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== Rating system ==
{{short description|Television program genre}}
{{further|Television content rating systems#South Korea}}
{{Lead too long|date=October 2023}}
The television rating system is regulated by the Korea Communications Commission, and was implemented in 2000. According to the system, programs, including Korean dramas, are rated according to the following principles (ratings irrelevant to dramas are omitted):<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=106&oid=009&aid=0002180286|title=TV 드라마의 등급 분류 기준은?|last=Kim|first=Su-jin|date=10 November 2009|publisher=매일경제|language=ko|access-date=10 September 2014}}</ref>
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
* [[File:Republic Of Korea Broadcasting-TV Rating System(12).svg|30px|Republic_Of_Korea_Broadcasting-TV_Rating_System(12).svg]]: programs that may be inappropriate for children under 12, such as mild violence, suggestive themes or language.
* [[File:Republic Of Korea Broadcasting-TV Rating System(15).svg|30px|Republic_Of_Korea_Broadcasting-TV_Rating_System(15).svg]]: programs that may be inappropriate for children under 15. Most dramas and talk shows are rated this way. These programs may include moderate or strong adult themes, language, sexual inference, and violence.
* [[File:Republic Of Korea Broadcasting-TV Rating System(19).svg|30px|Republic_Of_Korea_Broadcasting-TV_Rating_System(19).svg]]: programs intended for adults only. These programs might include adult themes, sexual situations, frequent use of strong language and disturbing scenes of violence.


== Reception ==
A '''Korean drama''' ({{Korean|한국 드라마}}; [[Revised Romanization of Korean|RR]]: ''Han-guk deurama''), more popularly known as '''Koreanovela''' or '''K-drama''', is a type of [[Television show|television series]] in the [[Korean language]] made in [[South Korea]].
{{excessive examples|date=March 2022}}
{{summarize section|date=March 2022}}
[[File:Goong Teddy Bears.JPG|thumb|left|''[[Princess Hours]]'' [[teddy bear]] exhibition at [[N Seoul Tower]], 2012]]
According to a researcher at the [[University of Vienna]], popularity of Korean dramas have their foundation in [[Confucianism|Confucian]] values they transmit, which Asian viewers can easily identify with. Respect for elders, filial piety, family-orientedness, and the display of perceived "Asian moral values" play an important role in Korean series.{{sfn|Sung|2008}} YA Entertainment, the American distributor of Korean dramas, believes that part of the attractiveness of these series come from the quality of camera work, scenic locations, and spectacular costumes, which make the "final product very stylish and attractive, with arguably some of the highest TV production values in the world."{{sfn|Larsen|2008}} Korean series follow their own formula, are innovative and don't conform to Western television productions.{{sfn|Larsen|2008}} Stephan Lee from ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' called Korean dramas "fascinating and weirdly comforting".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/02/02/korean-dramas-hulu/|title=Korean dramas on Hulu: Why I'm addicted|publisher=Entertainment Weekly PopWatch|access-date=17 January 2012|date=2 February 2011}}</ref>


Exports of Korean series yielded {{USD}}37.5 million in 2003, which was three times higher than the amount reached in 1999.{{sfn|Shim|2011}} According to data from [[Korea Creative Content Agency]], in 2013 K-dramas constituted 82% of the culture content export of South Korea, with an income of $167 million, which is four times more than a decade before.{{sfn|Donga 1|2013}}
They are popular worldwide, especially in Asia, partially due to the spread of Korean popular culture (the "[[Korean wave|Korean Wave]]") and their widespread availability via streaming services, which often offer subtitles in multiple languages. Many K-dramas have been translated internationally, and some of them have had a significant influence in other nations. In other countries, traditional television channels have broadcast some of the most well-known dramas. For example, ''[[Dae Jang Geum]]'' (2003–04) was sold in 150 countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/5/23/will-the-korean-drama-wave-rise-higher|title=What's the secret behind the K-drama wave — and will it crash?|website=[[Aljazeera]]|date=23 May 2023|access-date=8 November 2023|archive-date=22 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622052735/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/5/23/will-the-korean-drama-wave-rise-higher|url-status=live}}</ref>


A driving force behind the rising popularity is the intense involvement of fans. Because of the live-shooting production of K-dramas, Korean-speaking fans have the opportunity to participate in their creation{{sfn|Oh|2015|pp=42, 147–48}}—a unique phenomenon in the mass media world. They can influence the content of later shows in the series through complaints and suggestions, which are frequently adopted by the production teams.{{sfn|Oh|2015|p=134}}
Korean dramas have attracted international attention for their fashion, style, and culture. Their rise in popularity has given a great boost to fashion lines.


The global community of non-Korean-speaking fans, on the other hand, is more involved in the consumption aspects: Fans share their opinions through tweets and comments on newsgroups (for example, the Soompi discussion forum) as well as reviews and recaps on websites and blogs. However, the impact of their social media activity goes beyond the fan community. It spreads the word about the K-drama genre to social connections like acquaintances, friends and family (e.g. Facebook friends or followers on Twitter) and thereby generally raises its popularity. But it also has an effect on the creation of new dramas. It influences the popularity of certain dramas, leading to higher demand for those videos from streaming sites and additional income for broadcasters. When a substantial profit results, it raises not only the prestige of people involved in the production{{sfn|Oh|2015|p=147}} but also provides feedback for production teams and indirectly influences future productions.
The "Korean Wave," or Hallyu, had great impacts on countries around the world. With the wave came Korean TV dramas. "In the late 2000s, South Korea was producing more TV dramas than ever before." (Tilland, 2021) The most successful dramas incorporate skillful combinations of familial affection, sex appeal, and emotional desirability. The demand for K-drama has only increased over the last twenty years after it was nearly destroyed due to Hollywood films, Japanese pop culture, and the financial crisis that hit South Korea in 1997. (Ingyu, 2017) K-dramas continue to gain traction internationally today.


=== International reception ===
There is a tacit knowledge when it comes to the production of television series in South Korea that appeals to consumers in a unique way. "The working definition of tacit knowledge is the kind of knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by means of writing it down or verbalizing it." (Ingyu, 2017) K-dramas have an especially large female presence that makes up their following and representation. The female fandom is specifically targeted, and tacit knowledge is applied most effectively in this area. The Korean actors show a wide range of emotions, and many adlib without prompting, even producing genuine tears without assistance.
==== East Asia ====
[[File:Won Bin.jpg|right|thumb|upright|[[Won Bin]] gained wide popularity in 2000 after starring in the television drama ''[[Autumn in My Heart]]'' and has since gained critical acclaim for his performances in the films ''[[Taegukgi (film)|Taegukgi]]'', ''[[Mother (2009 film)|Mother]]'' and ''[[The Man from Nowhere (2010 film)|The Man from Nowhere]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kang|first=Myoung-Seok|title=10LINE: Won Bin|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009093018441652110|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=10 Asia|date=30 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kang|first=Myoung-Seok|title=Interview: Actor Won Bin – Part 1|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010080423554490134|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=10 Asia|date=4 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kang|first=Myoung-Seok|title=Interview: Actor Won Bin – Part 2|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010080423553587071|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=10 Asia|date=4 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kang|first=Myoung-Seok|title=Interview: Actor Won Bin – Part 3|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010080423271185928|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=10 Asia|date=4 August 2010}}</ref>]]


===== China =====
The acting of women in K-dramas appeals to women universally, showing the struggles that pertain only to women. Women in these television series often assume typically male-dominated professions, and they appeal to all women who want to bring down the image of traditional values and male-dominated communities. K-dramas are successful when women can break free of traditional roles and embrace freedom. The men in K-dramas have begun to present a more fluid nature of representation, which challenges the gender roles typically expected of men. Rather than focusing on being "macho" or "manly," men adopt more feminine and androgynous looks in order to cater to female fans. There is a great focus on the beauty techniques used, ranging from makeup all the way to cosmetic surgeries. The androgyny in K-drama, as well as K-pop, is a common phenomenon and draws the attention of women through global targeting.
In [[China]], South Korean programs on Chinese government TV networks accounted for more than all other foreign programs combined in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|last=Faiola|first=Anthony|date=31 August 2006|title=Japanese Women Catch the 'Korean Wave'|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/30/AR2006083002985_2.html}}</ref> [[Hong Kong]] has its own channel for airing Korean dramas, [[TVB J2]], but [[Asia Television|ATV]] also airs Korean series in prime-time slots.<ref name="hongkong">{{cite web|date=5 April 2011|title=The Hallyu Wave Remains Alive in Hong Kong|url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=16700&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121215054326/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=16700&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|archive-date=15 December 2012|access-date=17 January 2012|publisher=University of Southern California}}</ref> ''My Love from the Star'' received enthusiastic feedback from China. It was viewed 40 billion times on numerous Chinese video sites.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Hyun-Kyung|date=9 April 2015|title=Korean Dramas and Variety Shows, Over Asia to Europe and America|work=Newspim|url=http://www.newspim.com/view.jsp?newsId=20150406000073}}</ref> The drama also spurred interest about Korea, shown by China's increased consumption of Korean products such as Chi Maek (chicken and beer) and Korean cosmetics.<ref>{{cite news|date=10 March 2015|title=Cosmetics' Hallyu from My Love from the Star|work=The Korea Herald Economy|url=http://news.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20150310000380&md=20150310101730_BL}}</ref> Due to the success of Korean dramas in China, some dramas have been compiled to create feature-length films by combining all episodes into one film. The prodigious popularity of Korean dramas in the country has, on some occasions, been caught in the crossfire over [[China–South Korea relations|diplomatic issues between China and South Korea]]. Most notable being the [[Terminal High Altitude Area Defense|THAAD]] deployment in South Korea which resulted in the blocking of Korean dramas on streaming services across the country in late February 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=hermes|date=27 February 2017|title=Thaad row: China blocks streaming of Korean dramas|newspaper=The Straits Times|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/thaad-row-china-blocks-streaming-of-korean-dramas|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> Following the block, Chinese TV shows showcasing Chinese culture and other similar content replaced Korean content on TV networks' [[prime time]] schedules in the country.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 April 2017|title=China Becoming Increasingly Protective in Culture Industry|url=http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/news/industry/17875-hallyu-subsiding-china-china-becoming-increasingly-protective-culture-industry|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> In November 2017, the ban was lifted unannounced following the appearance of K-pop groups on national TV and the move to resume importation of Korean dramas by Chinese streaming services.<ref>{{cite web|last=TODAY|first=ASIA|date=2 November 2017|title=China Virtually Ends Hallyu Ban|website=[[HuffPost]]|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/china-virtually-ends-hallyu-ban_us_59fb14cae4b09afdf01c40a1|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> In China, apps like [[IQIYI|IQiyi]], which is currently also available in [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Taiwan]] and some other countries in multiple different subtitles, are available to stream and download Korean dramas for viewing.


===== Japan =====
The attention K-dramas receive has also inspired many to visit South Korea. According to a report published in The Korea Herald, more than half of the tourists that visited South Korea came after watching Korean dramas. ("Impact of Korean Dramas on the World", 2022) Most Korean dramas are filmed on location, highlighting the beauty of the country and drawing in more tourists (e.g., Crash Landing on You, which was filmed in Switzerland and South Korea). These TV series can also be described as emotionally addictive and are universally appealing due to the relatability of the content. These universal themes include love, family, and personal growth. "The characters in K-dramas are often complex and multi-layered, making them more interesting and engaging to watch." (Sejong, 2023)
The first Korean drama to gain widespread popularity in [[Japan]] was ''Winter Sonata'', which was broadcast on the [[NHK]] satellite channel NHK BS2 in 2003. The program was aired twice in the same year due to high demand from viewers.{{sfn|Lee|2005}} NHK also hosted a classical concert featuring ''Winter Sonata'''s tunes performed by Korean musicians.{{sfn|Lee|2005}} Korean dramas boost tourism between Korea and Japan,{{sfn|Lee|2005}} and is considered a possible way of improving strained relationships between the two countries, as series have become increasingly popular with Japanese viewers.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 January 2012|title=Improving Korea-Japan relations is possible: look at the Germany-Poland example|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20120108000269|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|year=2009|title=Japanese Surfing the Korean Wave: Drama Tourism, Nationalism, and Gender via Ethnic Eroticisms|url=http://www.uky.edu/Centers/Asia/SECAAS/Seras/2009/03_Creighton_2009.pdf|journal=Southeast Review of Asian Studies|volume=31|pages=10–38|access-date=16 July 2014|archive-date=10 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410050529/http://www.uky.edu/Centers/Asia/SECAAS/Seras/2009/03_Creighton_2009.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Conversely, the series ''Iris'' had several pivotal scenes shot in Akita, Japan, which led to an increase of Korean tourists in that part of Japan.<ref>{{cite news|author=Inoue, Chihiro|date=13 April 2009|title=Spy drama pulls S.Koreans to Akita|work=The Japan Times|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100413f1.html|access-date=26 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=16 January 2010|title=Akita sees huge increase in Korean tourists|work=Japan Probe|url=http://www.japanprobe.com/2010/01/16/akita-sees-huge-increase-in-korean-tourists/|url-status=dead|access-date=23 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118233708/http://www.japanprobe.com/2010/01/16/akita-sees-huge-increase-in-korean-tourists/|archive-date=18 January 2010}}</ref>


== Format ==
===== Mongolia =====
In [[Mongolia]], Korean dramas have become popular and are broadcast at prime time. ''Dae Jang Geum'' achieved success in the country and was broadcast five times due to this. ''Autumn in My Heart'', ''Winter Sonata'' and ''Stairway to Heaven'' were other popular dramas. Popularity in Korean dramas has resulted in interest in the learning of the Korean language as well as Mongolians travelling to South Korea. It has also led to increased mutually cooperative relations between Mongolia and South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sorry Page|url=http://news.mofat.go.kr/enewspaper/articleview.php?master=&aid=993&ssid=18&mvid=523|access-date=21 October 2018|website=news.mofat.go.kr|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304173036/http://news.mofat.go.kr/enewspaper/articleview.php?master=&aid=993&ssid=18&mvid=523|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Jumong site 1.jpg|thumb|250px| [[Yongin Daejanggeum Park]], a filming site where historical dramas for [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation]] are produced]]


===== North Korea =====
A single director usually leads Korean dramas, which are often written by a single screenwriter. This often leads to each drama having distinct directing and dialogue styles. This differs from American television series, which can rely on multiple directors and writers working together.{{sfn|Chosun Ilbo|2007}}
Watching films or TV dramas from South Korea is a serious offence in [[North Korea]], punishable by execution,<ref>{{cite news|date=11 November 2013|title=North Korea 'Publicly Executed 80 People,' South Korean Paper Reports|work=[[HuffPost]]|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/11/north-korea-public-execution_n_4252610.html|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref> but people still manage to acquire them on CDs, VHS Tapes, streaming services and DVDs.<ref name="dailynk">{{cite web|date=21 June 2011|title=Young People Surfing the Korean Wave|url=http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?cataId=nk00400&num=7856|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726020741/http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?cataId=nk00400&num=7856|archive-date=26 July 2014|access-date=16 January 2012|publisher=DailyNK}}</ref>


In 2021, there was an article that young people who were watching the popular drama ''[[The Penthouse: War in Life]]'' were caught in Pyeongseong, Pyeongnam Province, and will have to serve more than 10 years. Later, the residents of Yanggang Province began to imitate the famous lines from the [[The Penthouse: War in Life|Penthouse series]], and the residents were also unable to avoid punishment.<ref>{{cite web|title='펜트하우스' 같이 본 북한 청년들, 10~12년 노동교화형|url=https://www.dailynk.com/펜트하우스-같이-봤다고-북한-청년들-1012년-노동교화/|website=DailyNK|language=ko|date=11 June 2021|access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='펜트하우스' 명대사 따라하는 북한 청년들, 그걸 단속하는 청년들|url=https://www.dailynk.com/펜트하우스-명대사-따라하는-북한-청년들-바로/|website=DailyNK|language=ko|date=22 July 2021|access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref>
The 19:00 to 21:00 evening time slots has usually have been reserved for daily dramas, which run every night from Monday through Friday. Dramas in these slots are in the [[telenovela]] format, rarely running over 150 episodes. Unlike American [[soap opera]]s, these daily dramas are not broadcast during the daytime. Instead, the daytime schedule often includes reruns of the flagship dramas. The nighttime dailies can achieve very high ratings. During the late 2000s, for example, the weekend series ''[[First Wives' Club]]'' recorded 41.3%, according to TNS Korea,<ref>{{cite news|title=SBS'조강지처클럽', 자체최고시청률 41.3%로 종영|url=https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20081005/5121815/1|publisher=Sports Donga|author=Hong Jae-hyun|date=5 October 2008|access-date=22 October 2021|language=ko|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022085129/https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20081005/5121815/1|url-status=live}}</ref> and the evening series ''[[Temptation of Wife (2008 TV series)|Temptation of Wife]]'' peaked at 40.6%, according to TNS Korea.<ref>{{cite news|author=Park Se-yeon|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?news_uid=299459|script-title=ko:'아내의 유혹' 40.6% 자체 최고 시청률 '기염'|work=Newsen|date=13 February 2009|access-date=11 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002755/http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?news_uid=299459|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead|language=ko}}</ref>


=== Plots and storylines ===
===== Taiwan =====
In [[Taiwan]], interest in Korean dramas began when ''[[Star in My Heart]]'' aired in 1999. Since then Korean dramas have become very popular and according to the South Korean mission 120 K-dramas had been broadcast in Taiwan in the first half of 2011.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lechner|first1=Frank J.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ph3VBAAAQBAJ&q=star in my heart taiwan&pg=PA384|title=The Globalization Reader|last2=Boli|first2=John|year=2014|publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-118-73702-6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kang|first=Hyun-kyung|date=2011-08-21|title=Korean drama gains popularity in Taiwan|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/04/176_93200.html|access-date=2021-04-07|website=The Korea Times|language=en}}</ref>
K-dramas have a multitude of different genre such as action dramas, historical dramas, school dramas, medical dramas, legal dramas, or even horror comedies. While most dramas contain romantic elements and deep emotional themes, some may also contain a tragedy or [[slice of life]] theme. There are various styles and tones.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Casaus|first=Sara|title=Recommended korean dramas 2021|url=https://broadcastk.info/rekomendasi-drama-korea/|website=Film Daily|date=1 June 2020|access-date=22 October 2021|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930124339/https://broadcastk.info/rekomendasi-drama-korea/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==== Southeast Asia ====
The main themes of Korean television dramas are friendship, family values, and love, blending traditional [[Confucianism|Confucian]] with Western materialism and individualism.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kim|first=Kyŏng-t'ae|title=K-movie : the world's spotlight on Korean film|date=2012|publisher=Korean Culture and Information Service|location=Seoul|isbn=978-89-7375-163-1}}</ref>


===== Brunei =====
However, it is an emerging trend amongst Korean dramas to showcase ongoing societal issues of Korean society, such as stigma of mental illness,<ref>{{cite web|last=Ong|first=Jasmine|title=How Recent K-Dramas Are Defying The Stereotypical Narrative|url=https://teenage.com.sg/entertainment/how-recent-k-dramas-are-defying-the-stereotypical-narrative/|website=Teenage Magazine|language=en|date=8 February 2019|access-date=22 October 2021|archive-date=8 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808213801/https://teenage.com.sg/entertainment/how-recent-k-dramas-are-defying-the-stereotypical-narrative/|url-status=dead}}</ref> gender inequality, suicide, classism, bullying, [[Molka|spy cameras]], [[Corruption in South Korea|corruption]], homophobia, or racism.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sunio|first=Patti|title=How K-drama hit Itaewon Class challenges discrimination|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3078294/itaewon-class-transgender-issues-social-injustice-racism|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|date=3 April 2020|access-date=22 October 2021|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906054652/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3078294/itaewon-class-transgender-issues-social-injustice-racism|url-status=live}}</ref>
In recent times Korean dramas have experienced growing popularity in [[Brunei]]. The growing impact of Korean culture in Brunei led to the hosting of the ninth Korea Forum in the country at Universiti Brunei Darussalam in 2010. Korean television dramas, movies, music, and clothing have had a great impact on the people of Brunei.<ref>{{cite web|title=Korean Wave washes over Brunei|url=http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/02/10/korean-wave-washes-over-brunei|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125180058/http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/02/10/korean-wave-washes-over-brunei|archive-date=25 November 2015|work=The Brunei Times}}</ref>


=== Historical ===
===== Cambodia =====
The first Korean drama to be broadcast in [[Cambodia]] was ''[[Winter Sonata]]''; it was, however, ''[[Full House (South Korean TV series)|Full House]]'' that launched the interest in Korean dramas and entertainment in the country. Following the success of ''Full House'', more Korean dramas have been dubbed into the [[Khmer language]]. Korean dramas have become popular particularly amongst youth in Cambodia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Korean Wave in Cambodia &#124; ASEAN-Korea Centre|url=http://blog.aseankorea.org/archives/817|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130113145/http://blog.aseankorea.org/archives/817|archive-date=30 January 2015|access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref>
{{Main|Sageuk}}

