovering the betrayal. Viewers praised, 'She's such a great actress!' Many fans noted that each episode introduces new conflicts, making it impossible to stop watching despite the suffocating relationships.

14th Favorite K-Drama: Kim Mu-yeol and Lee Sung-min in 'Punch Up Education'

Based on a popular webtoon, 'Punch Up Education' is set in an era where educational authority has declined and school order has collapsed. Kim Mu-yeol plays Ro Hwa-jin, a strict field supervisor, who, along with Lee Sung-min's Educational Protection Bureau team, intervenes in bullying, 'dinosaur parents', and online witch hunts, using extreme measures to deliver justice for victims.

The combination of action scenes and social issues led viewers to describe it as a 'campus version of Crime City'. Fans said, 'The pacing is tight and thrilling—I haven't seen such a satisfying drama in a while!' While the 'violence to fight violence' philosophy sparked debate, the emotional catharsis it provides remains a major draw.

13th Favorite K-Drama: Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun in 'My Love from the Star'

'My Love from the Star' follows Do Min-joon, an alien who has lived on Earth for centuries, preparing to return to his planet. Just before departure, he meets Cheon Song-yi, a bold and lonely top actress. The cold, distant alien professor and the confident yet clumsy celebrity develop a love that transcends time and species.

Jun Ji-hyun's comedic timing and Kim Soo-hyun's restrained image create a compelling contrast, making them the most captivating duo. Fans joked after seeing behind-the-scenes footage: 'Even gods and goddesses are hilarious!' Even years later, the iconic scenes, lines, and character charm of Do Min-joon and Cheon Song-yi remain instantly recognizable.

12th Favorite K-Drama: IU and Park Bo-gum in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

Set on Jeju Island, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' follows the rebellious Ae-joon and the quiet, reliable Gwan-jik from their youthful meeting through marriage and into later life. Spanning decades and the changing seasons, it portrays love, family, poverty, dreams, and generational shifts through the lives of an ordinary couple.

Many viewers said, 'I cried in every episode.' The tears come not from manufactured tragedies but from parents' silent struggles, couples supporting each other daily, and children realizing love only when grown—resonating deeply with personal family experiences.

11th Favorite K-Drama: Ha Ji-won and Ji Chang-wook in 'Empress Ki'

'Empress Ki' traces the journey of Ki Seung-nyang, a Goryeo woman who enters the Yuan Dynasty court, navigating war, hidden identities, and power struggles to eventually become empress. Ha Ji-won excels in male disguises, action sequences, romance, and palace intrigue, developing a complex relationship with Emperor Toghon, played by Ji Chang-wook.

Though historical liberties sparked controversy, the emotional tension kept viewers engaged to the end. It was hailed as a 'period drama version of an idol romance.' Ha Ji-won's commanding presence and Ji Chang-wook's transformation from a weak emperor to a mature ruler remain unforgettable.

10th Favorite K-Drama: Oh Yeon-seo and Lee Yoo-ri in 'Brilliant Legacy'

Also known as 'Jang Bo-ri is Here!', written by Kim Soon-ok, the drama revolves around inheritance battles in a hanbok dynasty, mistaken identities, and mother-daughter feuds across two generations. Oh Yeon-seo plays the kind and resilient Jang Bo-ri, while Lee Yoo-ri portrays the deceitful and ruthless Yoon Mi-ryung, whose rivalry escalates.

This 52-episode family drama captivated audiences with high-density twists, exaggerated villainy, and satisfying payback. Fans called it 'the drama that makes elders forget to nag their kids' and 'one you watch nonstop.' Lee Yoo-ri's villain is so hateable she became the most memorable character.

9th Favorite K-Drama: Lee Bo-young and Lee Sang-woon in 'Dear My Friends'

'Dear My Friends' follows Lee Ru-eun, who harbors resentment toward her irresponsible father and hides his existence from her lover to escape poverty. This lie leads to marriage but gradually fractures her relationships with her father, husband, and brother, ultimately leading to reconciliation and understanding.