The term ''sageuk'' refers to any Korean television or film drama that is either based on [[historical drama|historical figures]], incorporates historical events, or uses a historical backdrop. While ''sageuk'' literally translates to "historical drama", the term is typically reserved for dramas taking place throughout the course of Korean history.<ref>{{cite web
===== Indonesia =====
| url = http://koreanhistoricaldramas.com/introduction-to-sageuks/
In [[Indonesia]], Korean dramas have gained popularity and the popular Korean dramas ''Winter Sonata'' and ''[[Endless Love (2000 TV series)|Endless Love]]'' were aired on Surya Citra Media in 2002. Some Korean dramas have also been remade into Indonesian versions such as ''Demi Cinta'' in 2005 which was a remake of the popular drama ''[[Autumn in My Heart]]'' and ''Cinta Sejati'', a remake of ''[[Stairway to Heaven (South Korean TV series)|Stairway to Heaven]]''. [[RCTI]] and [[Indosiar]] are examples of Indonesian television networks that air Korean dramas in the early times, but later [[Trans TV]] airing some of popular Korean dramas until today.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Marinescu|first1=Valentina|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aXutBAAAQBAJ&q=popularity of korean dramas in Indonesia&pg=PA24|title=The Global Impact of South Korean Popular Culture|year=2014|publisher=Lexington Books |isbn=978-0-7391-9338-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Korean TV formats: a new Korean wave?|url=http://daehandrama.com/korean-tv-formats-new-korean-wave/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720034325/http://daehandrama.com/korean-tv-formats-new-korean-wave/|archive-date=20 July 2014|access-date=29 January 2015|work=Daehan Drama}}</ref>
| title = Introduction to Sageuks

| website = Sageuk: Korean Historical Dramas
===== Laos =====
| language = en-US
The popularity of Korean dramas and pop culture in [[Laos]] has led to many Laotian tourists travelling to South Korea. Korean pop culture has gained popularity in Laos through the Thai TV channels broadcasting Korean dramas and K-pop bands in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lao tourists ride 'Korean wave'|url=http://www.mindanews.com/travel-lifestyle/2013/11/20/lao-tourists-ride-korean-wave/|work=MindaNews|date=19 November 2013|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125121258/http://www.mindanews.com/travel-lifestyle/2013/11/20/lao-tourists-ride-korean-wave/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| access-date = 1 March 2016

| archive-date = 20 February 2016
===== Malaysia =====
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160220005831/http://koreanhistoricaldramas.com/introduction-to-sageuks/
In [[Malaysia]], ''Winter Sonata'' began airing on [[TV3 (Malaysian TV network)|TV3]] in 2003, which started an interest in Korean pop culture in the country. ''Dae Jang Geum'' and ''Autumn In My Heart'' were also aired in Malaysia. The popularity of Korean dramas have resulted in a positive reception of Korean expatriates in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caught up in a Korean wave|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=/2012/8/12/nation/11844064&sec=nation|access-date=12 December 2014|work=The Star|archive-date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920053701/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=/2012/8/12/nation/11844064&sec=nation|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| url-status = dead

===== Myanmar =====
In [[Myanmar]], the K-drama ''Autumn in My Heart'' was broadcast in the country in 2001, which led to interest in Korean entertainment. When ''Dae Jang Geum'' was on air, the drama sparked an interest in Korean cuisine in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Korean Wave in Myanmar &#124; ASEAN-Korea Centre|url=http://blog.aseankorea.org/archives/11041|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130113149/http://blog.aseankorea.org/archives/11041|archive-date=30 January 2015|access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> The rising popularity of Korean dramas and music in Myanmar has led to the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) distributing Korean dramas in the country for free.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jenna Gibson|title=How Korea Is Conquering Myanmar, One Soap Opera at a Time|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/how-korea-is-conquering-myanmar-one-soap-opera-at-a-time/|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref>

===== Philippines =====
In the [[Philippines]], Korean dramas are politically popular on free-to-air television since 2003.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 September 2009|title=Korean Dramas Continue to Captivate the Philippines|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/09/117_51344.html|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> In the past two decades, [[GMA Network]] has the highest number of Korean dramas broadcast in the Philippines.<ref name="Acquire">{{cite web|title=How GMA-7's Heart of Asia acquire its Asianovelas|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/157945/heart-of-asia-a724-20210525-lfrm5|website=Philippine Entertainment Portal|access-date=25 May 2021}}</ref>

===== Singapore =====
[[File:Lee Min-ho LG3 crop.JPG|thumb|upright|Actor [[Lee Min-ho]] achieved pan-[[Asia]] popularity with his hit dramas ''[[Boys Over Flowers (2009 TV series)|Boys Over Flowers]]'' (2009), ''[[The Heirs]]'' (2013) and ''[[The Legend of the Blue Sea]]'' (2016).]]
In [[Singapore]], Prime 12 (now known as [[Suria (TV channel)|Suria]]) originally aired the Korean drama ''[[Sandglass (TV series)|Sandglass]]'' on a weekly basis in 1996 and aired ''[[Asphalt Man]]'' in 1997. Since 2001, they are shown on Chinese language channel [[Channel U (Singaporean TV channel)|MediaCorp Channel U]] daily.<ref>{{cite web|title=Channel U|url=http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/zh/tv/channel-u/programmes/default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802151435/http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/zh/tv/channel-u/programmes/default.aspx|archive-date=2 August 2014|access-date=16 July 2014|publisher=XINMSN|language=zh}}</ref> The launch of [[KBS World]], [[One (Southeast Asian TV channel)|ONE TV ASIA]], [[Oh!K]], [[TVN (Asian TV channel)|Channel M]] and streaming [[Mobile app|app]], [[Viu (streaming media)|Viu]] in Singapore allows viewers to watch Korean dramas with a variety of subtitles in a matter of hours after the original South Korean telecast.<ref>{{cite news|title=Singaporeans get quick access to Korean shows with TV channel Oh!K|newspaper=The Straits Times|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/singaporeans-get-quick-access-to-korean-shows-with-tv-channel-ohk|access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> Currently, Singaporeans also get access to Korean dramas through China-originated online platform [[IQIYI]], which first soft-launched its app in 2019 and planned to expand its international bases in Singapore.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chinese-streaming-service-iqiyi-commits-to-making-more-singapore-content|title=Chinese streaming service iQiyi commits to making more Singapore content|website=The Straits Times|date=15 December 2020|access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/iqiyi-international-to-produce-first-k-drama|title=iQiyi International to produce first K-drama|website=The Straits Times|date=4 December 2020|access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref>

===== Thailand =====
When ''Dae Jang Geum'' was on air in [[Thailand]], Korean food started gaining wide popularity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hallyu (Korean Wave) in Thailand|url=http://www.kofice.or.kr/n_webzine/200711/eng/entertainment_report_taekok.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725174935/http://www.kofice.or.kr/n_webzine/200711/eng/entertainment_report_taekok.html|archive-date=25 July 2014|access-date=16 July 2014|publisher=KOFICE}}</ref> Due to the lop-sided nature of entertainment exports favoring South Korea, the Thai government requested increased introduction of popular Thai films to South Korean media outlets. This led to the signing of an Agreement of Cultural Cooperation between the two countries in August 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=Royal Thai Embassy, Seoul > Home > Thailand&nbsp;– ROK Relations > Bilateral relations|url=http://www.thaiembassy.or.kr/en/about/thai_rok_relations.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141428/http://www.thaiembassy.or.kr/en/about/thai_rok_relations.htm|archive-date=22 July 2011|access-date=15 August 2011|publisher=Thaiembassy.or.kr}}</ref>

===== Vietnam =====
Korean dramas have also gained popularity in Vietnam, particularly among women and young people. The fashion and hairstyles presented in Korean dramas have become very popular among the youth of the country.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lee|first1=Eun-Joo|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DIVpIrDCZykC&q=korean dramas in vietnam&pg=PA136|title=Integrated Korean|last2=Park|first2=Duk-Soo|last3=Yeon|first3=Jaehoon|date=2004|publisher=University of Hawaii Press |isbn=978-0-8248-2751-9}}</ref>

==== South Asia ====
===== Bangladesh =====
Korean dramas have gained popularity in [[Bangladesh]] in recent years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/shout/pop-culture/k-drama-beginners-191527|title=K-Drama for Beginners|date=24 December 2015|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> Their rising popularity in the country has led to the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE), an organisation which aims to distribute Korean dramas for free to countries, cooperating with broadcasters to distribute Korean dramas for free in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=133338|title=Korean dramas to air during Myanmar New Year : Korea.net : The official website of the Republic of Korea|first=Korean Culture and Information Service|last=(KOCIS)|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> With the growing number of K-drama fans in Bangladesh, more and more [[Facebook]] groups are popping up, giving them a platform to share their love of the shows with fellow K-drama enthusiasts and take part in events and activities hosted by the groups. One of the largest Bangladeshi K-Drama groups, BD K-Family, arranges a yearly get together for its members. Other popular Facebook K-Drama groups include K-Drama Archive BD, Korean Lovers Bangladesh, and BD Korean Drama Fam- all of which create opportunities for both local and international fans to participate in discussions about their favourite shows.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-14|title=Why are Korean dramas so beloved in Bangladesh?|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/arts-entertainment/news/why-are-korean-dramas-so-beloved-bangladesh-1994681|access-date=2021-04-07|website=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref>

===== Pakistan =====
In [[Pakistan]], Korean dramas have gained popularity after the broadcast of [[My Love from the Star]], [[Empress Ki]] and [[The Heirs]] have been broadcast in dubbed on H Now entertainment. Whereas [[Pakistan Television Corporation]] aired [[Dae Jang Geum]] and [[Descendants of the Sun]] being aired in Filmazia. However during the pandemic Hallyu sparked and took Pakistan by storm, when the hit show [[Crash Landing on You]], [[All of Us Are Dead]] and [[Squid Game]] took off. With the help of Korean Dramas and "[[K-pop]]" Pakistani youngsters are getting more familiar with them. Korean dramas are mostly watched by women and young Pakistanis. Korean dramas are unique enough to be endearing and familiar enough to be reassuring for the Pakistani viewers because of the similar storylines regarding family, romance, and comedic elements. Pak-Korea Culture Collaboration (PKCC) is a group of young Pakistanis living in Karachi who want to improve ties between both cultures. The youth have worked with the Korean embassy in Karachi on multiple occasions to host festivals and activities, and they have been incredibly successful in their aim.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/800088-korean-dramas-and-their-pakistani-audience
|title=Korean Dramas and Their Pakistani Audience
|website=The News International
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


===== Bhutan =====
Since the mid-2000s, some sageuks have achieved major success outside of Korea, in places such as the [[Asia-Pacific]], [[Central Asia]], [[Greater Middle East]], [[Central and Eastern Europe]] and [[Latin America]].<ref>{{cite web|language=th|title=Huh Joon – คนดีที่โลกรอ หมอโฮจุน|url=http://www.blike.net/kseries/HuhJoon|work=blike.net|date=5 September 2015|access-date=8 November 2023|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004135916/http://www.blike.net/kseries/HuhJoon/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sageuks including ''[[Dae Jang Geum]]'' (''Jewel in the Palace''), ''[[Lee San, Wind of the Palace|Yi San]] (Lee San, Wind of the palace)'' and ''[[Jumong (TV series)|Jumong]]'' enjoyed strong ratings in countries such as [[Vietnam]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Fiji]] and [[Iran]]. ''Jumong'', which aired on [[Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting|IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting)]] in 2008, had 85% viewership.<ref>{{Cite book|title = K-Dramas: A New TV Genre with Global Appeal|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hhhqBgAAQBAJ|publisher = 길잡이미디어|year = 2012|isbn = 978-8973751679|author = ((Korean Culture and Information Service Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism))|access-date = 8 November 2023|archive-date = 8 November 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025024/https://books.google.com/books?id=hhhqBgAAQBAJ|url-status = live}}</ref>
In the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] kingdom of [[Bhutan]], Korean dramas and entertainment have gained popularity particularly amongst youth. Prior to interest in Korean entertainment, [[Bollywood]] had largely been the most popular form of entertainment in the country. When the Bhutanese film industry launched in the mid-1990s, Bollywood was the only form of influence on the industry. However, in recent years Korean entertainment has made significant inroads in the country and influence the entertainment industry alongside Bollywood. Korean entertainment has managed to influence fashion, and many video shops now sell Korean dramas and movies alongside Bollywood films. The interest in Korean entertainment has also led to controversy with older generations voicing their concern that Korean entertainment will deteriorate Bhutanese culture and traditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insideasean.com/cover-story/Korean-fever-strikes-Bhutan-972/|title=Korean fever strikes Bhutan|work=InsideAsean|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202004551/http://www.insideasean.com/cover-story/Korean-fever-strikes-Bhutan-972/|archive-date=2 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/05/23/does-bhutan-love-bollywood-too-much/|title=Does Bhutan Love Bollywood Too Much?|author=Margherita Stancati|work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref>


=== Romance ===
===== India =====
[[File:190501 현빈.jpg|thumb|Hyun Bin has starred in Highest Rated K-Dramas in Korean Television history like [[My Lovely Sam Soon|''My Lovely Samsoon'']], [[Secret Garden (South Korean TV series)|''Secret Garden'']], ''[[Memories of the Alhambra]]'' and ''[[Crash Landing on You]]'' and is considered one of the most influential South Korean actor]]
Often centered around a love story, series set in contemporary times often focus on family ties and romantic relationships. Characters are mostly idealized with Korean male protagonists described as handsome, intelligent, rich, and in search of "[[Love at first sight|one true love]]". This has also been a contributing factor to the popularity of Korean dramas among women.{{sfn|Chosun Ilbo|2007}}{{sfn|Turnbull|2009}}{{sfn|Iwabuchi|2008}}{{sfn|Lee|2005}}
In [[India]], after the late 1990s and around 2000 Korean dramas started becoming popular through [[piracy]] particularly in [[Northeast India|north-eastern states]] such as [[Manipur]], [[Assam]], [[Meghalaya]], [[Sikkim]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Tripura]], [[Mizoram]] and [[Nagaland]] as well as parts of [[East India|eastern state]] like [[West Bengal]] and more recently in [[South India|southern states]] like [[Kerala]], [[Telangana]], [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Rimi |title=The Korean Connection: How The K-Pop Frenzy Is Taking Over India |url=https://www.mensxp.com/special-features/today/38105-the-korean-connection-how-the-k-pop-frenzy-is-taking-over-india.html |access-date=12 September 2020 |agency=Times Internet Limited |publisher=Mensxp |date=11 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/seoul-curry-for-north-east-shah-rukh-khan-lee-min-ho/1/227460.html|title=From movies to hairstyle and even language, it's Korea for the North-East|website=India Today|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> Hindi films and TV serials were banned in Manipur in 2000, as a result local television stations began broadcasting subtitled Korean dramas instead from [[Arirang TV]] and [[KBS World (TV channel)|KBS World]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chitransh |first1=Anugya |title='Korean Wave' takes Indian kids in its sway |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Korean-Wave-takes-Indian-kids-in-its-sway/articleshow/13753051.cms |access-date=11 September 2020 |agency=Times News Network |work=The Times of India |date=3 June 2012}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=24 October 2017|title=K-drama to K-pop: Is India finally warming up to the Korean wave?|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/k-drama-to-k-pop-is-india-finally-warming-up-to-the-korean-wave/story-OEiSTa5A6DZLgXL4aKG4JM.html|access-date=21 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Many young people in north-eastern, eastern, northern and southern parts of India mimic the hairstyles, clothes of Korean actors while Korean fashion became very popular in the region.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sunita|first=Akoijam|title=Korea Comes to Manipur|url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/Story/522/Korea-Comes-to-Manipur.html|access-date=4 April 2012|newspaper=Caravan Magazine|date=4 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427014851/http://www.caravanmagazine.in/Story/522/Korea-Comes-to-Manipur.html|archive-date=27 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India's northeast mesmerized by South Korea|url=https://news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/india-s-northeast-mesmerized-by-south-korea-28827262.html#crsl=%2Fvideo%2Fworld-15749633%2Findia-s-northeast-mesmerized-by-south-korea-28827262.html|access-date=4 April 2012|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=4 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://campusdiaries.com/stories/the-ne-fashion-glory |title=The NE Fashion Glory &#124; Tanya Kotnala |access-date=14 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326232515/https://campusdiaries.com/stories/the-ne-fashion-glory |archive-date=26 March 2017 }}</ref> As part of cultural exchange, public broadcaster [[Doordarshan]] telecast ''[[Emperor of the Sea]]'' and ''[[Dae Jang Geum]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/kbs-drama-emperor-of-the-sea-to-air-in-india-5281.html|title=KBS Drama 'Emperor of the Sea' to Air in India|publisher=Hancinema|access-date=16 July 2014|date=16 February 2006}}</ref> Korean dramas are dubbed in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] on [[Puthuyugam TV]] such as [[Boys Over Flowers (2009 TV series)|''Boys Over Flowers'']], [[My Love from the Star|''My Love from Another Star'']], ''[[Playful Kiss]]'' and many more.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/korean-serials-the-tamil-way/article6555813.ece|title=Korean serials, the Tamil way|author=Ramya Kannan|work=The Hindu|date=November 2014 }}</ref> [[Full House (South Korean TV series)|''Full House'']] and [[Hwang Jini (TV series)|''Hwang Jini'']] started airing on [[Firangi (TV channel)|Firangi]] channel in 2008. [[Independent TV (India)|Reliance Big TV]] offered [[KBS World (TV channel)|KBS World]] to its subscribers from 2009 on satellite television. Local fan clubs got help from [[Consul (representative)|Consul-General]] of the [[South Korea|Republic of Korea]] while [[Korean Cultural Center|Korean Cultural Centre]] in India (KCCI) under [[List of diplomatic missions of South Korea|South Korean embassy]] started mapping popularity of K-dramas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Subramani |first1=A |title=Korea holding K-Wave to heal lockdown fatigue in India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/korea-holding-k-wave-to-heal-lockdown-fatigue-in-india/articleshow/77868753.cms |access-date=11 September 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=1 September 2020}}</ref> As per KCCI, the motivation to understand Korean drama properly without [[subtitles]] is driving the uptake of Korean language classes among the youth with females outnumbering males.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Riya |title=K-Pop bands and dramas are driving Delhiites to learn Korean |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/k-pop-bands-and-dramas-are-driving-delhiites-to-learn-korean/articleshow/67512232.cms |access-date=12 September 2020 |agency=Times News Network |work=The Times of India}}</ref> [[DD Bharati]] broadcast period drama [[Hur Jun (TV series)|''Hur Jun'']] in 2014 that received highest viewer ratings of 34 million from January to October 2014. Online streaming platform [[ZEE5]] launched ''[[Descendants of the Sun]]'' to test the Indian market from 8 February to 1 March 2017 and found overwhelming positive response for Korean content with viewership ran close to 56 million.<ref name=":0" /> The telecast of Korean drama on [[Cable television|Cable TV]] in 2017 stopped as [[Korean Broadcasting System]] Network wanted to raise syndication charges due to accumulation of large viewer-ship base in India that included pockets of [[Bihar]], [[Kerala]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] due to short 16 to 20 episodes format that are easier for [[binge-watching]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=George |first1=Liza |title=Decoding Hallyu, the Korean Wave in India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/many-in-thiruvananthapuram-are-now-tuning-into-k-drama/article29408650.ece |access-date=11 September 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=13 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhatt |first1=Shephali |title=From K-pop to K-drama, Kimchi to K-beauty, Indian youngsters just can't get enough of Korea |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/from-food-to-popculture-and-cosmetics-india-eager-to-embrace-korean-cool/articleshow/65915355.cms |access-date=11 September 2020 |agency=ET Bureau |work=The Economic Times |date=23 September 2018}}</ref> With increasing interest in Korean content among younger generation from tier-1 cities, [[Samsung]] through its My Galaxy mobile application is partnering with [[Korean Broadcasting System]] (KBS) in 2019 to bring exclusive content for 20 million Indian users.<ref>{{Cite web|last=SamMobile|title=Samsung brings Korean content to its My Galaxy app in India|url=https://www.sammobile.com/2019/04/03/samsung-brings-korean-content-galaxy-india/|access-date=22 September 2020|website=SamMobile|date=3 April 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref> With [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]], [[Dish TV]] started premium K-dramas dubbed in [[Hindi]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Achary |first1=Gouri |title=In an Industry first, Dish TV India introduces 'Korean Drama Active' service for its DishTV and D2H users |url=https://businessnewsthisweek.com/business/in-an-industry-first-dish-tv-india-introduces-korean-drama-active-service-for-its-dishtv-and-d2h-users/ |website=Business News This Week |access-date=12 September 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Korean dramas are also driving highest viewer-ship on [[Netflix]] with second season of TV series ''[[Kingdom (South Korean TV series)|Kingdom]]'' attained the Top 10 series row as of March 2020. ''[[It's Okay to Not Be Okay]]'' is on Netflix Top 10 list in India for several weeks in August 2020 which has jumped to number 3 position. Netflix is increasing investment on Korean content to capture the Indian market.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Satviki |first1=Sanjay |title=The Pandemic Got Me Addicted to K-Dramas |url=https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/z3e5ky/kdramas-becoming-popular-on-netflix-during-pandemic |access-date=12 September 2020 |date=1 September 2020}}</ref> [[Over-the-top media service]] (OTT) [[MX Player]] confirmed rising popularity and demand of Korean dramas among millennial population especially the women audience and is now making deals with South Korean television and radio network company [[Seoul Broadcasting System]] (SBS) to bring more content in India. Korean dramas and films became most visited category for [[ShortsTV]] in India.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=10 August 2020|title=Covid draws Korean content into Indian view lists, firms' investment bouquet|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-draws-korean-content-into-indian-watchlists-companies-investment-bouquet-11597038664274.html|access-date=17 August 2020|website=Livemint|language=en}}</ref> As per media experts, the relatable themes in Korean content is fast catching the imagination of general public of almost every age group that is going mainstream and driving highest viewing especially after [[92nd Academy Awards]] winning movie [[Parasite (2019 film)|''Parasite'']] due to the shared Asian [[cultural heritage]] and societal values.<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 August 2020|title=Seoul connection: How K-dramas are building a bridge between India and South Korea|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/seoul-connection-how-k-dramas-are-building-a-bridge-between-india-and-south-korea/story-pQC6Xvqex7bMG743MAFHMM.html|access-date=18 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Aiyappan |first1=Ashameera |title=Hello Hallyu: How Korean wave is the new ball game for audience |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/english/2020/sep/06/hello-hallyu-how-korean-wave-is-the-new-ball-game-for-audience-2192113.html |access-date=11 September 2020 |agency=Express News Service |work=The New Indian Express |date=6 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cariappa |first1=Neha |title=An Emerging Market for Hallyu: the Growing Indian Fan Base |url=http://blog.keia.org/2020/07/k-pop-growing-indian-market/ |website=The Peninsula |publisher=Korea Economic Institute |access-date=11 September 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101150034/http://blog.keia.org/2020/07/k-pop-growing-indian-market/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> As per Parrot Analytics report, K-drama series ''[[Crash Landing on You]]'', is on demand 1.2 times than an average TV series that is 89.8% more than all drama titles shown in India forcing broadcasters to make extra slots as women are at the forefront of consumer demand in Korean content category.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Das Gupta |first1=Uttaran |title=Indian Women Hooked to South Korean Shows |url=http://minorityreporter.net/indian-women-hooked-to-south-korean-shows/ |website=Minority Reporter |access-date=9 October 2020 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006235956/http://minorityreporter.net/indian-women-hooked-to-south-korean-shows/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=India TV audience demand for Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착) |url=https://tv.parrotanalytics.com/IN/crash-landing-on-you-sarangyi-bulsicag-netflix |website=Parrot Analytics |access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref> The [[COVID-19 lockdown in India]] proved to be an inflection point in 2020–2021 when Korean drama moved from a niche sub-culture segment to mainstream due to services like Netflix, [[Viki (streaming service)|Rakuten Viki]] and YouTube. It penetrated to every age group and social background. The popularity of Korean drama forced many [[over-the-top media service in India]] such as MX Player, [[Viu (streaming media)|Viu]] and [[ZEE5]] to bring the dubbed versions in local language that will help cater to large non English speaking audience.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhattacharjee|first=Moumita|date=2021-04-02|title=How Bollywood makes a mark in Korean dramas and movies|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/bollywood-makes-mark-korean-dramas-movies/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Bollywood Hungama|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Chabba|first=Seerat|date=9 March 2021|title=Korean TV dramas find a huge audience in India|url=https://www.dw.com/en/korean-tv-dramas-find-a-huge-audience-in-india/a-56815880|access-date=2021-04-07|website=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mane|first=Anwaya|date=7 April 2021|title=K Dramas dubbed in Hindi; Is it a boon or a bane?|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/k-dramas-dubbed-hindi-it-boon-or-bane-687796|access-date=2021-04-07|website=PINKVILLA|language=en}}</ref>


== History ==
===== Nepal =====
Interest for Korean dramas in the [[Nepal]] began when ''Winter Sonata'' aired on [[Kantipur Television]] Network in the mid-2000s. This led to the popularity of other K-dramas such as ''Boys Over Flowers'', ''Autumn In My Heart'', ''You Are Beautiful'' and ''Full House'' to name a few. Popularity of Korean media products has also led to interest of learning the Korean language and has resulted in the emergence of Korean language tutorials that air on [[ABC Television (Nepal)|ABC Television]] in the country. Korean dramas have become popular among Nepali youth and markets are often frequented by teenagers looking to buy the latest dramas. The hairstyles and fashion of Korean actors have influenced the fashion sense of Nepali youth. Fascinated by the lifestyle and food of Korea, restaurants serving Korean cuisine have also been established in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/02/113_60464.html|title=Korean Dramas Captivate Young People in Nepal|date=7 February 2010|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/nepals-cool-kids-craving-the-south-korean-cutting-edge#page1|title=Nepal's cool kids craving the South Korean cutting edge|author=Annette Ekin|date=11 April 2009 }}</ref>
=== Early years ===
Radio broadcasting, including the broadcasting of radio dramas in Korea, began in 1927 under Japanese rule, with most programming in Japanese and around 30% in Korean.{{sfn|Robinson|1998|pp= 358–78}} After the [[Korean War]], radio dramas such as ''Cheongsilhongsil'' (1954) reflected the country's mood.<ref name="do">{{cite web|author=Do Je-hae|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2012/02/135_104082.html|title=Book traces history of Korean TV dramas: Analysis on Koreans' fervor for soap operas|newspaper=[[The Korea Times]]|date=3 February 2012|access-date=6 December 2013|archive-date=12 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212154534/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2012/02/135_104082.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


===== Sri Lanka =====
Television broadcasting began in 1956 with the launch of an experimental station, HLKZ-TV, which was shut down a few years later due to a fire. The first national television channel was Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), which started up in 1961.{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|p=59}} The first Korean television film was a 15-minute piece titled ''The Gate of Heaven'' (천국의 문, Cheongugui mun), on HLKZ-TV.{{sfn|Jeon|2013|pp=69–70}}
In [[Sri Lanka]], the [[Independent Television Network]] aired ''Full House'' in 2009 and it proved popular. ''Dae Jang Geum'' aired on [[Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation|Rupavahini]] in 2012 and was dubbed in Sinhala under the title ''Sujatha Diyani (සුජාත දියණී)'', meaning "The Pure, Valuable Daughter" and received a viewer rate of over 90%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=118495|title=Popular soap 'Daejanggeum' returns to air after 11 years|author=Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS)}}</ref> The Independent Television Network, Rupavahini, [[TV Derana]], [[Sirasa TV]], [[Swarnavahini]] and [[TV 1 (Sri Lankan TV channel)|TV 1]] air Korean dramas dubbed in the [[Sinhala language|Sinhalese language]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kpopinsl.wordpress.com/tag/playful-kiss/|title=K Wave in Sri Lanka|date=6 April 2014 |access-date=16 October 2014|publisher=Wordpress}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/11-10383-news-detail-the-korean-wave-is-on-its-way.html|title=The Korean Wave is on its way|access-date=16 October 2014|publisher=Ceylon Today|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923202024/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/11-10383-news-detail-the-korean-wave-is-on-its-way.html|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> Streaming service, [[Iflix]] also streams many Korean dramas with English and Sinhalese subtitles in the country, some as early as 24 hours after their original Korean broadcast.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iflix.com/images/media/press/iflix_is_the_destination_for_Korean_content_SEA.pdf |title=iFlix is southeast Asia's best destination for Korean television |access-date=8 October 2016 |archive-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005153702/https://www.iflix.com/images/media/press/iflix_is_the_destination_for_Korean_content_SEA.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally, the popularity of Korean pop culture in the country has led to an increasingly warm reception towards Korean people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=4343|title=Sri Lanka offers The Korea Post publisher with Plaque of Appreciation for cooperation|date=19 July 2017 |access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref>


==== Middle East and North Africa ====
The first television series was aired by KBS in 1962. Their commercial competitor, [[Tongyang Broadcasting Company|Tongyang Broadcasting]] (TBC), had a more aggressive program policy and aired controversial dramas as well.{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|pp=61–62}} The first historical TV series aired was ''Gukto manri'' (국토만리), directed by Kim Jae-hyeong (김재형), depicting the [[Goryeo]] era.{{sfn|X|2007}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesaurus.history.go.kr/TermInfo.jsp?from=TermInfo&SearchString=문서행정&term_id=20980469|script-title=ko:국토만리(國土萬里)|publisher=National Institute of Korean History|access-date=2 June 2014|language=ko|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003141937/http://thesaurus.history.go.kr/TermInfo.jsp?from=TermInfo&SearchString=문서행정&term_id=20980469|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1960s, [[television set]]s were of limited availability, thus dramas could not reach a larger audience.{{sfn|X|2009}}
Since the mid-2000s, [[Israel]], [[Iran]], [[Morocco]] and [[Egypt]] have become major consumers of Korean culture.<ref>{{cite news|title=The 'Asian Wave' hits Saudi Arabia|newspaper=[[Saudi Gazette]]|url=http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010072579067|url-status=dead|access-date=21 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106181245/http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010072579067|archive-date=6 January 2014|quote=Egypt and Iran has been the center of the "hallyu" phenomena in the Middle East for a few years now. While Egypt went crazy after the dramas "Autumn in my Heart" and "Winter Sonata," Iran went gaga when its state television aired "Emperor of the Sea" and "Jewel in the Palace".}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2 September 2014|title=K-Pop Concerts Head To New Countries As Hallyu Expands|url=http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/107716/20140902/k-pop-concerts-head-to-new-countries-as-hallyu-expands.htm|work=KpopStarz}}</ref> Following the success of Korean dramas in the Middle East & North Africa, the [[Korean Culture and Information Service|Korean Overseas Information Service]] made ''[[Winter Sonata]]'' available with Arabic subtitles on several state-run Egyptian television networks. According to Youna Kim (2007), "The broadcast was part of the government's efforts to improve the image of South Korea in the Middle East, where there is little understanding and exposure towards Korean culture" (p.&nbsp;31).<ref>Kim, Youna, ed. The Korean wave: Korean media go global. Routledge, 2013.</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that the intent behind this was to contribute towards positive relations between Arab & Berber audiences and South Korean soldiers stationed in northern [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Onishi|first=Norimitsu|date=28 June 2005|title=Roll Over, Godzilla: Korea Rules|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/28/international/asia/28wave.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|access-date=21 April 2013|quote=South Korea has also begun wielding the non-economic side of its new soft power. The official Korean Overseas Information Service last year gave "Winter Sonata" to Egyptian television, paying for the Arabic subtitles. The goal was to generate positive feelings in the Arab & Berber world toward the 3,200 South Korean soldiers stationed in northern Iraq.}}</ref>


MBC4 ([[MBC Group|Middle East Broadcasting Channel]]) played a major role in increasing the Korean wave's popularity in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). This broadcasting channel hosted a series of Korean drama , paying for the Arabic subtitles or dubbed. starting 2012 such as [[Boys Over Flowers (2009 TV series)|''Boys Over Flowers'']] (أيام الزهور), [[You're Beautiful (TV series)|''You're Beautiful'']] (أنت جميلة), ''[[Dream High]]'' (حلم الشباب ), [[Coffee Prince (2007 TV series)|''Coffee Prince'']] ( مقهى الأمير). Some Arab countries opposed Korean content (dramas, reality show) out of fear that their youth would abandon Islamic traditions in order to adopt Western modernity.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reality Television and Arab Politics|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6664011-reality-television-and-arab-politics|access-date=12 March 2018|website=goodreads.com}}</ref> However, this did not stop the Korean industries from exporting more Korean Dramas to the Arab world in the following years such as ''[[The Heirs]]'' ( الورثة). The popularity of Korean dramas in the MENA region-and its continuous growth- originates from the content of these dramas. As the majority of the plots of Korean dramas focus on social issues (love between different social classes or family problems for instance),<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Khiun|first=Liew|title="Hallyu in Singapore: Korean Cosmopolitanism or the Consumption of Chineseness?" |journal=Korea Journal |volume=45 |issue=4 |date=2006 |pages=206–32 |others=With Kelly Fu |url=https://www.academia.edu/5508987|language=en}}</ref> the Arab audiences fit themselves and could relate to the Korean socio-cultural values as they seem appealing to them. So Korean dramas play the role of an equilibrium point where two, somehow, different cultures could create a new cultural space where these two different cultures could meet.
In the 1970s, television sets started to spread among the general population, and dramas switched from portraying dramatic historical figures to introducing national heroes like [[Yi Sun-sin|Yi Sun-shin]] or [[Sejong the Great]].{{sfn|X|2009}} Contemporary series dealt with personal sufferings, such as [[Kim Soo-hyun (writer)|Kim Soo-hyun]]'s influential ''Stepmother'' (새엄마, Saeeomma), aired by MBC in 1972 and 1973.{{sfn|Jeon|2013|p=70}} As technology and funding was limited, Korean channels could not make series in resource-heavy genres like [[action film|action]] and [[science fiction]]; American and other foreign series were imported instead.{{sfn|Jeon|2013|pp=70–71}}


LBC SAT and Rotana Drama ([[Rotana Group]]) played a major role in increasing the Korean wave's popularity in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). This broadcasting channel hosted a series of Korean dramas, paying for the Arabic subtitles starting in 2022, such as ''[[When I Was the Most Beautiful]]'',''[[Extraordinary You]]'', ''[[Find Me in Your Memory]]'', ''[[Love in Sadness]]'', ''[[The Red Sleeve]]'', and ''[[My Secret Terrius]]''. The Arab audiences fit themselves and could relate to the Korean socio-cultural values as they seem appealing to them. So Korean dramas play the role of an equilibrium point where two, somehow, different cultures could create a new cultural space where these two cultures could meet. Fear that the learning rituals embedded in the show would lead Kuwaiti youth to abandon their traditions wholesale in order to adopt Western morality wholesale. However, this did not stop the Korean industries from exporting more Korean dramas to the Arab world in the following years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khiun|first=Liew|title=روتانا تدشن المسلسلات العالمية|url=https://arriyadiyah.com/780031|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khiun|first=Liew|title=(روتانا دراما تعرض 6 مسلسلات كورية مترجمة للعربية في سبتمبر)|url=https://www.shorouknews.com/news/view.aspx?cdate=05092022&id=e2da245e-2ea2-4ba6-bc9c-50fa1454185d|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khiun|first=Liew|title=مسلسلات كورية وعالمية وعربية للمرة الأولى على روتانا دراما|url=https://elcinema.com/press/678989652/|language=ar}}</ref>
=== 1980s–2010s ===
{{multiple image
| width = 150
| footer =
| image1 = Chae Si-Ra.jpg
| caption1 = [[Chae Shi-ra]], the leading actress of ''[[Eyes of Dawn]]'' (1991)
| image2 = LeeYoungAe 2006.3.18-2.jpg
| caption2 = Actress [[Lee Young-ae]] played the titular ''Dae Jang Geum'' in the series of the same name.
}}


===== Iran =====
The 1980s saw a change in Korean television, as color TV became available. Modern dramas tried to evoke nostalgia from urban dwellers by depicting rural life. [[Kim Soo-hyun (writer)|Kim Soo-hyun]]'s first real commercial success, ''Love and Ambition'' (사랑과 야망, Saranggwa yamang), aired on MBC<ref>{{Citation |title=MBC TV (South Korean TV channel) |date=2023-08-16 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MBC_TV_(South_Korean_TV_channel)&oldid=1170863474 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-09-02 |language=en |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025024/https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MBC_TV_(South_Korean_TV_channel)&oldid=1170863474 |url-status=live }}</ref> in 1987 and is regarded as a milestone of Korean television,{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|p=63}} having recorded a 78% viewership. "Streets became quiet at around the airing time of the drama as 'practically everyone in the country' was at home in front of the TV", according to ''[[The Korea Times]]''.<ref name=do /> The most outstanding classical historical series of the era is considered to be ''500 Years of [[Joseon]]'' (조선왕조500년, Joseonwangjo 500 nyeon), a serial that ran for eight years, consisting of 11 separate series. The serial was produced by [[Lee Byung-hoon]], who later directed one of the biggest international successes of Korean drama, ''Dae Jang Geum''.{{sfn|X|2007}}{{sfn|X|2009}}{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|p=63}}The 1990s brought another important milestone for Korean television. As technology developed, new opportunities arose, and the beginning of the decade marked the launch of a new commercial channel; Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), which facilitated and re-initiated a race for catching viewers' attention.{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|pp=65–66}} The first real commercial success among Korean television series was ''[[Eyes of Dawn]]'' (여명의 눈동자, Yeomyeongui nundongja), aired in 1991 by MBC, starring [[Chae Shi-ra]] and [[Choi Jae-sung]]. The series led the viewers through turbulent times from the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese rule]] to the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|pp=65–66}} New channel SBS also produced successful series, one of them being ''[[Sandglass (TV series)|Sandglass]]'' in 1995. ''Sandglass'' was a "trendy drama", which the [[Korean Culture and Information Service]] considers an important milestone, having changed the way Korean dramas are made by introducing a new format.{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|pp=65–66}} In this decade, the new miniseries format became widespread, with 12 to 24 episodes.{{sfn|Jeon|2013|p=72}} This era marked the start of export for Korean dramas, setting off the [[Korean wave|Korean Wave]].
Iran's state broadcaster, [[Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting]] (IRIB), aired several Korean dramas during prime time slots in recent years, with this decision attributed by some to their [[Confucianism|Confucian]] values of respect for others, which are "closely aligned to Islamic culture",<ref>{{cite web|title=Book probes transnational identity of 'hallyu'|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/01/142_91849.html|work=[[The Korea Times]]|date=29 July 2011|access-date=22 April 2013|quote=Korean television dramas reinforce traditional values of Confucianism that Iranians find more closely aligned to Islamic culture, implying that cultural proximity contributes to the Islamic Korean wave. "Reflecting traditional family values, Korean culture is deemed 'a filter for Western values' in Iran," the article says.}}</ref> while in contrast, Western productions often fail to satisfy the criteria set by Iran's [[Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance]].<ref name="reutersiran">{{cite news|title=Foreign broadcasts, DVDs challenge Iran grip on TV|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/industry-us-iran-idUSTRE70I54420110119|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=22 April 2013|date=19 January 2011}}</ref> In October 2012, the ''[[Tehran Times]]'' reported that IRIB representatives visited South Korea to visit filming locations in an effort to strengthen "cultural affinities" between the two countries and to seek avenues for further cooperation between [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]] and IRIB.<ref name="tehrantimes">[http://www.tehrantimes.com/arts-and-culture/102496-irib-director-visits-location-of-south-korean-tv-series-popular-in-iran- IRIB director visits location of South Korean TV series popular in Iran] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028100535/http://www.tehrantimes.com/arts-and-culture/102496-irib-director-visits-location-of-south-korean-tv-series-popular-in-iran- |date=28 October 2012 }}, ''The Tehran Times''</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=IRIB director meets South Korean media officials|url=http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/society/media/item/82398-irib-director-meets-south-korean-media-officials|publisher=[[IRIB World Service]]|access-date=21 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027235816/http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/society/media/item/82398-irib-director-meets-south-korean-media-officials|archive-date=27 October 2012}}</ref> According to [[Reuters]], until recently audiences in Iran have had little choice in broadcast material and thus programs that are aired by IRIB often attain higher viewership ratings in Iran than in South Korea; for example, the most popular episodes of ''[[Jumong (TV series)|Jumong]]'' attracted over 90% of Iranian audience (compared to 40% in South Korea), propelling its lead actor [[Song Il-kook|Song Il-gook]] to [[superstar]] status in Iran.<ref name="songilgookiran">{{cite web|title=Song Il Gook is a superstar in Iran because of Jumong|url=http://www.allkpop.com/2009/08/song_il_gook_is_a_superstar_in_iran|publisher=[[Allkpop]]|access-date=21 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401150243/http://www.allkpop.com/2009/08/song_il_gook_is_a_superstar_in_iran|archive-date=1 April 2010}}</ref>


===== Iraq =====
The beginning years of the 2000s gave birth to famous Korean dramas and also marked the period of overseas distribution. Some popular ones are ''[[Full House (South Korean TV series)|Full House]]'', ''[[Autumn in My Heart]]'' and ''[[Winter Sonata]]''. It marks the birth of a new genre, called "fusion sageuk", essentially changing the ways to produce historical series, with successful pieces such as ''[[Hur Jun (TV series)|Hur Jun]]'', ''[[Damo (TV series)|Damo]]'' and ''Dae Jang Geum''.{{sfn|X|2007}}
In the early 2000s, Korean dramas were aired for South Korean troops stationed in northern Iraq as part of [[Multi-National Force&nbsp;– Iraq|coalition forces]] led by the United States during the [[Iraq War]]. With the end of the war and the subsequent withdrawal of South Korean military personnel from the country, efforts were made to expand availability of K-dramas to the ordinary citizens of Iraq.<ref name="irankurdistan">{{cite web|author=Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS)|title=Korean wave finds welcome in Iraq|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Society/view?articleId=101264|work=korea.net}}</ref> In 2012, the Korean drama ''[[Hur Jun (TV series)|Hur Jun]]'' reportedly attained a viewership of over 90% in the [[Kurdistan]] region of Iraq.<ref name="irankurdistan" /> Its lead actor [[Jun Kwang-ryul]] was invited by the [[federal government of Iraq]] to visit the city of [[Sulaymaniyah]] in [[Kurdistan]], at the special request of the country's First Lady, [[Hero Ibrahim Ahmed]].