Viewers said, 'I cried so hard after watching.' The natural character development was praised, especially the nuanced writing of Ru-eun lowering her guard, father-daughter healing, and marital rediscovery, with the 50-episode length allowing relationships to fully develop.

8th Favorite K-Drama: Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo in 'Descendants of the Sun'

Set against overseas peacekeeping and disaster relief, 'Descendants of the Sun' stars Song Joong-ki as special forces captain Yoo Si-jin and Song Hye-kyo as surgeon Kang Mo-yeon. Their relationship repeatedly draws close and pulls apart due to differing work ethics and dangerous environments, redefining their bond through warzone missions, earthquake rescues, and life-or-death decisions.

Cinematic visuals, overseas filming, and on-screen chemistry made the drama a pan-Asian sensation. Fans said, 'I got so addicted I wanted it to air all at once.' Yoo Si-jin, who delivers romantic lines and saves lives in crises, became the ideal man for countless viewers.

7th Favorite K-Drama: Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun in 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God'

'Guardian' tells of Kim Shin, a general who became an immortal 'goblin' after death, seeking his fated bride to pull the sword from his chest and end his eternal life. Meeting Eun-tak, a girl who sees ghosts, his desire for death wavers, leading to a story of fate and afterlife entanglements with the Grim Reaper.

Romantic snowscapes, music, and fate-laden dialogue created iconic scenes. The goblin and Grim Reaper emerging from darkness to save someone still shocks Korean netizens. The romance between Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, plus the banter between Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook, delivered both tears and laughs.

6th Favorite K-Drama: Yum Jung-ah and Kim Seo-hyung in 'SKY Castle'

'SKY Castle' focuses on elite families in a luxury neighborhood, where parents hire secret tutors, manipulate grades, and sacrifice parent-child bonds to get their children into top universities. Yum Jung-ah plays Han Seo-jin, desperate to maintain a perfect image, while Kim Seo-hyung plays the cold coach Jin Ju-young, exposing the dark cost of academic competition.

Some viewers didn't get the hype at first but later said, 'I love the complexity and depth of every character.' No one is purely good or evil—parents walk a fine line between love and control, turning academic stress into a suffocating family war.

5th Favorite K-Drama: Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won in 'Queen of Tears'

'Queen of Tears' begins with a crumbling marriage between a rural-born lawyer, Baek Hyun-woo, and chaebol heiress Hong Hae-in. After three years of emotional distance and plans for divorce, Hae-in is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Amid family conflicts and life-threatening crises, they rediscover each other and the love worn thin by marriage.

Opinions were divided on later plot points like amnesia, car accidents, and villain entanglements, but some said, 'Even with clichés, the emotional depth was satisfying.' Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won convincingly portrayed marital fatigue, regret, and deep love—mere glances or tears carried emotional weight.

4th Favorite K-Drama: Song Hye-kyo and Lee Do-hyun in 'The Glory'

'The Glory' follows Moon Dong-eun, brutally bullied in school, who spends years planning and infiltrating the lives of her tormentors for meticulous revenge. Song Hye-kyo breaks from her romantic roles, delivering a restrained, icy performance of a victim's trauma, while Lee Do-hyun plays Joo Yeo-jeong, her willing 'executioner'.

Fans praised the drama's consistent intensity, calling it a masterpiece. Seeing villains punished felt 'so satisfying!' While some questioned the romance, others said Yeo-jeong offered emotional relief, and their mutual healing added warmth to the revenge narrative.

3rd Favorite K-Drama: Park Eun-bin and Kang Tae-oh in 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'

'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' follows Woo Young-woo, a genius lawyer with autism spectrum disorder, as she navigates legal cases and workplace relationships. Park Eun-bin's nuanced performance earned acclaim, and the show's empathetic portrayal of marginalized voices resonated widely. Viewers noted, 'Finally, an autism character that avoids stereotypes.' Young-woo's growth and her relationship with Kang Tae-oh's character offered heartwarming moments.