===== Egypt =====
It started to take over the popularity of conventional dramas among 10s and 20s because the shorter runtime, and often feature trendy content which teenagers find it easy to sympathize with.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idaegu.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=277182|title=웹드라마, 10대들에겐 주류 "TV 2부 리그는 옛말"|date=12 May 2019|website=대구신문|language=ko|access-date=5 June 2019|archive-date=3 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903080626/http://www.idaegu.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=277182|url-status=live}}</ref>
''[[Autumn in My Heart]]'', one of the earliest Korean dramas brought over to the Middle East, was made available for viewing after five months of "persistent negotiations" between the South Korean embassy and an [[Egypt]]ian state-run broadcasting company. Shortly after the series ended, the embassy reported that it had received over 400 phone calls and love letters from fans from all over the country.<ref name="kbsegypt">{{cite web|title='Autumn in My Heart' Syndrome in Egypt|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1382|access-date=21 April 2013|publisher=[[Korean Broadcasting System]]|archive-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106174531/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1382|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the secretary of the South Korean embassy in [[Cairo]] Lee Ki-seok, Korea's involvement in the [[Iraq War]] had significantly undermined its reputation among Egyptians, but the screening of ''Autumn in My Heart'' proved "extremely effective" in reversing negative attitudes.<ref>{{cite web|title='Autumn in My Heart' Syndrome in Egypt|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1382|access-date=21 April 2013|publisher=[[Korean Broadcasting System]]|quote='This drama proved extremely effective in enhancing Korea's international image, which has been undermined by the troop deployment in Iraq ,' added Lee.|archive-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106174531/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1382|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== 2020s ===
==== Europe ====
The late 2010s and 2020s saw newfound attention of K-dramas from international markets.<ref name="bbc k-drama squid game">{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58896247 | title = Squid Game: The rise of Korean drama addiction | first = Alex | last = Taylor | date = 16 October 2021 | accessdate = 16 October 2021 | work = [[BBC News]] | archive-date = 16 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211016020532/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58896247 | url-status = live }}</ref> [[Netflix]] had begun seeking productions from South Korea and other countries since around 2018 to expand offerings for their service with a growing international audience. These efforts came to fruition when [[Hwang Dong-hyuk]]'s ''[[Squid Game]]'' drew in more than 111 million viewers within 17 days of its released in September 2021, becoming the service's most-watched program.<ref name="bbc k-drama squid game" />


===== Romania =====
In the 2020s, several production companies began to produce dramas even before the first season was aired, keeping in mind the ''season system.'' The most representative series is ''[[The Penthouse: War in Life]]'' series, which gained sensational popularity as it aired over three seasons. The biggest reason why Korean dramas introduced the season system is interpreted as changes in the industry due to the 52-hour workweek, viewers' rejection of feature-length dramas, and excessive supply of dramas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01079126629052856&mediaCodeNo=258 |title=달라진 드라마 패턴…방송가는 왜 시즌제에 빠졌나 |last=Ga-young |first=Kim |date=26 May 2021 |work=Edaily |language=ko |access-date=4 November 2021 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104083540/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01079126629052856&mediaCodeNo=258 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, MBC and tvN's anomalous organization began to be criticized a lot. tvN extended one episode of the drama to 2 hours and 20 minutes. delaying it to the late night of another drama. In particular, the running time of the last episode of ''[[Hospital Playlist]]'' was close to three hours, but even though it was reduced after editing, it delayed the formation of the next ''[[The Road: The Tragedy of One]]'' to late night as it passed two hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvdaily.co.kr/read.php3?aid=16316970001604476002 |title=주 1회 편성, '슬의생'의 모순 [TV공감] |last=Seo-yeon |first=Hwang |date=15 September 2021 |work=tvdaily |language=ko |access-date=4 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025019/http://tvdaily.co.kr/read.php3?aid=16316970001604476002 |url-status=live }}</ref> And MBC canceled telenovela ''[[The Second Husband]]'' and reran the thriller ''[[The Veil (South Korean TV series)|The Veil]]'' at that time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021100328863 |title=MBC, 150억 '검은 태양' 띄우려는 '막가파 편성'에 결방당한 다른 프로그램 [TEN스타필드] |last=you-na |first=Tae |date=14 October 2021 |work=[[Korea Economic Daily|Ten Asia]] |language=ko |access-date=4 November 2021 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104083537/https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021100328863 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202110050856280010 |title=지연 방송부터 결방까지…'슬의생2→검은태양' 민폐 편성에 시청자 불만↑ [TV와치] |last=eun-hae |first=Park |date=5 October 2021 |work=newsen |language=ko |access-date=4 November 2021 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104083540/https://newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202110050856280010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=14628606 |title=[TOP초점] '슬의생2', 상도덕 논란…'더로드' 막방까지 고무줄 편성 |last=Su-ji |first=Han |date=9 September 2021 |work=topstarnews |language=ko |access-date=4 November 2021 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104083539/http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=14628606 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=14625957 |title="시청자 기만하나"…드라마 '더 로드 : 1의 비극', 잦은 편성 변경 논란 |last=Su-yeon |first=Yu |date=31 August 2021 |work=topstarnews |language=ko |access-date=4 November 2021 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104083537/http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=14625957 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The first Korean drama in Romania was aired on [[TVR (TV network)|TVR]] in August 2009 with ''[[Dae Jang Geum]]'', and in the following month it became the third most popular television program in the country.<ref name="adzromania">{{cite web|title=Hallyu in Rumänien&nbsp;– ein Phänomen aus Südkorea|date=14 July 2011 |url=http://www.adz.ro/artikel/artikel/hallyu-in-rumaenien-ein-phaenomen-aus-suedkorea/|publisher=[[Allgemeine Deutsche Zeitung für Rumänien]]|access-date=15 May 2013|language=de}}</ref> Since then, Korean dramas have seen high ratings and further success.<ref name="adzromania" /><ref>{{cite web|title= Roumanie • Mon feuilleton coréen, bien mieux qu'une telenovela|url=http://www.courrierinternational.com/article/2011/02/15/mon-feuilleton-coreen-bien-mieux-qu-une-telenovela|work=[[Courrier International]]|date=15 February 2011|access-date=4 May 2013|language=fr}}</ref>


== Production ==
==== North America ====
Korean series were originally produced in-house by the [[Television in South Korea|television channels]] themselves, but have been outsourced to independent companies since the 2000s. In 2012, as much as 75% of all K-dramas were produced this way. Competition is fierce among these companies; out of 156 registered firms, only 34 of them produced dramas that were actually aired in 2012.{{sfn|Kim|2013a}}


===== United States =====
In the late 2010s, a typical Korean drama may cost as much as ₩700 million per episode. Historical dramas have a bigger budget; one episode of the historical romance ''[[The Red Sleeve]]'' cost as much as ₩950 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0003019308|title=[단독]'옷소매' 제작비 160억..20개국 판매 수익도 '성공'|publisher=Star News|access-date=4 February 2022|date=6 January 2022|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106100522/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0003019308|url-status=live}}</ref> Recently, factors such as [[Working time#South Korea|improving the work environment]], along with whether to sign contracts with domestic and foreign OTT companies such as Netflix have served as variables. For example, [[Kingdom (South Korean TV series)|''Kingdom'']] had a budget of ₩2 billion per episode, while ₩3 billion were spent on each episode of ''[[Sweet Home (TV series)|Sweet Home]]''.{{sfn|Kim|2013a}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloter.net/newsView/blt202011020011|title=[오~컬쳐]한국 드라마, 회당 제작비 '7억원' 시대 맞이했다|publisher=bloter|access-date=4 November 2021|date=2 November 2020|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104050205/https://www.bloter.net/newsView/blt202011020011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/04/18/2019041802659.html|title=[단독] 회당 20억? 넷플릭스, 韓드라마 '킹덤' 제작비 실사|publisher=Chosun Biz|access-date=4 November 2021|date=19 April 2019|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104050206/https://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/04/18/2019041802659.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1444912wpp/song-kang-talks-about-being-surprised-at-the-budget-of-sweet-home-becoming-friends-with-lee-do-hyun-and-more|title=Song Kang Talks About Being Surprised At The Budget Of "Sweet Home," Becoming Friends With Lee Do Hyun, And More|publisher=[[Soompi]]|access-date=4 February 2022|date=23 December 2020|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223030823/https://www.soompi.com/article/1444912wpp/song-kang-talks-about-being-surprised-at-the-budget-of-sweet-home-becoming-friends-with-lee-do-hyun-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[Asian Americans|Asian American]]-targeted cable TV channels [[AZN Television]] and [[ImaginAsian]] aired Korean dramas alongside content from China, Japan, India, Thailand and other parts of Asia. The dramas were aimed at the Asian American community before the channels dissolved in 2008 and 2011 respectively.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Punathambekar|first1=Aswin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aTvbCgAAQBAJ&q=korean dramas south asian tv channel&pg=PA71|title=Television at Large in South Asia|last2=Kumar|first2=Shanti|date=2015|publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-70411-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Drama on ImaginAsian TV|url=http://www.iatv.tv/drama/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014055435/http://www.iatv.tv/drama/|archive-date=14 October 2006}}</ref>


In November 2008, [[Netflix]]<ref>{{cite web|title=[OP-ED] Korean Dramas On Netflix|url=http://koogle.tv./media/news/op-ed-korean-dramas-on-netflix/|access-date=21 October 2018|website=koogle.tv.|archive-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140510/http://koogle.tv/media/news/op-ed-korean-dramas-on-netflix/|url-status=dead}}</ref> began offering several Korean dramas as part of its video selection. In August 2009, [[DramaFever]] began offering free subtitled video streaming service, with video advertisements, in the United States.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/11/11/apop111109.DTL&tsp=1 Knock it off: Global treaty against media piracy won't work in Asia] ''Jeff Yang, SFGate'', 11 November 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theaureview.com/features/hello-asia-article-the-success-of-k-drama | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005061140/http://www.theaureview.com/features/hello-asia-article-the-success-of-k-drama|archivedate=5 October 2018 | title=Hello Asia: The success of K-drama | date=13 October 2012}}</ref>
Often, production companies overrun their budgets and cannot pay salaries. In 2012, actors held a demonstration in front of the headquarters of [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]], expressing their concerns. Actors are usually paid after the last episode is aired. In series made by smaller production companies, there have been cases where the companies went bankrupt and could not pay their actors and crew, while the channel denied all responsibility, claiming all liability was with the bankrupt production firm.{{sfn|Kim|2013b}} Producer [[Kim Jong-hak]] spent ₩10 billion on ''[[Faith (South Korean TV series)|Faith]]'', which was considered a commercial failure, resulting in the inability of Kim to pay crew salaries and other overheads. Kim, who had produced iconic dramas such as ''[[Eyes of Dawn]]'' and ''[[Sandglass (TV series)|Sandglass]]'', committed suicide after he was accused of embezzlement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/41525/star-producer-kim-jong-hak-is-found-dead|title=Police Confirm Producer Kim Jong Hak's Death|publisher=Mwave|access-date=4 June 2014|date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051002/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/41525/star-producer-kim-jong-hak-is-found-dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Tong-hyung|title=Director of ''Hourglass'' commits suicide|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/07/201_139802.html|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=29 July 2013|date=23 July 2013|archive-date=28 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728122737/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/07/201_139802.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


Singapore-based [[Viki (streaming service)|Viki]] streams popular Korean dramas across the world including North America, with subtitles in 70 languages.<ref>{{cite web|date=9 June 2014|title=Can fans unravel the Babel of the world's TV dramas?|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/09/world/asia/international-dramas-viki/index.html?hpt=hp_c4|access-date=16 July 2014|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Companies in Asia have also designed streaming services available online and as [[mobile app]]s targeted towards overseas Asian communities. "MobiTV" created by the Sri Lankan company, Bhasha is a streaming service and mobile app aimed at the Sri Lankan community and streams Korean dramas dubbed in the Sinhalese language alongside other content aired in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|title=MobiTV.lk – Watch Sri Lankan TV shows on Internet|url=http://www.mobitv.lk/|access-date=11 February 2016|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901031141/http://mobitv.lk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "Roopa", created by the same company, is another service available as a mobile app also aimed at the Sri Lankan community, it too streams Korean dramas dubbed in the Sinhalese language.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bhasha.lk/products/roopa|title=Roopa|access-date=11 February 2016|archive-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129004525/http://www.bhasha.lk/products/roopa|url-status=dead}}</ref> Chinese company [[PPTV]] is another example, a mobile app, "PPTV网络电视HD" streams Korean dramas aimed at the Chinese community alongside content that is primarily available in [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]], [[Cantonese]] and [[Korean language|Korean]] but also increasingly in English.<ref>{{cite web|title=PPTV网络电视HD – Android Apps on Google Play|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pplive.androidpad&hl=en|publisher=PPLive Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.softonic.com/|title=App news and reviews, best software downloads and discovery - Softonic|website=en.softonic.com}}</ref>
The biggest stars may earn more than ₩200 million per episode, with [[Kim Soo-hyun]], the lead of hit dramas ''[[Moon Embracing the Sun]]'' (2012), ''[[My Love from the Star]]'' (2013) and ''[[It's Okay to Not Be Okay]]'' (2020) reportedly receiving ₩500 million per episode for ''[[One Ordinary Day]]'' in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bhagchandani|first=Umesh|url=https://amp.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3158634/7-k-dramas-highest-paid-stars-2021-earnings-ranked-now-we|title=7 of K-drama's highest-paid stars in 2021 – earnings, ranked: from Now, We Are Breaking Up's Song Hye-kyo, to One Ordinary Day star Kim Soo-hyun and Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae|publisher=[[South China Morning Post]]|access-date=4 February 2022|date=6 December 2021|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025018/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3158634/7-k-dramas-highest-paid-stars-2021-earnings-ranked-now-we|url-status=live}}</ref>


Additionally, Korean dramas are available at online DVD retailers. Some Korean dramas, however, are not available for [[DVD region code|region 1]] (North America) encoding and [[NTSC]] video format. [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] offers streaming of ''Winter Sonata'' for a fee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Winter Sonata|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/Episode-1/dp/B000QCHZ0U|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref>
=== Filmmaking process ===
{{multiple image
| width = 150
| footer =
| image1 = Song Joong-ki at Style Icon Asia 2016.jpg
| caption1 = [[Song Joong-ki]] of ''[[Descendants of the Sun]]'' and ''[[Vincenzo (TV series)|Vincenzo]]'' is considered a top star.
| image2 = Kim Soo-hyun as Lee-hwon (Moon Embracing the Sun) 02.jpg
| caption2 = [[Kim Soo-hyun]] in costume for the historical series ''[[Moon Embracing the Sun]]''. He is one of the most popular Korean actors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/kim-soo-hyun’s-net-worth-is-now-sdollar12-million|title=Kim Soo Hyun's net worth is now S$1.2 million?|date=3 March 2014|access-date=5 June 2014|publisher=XIN MSN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606225458/http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/kim-soo-hyun’s-net-worth-is-now-sdollar12-million|archive-date=6 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140122000331|title=What makes Kim Soo-hyun so popular in China?|date=22 January 2014|newspaper=The Korea Herald|access-date=5 June 2014|archive-date=20 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520031558/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140122000331|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
As producing a series involves high expenses, production companies seek to shoot the episodes in the shortest time possible. In contrast to practices elsewhere, the first four episodes of Korean series are usually shot in advance, but the rest are shot continuously as the series is being aired. [[Screenplay|Scripts]] are not finished in advance, and may change according to viewer feedback and viewership ratings, where popular characters receive increased screen time and plotlines are changed to match audience expectations.<ref name="variety.com">{{cite magazine|last1=Kil|first1=Sonia|title=Korean Dramas Adopt Pre-Produced Format to Mixed Results|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/asia/korean-dramas-descendants-of-the-sun-pre-produced-format-1202019925/|magazine=Variety|access-date=20 October 2017|archive-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201034619/http://variety.com/2017/tv/asia/korean-dramas-descendants-of-the-sun-pre-produced-format-1202019925/|url-status=live}}</ref> These changes may occur a few hours before daily shooting, and the crew might receive only a few ready pages. The production usually works with [[Second unit|three camera crews]], who work in a rotating manner to speed up filming. Because of unregulated script changes and tight shooting schedules, actors are almost continuously on standby, and have no time to leave the set or sleep properly. The Korean media have a separate word to describe irregular, short sleeps that actors resort to, in often uncomfortable positions, or within the set: ''jjok-jam'' (쪽잠), or "side-sleeping". Dramas usually air on two days every week, with following episodes having to be shot within the intervening five days. Some Korean actors have admitted to receiving [[Intravenous therapy|IV therapy]] during filming, due to extreme schedules and exhaustion.{{sfn|Kim|2013b}}{{sfn|Donga 2|2013}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soompi.com/2014/02/01/kim-soo-hyun-sleeps-only-1-hour-the-reality-of-drama-filming-schedules/|title=Kim Soo Hyun Sleeps Only 1 Hour? The Reality of Drama Filming Schedules|publisher=[[Soompi]]|date=1 February 2014|access-date=4 June 2014|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035537/https://www.soompi.com/2014/02/01/kim-soo-hyun-sleeps-only-1-hour-the-reality-of-drama-filming-schedules/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nonetheless, the live-shoot model remains widely used since the production team can react to real time audience feedback.<ref name="variety.com" />


[[KBFD-DT]] in [[Honolulu County, Hawaii|Honolulu, Hawaii]] broadcasts a majority of Korean dramas on its daily schedule, as well as offering the programs on sale at its website and on demand through its K-Life channel on [[Time Warner Cable|Oceanic Time Warner Cable]]. Another Honolulu outlet, [[KHII-TV]] devotes three hours of its Sunday afternoon schedule to Korean dramas.
Production teams originally sent two tapes to the channels; a primary copy and a backup copy. However, due to the tight filming schedules, a 70-minute episode might arrive at the broadcasting station on seven separate tapes in ten-minute installments. It happened that while the episode is being broadcast, the crew would be still shooting the last minutes or cutting the rest of the episode. During the airing of the nineteenth episode of ''[[Man from the Equator]]'', screens countrywide went black for 10 minutes. Actor [[Kwon Sang-woo]] was openly complaining that he was still shooting ''[[King of Ambition]]'' 30 minutes before the last episode began airing.{{sfn|Kim|2013b}} In South Korea, some production teams still do planning and scheduling manually, instead of using dedicated software.{{sfn|Donga 1|2013}}


[[KTSF]], a channel aimed at the Asian American community in [[San Francisco]], [[California]] airs Korean dramas as part of its schedule alongside content in Mandarin, Tagalog, Hindi, Korean, [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[Taiwanese Hokkien|Taiwanese]] and [[Cantonese]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.koreanwiz.org/special-stations.html|title=koreanwiz.org|website=www.koreanwiz.org}}</ref>
In 2016, dramas such as ''[[Descendants of the Sun]]'', ''[[Uncontrollably Fond]]'', ''[[Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo]]'' and ''[[Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth]]'' were all pre-produced before airing. Nonetheless, some pre-produced episodes are often re-edited or even reshot the day of airing, due to audience feedback.<ref name="variety.com" />


==== South America ====
The larger broadcasting companies have their own dedicated shooting locations for historical dramas, with extensive and elaborate sets. MBC's series are shot at the [[Yongin Daejanggeum Park]] in [[Gyeonggi Province]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://withmbc.imbc.com/dramia/en/drama/index.html|title=Dramas Shot in Dramia|publisher=MBC Dramia|access-date=12 January 2014|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206043419/http://withmbc.imbc.com/dramia/en/drama/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> while KBS dramas utilize the Mungyeongsaejae Studio (문경새재 KBS촬영장) in [[North Gyeongsang Province]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1059813|title=Mungyeongsaejae KBS Drama Studio|publisher=Korea Tourism Organization|access-date=6 June 2014|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208132041/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1059813|url-status=dead}}</ref> and their studio in [[Suwon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1066109|title=KBS Suwon Studio|publisher=Korea Tourism Organization|access-date=6 June 2014|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606213852/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1066109|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Between 2001 and 2002, South America began to absorb Korean programming. The 1997 series ''[[Star in My Heart]]'' began its successful broadcast in [[Chile]], [[Peru]] and other countries in the area, but these last two were where More had repercussions, including an [[Ahn Jae-wook]] fan club founded.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpp.com.pe/2011-02-04-ahn-jae-wook-el-actor-que-encanto-en-un-deseo-a-las-estrellas-noticia_333523.html|title= Ahn Jae Wook, el actor que encantó en Un Deseo a las Estrellas|access-date=10 July 2016 |editor= RPP|date= 4 February 2011|language=es}}</ref> In 2002, [[Winter Sonata]], produced by [[KBS2|KBS 2TV]], became the first series in the region to match the success of [[Boys Over Flowers (2009 TV series)|Meteor Garden]], attracting a cult following in Asia. Marketing sales, including DVD sets and novels, exceeded $3.5 million in Japan. In 2004, then-Japanese Prime Minister [[Junichiro Koizumi]] noted that the series' male lead was "more popular than I am in Japan."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20111230000497|title= Remembering 'Winter Sonata,' the start of hallyu|access-date= 10 July 2016|author= Claire Lee|date= 30 December 2011|editor= The Korea Herald|language= en|website= [...] and then-Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who in 2004 famously said, "Bae Yong-joon is more popular than I am in Japan."|archive-date= 21 October 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201021111549/http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20111230000497|url-status= dead}}</ref> Other Korean dramas released in later years such as [[Dae Jang Geum|Jewel in the Palace]] (2003) and [[Full House (South Korean TV series)|Full House]] (2004) had comparable levels of success.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/08/11/2008081101672.html|script-title= ko:홍콩인들 "이영애·송혜교 가장 좋아"|access-date= 10 July 2016|date= 12 August 2008|editor= The Chosun Ilbo|language= ko}}</ref>


===== Chile =====
In April 2023, it was announced Netflix would invest $2.5 billion in K-Dramas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Emirali |first=Leon |date=2023-04-27 |title=Netflix's £2bn gamble on South Korea and a new Squid Game is an unlikely nuclear deterrent |url=https://www.cityam.com/netflix-2bn-gamble-on-south-korea-and-a-new-squid-game-is-an-unlikely-nuclear-deterrent/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=CityAM |language=en-GB |archive-date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512164841/https://www.cityam.com/netflix-2bn-gamble-on-south-korea-and-a-new-squid-game-is-an-unlikely-nuclear-deterrent/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In Chile, which was one of the first countries on a global level, the phenomenon of [[Korean wave]], which is also known as hallyu, began with the first drama aired that was the original 1997 [[MBC TV (South Korean TV channel)|MBC]] series [[Star in My Heart]] in 2001 by [[Chilevisión]] past midnight<ref name="Estrellas">{{cite web|url= http://news.nate.com/view/20120425n15569|title= '별은 내가슴에', 리메이크 원하는 드라마 1위|access-date= 5 September 2015|editor= Nate|date= 25 April 2012|language= ko}}</ref> and later years later in 2003 it was retransmitted by {{ill|Canal 21 (Chillán)|es|Canal 21 (Chillán)}} in [[Chillán]], but it was not until 2006, when Stairway to Heaven was broadcast at 1:00 pm on the public television channel [[Televisión Nacional de Chile]], which achieved notoriety of this genre being compared to ''[[La madrastra (1981 TV series)|La madrastra]]''—an old very successful Chilean soap opera—due to the high audience figures in its schedule competing directly with other channels, it was also broadcast by [[TV Chile]] to other continents dubbed into Spanish.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.australvaldivia.cl/impresa/2012/12/09/full/41/|title=Teleseries coreanas: doramas antes que flores|access-date=20 February 2016 |author= Claudia Muñoz|date= 9 December 2012|editor= [[Diario Austral]] de Valdivia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2013/08/02/0503000000AKR20130802090100094.HTML|script-title= ko:<'한류 매력'에 빠진 칠레 "한국 드라마 재미있어요">|access-date=20 February 2016 |date= 2 August 2013|editor= 연합뉴스 / Yonhap News|language= ko}}</ref>


=== Production companies ===
== Ratings and viewership ==
[[Audience measurement|Viewership ratings]] are provided by two companies in South Korea: Nielsen Korea and TNmS.<ref name="viewhistory">{{cite web|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/entertain/view/2015/01/91071/|script-title=ko:[M 기획…넌 시청률 믿니①] 시청률 조사의 진화…'어디까지 왔나'|last=Geum|first=Bitna|date=28 January 2015|work=[[Maeil Business Newspaper]]|language=ko|trans-title=|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> Originally, Media Service Korea (MSK) was the sole company providing TV viewership ratings using [[people meter]] since 1992, but was only limited to [[Seoul Capital Area]].<ref name="viewhistory" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nielsentam.tv/where2/dynPage2.asp?hash=c466af94d4b5dab114f298591ae155a5&crypt=N������������O����m�y������Փ��ɹ��xX�����I������}][�Ēϻ��e��|title=INTRODUCTION: AGB Nielsen (South Korea)|access-date=24 August 2021|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824055653/https://www.nielsentam.tv/where2/dynPage2.asp?hash=c466af94d4b5dab114f298591ae155a5&crypt=N������������O����m�y������Փ��ɹ��xX�����I������}][�Ēϻ��e��|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1998, TNS Media Korea began as a rival company in partnership with [[Kantar TNS|Taylor Nelson Sofres]] (TNS) which extended the service to five major cities; it was officially launched in June 1999 with a more sophisticated viewership rating survey technique.<ref name="viewhistory" /> While, in August 1999, [[Nielsen Corporation|AC Nielsen]] acquired MSK and rebranded it as AC Nielsen Korea and expanded the audience rating survey to the whole country with the aim to increase the credibility of the ratings.<ref name="viewhistory" /> In 2005, AC Nielsen Korea signed a merger with AGB Group and [[Nielsen Media Research|AGB Nielsen Media Research]] was established.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.joins.com/article/2048821|script-title=ko:시청률 조사기관 AGB닐슨미디어리서치 출범|last=Song|first=Joo-yeon|date=4 March 2005|work=[[JoongAng Ilbo]]|language=ko|trans-title=|access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref> AGB Nielsen Media Research merged with KADD Nielsen Media Research in January 2013, and the official name was changed to Nielsen Korea.<ref name="viewhistory" /><ref>{{cite web|title=닐슨코리아 기업명 표기 관련 안내|trans-title=Information on Nielsen Korea company name marking|url=https://www.nielsen.com/kr/ko/press-releases/2014/press-release-20141124/|website=[[The Nielsen Company]]|language=ko|date=24 November 2014|access-date=30 August 2021}}</ref>
{{See also|Category:Television production companies of South Korea}}
Independent production companies are classified as follows:{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
* Those founded and/or owned by industry veterans (e.g. [[Kim Jong-hak Production]], [[Logos Film]], [[iWill Media]]){{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
* Owned by the broadcast companies (e.g. [[Seoul Broadcasting System#Family companies|Studio S]], [[Monster Union]], [[MBC C&I]], [[JTBC Studios]]){{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
* Owned by entertainment companies (e.g. [[Studio Dragon]], [[Lotte Entertainment|LOTTE CULTUREWORKS]], [[SM Entertainment|SM Life Design Group]], [[YG Entertainment|YG STUDIOPLEX]], [[Next Entertainment World|studio&NEW]], [[Studio Santa Claus Entertainment]]){{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
* Big-tier (e.g. [[Pan Entertainment]], [[Chorokbaem Media]]){{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
* Small-tier{{clarify|date=March 2022}}


In 2010, TNS Media Korea was renamed to TNmS (Total National Multimedia Statistics).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2020/07/602_150041.html|title=The art of measuring TV viewers' ratings|date=9 January 2014|access-date=19 August 2021|website=[[The Korea Times]]|last=Chung|first=Hyun-chae}}</ref><ref name="viewhistory" /> Since late 2018, TNmS stopped providing data to the public through their websites, and instead occasionally releases the ratings through news agencies such as BreakNews.<ref>{{cite web|title=지상파 시청률|trans-title=Terrestrial TV ratings|url=https://www.breaknews.com/search.html?submit=submit&search_and=1&search_exec=n_t&search_section=all&news_order=2&search=지상파 시청률&imageField.x=20&imageField.y=8|website=BreakNews|language=ko|access-date=30 August 2021}}</ref>
== Crew ==
=== Actors and actresses ===
{{Further|List of South Korean actresses|List of South Korean male actors}}


=== List of highest-rated series on terrestrial television ===
In the 2000s, it became customary to cast popular [[Korean idol|K-pop idols]] in dramas. Initially, this generated mixed reactions.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Their appearance had provoked predominantly negative reactions outside their fandom because singers and dancers acting outside of their musical circle was regarded as unprofessional. Also, some idols were criticized for poor acting.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Nowadays, this has become much more common feature in Korean dramas, as the public has been getting more used to the concept of "idol actors" and some idols have become known for their excellent acting skills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insight.co.kr/news/212249|title='아이돌은 연기 못한다'는 편견 연기력으로 깨부순 남자 연기돌 7명|website=인사이트|date=23 February 2019|language=ko|access-date=5 June 2019|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605125422/https://www.insight.co.kr/news/212249|url-status=live}}</ref> Their critical reception is still mixed, however, some of them, like [[Bae Suzy]], [[IU (singer)|IU]], [[Yim Si-wan]], [[Seo In-guk]], [[Ok Taec-yeon]], [[Jinyoung (entertainer, born 1994)|Park Jin-young]], [[D.O. (entertainer)|Doh Kyung-soo]] and [[Im Yoon-ah]], became successful as actors and actresses.{{sfn|KOCIS|2011|pp=90–109}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130611000962|title=Top 7 successful idol-turned-actors|newspaper=The Korea Herald|date=12 June 2013|access-date=5 June 2014|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220039/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130611000962|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.topstarnews.net/detail.php?number=217919|title=[스타포커스] 윤아, '연기돌' 벗고 '연기자'로... '이젠 믿고 보자 임윤아'|trans-title=Im Yoon-ah shed her acting-idol title and become the real actress...believe in the Im Yoon-ah you see now|author=No Han-sol|work=TopStarNews|date=12 October 2016|access-date=10 January 2021|language=ko|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729181808/http://news.topstarnews.net/detail.php?number=217919|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{See also|List of South Korean dramas}}
The list was compiled from data by Nielsen Korea, based on the episode of the highest viewership since 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agbnielsen.co.kr/ |title=AGB Nielsen Korea |publisher=AGB Nielsen Korea |access-date=3 June 2014 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208024300/http://www.agbnielsen.co.kr/ |archive-date= 8 February 2015 }}</ref>


==== By household rating ====
There were also instances of children taking up careers as child actors or actresses, usually portraying either the younger versions of some characters or the children of the adult characters from dramas.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Subsequently, there were some child actors and actresses who continue pursuing acting careers even after reaching adulthood, and with some achieving success even after adulthood.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Notably, such people include actors like [[Yoon Chan-young]], [[Park Solomon]], [[Yoo Seung-ho]] and [[Yeo Jin-goo]]; and actresses like [[Kim So-hyun]], [[Lee Se-young]], [[Nam Ji-hyun]], [[Kim Hyang-gi]], [[Moon Geun-young]], [[Park Shin-hye]], [[Kim Sae-ron]] and [[Kim Yoo-jung]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZMngu1U-h4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/KZMngu1U-h4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=13 Former Korean Child Actors Who Became The Most FAMOUS Lead Actors in Korean Dramas TODAY!
<div><ul>
|website=YouTube|date=7 December 2020|access-date=10 January 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
<li style="display: inline-table;">
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
| Top 50 series per nationwide household rating
|-
!#!! Series !! Network !!Nationwide<br />household rating<br />(Nielsen)
! Final episode date
!Ref
|-
|1 || ''[[You and I (TV series)|You and I]]'' ||[[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 66.9% || 26 April 1998
<!-- PLEASE SEE : http://www.imbc.com/drama/youandi/concept/fram4.html.-->
|<ref>{{cite web|title=최고의 인기 드라마, 시청률 1위 질주|url=http://www.imbc.com/drama/youandi/concept/fram4.html|website=imbc.com|quote=최고의 인기 드라마, 시청률 1위 질주}}</ref>
|-
|2 || ''[[First Love (1996 TV series)|First Love]]'' || [[KBS2]] || 65.8%|| 20 April 1997
|<ref name="스타뉴스">{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0000008854 |title= 역대 시청률 상위10편 중 3편이 '최수종 드라마' |language=ko |agency=스타뉴스 |publisher=머니투데이 |date= 7 April 2005 |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="TV Report 50.2%" />
|-
|3 ||{{Interlanguage link|What Is Love (South Korean TV series)|lt=''What Is Love''|ko|사랑이 뭐길래}}||[[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 64.9% || 31 May 1992
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=028&aid=0000063422 |date=10 June 2004 |title=주말 '국민드라마' 부재시대 |trans-title=Weekend "national drama" absence period |author=손원제 |website=[[The Hankyoreh]] |language=ko |access-date=8 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.donga.com/3/all/20150614/71861036/3 |date=15 June 2015 |title=[스타 그때 이런 일이] 한류 출발점 '사랑이 뭐길래' |author=윤여수 |website= Sports Donga |language=ko |access-date=8 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|4 || ''[[Sandglass (TV series)|Sandglass]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 64.5% || 16 February 1995
|
|-
|5 || ''[[Hur Jun (TV series)|Hur Jun]]'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 63.5% || 27 June 2000
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20121203142109291 |date=3 December 2012 |title='이병훈 표' <허준> VS <마의>, 같고도 다른 두 드라마 |author=최주호 |website=Ohmynews |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|6 || ''{{ill|A Sunny Place of the Young|ko|젊은이의 양지 (드라마)}}'' || [[KBS2]] || 62.7% || 12 November 1995
|<ref name="sedaily 2017-06-24">{{cite web |url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1OHBN3ZM28 |date=24 June 2017 |title=[SE★기획:KBS주말극①] '딸부잣집'부터 '아이해'까지..국민드라마 史 |trans-title=[SE★ Special Edidion: KBS Weekend Theater ①] From "Daughters of a Rich Family" to "My Father is Strange.." National Drama History |author=Han Hae-seon |website=The Seoul Economic Daily |language=ko |access-date=8 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|7 || ''{{ill|Sons and Daughters (1992 TV series)|lt=Sons and Daughters|ko|아들과 딸}}'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 61.1% || 9 May 1993
|<ref name="스타뉴스" /><ref name="TV Report 50.2%" />
|-
|8 || ''[[Taejo Wang Geon (TV series)|Taejo Wang Geon]]'' || [[KBS1]] || 60.2% || 24 February 2002
|<ref name="jesnews best7">{{cite news |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20070907082315882 |date=7 September 2007 |title=[스페셜리포트] 시청률 왕좌에 오른 제왕은 '태조 왕건' |author=이동현 |website= Daily Sports |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|9 || ''[[Eyes of Dawn]]'' || rowspan="4" | [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 58.4% || 6 February 1992
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201408161413491910 |date=16 August 2014 |title=시청률 58% '여명의눈동자'가 온다, 60분 드라마로 재편 |author=Jung Jin-young |website=Newsen |language=ko}}</ref><ref name="2017-09-12">{{cite news |url=http://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/549588 |date=12 September 2017 |title=[20년 전 오늘] 채시라는 '초콜릿 소녀' 시절이 그립지 않다 |author=김대령 |website=Sports Seoul |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|10 || ''[[Dae Jang Geum]]'' || 57.8% || 23 March 2004
|<ref name="jesnews best7" />
|-
|11 || ''{{ill|See and See Again|ko|보고 또 보고}}'' || 57.3% || 2 April 1999
|<ref>{{cite web|title=보고 또…'여파 9시뉴스 판도 뒤바뀌어|url=http://newslibrary.naver.com/viewer/index.nhn?articleId=1999032200209115001&editNo=45&printCount=1&publishDate=1999-03-22&officeId=00020&pageNo=15&printNo=24149&publishType=00010|work=The Dong-a Ilbo|author=Lee Seung Heon|date=22 March 1999}}</ref>
|-
|12 || ''{{ill|Truth (TV series)|lt=Truth|ko|진실}}'' || 56.5% || 24 February 2000
|
|-
|13 || ''[[Lovers in Paris]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 56.3% || 15 August 2004
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000732841 |date= 16 August 2004 |title='파리의 연인' 최종회, 57.6%로 최고 시청률 기록 |work=연합뉴스 |agency= Yeonhap News Agency |publisher=네이버 뉴스 편집부 |trans-title='Paris Lovers' final episode, the highest viewership rating at 57.6% |language=ko |access-date=15 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|14 || ''[[Jealousy (1992 TV series)|Jealousy]]''|| [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 56.1% || 21 July 1992
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=142680 |date=15 December 2016 |title=K-drama masterpieces (6): 'Jealousy' |work=Korea.net |access-date= 8 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.koreapost.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=18623 |date=19 December 2016 |title=[추억의 한국 드라마] 질투 |trans-title=[Korean Drama of Memories] Jealousy |author=김영목 |website=Korea Post |language=ko |access-date= 8 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|15 || ''{{ill|Blowing of the Wind|ko|바람은 불어도}}'' || rowspan="2" | [[KBS2]] || 55.8% || 29 March 1996
|
|-
|16 || ''{{ill|Men of the Bath House|ko|목욕탕집 남자들}}'' || 53.4% || 1 September 1996
|<ref name="sedaily 2017-06-24" />
|-
|rowspan="2" | 17 || ''{{ill|Gook Hee|ko|국희}}'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || rowspan="2" | 53.1% || 16 November 1999
|<ref name="2005-07-06">{{cite web |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20050706105634385?f=o |date=6 July 2005 |title=[포커스]생생 연예가 소식 |work=Newsen |agency=뉴스엔 |author=김용호 |language=ko}}</ref><ref name="StarNews 2005-11-01">{{cite web |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20051101162616323?f=o |date=1 November 2005 |title=시청률 50% 넘은 드라마 최다 출연자는 |work=StarNews |agency=스타뉴스 |language=ko |access-date=13 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|''{{ill|Trap of Youth|ko|청춘의 덫}}'' || rowspan="2" | [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 15 April 1999
|<ref name="2005-07-06" /><ref name="StarNews 2005-11-01" />
|-
|19 || ''{{ill|Tomato (TV series)|lt=Tomato|ko|토마토 (드라마)}}'' (토마토) || 52.7% || 10 June 1999
|
|-
|20 || ''{{ill|M (TV series)|lt=M|ko|M (드라마)}}'' || rowspan="2" | [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 52.2% || 30 August 1994
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://enews.imbc.com/News/RetrieveNewsInfo/186131 |title=[토토드] 여름엔 역시 공포! 심은하 주연 90년대 납량특집극 〈M〉 |language=ko |author=김은별 |date=2 July 2016 |publisher=iMBC.com |agency=iMBC연예 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20190731n08089 |title=[SW이슈] 여름 안방극장 어떻게 변모했나 |language=ko |author=김재원 |date=31 July 2019 |publisher=Sports World |agency=스포츠월드 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>
|-
|21 || ''{{ill|Season of the Storm|ko|폭풍의 계절}}'' || 52.1% || 30 December 1993
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20051013143622951?f=o|date=13 October 2005|title='장밋빛인생' 과연 '최진실 표 히트 드라마' 기록 깰까|trans-title=Will 'Rose Life' really break the record of'Choi Jin-sil'|language=ko|publisher=TV Report|access-date=10 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0000989065|date=5 October 2008|title=최진실, '국민요정'에서 '국민아줌마'로 20년|trans-title=Jinsil Choi, 20 years from'National Fairy' to'National Aunt'|language=ko|publisher=오마이뉴스|access-date=10 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|22 || ''[[Rustic Period]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 51.8% || 30 September 2003
|
|-
|23 || ''{{ill|My Mother's Sea|ko|엄마의 바다}}''|| [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 51.6% || 26 December 1993
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20060813121708578?f=o |date=13 August 2006 |title=주말드라마 시청률50%작가 아니면 명함 내지마? |work=Mydaily |agency=마이데일리 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200801081758471001 |date=9 January 2008 |title=웨슬리 스나입스 한국인 아내와 홍대 앞 뮤지컬 관람 화제 |work=Newsen |agency=뉴스엔 |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|24 || ''{{ill|Legend of Ambition|ko|야망의 전설}}'' || [[KBS2]] || 50.2% || 25 October 1998
|<ref name="TV Report 50.2%">{{cite web |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20050805192644047?f=o |date=5 August 2005 |title=케이블 드라마는 최수종 천국? 동시간 동시 출연 |work=TV Report |agency=TV 리포트 |language=Ko}}</ref>
|-
|25 || ''{{ill|Ladies of the Palace|ko|여인천하 (드라마)}}'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 49.9% || 22 July 2002
|<ref name="jesnews best7" />
|-
|rowspan="2" | 26 || ''{{ill|My Son's Woman|ko|아들의 여자}}'' || rowspan="2" | [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || rowspan="2" | 49.7% || 13 April 1995
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://star.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/OhmyStar/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0001831981&CMPT_CD=P0001 |date=6 February 2013 |title=김지미부터 수애까지...'야왕' 통해 본 한국드라마 악녀열전 |work=Ohmy Star |agency=Ohmy News |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://star.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/OhmyStar/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0001933826 |date=9 December 2013 |title=[기획] '월하의 공동묘지'부터 '루비반지'까지...대한민국 들썩이게 한 복수극 열전 |work=Ohmy Star |agency=Ohmy News |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|''[[Jumong (TV series)|Jumong]]'' || 6 March 2007
|<ref>{{cite web|title=March 6, 2007 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20070306|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (MBC) 특별기획(주몽) 49.7%}}</ref><ref name="jesnews best7" />
|-
|28 || ''[[Tears of the Dragon (TV series)|Tears of the Dragon]]'' || [[KBS1]] || 49.6% || 31 May 1998
|<ref name="jesnews best7" />
|-
|29 || ''[[My Only One (TV series)|My Only One]]'' || [[KBS2]] || 49.4% || 17 March 2019
|<ref>{{cite web|title=March 10, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190310|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(하나뿐인내편) 49.4%}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2" | 30 || ''[[Star in My Heart]]'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || rowspan="2" | 49.3% || 29 April 1997
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201604270100213730015440&servicedate=20160426 |date=26 April 2016 |title=[출장토크③] 안재욱 "22년차 영업비밀은 '척'하지 않는 것" |work=Sports Chosun |agency=스포츠 조선 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/500925 |date=10 April 2017 |title=[20년 전 오늘] 안재욱, '별은 내 가슴에'가 낳은 최고의 ★ |work=Sports Seoul |agency=스포츠 서울 |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|''[[Bread, Love and Dreams (TV series)|Bread, Love and Dreams]]'' || [[KBS2]] || 16 September 2010
|<ref>{{cite web|title=September 16, 2010 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20100916|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 수목드라마(제빵왕김탁구) 49.3%}}</ref>
|-
|32 || ''[[My Lovely Sam Soon]]'' || rowspan="5" | [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 49.1% || 21 July 2005
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0001056707 |date=22 July 2005 |title=깔끔한 마무리 '내 이름은 김삼순', 시청률 50% 돌파 |work=연합뉴스 |agency=Yeonhap News Agency |publisher= 네이버 뉴스 편집부 |trans-title=Clean finish'My name is Kim Sam-soon', 50% viewer rating |language=ko |access-date=16 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|33 || ''{{ill|Ambition (1994 TV series)|lt=Ambition|ko|야망 (드라마)}}'' || 49.0% || 13 October 1994
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20060325123812335?f=o |date=25 March 2006 |title='동갑내기' 최수종-정보석, '대조영'서 정면대결 |work=스타뉴스 |agency=머니투데이 |author=김태은 |language=Ko}}</ref>
|-
|34 || ''{{ill|The Moon of Seoul|ko|서울의 달}}'' || 48.7% || 16 October 1994
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0002490168 |title=최민식 한석규 있어 한국영화 관객은 행복하다 |website=n.news.naver.com/entertain/article |language=ko |author=손남원, 유진모 |date=2 March 2013 |publisher=Naver News |agency=OSEN |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/005/0001260878 |title=잔잔한 듯 폭발적… 90년대 한국영화의 페르소나 '한석규 |website=n.news.naver.com/entertain/article |language=ko |author=전찬일, 강유정 |date=20 November 2019 |publisher=Naver News |agency=국민일보 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>
|-
|35 || ''[[The Last Match]]'' || 48.6% || 22 February 1994
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.v.daum.net/v/20101008094907774 |title=[명드의 재구성] ⑧ 마지막 승부 – 최고의 스포츠 드라마 |website=news.v.daum.net/v |language=ko |author=이슬비 |date=8 October 2010 |publisher=xportsnews.com |agency=엑스포츠뉴스 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=005&aid=0000562585 |title='응답하라 1994' X세대 등장한 1994년 어떻게 그릴까? [문화·스포츠편] |website=news.naver.com/main |language=ko |author=오대성 |date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Naver News |agency=국민일보 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://enews.imbc.com/News/RetrieveNewsInfo/81357 |title=[응답하라! MBC 드라마①] 1994년 '농구 열풍'의 주역 <마지막 승부> |trans-title=[Respond! MBC Drama ①] The Last Match, starring in 'Basketball Fever' in 1994.|website=enews.imbc.com/News |language=ko |author=iMBC 편집팀 |date=14 November 2013 |publisher=iMBC.com |agency=iMBC연예 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.news.naver.com/news.nhn?oid=022&aid=0003064535 |title=[박태훈의 스포츠 ] 23번 마이클 조던…②농구붐 일으켜, 만화 슬램덩크 탄생도 |website=sports.news.naver.com |language=ko |author=박태훈 |date=11 June 2016 |publisher=Naver Sports |agency=세계일보 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2" | 36 || ''[[All About Eve (South Korean TV series)|All About Eve]]'' || rowspan="2" | 48.3% || 6 July 2000
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01164406586372184&mediaCodeNo=258|date=2 April 2008|title=[온에어 스페셜⑤]역대 방송가 드라마 승률 비교...'이브의 모든 것' 1위|agency=E-daily|language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201203270100199640016744&servicedate=20120327|date=27 March 2012|title=40% '해품달'로 본 역대 시청률 순위, 50%는 불가능?|work=Sports Chosun|agency=스포츠 조선|author=고재완|language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|''[[Wang's Family]]'' || [[KBS2]] || 9 February 2014
|<ref>{{cite web|title=February 9, 2014 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20140209|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말연속극(왕가네식구들) 48.3%}}</ref>
|-
|38 || ''{{ill|How is Your Husband?|ko|댁의 남편은 어떠십니까?}}'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 48.2% || 19 October 1993
|{{efn|group=note|name=19_October_1993|As of 2010 it remained 38th in ranking,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.daum.net/logotheraphy/13928154|title=역대 드라마 시청률 T0P 100|first=밤하늘을|last=날아서|date=11 February 2008|website=일상을 기억으로}}</ref> as of January 2013, it remained 41st in ranking,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.naver.com/gojingamnae/110157668109|title=역대 드라마 시청률-최고의 드라마는 무엇일까?|website=네이버 블로그 &#124; 좋은사진,좋은사람 옹알이스튜디오}}</ref> as of May 2015, it remained around 40th in ranking,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://7infogether.tistory.com/54|title=역대 한국 드라마 시청률|date=15 May 2015|website=엉뚱발랄놀이터|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=13 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113153603/https://7infogether.tistory.com/54|url-status=dead}}</ref> as of June 2018, it remained 39th in ranking.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.naver.com/taniwani666/221297309785|title=한국 드라마 역대 시청률 (~2018년)|website=네이버 블로그 &#124; fly up high}}</ref>}}
|-
|39 || ''{{ill|Cinderella (TV series)|lt=Cinderella|ko|신데렐라 (드라마)}}'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 48.0% || 13 July 1997
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?type=1&no=2007110114022450723 |date=1 November 2007 |title=드라마 배경, 방송사는 되고 영화사는 안된다? |work=StarNews |agency=스타뉴스 |author=김태은 |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
|40 || ''[[All In (TV series)|All In]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 47.7% || 3 April 2003
|
|-
|41 || ''[[Seoyoung, My Daughter]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[KBS2]] || 47.6% || 3 March 2013
|<ref>{{cite web|title=March 3, 2013 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20130303|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말연속극(내딸서영이) 47.6%}}</ref>
|-
|42 || ''{{ill|Until We Can Love|ko|사랑할때까지}}'' || 47.1% || 28 February 1997
|
|-
|43 || ''[[My Rosy Life]]''|| 47.0% || 10 November 2005
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20051013082619148?f=o |date=13 October 2005 |title='장밋빛인생' 47% '장밋빛 질주' 계속된다 |work=스타뉴스 |agency=Monet Today Star News |publisher=다음 뉴스 편집부 |trans-title='Rose Life' 47%'Rose Sprint' continues |language=ko |access-date=16 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|44 || ''{{ill|Pilot (TV series)|lt=Pilot|ko|파일럿 (드라마)}}'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 46.2% || 2 November 1993
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20070310121515725?f=o |date=10 March 2007 |title='흥행 보증수표'는 없어도 '시청률 보증수표'는 있다 |work=OSEN |author=박준범 |language=Ko}}</ref>
|-
|45 || ''[[Autumn in My Heart]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[KBS2]] || 46.1% || 7 November 2000
|
|-
|46 || ''{{ill|Daughters of a Rich Family|ko|딸부잣집}}'' || 45.9% || 30 April 1995
|
|-
|47 || ''[[My Husband Got a Family]]'' || 45.3% || 9 September 2012
|<ref>{{cite web|title=September 9, 2012 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20120909|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말연속극(넝쿨째굴러온당신) 45.3%}}</ref>
|-
|48 || ''[[Brilliant Legacy]]''
|[[SBS Broadcasting Group|SBS]]|| 45.2% || 26 July 2009
|<ref>{{cite web|title=July 26, 2009 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20090726|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 특별기획(찬란한유산) 45.2%}}</ref>
|-
|49 || ''[[My Golden Life]]''|| [[KBS2]] || 45.1% || 11 March 2018
|<ref>{{cite web|title=March 11, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180311|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(황금빛내인생) 45.1%}}</ref>
|-
|50 || ''[[Dear Heaven]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 44.9% || 2 July 2006
|<ref>{{cite web|title=July 2, 2006 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20060702|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 주말극장(하늘이시여) 44.9%}}</ref>
|}</li>


=== Scriptwriters and directors ===
==== By viewers ====
<li style="display: inline-table;">
Scriptwriters and directors of Korean dramas are often as well known as actors are. An overwhelming majority of scriptwriters (90% according to the ''Beijing Metro Reader'') are women, who not only write love stories but action series as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.womenofchina.cn/html/womenofchina/report/171611-1.htm|title=90% of South Korean TV Writers Are Women|date=24 March 2014|access-date=6 June 2014|publisher=Women of China|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606205851/http://www.womenofchina.cn/html/womenofchina/report/171611-1.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Compared to [[Cinema of Korea|Korean cinema]], television is more appealing for scriptwriters as contract conditions are better, acknowledgment is greater, and the salary is higher.
<!-- PLEASE SEE : www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/02/135_131114.html.-->
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
| Top 50 series per nationwide viewers (million) since 2018{{efn|group=note|name=jan2018|The number of viewers was released by Nielsen Korea starting January 2018.}}
|-
!#!! Series !! Network !!Nationwide viewers<br />number in million<br />(Nielsen)
! Final episode date
!Ref
|-
| 1 || ''[[My Only One (TV series)|My Only One]]'' || rowspan="9" | [[KBS2]] || 9.246 || 17 March 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 10, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190310|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(하나뿐인내편) 9,246}}</ref>
|-
| 2 ||''[[My Golden Life]]'' || 8.366 || 11 March 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 4, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180204|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(황금빛내인생) 8,366}}</ref>
|-
| 3 || ''[[Young Lady and Gentleman]]'' || 6.956 || 27 March 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 6, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20220306|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(신사와아가씨) 6,956}}</ref>
|-
| 4 || ''[[Once Again (South Korean TV series)|Once Again]]'' || 6.893 || 13 September 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 6, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20200906|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(한번다녀왔습니다) 6,893}}</ref>
|-
| 5 || ''[[Marry Me Now]]'' || 6.669 || 9 September 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 9, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180909|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(같이살래요) 6,669}}</ref>
|-
| 6 || ''[[Mother of Mine (TV series)|Mother of Mine]]'' || 6.247 || 22 September 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 22, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190922|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(세상에서제일예쁜내딸) 6,247}}</ref>
|-
| 7 || ''[[Homemade Love Story]]'' || 6.145 || 7 March 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 31, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210131|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(오삼광빌라) 6,145}}</ref>
|--
| 8 || ''[[Revolutionary Sisters]]'' || 5.823 || 18 September 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 12, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210912|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(오케이광자매) 5,823}}</ref>
|-
| 9 || ''[[Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life]]'' || 5.693 || 22 March 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 8, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20200308|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(사랑은뷰티풀인생은원더풀) 5,693}}</ref>
|-
| 10 || ''[[The Penthouse: War in Life#Season 2|The Penthouse: War in Life 2]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 5.601 || 2 April 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 27, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210327|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 금토드라마(WARINLIFE펜트하우스2) 5,601}}</ref>
|-
| 11 || ''[[The Penthouse: War in Life]]'' || 5.354 || 5 January 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 5, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210105|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 월화드라마(WARINLIFE펜트하우스) 5,354}}</ref>
|-
| 12 || ''[[It's Beautiful Now]]'' || [[KBS2]] || 5.300 || 18 September 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20220918|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(현재는아름다워) 5,300}}</ref>
|-
| 13 || ''[[Dr. Romantic 2]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 5.210 || 25 February 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 25, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20200225|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 월화드라마(낭만닥터김사부2) 5,210}}</ref>
|-
| 14 || ''[[Three Bold Siblings]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[KBS2]] || 5.144 || 19 March 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 5, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20230305|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(삼남매가용감하게) 5,144}}</ref>
|-
| 15 || ''[[When the Camellia Blooms]]'' || 4.491 || 21 November 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=November 21, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20191121|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 수목드라마(동백꽃필무렵) 4,491}}</ref>
|-
| 16 || ''[[The Real Has Come!]]'' || 4.330 || 10 September 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 3, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20230903|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(진짜가나타났다) 4,330}}</ref>
|-
| 17 || ''[[The Fiery Priest]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 4.325 || 20 April 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=April 20, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190420|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 금토드라마(열혈사제) 4,325}}</ref>
|-
| 18 || ''[[Money Flower]]'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 4.085 || 3 February 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 3, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180203|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (MBC) 주말특별기획(돈꽃) 4,085}}</ref>
|-
| 19 || ''[[Taxi Driver (South Korean TV series)#Season 2|Taxi Driver 2]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 4.005 || 15 April 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=April 15, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20230415|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 금토드라마(복수대행써비스모범택시2) 4,005}}</ref>
|-
| 20 || ''[[Unasked Family]]'' || [[KBS1]] || 3.950 || 17 April 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 19, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20200319|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(꽃길만걸어요) 3,950}}</ref>
|-
| 21 || ''[[Hot Stove League]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 3.921 || 14 February 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 14, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20200214|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 금토드라마(스토브리그) 3,921}}</ref>
|-
| 22 || ''[[Home for Summer]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[KBS1]] || 3.897 || 25 October 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20191001|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(여름아부탁해) 3,897}}</ref>
|-
| 23 || ''[[Brilliant Heritage]]'' || 3.852 || 9 October 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 24, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20200824|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(기막힌유산) 3,852}}</ref>
|-
| 24 || ''[[The Penthouse: War in Life#Season 3|The Penthouse: War in Life 3]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 3.778 || 10 September 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 4, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210604|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 금요드라마(WARINLIFE펜트하우스3) 3,778}}</ref>
|-
| 25 || ''[[Liver or Die]]'' || [[KBS2]] || 3.692 || 14 March 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 14, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190314|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 수목드라마(왜그래풍상씨) 3,692|access-date=30 September 2020|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304030441/http://nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190314|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 26 || ''[[The Red Sleeve]]'' || [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 3.668 || 1 January 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 1, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20220101|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (MBC) 금토드라마(옷소매붉은끝동) 3,668}}</ref>
|-
| 27 || ''[[No Matter What (TV series)|No Matter What]]'' || [[KBS1]] || 3.599 || 26 March 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 1, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210301|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(누가뭐래도) 3,599}}</ref>
|-
| 28 || ''[[Man in a Veil]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[KBS2]] || 3.502 || 10 February 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 10, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210210|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(비밀의남자) 3,502}}</ref>
|-
| 29 || ''[[The Secret of My Love]]'' || 3.480 || 9 February 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 1, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180101|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(내남자의비밀) 3,480}}</ref>
|-
| 30 || ''[[Sunny Again Tomorrow]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[KBS1]] || 3.478 || 2 November 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=November 1, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20181101|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(내일도맑음) 3,478}}</ref>
|-
| 31 || ''[[It's My Life (South Korean TV series)|It's My Life]]'' || 3.459 || 26 April 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 5, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190305|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(비켜라운명아) 3,459}}</ref>
|-
| 32 || ''[[Dr. Romantic 3]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 3.423 || 17 June 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 17, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20230617|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 금토드라마(낭만닥터김사부3) 3,423}}</ref>
|-
| 33 || ''[[Bravo, My Life (2022 TV series)|Bravo, My Life]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[KBS1]] || 3.382 || 30 September 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 12, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20220912|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(으라차차내인생) 3,382}}</ref>
|-
| 34 || ''[[:ko:내 눈에 콩깍지 (드라마)|The Love in Your Eyes]]'' || 3.377 || 24 March 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 23, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20230323|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(내눈에콩깍지) 3,377}}</ref>
|-
| 35 || ''[[Love Returns (TV series)|Love Returns]]'' || 3.330 || 4 May 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 27, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180227|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(미워도사랑해) 3,330}}</ref>
|-
| 36 || ''[[The Last Empress (TV series)|The Last Empress]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 3.282 || 21 February 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 21, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190221|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 드라마스페셜(황후의품격THELASTEMPRESS) 3,282}}</ref>
|-
| 37 || ''[[The All-Round Wife]]'' || [[KBS1]] || 3.245 || 8 April 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 14, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20220314|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 저녁일일극(국가대표와이프) 3,245}}</ref>
|-
| 38 || ''[[One the Woman]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 3.235 || 6 November 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=November 6, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20211106|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (SBS) 금토드라마(원더우먼) 3,235}}</ref>
|-
| 39 || ''[[Live Your Own Life]]'' || [[KBS2]] || 3.200 || (ongoing) || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 17, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20230917|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(효심이네각자도생) 3,200}}</ref>
|-
| 40 || ''[[Taxi Driver (2021 TV series)|Taxi Driver]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 3.117 || 29 May 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=April 17, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210417|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 금토드라마(복수대행써비스모범택시) 3,117}}</ref>
|-
| 41 || ''[[A Pledge to God]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] || 3.112 || 16 February 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 16, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190216|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=3rd (MBC) 주말특별기획(신과의약속) 3,112}}</ref>
|-
| 42 || ''[[Man in the Kitchen]]'' || 3.082 || 18 March 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 14, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180114|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=3rd (MBC) 주말드라마(밥상차리는남자) 3,082}}</ref>
|-
| 43 || ''[[Gracious Revenge]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[KBS2]] || 3.080 || 27 March 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 26, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20200326|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (KBS2) 일일드라마(우아한모녀) 3,080}}</ref>
|-
| 44 || ''[[Red Shoes (TV series)|Red Shoes]]'' || 3.074 || 10 December 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=December 10, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20211210|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(빨강구두) 3,074}}</ref>
|-
| 45 || ''[[Gold Mask]]'' || 2.998 || 7 October 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 5, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20220905|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(황금가면) 2,998}}</ref>
|-
| 46 || ''[[Be My Dream Family]]'' || [[KBS1]] || 2.951 || 1 October 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=July 12, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210712|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(속아도꿈결) 2,951}}</ref>
|-
| 47 || ''[[One Dollar Lawyer]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 2.933 || 11 November 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 22, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20221022|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (SBS) 금토드라마(천원짜리변호사) 2,933}}</ref>
|-
| 48 || ''[[Doctor Prisoner]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[KBS2]] || 2.832 || 15 May 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 15, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20190515|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (KBS2) 수목드라마(닥터프리즈너) 2,832}}</ref>
|-
| 49 || ''[[Vengeance of the Bride]]'' || 2.820 || 9 March 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 24, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20230124|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (KBS2) 일일드라마(태풍의신부) 2,820}}</ref>
|-
| 50 || ''[[Return (TV series)|Return]]'' || [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] || 2.817 || 22 March 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 7, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20180207|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (SBS) 드라마스페셜(리턴) 2,817}}</ref>
|-
|}</li>
</ul></div>


=== List of highest-rated series on cable television ===
Famous scriptwriters tend to have a say in their field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/reports.jsp?pageIndex=3&blbdComCd=601008&seq=68&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=|title=Wanted : Good Screenwriters|date=1 December 2010|access-date=6 June 2014|publisher=Koreanfilm.org|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311205406/http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/reports.jsp?blbdcomcd=601008&mode=view&pageindex=3&returnurl=&seq=68|url-status=live}}</ref> The most well-known scriptwriters include the [[Hong sisters]], who wrote popular series such as ''[[My Girl (2005 TV series)|My Girl]]'', ''[[You're Beautiful (TV series)|You're Beautiful]]'' and ''[[My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho]]''; [[Kim Soon-ok (screenwriter)|Kim Soon-ok]], the screenwriter of ''[[The Penthouse: War in Life]]'', ''[[The Last Empress (TV series)|The Last Empress]]'', ''[[Band of Sisters (TV series)|Band of Sisters]]'', ''[[Jang Bo-ri Is Here!|Jang Bo-ri is Here!]]'' and ''[[Temptation of Wife (2008 TV series)|Temptation of Wife]]''; [[Kim Eun-sook]], the screenwriter of ''[[Lovers in Paris]]'', ''[[Secret Garden (South Korean TV series)|Secret Garden]]'', ''[[The Heirs]]'', ''[[Descendants of the Sun]]'' and ''[[Guardian: The Lonely and Great God]]''; [[Lee Kyung-hee]], famous for ''[[I'm Sorry, I Love You]]'' and ''[[The Innocent Man (2012 TV series)|The Innocent Man]]''; male writer [[Choi Wan-kyu]] of ''[[Midas (TV series)|Midas]]'' and ''[[Triangle (2014 TV series)|Triangle]]''; [[Noh Hee-kyung]], the author of ''[[That Winter, the Wind Blows]]''; and ''[[It's Okay, That's Love]]''; and [[Park Ji-eun]], who wrote ''[[My Husband Got a Family]]'', ''[[My Love from the Star]]'', ''[[The Producers (TV series)|The Producers]]'', ''[[The Legend of the Blue Sea|Legend of the Blue Sea]]'' and ''[[Crash Landing on You]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dramafever.com/news/meet-the-screenwriters-responsible-for-your-kdrama-tears/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140605155618/http://www.dramafever.com/news/meet-the-screenwriters-responsible-for-your-kdrama-tears/|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 June 2014|title=Meet the screenwriters responsible for your Kdrama tears|date=12 September 2013|access-date=6 June 2014|publisher=DramaFever}}</ref> In particular, writer Kim Soon-ok is famous for captivating male viewers who did not watch dramas well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.donga.com/3/all/20190108/93586925/2|title=[홍세영의 어쩌다] '황후의 품격'x김순옥 작가, 男心도 씹어먹었다|last=Se-yeong|first=Hong|date=9 January 2019|access-date=4 November 2021|publisher=Sports DongA|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104090956/https://sports.donga.com/3/all/20190108/93586925/2|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, an article called "Kim Soon-ok, Kim Eun-sook, and Kim Eun-hee" was also published, referring to star writers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/1001766|title=김은희→김순옥→김은숙 작가..시즌제 물결 타는 스타작가들[SS이슈]|date=13 January 2021|access-date=4 November 2021|publisher=Sports Seoul|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104090956/http://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/1001766|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{small|The following dramas air on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters ([[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]], [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]], [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] and [[Educational Broadcasting System|EBS]]).}}


==== By household rating ====
Acknowledged TV directors include Lee Byung-hoon, who directed ''Hur Jun'', ''Dae Jang Geum'' and ''Yi San'';{{sfn|X|2007}} [[Kim Jong-hak]], the director of ''Eyes of Dawn'', ''Sandglass'', ''[[The Legend (TV series)|The Legend]]'' and ''[[Faith (South Korean TV series)|Faith]]'';,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2009/biz/news/kim-jong-hak-to-direct-magic-bell-1118003874/|title=Kim Jong-hak to direct 'Magic Bell'|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=6 June 2014|date=18 May 2009|archive-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711013141/https://variety.com/2009/biz/news/kim-jong-hak-to-direct-magic-bell-1118003874/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{ill|Pyo Min-soo|ko|표민수}}, the director of ''[[Full House (South Korean TV series)|Full House]]'', ''[[Worlds Within]]'' and ''[[Iris II: New Generation|Iris II]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/15759/producer-pyo-min-soo-of-full-house-and-worlds-within-to-direct-iris-2|title=Producer Pyo Min Soo of 'Full House' and 'Worlds Within' to Direct 'Iris 2'|date=27 September 2012|access-date=6 June 2014|publisher=Mwave|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307022442/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/15759/producer-pyo-min-soo-of-full-house-and-worlds-within-to-direct-iris-2|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Jang Tae-yoo]] who directed ''[[War of Money]]'', ''[[Painter of the Wind]]'', ''[[Deep Rooted Tree]]'' , ''[[My Love from the Star]]'' and ''[[Hyena (TV series)|Hyena]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003471027|author=Kim Ji-hye|title='홍천기' 장태유 감독, '바람의 화원'→'별그대' 잇는 연출 맛집..눈호강 예약|trans-title=Director Jang Tae-yu of 'Hongcheongi', 'Painter of the Wind' → 'My Love from the Stars' Directed restaurant.. Reservation of Noonhogang|work=Herald POP|via=Naver|date=28 August 2021|access-date=7 March 2022|language=ko|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307100226/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003471027|url-status=live}}</ref> In recent years, director [[Jo Hyun-tak]] was also propelled to fame through his works ''[[Sky Castle]]'', which became one of the [[#List of highest-rated series on cable television|highest rated dramas in Korean cable television history]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3058405|title='Sky Castle' hits record viewership|date=21 January 2019|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=8 November 2023|archive-date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401223211/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3058405|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Snowdrop (South Korean TV series)|Snowdrop]]'', which, despite its alleged historical distortions, was ranked first among the most-watched series on [[Disney ]] in Asian countries like [[Singapore]] and [[South Korea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/tv/snowdrop-most-watched-disney-plus-series-singapore-south-korea-apac-3130257|title='Snowdrop' is the most-watched Disney series in Singapore and South Korea|last=Yeo|first=Gladys|work=[[NME]]|date=5 January 2022|access-date=19 March 2022|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105112326/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/tv/snowdrop-most-watched-disney-plus-series-singapore-south-korea-apac-3130257|url-status=live}}</ref>
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-table;">
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
| Top 50 series per nationwide household rating
|-
!#!! Series !! Network !!Nationwide<br />household rating<br />(Nielsen)
! data-sort-type=date | Final episode date
!Ref
|-
| 1 || ''[[The World of the Married]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[JTBC]] || 28.371% || 16 May 2020 || <ref name="The World of the Married rating">{{cite web|title=May 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20200516|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(부부의세계) 28.371%}}</ref>
|-
| 2 || ''[[Reborn Rich]]'' || 26.948% || 25 December 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=December 25, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20221225|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토일드라마(재벌집막내아들) 26.948%}}</ref>
|-
| 3 || ''[[Sky Castle]]'' || 23.779% || 1 February 2019 || <ref name="Sky Castle rating">{{cite web|title=February 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20190201|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(SKY캐슬) 23.779%}}</ref>
|-
| 4 || ''[[Crash Landing on You]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 21.683% || 16 February 2020 || <ref name="Crash Landing on You rating">{{cite web|title=February 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20200216|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(사랑의불시착<본>) 21.683%}}</ref>
|-
| 5 || ''[[Reply 1988]]'' || 18.803% || 16 January 2016 || <ref>{{cite web|title=''Reply 1988'' Writes Cable Television History|url=http://stoo.asiae.co.kr/news/naver_view.htm?idxno=2016011708403073126|website=Stoo Asaie|access-date=3 January 2017|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622084157/http://stoo.asiae.co.kr/news/naver_view.htm?idxno=2016011708403073126|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Nielsen Korea">{{cite web|title=January 16, 2016 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20160116|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 응답하라1988<본> 18.803%}}</ref>
|-
| 6 || ''[[Guardian: The Lonely and Great God]]'' || 18.680% || 21 January 2017 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 21, 2017 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20170121|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 쓸쓸하고찬란하신도깨비<본> 18.680%}}</ref>
|-
| 7 || ''[[Doctor Cha]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 18.546% || 4 June 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 4, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230604|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(닥터차정숙) 18.546%}}</ref>
|-
| 8 || ''[[Mr. Sunshine (South Korean TV series)|Mr. Sunshine]]'' || [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 18.129% || 30 September 2018 || <ref name="Mr. Sunshine rating">{{cite web|title=September 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180930|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 미스터션샤인<본> 18.129%}}</ref>
|-
| 9 || ''[[Extraordinary Attorney Woo]]'' || [[SkyTV|ENA]] || 17.534% || 18 August 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220818|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (ENA) 이상한변호사우영우<본> 17.534%}}</ref>
|-
| 10 || ''[[Mr. Queen]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 17.371% || 14 February 2021 || <ref name="Mr. Queen rating">{{cite web|title=February 14, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210214|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(철인왕후조선중전영혼가출스캔들<본>) 17.371%}}</ref>
|-
| 11 || ''[[Crash Course in Romance]]'' || 17.038% || 5 March 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 5, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20230305|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 일타스캔들<본> 17.038%}}</ref>
|-
| 12 || ''[[Under the Queen's Umbrella]]'' || 16.852% || 4 December 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=December 4, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20221204|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 슈룹<본> 16.852%}}</ref>
|-
| 13 || ''[[Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)#Season 2|Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 2]]'' || [[Chosun Broadcasting Company|TV Chosun]] || 16.582% || 8 August 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 8, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20210808|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡2) 16.582%}}</ref>
|-
| 14 || ''[[Itaewon Class]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[JTBC]] || 16.548% || 21 March 2020 || <ref name="Itaewon Class rating">{{cite web|title=February 29, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20200321|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(이태원클라쓰) 16.548%}}</ref>
|-
| 15 || ''[[Agency (South Korean TV series)|Agency]]'' || 16.044% || 26 February 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230226|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(대행사) 16.044%}}</ref>
|-
| 16 || ''[[Vincenzo (TV series)|Vincenzo]]'' || rowspan="5" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 14.636% || 2 May 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 2, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210502|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(빈센조<본>) 14.636%}}</ref>
|-
| 17 || ''[[Our Blues]]'' || 14.597% || 12 June 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 12, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220612|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(우리들의블루스<본>) 14.597%}}</ref>
|-
| 18 || ''[[100 Days My Prince]]'' || 14.412% || 30 October 2018 || <ref name="100 Days My Prince rating">{{cite web|title=October 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20181030|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 월화드라마(백일의낭군님<본>) 14.412%}}</ref>
|-
| 19 || ''[[Hospital Playlist]]'' || 14.142% || 28 May 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 28, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20200528|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 슬기로운의사생활<본> 14.142%}}</ref>
|-
| 20 || ''[[Hospital Playlist#Season 2|Hospital Playlist 2]]'' || 14.080% || 16 September 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 16, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210916|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 슬기로운의사생활2<본> 14.080%}}</ref>
|-
| 21 || ''[[King the Land]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 13.789% || 6 August 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 6, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230806|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(킹더랜드) 13.789%}}</ref>
|-
| 22 || ''[[Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 12.665% || 17 October 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 17, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20211017|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(갯마을차차차<본>) 12.665%}}</ref>
|-
| 23 || ''[[Signal (South Korean TV series)|Signal]]'' || 12.544% || 12 March 2016 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 12, 2016 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20160312|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 시그널<본> 12.544%}}</ref>
|-
| 24 ||''[[The Lady in Dignity]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[JTBC]] || 12.065% || 19 August 2017 || <ref>{{cite web|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2017082009440267165|title=종영 '품위녀' 12.1%로 자체 최고 기록..무서운 뒷심|website=Star News|date=20 August 2017 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=August 19, 2017 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20170819|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(품위있는그녀) 12.065%}}</ref>
|-
| 25 || ''[[The Good Bad Mother]]'' || 12.032% || 8 June 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230608|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 수목드라마(나쁜엄마) 12.032%}}</ref>
|-
| 26 || ''[[Hotel del Luna]]'' || [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 12.001% || 1 September 2019 || <ref name="Hotel del Luna rating">{{cite web|title=September 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20190901|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(호텔델루나<본>) 12.001%}}</ref>
|-
| 27 || ''[[Red Balloon (TV series)|Red Balloon]]'' || [[Chosun Broadcasting Company|TV Chosun]] || 11.566% || 26 February 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230226|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(빨간풍선) 11.566%}}</ref>
|-
| 28 || ''[[Twenty-Five Twenty-One]]'' || rowspan="4" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 11.513% || 3 April 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=April 3, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220403|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 스물다섯스물하나<본> 11.513%}}</ref>
|-
| 29 || ''[[Reply 1994]]'' || 11.509% || 28 December 2013 || <ref>{{cite web|title=December 28, 2013 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20131228|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 응답하라1994 11.509%}}</ref>
|-
| 30 || ''[[Prison Playbook]]'' || 11.195% || 18 January 2018 || <ref name="Prison Playbook rating">{{cite web|title=January 18, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180118|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 수목드라마(슬기로운감빵생활<본>) 11.195%}}</ref>
|-
| 31 || ''[[Little Women (2022 TV series)|Little Women]]'' || 11.105% || 9 October 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 9, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20221009|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 작은아씨들<본> 11.105%}}</ref>
|-
| 32 || ''[[The Uncanny Counter]]'' || [[Orion Cinema Network|OCN]] || 10.999% || 24 January 2021 || |<ref>{{cite web|title=January 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210124|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (OCN) 경이로운소문<본> 10.999%}}</ref>
|-
| 33 || ''[[The Crowned Clown]]'' || [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 10.851% || 4 March 2019 || <ref name="The Crowned Clown rating">{{cite web|title=March 4, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20190304|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 월화드라마(왕이된남자<본>) 10.851%}}</ref>
|-
| 34 || ''[[My Kids Give Me a Headache]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 10.715% || 17 March 2013
<!-- PLEASE SEE : www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/02/135_131114.html.-->
|<ref>{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Tong-hyung|title=''Childless Comfort'' looks like TV game-changer|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/02/135_131114.html|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=4 March 2013|date=25 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=February 24, 2013 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20130224|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) JTBC특별기획드라마(무자식상팔자) 10.715%}}</ref>
|-
| 35 || ''[[Jirisan (TV series)|Jirisan]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 10.663% || 12 December 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20211024|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 특별기획지리산<본> 10.663%}}</ref>
|-
| 36 || ''[[Mine (TV series)|Mine]]'' || 10.512% || 27 June 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 27, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210627|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 마인<본> 10.512%}}</ref>
|-
| 37 || ''[[Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)#Season 3|Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 3]]'' || [[Chosun Broadcasting Company|TV Chosun]] || 10.395% || 1 May 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 1, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20220501|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡3) 10.395%}}</ref>
|-
| 38 || ''[[Show Window: The Queen's House]]'' || [[Channel A (TV channel)|Channel A]] || 10.335% || 18 January 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20220118|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (채널A) 채널A특별기획월화드라마(쇼윈도여왕의집) 10.335%}}</ref>
|-
| 39 || ''[[Encounter (South Korean TV series)|Encounter]]'' || rowspan="4" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 10.329% || 24 January 2019 || <ref name="Encounter rating">{{cite web|title=November 29, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20181129|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 수목드라마(남자친구<본>) 10.329%}}</ref>
|-
| 40 || ''[[Military Prosecutor Doberman]]'' || 10.081% || 26 April 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=April 26, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220426|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 군검사도베르만<본> 10.081%}}</ref>
|-
| 41 || ''[[Memories of the Alhambra]]'' || 10.025% || 20 January 2019 || <ref name="Memories of the Alhambra rating">{{cite web|title=January 13, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20190113|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(알함브라궁전의추억<본>) 10.025%}}</ref>
|-
| 42 || ''[[Another Miss Oh]]'' || 9.991% || 28 June 2016 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 28, 2016 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20160628|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 월화드라마(또오해영<본>) 9.991%}}</ref>
|-
| 43 || ''[[Strong Girl Nam-soon]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 9.760% || (ongoing) || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 15, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20231015|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힘쎈여자강남순) 9.760%}}</ref>
|-
| 44 || ''[[Bossam: Steal the Fate]]'' || [[Maeil Broadcasting Network|MBN]] || 9.759% || 4 July 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=July 4, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20210704|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (MBN) 종편특별기획드라마(보쌈운명을훔치다) 9.759%}}</ref>
|-
| 45 || ''[[The Light in Your Eyes (TV series)|The Light in Your Eyes]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[JTBC]] || 9.731% || 19 March 2019 || <ref name="The Light in Your Eyes rating">{{cite web|title=March 19, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20190319|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 월화드라마(눈이부시게) 9.731%}}</ref>
|-
| 46 || ''[[Strong Girl Bong-soon]]'' || 9.668% || 15 April 2017 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 25, 2017 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20170325|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(힘쎈여자도봉순) 9.668%}}</ref>
|-
| 47 || ''[[Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)]]'' || [[Chosun Broadcasting Company|TV Chosun]] || 9.656% || 14 March 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 14, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20210214|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡) 9.656%}}</ref>
|-
| 48 || ''[[Alchemy of Souls#Part 2|Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow]]'' || [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 9.651% || 8 January 2023 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=January 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20230108|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(환혼빛과그림자<본>) 9.651%}}</ref>
|-
| 49 || ''[[Behind Your Touch]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[JTBC]] || 9.618% || 1 October 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 24, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230924|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힙하게) 9.618%}}</ref>
|-
| 50 || ''[[Divorce Attorney Shin]]'' || 9.488% || 9 April 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=April 9, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230409|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(신성한이혼) 9.488%}}</ref>
|}</li>


==== By viewers ====
While scriptwriters are mostly women, directors are usually men.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/best/notice/1439869_9575.html|title=610화 여성 드라마 감독 이윤정PD 인터뷰!|publisher=iMBC|date=3 February 2005|access-date=6 June 2014|language=ko|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606223026/http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/best/notice/1439869_9575.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Some female directors have risen to prominence, such as Lee Na-jeong (이나정), who directed ''The Innocent Man'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movie.daum.net/movieperson/Summary.do?personId=324124|script-title=ko:이나정|publisher=Daum Movie|access-date=6 June 2014|language=ko|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011241/http://movie.daum.net/movieperson/Summary.do?personId=324124|url-status=live}}</ref> and Lee Yun-jeong (이윤정), whose most famous works are ''[[Coffee Prince (2007 TV series)|Coffee Prince]]'' and ''[[Heart to Heart (South Korean TV series)|Heart to Heart]]''. The latter director is also the first female television producer employed by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/CU_EN_8_5_1_26.jsp|title=The First Shop Of Coffee Prince|publisher=Korea Tourism Organization|access-date=3 May 2013|archive-date=30 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230062751/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/CU_EN_8_5_1_26.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<li style="display: inline-table;">
<!-- PLEASE SEE : www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/02/135_131114.html.-->
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
| Top 50 series per nationwide viewers (million) since 2018{{efn|group=note|name=jan2018}}
|-
!#!! Series !! Network !!Nationwide viewers<br />number in million<br />(Nielsen)
! data-sort-type=date | Final episode date
!Ref
|-
| 1 || ''[[Sky Castle]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 6.508 || 1 February 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20190201|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(SKY캐슬) 6,508}}</ref>
|-
| 2 ||''[[Crash Landing on You]]'' || [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 6.337 || 16 February 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20200216|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(사랑의불시착<본>) 6,337}}</ref>
|-
| 3 || ''[[Reborn Rich]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[JTBC]] || 6.277 || 25 December 2022 || <ref name="Reborn Rich">{{cite web|title=December 25, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20221225|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토일드라마(재벌집막내아들) 6,277}}</ref>
|-
| 4 || ''[[The World of the Married]]'' || 6.248 || 16 May 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20200516|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(부부의세계) 6,248}}</ref>
|-
| 5 ||''[[Mr. Queen]]''|| rowspan="2" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 4.749 || 14 February 2021 || |<ref>{{cite web|title=February 14, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210214|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(철인왕후조선중전영혼가출스캔들<본>) 4,749}}</ref>
|-
| 6 || ''[[Mr. Sunshine (South Korean TV series)|Mr. Sunshine]]''|| 4.631 || 30 September 2018 || |<ref>{{cite web|title=September 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180930|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 미스터션샤인<본> 4,631}}</ref>
|-
| 7 ||''[[Extraordinary Attorney Woo]]''|| [[SkyTV|ENA]]|| 4.449 || 18 August 2022
|<ref>{{cite web|title=August 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220818|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (ENA) 이상한변호사우영우<본> 4,449}}</ref>
|-
| 8 || ''[[Itaewon Class]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 4.425 || 21 March 2020 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=February 29, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20200321|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(이태원클라쓰) 4,425}}</ref>
|-
| 9 || ''[[Crash Course in Romance]]''|| [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 4.329 || 5 March 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 5, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20230305|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 일타스캔들<본> 4,329}}</ref>
|-
| 10 || ''[[Doctor Cha]]''|| [[JTBC]] || 4.088 || 4 June 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 28, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230528|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(닥터차정숙) 4,088}}</ref>
|-
| 11 ||''[[Under the Queen's Umbrella]]''|| rowspan="3" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 4.049 || 4 December 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=December 4, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20221204|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 슈룹<본> 4,049}}</ref>
|-
| 12 ||''[[Hospital Playlist#Season 2|Hospital Playlist 2]]'' || 3.853 || 16 September 2021
|<ref>{{cite web|title=September 16, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210916|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 슬기로운의사생활2<본> 3,853}}</ref>
|-
| 13 ||''[[Vincenzo (TV series)|Vincenzo]]''|| 3.841 || 2 May 2021
|<ref>{{cite web|title=May 2, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210502|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(빈센조<본>) 3,841}}</ref>
|-
| 14 || ''[[Agency (South Korean TV series)|Agency]]''|| [[JTBC]] || 3.685 || 26 February 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230226|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(대행사) 3,685}}</ref>
|-
| 15 || ''[[Hotel del Luna]]''|| rowspan="3" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 3.674 || 1 September 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=September 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20190901|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(호텔델루나<본>) 3,674}}</ref>
|-
| 16 || ''[[Hospital Playlist]]'' || 3.579 || 28 May 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 28, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20200528|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 슬기로운 의사생활<본> 3,579}}</ref>
|-
| 17 || ''[[Our Blues]]''|| 3.419 || 12 June 2022||<ref>{{cite web|title=June 12, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220612|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(우리들의블루스<본>) 3,419}}</ref>
|-
| 18 || ''[[King the Land]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 3.404 || 6 August 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 6, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230806|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(킹더랜드) 3,404}}</ref>
|-
| 19 || ''[[Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)#Season 2|Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 2]]''|| [[Chosun Broadcasting Company|TV Chosun]] || 3.344 || 8 August 2021 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 8, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20210808|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡2) 3,344}}</ref>
|-
| 20 || ''[[100 Days My Prince]]''|| [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 3.264 || 30 October 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20181030|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 월화드라마(백일의낭군님<본>) 3,264}}</ref>
|-
| 21 || ''[[The Uncanny Counter]]'' || [[Orion Cinema Network|OCN]] || 3.257 || 24 January 2021 || |<ref>{{cite web|title=January 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210124|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (OCN) 경이로운소문<본> 3,257}}</ref>
|-
| 22 ||''[[Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha]]''|| rowspan="4" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 3.237 || 17 October 2021
|<ref>{{cite web|title=October 17, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20211017|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(갯마을차차차<본>) 3,237}}</ref>
|-
| 23 || ''[[Prison Playbook]]'' || 3.063 || 18 January 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 18, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180118|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 수목드라마(슬기로운감빵생활<본>) 3,063}}</ref>
|-
| 24 ||''[[Twenty-Five Twenty-One]]''|| 3.047 || 3 April 2022
|<ref>{{cite web|title=April 3, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220403|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 스물다섯스물하나<본> 3,047}}</ref>
|-
| 25 || ''[[Memories of the Alhambra]]''|| 2.853 || 20 January 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 13, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20190113|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(알함브라궁전의추억<본>) 2,853}}</ref>
|-
| 26 || ''[[The Good Bad Mother]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 2.669 || 8 June 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230608|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 수목드라마(나쁜엄마) 2,669}}</ref>
|-
| 27 ||''[[Little Women (2022 TV series)|Little Women]]''|| rowspan="3" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 2.618 || 9 October 2022
|<ref>{{cite web|title=October 9, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20221009|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 작은아씨들<본> 2,618}}</ref>
|-
| 28 ||''[[Jirisan (TV series)|Jirisan]]''|| 2.586 || 12 December 2021
|<ref>{{cite web|title=October 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20211024|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 특별기획지리산<본> 2,586}}</ref>
|-
| 29 || ''[[Encounter (South Korean TV series)|Encounter]]''|| 2.473 || 24 January 2019 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=November 29, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20181129|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 수목드라마(남자친구<본>) 2,473}}</ref>
|-
| 30 || ''[[Red Balloon (TV series)|Red Balloon]]''|| [[Chosun Broadcasting Company|TV Chosun]] || 2.457 || 26 February 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230226|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=2nd (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(빨간풍선) 2,457}}</ref>
|-
| 31 || ''[[The Crowned Clown]]''|| rowspan="4" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 2.447 || 4 March 2019 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=March 4, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20190304|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 월화드라마(왕이된남자<본>) 2,447}}</ref>
|-
| 32 || ''[[Mine (TV series)|Mine]]''|| 2.429 || 27 June 2021 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=June 27, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20210627|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 마인<본> 2,429}}</ref>
|-
| 33 || ''[[Alchemy of Souls]]''|| 2.410 || 28 August 2022 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=August 28, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220828|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(환혼<본>) 2,410}}</ref>
|-
| 34 || ''[[What's Wrong with Secretary Kim]]''|| 2.383 || 26 July 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=July 11, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180711|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 수목드라마(김비서가왜그럴까<본>) 2,383}}</ref>
|-
| 35 || ''[[Behind Your Touch]]''|| rowspan="2" | [[JTBC]] || 2.328 || 1 October 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 1, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20231001|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힙하게) 2,328}}</ref>
|-
| 36 || ''[[Strong Girl Nam-soon]]'' || 2.318 || (ongoing) || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 15, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20231015|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힘쎈여자강남순) 2,318}}</ref>
|-
| 37 ||''[[Military Prosecutor Doberman]]'' || rowspan="2" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 2.279 || 26 April 2022
|<ref>{{cite web|title=April 26, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20220426|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 군검사도베르만<본> 2,279}}</ref>
|-
| 38 || ''[[Alchemy of Souls#Part 2|Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow]]''|| 2.267 || 8 January 2023 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=January 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20230108|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(환혼빛과그림자<본>) 2,267}}</ref>
|-
| 39 || ''[[The Light in Your Eyes (TV series)|The Light in Your Eyes]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 2.223 || 19 March 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=March 19, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20190319|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 월화드라마(눈이부시게) 2,223}}</ref>
|-
| 40 ||''[[Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938]]''|| [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 2.216 || 11 June 2023
|<ref>{{cite web|title=June 11, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20230611|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(구미호뎐1938<본>) 2,216}}</ref>
|-
| 41 ||''[[Show Window: The Queen's House]]''||[[Channel A (TV channel)|Channel A]]|| 2.195 || 18 January 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20220118|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (채널A) 채널A특별기획월화드라마(쇼윈도여왕의집) 2,195}}</ref>
|-
| 42 || ''[[Stranger (TV series)#Season 2|Stranger 2]]''|| rowspan="4" | [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 2.186 || 4 October 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=October 4, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20201004|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(비밀의숲2<본>) 2,186}}</ref>
|-
| 43 ||''[[Arthdal Chronicles]]''|| 2.120 || 22 September 2019 || <ref>{{cite web|title=June 9, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20190609|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 아스달연대기<본> 2,120}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 44 || ''[[A Korean Odyssey]]'' || rowspan="2" | 2.115 || 4 March 2018 ||<ref>{{cite web|title=March 4, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180304|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 화유기<본> 2,115}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Lawless Lawyer]]'' || 1 July 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=July 1, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180701|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 무법변호사<본> 2,115}}</ref>
|-
| 46 || ''[[Divorce Attorney Shin]]'' || [[JTBC]] || 2.073 || 9 April 2023 || <ref>{{cite web|title=April 9, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20230409|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(신성한이혼) 2,073}}</ref>
|-
| 47 || ''[[It's Okay to Not Be Okay]]''|| [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 2.065 || 9 August 2020 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 9, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20200809|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 토일드라마(사이코지만괜찮아2부<본>) 2,065}}</ref>
|-
| 48 || ''[[Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)#Season 3|Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 3]]''|| rowspan="2" | [[Chosun Broadcasting Company|TV Chosun]] || 2.060 || 1 May 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=May 1, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20220501|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡3) 2,060}}</ref>
|-
| 49 || ''[[Uncle (South Korean TV series)|Uncle]]''|| 2.042 || 30 January 2022 || <ref>{{cite web|title=January 23, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=2_1&area=00&begin_date=20220123|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (TV CHOSUN) 토일미니시리즈(엉클) 2,042}}</ref>
|-
| 50 || ''[[Familiar Wife]]'' || [[TVN (South Korea)|tvN]] || 2.039 || 20 September 2018 || <ref>{{cite web|title=August 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings|url=http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=3_1&area=00&begin_date=20180830|website=Nielsen Korea|quote=1st (tvN) 수목드라마(아는와이프<본>) 2,039}}</ref>
|}
</li>
</ul>
</div>


== Music ==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Asia|South Korea|Television}}
[[File:Baek Ji-yeong from acrofan.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Balladeer [[Baek Ji-young]] has been named "OST Queen" after providing the songs for several hit dramas such as ''[[Secret Garden (South Korean TV series)|Secret Garden]]'' (2010) and ''[[Love in the Moonlight]]'' (2016).]]
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
Music plays an important role in Korean dramas. [[Soundtrack|Original soundtracks]], abbreviated OST's, are explicitly made for each series, and in contrast to American series, fans have a need to buy the soundtrack album of dramas. This trend started in the 1990s, when producers swapped purely instrumental soundtracks for songs performed by popular [[K-pop]] singers. Tom Larsen, director of YA Entertainment, a distributor of Korean TV series, thinks that Korean soundtracks are polished enough musically to be considered standalone hits.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SwtgAgAAQBAJ|title=Reading Asian Television Drama: Crossing Borders and Breaking Boundaries|page=197|publisher=I.B. Tauris|year=2013|author=Jeongmee Kim|isbn=978-1-84511-860-0|access-date=8 November 2023|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025018/https://books.google.com/books?id=SwtgAgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Chinese television drama]]
* [[List of South Korean television series]]
* [[History of Korean animation]]
* [[Japanese television drama]]
* [[Korean Wave]]
* [[Manhwa]]
* [[Mass media in South Korea]]
* [[Philippine television drama]]
* [[South Korean television dramas in the Philippines]]
* [[Taiwanese television drama]]
* [[Television in South Korea]]
* [[Webtoon]]
{{div col end}}


== Footnotes ==
During the 2000s, it became customary for lead actors to participate in original soundtracks, also partially due to the employment of K-pop stars as actors. Actor [[Lee Min-ho]], and leader of boy band [[SS501]], [[Kim Hyun-joong]] both recorded songs for ''[[Boys Over Flowers (2009 TV series)|Boys Over Flowers]]'', while the actors of ''[[You're Beautiful (TV series)|You're Beautiful]]'' formed a fictional band and held concerts, where they perform the soundtracks live.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/48796/20131112/osts-original-soundtracks-ji-sung-park-shin-hye-jang-geun-suk-lee-min-ho-f4.htm|title=K-Drama Original Soundtracks: What Is The Significance Of Actors Singing On Their Own OST?|date=13 November 2013|access-date=4 June 2014|publisher=KpopStarz|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606222156/http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/48796/20131112/osts-original-soundtracks-ji-sung-park-shin-hye-jang-geun-suk-lee-min-ho-f4.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:'미남' 꽃미남 그룹 에이엔젤, 공개 미니 콘서트 연다!|trans-title=A.N.JELL to hold a second mini-concert|url=http://bntnews.hankyung.com/apps/news?popup=0&nid=04&c1=04&c2=04&c3=00&nkey=200911211443003&mode=sub_view|website=BNTNews|language=ko|access-date=29 November 2009|date=21 November 2009|archive-date=3 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203032806/http://bntnews.hankyung.com/apps/news?popup=0&nid=04&c1=04&c2=04&c3=00&nkey=200911211443003&mode=sub_view|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:'미남' 마지막 콘서트, 3천명 구름관중|trans-title=A.N.JELL holds its last concert|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G0911240006|website=Osen|language=ko|access-date=29 November 2009|date=23 November 2009|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808153342/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G0911240006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{reflist|group=note}}


== References ==
OST songs of popular K-dramas can also become hits on regular music charts, with good sales of both physical and digital albums. The chart performance of the OST songs usually co-relate to the popularity of the drama. Songs from the OST of ''Secret Garden'' for example, had high digital sales and high rankings on music charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2011/01/all-copies-of-secret-garden-ost-have-sold-out|title=All copies of 'Secret Garden' OST have sold out|date=5 January 2011|access-date=4 June 2014|publisher=[[Allkpop]]|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711225210/https://www.allkpop.com/article/2011/01/all-copies-of-secret-garden-ost-have-sold-out|url-status=live}}</ref> ''My Destiny'', performed by [[Lyn (singer)|Lyn]] for ''[[My Love from the Star]]'', led music charts in [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]], South Korea, and other Asian countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/drama-soundtrack-bit-hit-around-asia-66597.html|title=Drama soundtrack bit hit around Asia|date=3 March 2014|publisher=[[Hancinema]]|access-date=4 March 2014|archive-date=5 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605095440/https://www.hancinema.net/drama-soundtrack-bit-hit-around-asia-66597.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It also won the Best OST award at the 2014 [[Baeksang Arts Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soompi.com/2014/05/27/song-kang-ho-and-jun-ji-hyun-win-grand-prizes-for-the-baeksang-arts-awards-full-list-of-winners/#.U4TYhfl_tqV|title=Song Kang Ho and Jun Ji Hyun Win Grand Prizes for the Baeksang Arts Awards Full List of Winners|publisher=[[Soompi]]|date=27 May 2014|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711234354/https://www.soompi.com/2014/05/27/song-kang-ho-and-jun-ji-hyun-win-grand-prizes-for-the-baeksang-arts-awards-full-list-of-winners/#.U4TYhfl_tqV|url-status=live}}</ref> The soundtrack album of ''You're Beautiful'' sold 57,000 physical copies.<ref>{{cite web|title='미남이시네요' AN.Jell, 실제 가수로 활약?|trans-title=You're Beautiful's AN.Jell to work as real singers?|url=http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=3842020|website=IS Plus|language=ko|access-date=29 November 2009|date=25 October 2009|archive-date=10 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110084125/http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=3842020|url-status=live}}</ref> Performers of OST songs for action series ''[[Iris (TV series)|Iris]]'' held two concerts in Japan in front of an audience of 60,000 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/iris-soundtrack-concert-attracts-fans-in-japan--23616.html|title="IRIS" soundtrack concert attracts fans in Japan|date=3 June 2010|access-date=4 June 2014|publisher=Hancinema|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822145637/https://www.hancinema.net/iris-soundtrack-concert-attracts-fans-in-japan--23616.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{reflist}}


== Bibliography ==
Although the songs in Korean dramas may have only a selective few or are repetitive, the choosing of the songs are not that easy of a process. An example of this can be found in the OST for the Korean drama: [[Guardian: The Lonely and Great God]]. Songs usually are made to convey emotions or scenes especially in dramas and the emotion was assigned to be conveyed by [[Rocoberry]] was suffering and beauty. [[Rocoberry]] is a Korean indie pop duo with the members of Roco and conan and they are famous for composing songs in Korean dramas. Even though they had quite the experience with composing songs, for [[Guardian: The Lonely and Great God]], they had to create 12 different compositions for this drama until finally one of their most famous songs [[I Will Go to You Like the First Snow]] was chosen. Not only did it take 12 compositions for this song to be chosen but after the approval of this songs, there had to be 7 rewrites until it was finally complete and met the satisfaction standards of the production team. link The song was used in only two episodes despite the hard process. The song was placed in two scenes that later on were shown to be connected to each other and also became some of the most important scenes in the drama. This is only the beginning of understanding how much time and effort goes into the choosing of songs for these types of dramas and how they can enhance a scene in many different ways.<ref>Veronika Keller. (2019). Music Keeps Us Together. Pop Songs in Korean Television Dramas. Series. International Journal of TV Serial Narratives, 5(2), 95–107. https://doaj.org/article/5c25a40544c04377a0bd11c9ce611975 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930124003/https://doaj.org/article/5c25a40544c04377a0bd11c9ce611975 |date=30 September 2023 }}</ref>
* {{cite news| url = http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200701/200701080003.html| title = Korean Vs. U.S. Soaps| access-date = 19 December 2011|date=8 January 2007| newspaper = The Chosun Ilbo| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070109161640/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200701/200701080003.html| archive-date= 9 January 2007|last=Chosun Ilbo}}
* {{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2013080143198|title= Inconvenient truth of the Korean drama industry|work=The Donga Ilbo|date=1 August 2013|access-date=4 June 2014|last=Donga 1}}
* {{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2013093013358|title= Interview with senior actors about Korean dramas|date=30 September 2013|access-date=4 June 2014|work=The Donga Ilbo|last=Donga 2}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=edH5Aeb-epgC&q=korean drama&pg=PA143|title=East Asian pop culture: analysing the Korean wave|last=Iwabuchi|first=Koichi|publisher=Hong Kong University Press|year=2008|isbn=978-9622098923}}
* {{cite book|url=http://theses.gla.ac.uk/4499/1/2013jeonphd.pdf|title=The 'Korean Wave' and television drama exports, 1995–2005.|publisher=University of Glasgow|year=2013|last=Jeon|first= Won Kyung}}
* {{cite thesis|last= Kim|first= Ju Young |year=2007|title=Rethinking Media Flow under Globalisation: Rising Korean Wave and Korean TV and Film Policy Since 1980s|format= Dissertation|publisher= Centre for Cultural Policy Studies, University of Warwick|url=http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/1153/|access-date= 5 December 2013|type= phd }}
* {{cite news|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/597363.html|title=TV producer's suicide causes troubled industry to reflect|newspaper=The Hankyoreh|access-date=4 June 2014|last=Kim|first= Yang-hee|date=27 July 2013a}}
* {{cite news|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/590405.html|title=The unglamorous lives of Korean drama actors|date=4 April 2013b|access-date=4 June 2014|newspaper=The Hankyoreh|last=Kim |first=Yang-hee}}
* {{cite book|url=http://www.korea.net/Resources/Publications/About-Korea/view?articleId=2226|title=K-Drama: A New TV Genre with Global Appeal|publisher=KOCIS|year=2011|access-date=2 June 2014|format=pdf|isbn=978-89-7375-167-9 |last=KOCIS}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=99289|title=Korea's fusion sageuk|publisher=Korea.net|access-date=19 January 2014|date=12 March 2012|last=Korea.net}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/the-high-tide-of-the-korean-wave-33-whetting-u-s-appetite-for-korean-tv-dramas-13588.html|title=Whetting U.S. appetite for Korean TV dramas|publisher=The Korea Herald via Hancinema|access-date=16 January 2011|date=24 April 2008|last=Larsen|first=Tom}}
* {{cite web|url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/webzine/sub/feature.jsp?mode=A_VIEW&wbSeq=135|title=The Secret of PERIOD DRAMA|date=24 January 2014|last=Lee |first=Yong-cheol|publisher=KOFIC|access-date=2 June 2014}}
* {{cite web|url=http://uniorb.com/ATREND/Japanwatch/wsdramafever.htm|title=Winter Sonata Drama fever|access-date=19 December 2011|publisher=UNIORB|first=Diana|last=Lee|year=2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207142535/http://uniorb.com/ATREND/Japanwatch/wsdramafever.htm|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite book|last=Oh|first=Youjeong|date=2015|chapter=The Interactive Nature of Korean TV Dramas: Flexible Texts, Discursive Consumption, and Social Media|editor-last1=Lee|editor-first1=Sangjoon|editor-last2=Nornes|editor-first2=Abe Mark|title=Hallyu 2.0: The Korean Wave in the Age of Social Media|publisher=University of Michigan Press|isbn=978-0-472-07252-1}}
* {{cite book|title=Japan's Competing Modernities: Issues in Culture and Democracy, 1900–1930|chapter=16: Broadcasting in Korea, 1924–1937: Colonial Modernity and Cultural Hegemony|editor=Sharon A. Minichiello|first=Michael E.|last= Robinson|publisher= University of Hawai'i Press|year=1998|isbn=978-0-8248-2080-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-I_pId0AuhIC}}
* {{cite book|title=Pop Goes Korea: Behind the Revolution in Movies, Music, and Internet Culture|first=Mark James |last=Russell|publisher=Stone Bridge Press|year=2012|isbn=978-1-61172-542-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gftM5SjLwV8C}}
* {{cite book|url=http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/wps/wps11_158.pdf|title=Waxing The Korean Wave|publisher=Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore|year=2011|access-date=13 January 2012|last=Shim|first=Doobo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129182616/http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/wps/wps11_158.pdf|archive-date=29 November 2015|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite news|url=http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=86640|title=The High Tide of the Korean Wave III: Why do Asian fans prefer Korean pop culture?|newspaper=The Korea Herald|access-date=12 January 2012|date=4 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324181207/http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=86640|archive-date=24 March 2012|last=Sung|first=Sang-Yeon}}
* {{cite web |last=Turnbull |first=James |url=http://thegrandnarrative.com/2009/03/17/what-defines-a-korean-drama/ |title=What Defines a Korean Drama?|publisher=The Grand Narrative |access-date=2011-12-19 |date=17 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209165258/http://thegrandnarrative.com/2009/03/17/what-defines-a-korean-drama/ |archive-date=9 December 2011}}
* {{cite web|url=http://twitchfilm.com/2009/11/back-in-the-day---01-eternal-empire-and-chungmuros-love-hate-for-history.html|title=영원한 제국 (Eternal Empire) and Chungmuro's Love-Hate for History|publisher=[[Twitch Film]]|access-date=2 June 2014|date=November 2009|last=X|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602195626/http://twitchfilm.com/2009/11/back-in-the-day---01-eternal-empire-and-chungmuros-love-hate-for-history.html|archive-date=2 June 2014}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/us/yumcha/sageuk-koreas-80-year-long-love-for-history/0-0-0-arid.125-en/featured-article.html|title=Sageuk, Korea's 80 Year Long Love for History|publisher=Yumcha!|date=14 May 2007|last=X|access-date=2 June 2014}}


{{Dramatic television series}}
OST composers usually look for singers who have previously had success in the genre. Songs are written to reflect the mood of the series and their structure. Sometimes performers give their own songs for a series. For example, [[Baek Ji-young]] thought her song ''That Man'', originally written for her own album, would fit ''Secret Garden''. There are popular OST singers who are often employed, like Baek Ji-young, Lyn, and [[Lee Seung-chul|Lee Seung-cheol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/83876/20140315/singers-turn-ost-hit-songs.htm|title=The Singers That Turn OST Into Hit Songs|date=15 March 2014|access-date=4 June 2014|publisher=KPopStarz|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721014158/https://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/83876/20140315/singers-turn-ost-hit-songs.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Sometimes, foreign singers are invited to perform songs for Korean OST. For instance, Swedish artist [[Lasse Lindh]] sang several songs for series like ''[[Angel Eyes (TV series)|Angel Eyes]]'', ''Soul Mate'', ''[[I Need Romance]]'', and ''[[Guardian: The Lonely and Great God]]''.
{{Television in South Korea}}
{{WorldTV}}

Revision as of 02:52, 8 November 2023

Rating system

Further information: Television content rating systems § South Korea

The television rating system is regulated by the Korea Communications Commission, and was implemented in 2000. According to the system, programs, including Korean dramas, are rated according to the following principles (ratings irrelevant to dramas are omitted):[1]

  • Republic_Of_Korea_Broadcasting-TV_Rating_System(12).svg: programs that may be inappropriate for children under 12, such as mild violence, suggestive themes or language.
  • Republic_Of_Korea_Broadcasting-TV_Rating_System(15).svg: programs that may be inappropriate for children under 15. Most dramas and talk shows are rated this way. These programs may include moderate or strong adult themes, language, sexual inference, and violence.
  • Republic_Of_Korea_Broadcasting-TV_Rating_System(19).svg: programs intended for adults only. These programs might include adult themes, sexual situations, frequent use of strong language and disturbing scenes of violence.

Reception

Princess Hours teddy bear exhibition at N Seoul Tower, 2012

According to a researcher at the University of Vienna, popularity of Korean dramas have their foundation in Confucian values they transmit, which Asian viewers can easily identify with. Respect for elders, filial piety, family-orientedness, and the display of perceived "Asian moral values" play an important role in Korean series.[2] YA Entertainment, the American distributor of Korean dramas, believes that part of the attractiveness of these series come from the quality of camera work, scenic locations, and spectacular costumes, which make the "final product very stylish and attractive, with arguably some of the highest TV production values in the world."[3] Korean series follow their own formula, are innovative and don't conform to Western television productions.[3] Stephan Lee from Entertainment Weekly called Korean dramas "fascinating and weirdly comforting".[4]

Exports of Korean series yielded US$37.5 million in 2003, which was three times higher than the amount reached in 1999.[5] According to data from Korea Creative Content Agency, in 2013 K-dramas constituted 82% of the culture content export of South Korea, with an income of $167 million, which is four times more than a decade before.[6]

A driving force behind the rising popularity is the intense involvement of fans. Because of the live-shooting production of K-dramas, Korean-speaking fans have the opportunity to participate in their creation[7]—a unique phenomenon in the mass media world. They can influence the content of later shows in the series through complaints and suggestions, which are frequently adopted by the production teams.[8]

The global community of non-Korean-speaking fans, on the other hand, is more involved in the consumption aspects: Fans share their opinions through tweets and comments on newsgroups (for example, the Soompi discussion forum) as well as reviews and recaps on websites and blogs. However, the impact of their social media activity goes beyond the fan community. It spreads the word about the K-drama genre to social connections like acquaintances, friends and family (e.g. Facebook friends or followers on Twitter) and thereby generally raises its popularity. But it also has an effect on the creation of new dramas. It influences the popularity of certain dramas, leading to higher demand for those videos from streaming sites and additional income for broadcasters. When a substantial profit results, it raises not only the prestige of people involved in the production[9] but also provides feedback for production teams and indirectly influences future productions.

International reception

East Asia

Won Bin gained wide popularity in 2000 after starring in the television drama Autumn in My Heart and has since gained critical acclaim for his performances in the films Taegukgi, Mother and The Man from Nowhere.[10][11][12][13]
China

In China, South Korean programs on Chinese government TV networks accounted for more than all other foreign programs combined in 2006.[14] Hong Kong has its own channel for airing Korean dramas, TVB J2, but ATV also airs Korean series in prime-time slots.[15] My Love from the Star received enthusiastic feedback from China. It was viewed 40 billion times on numerous Chinese video sites.[16] The drama also spurred interest about Korea, shown by China's increased consumption of Korean products such as Chi Maek (chicken and beer) and Korean cosmetics.[17] Due to the success of Korean dramas in China, some dramas have been compiled to create feature-length films by combining all episodes into one film. The prodigious popularity of Korean dramas in the country has, on some occasions, been caught in the crossfire over diplomatic issues between China and South Korea. Most notable being the THAAD deployment in South Korea which resulted in the blocking of Korean dramas on streaming services across the country in late February 2017.[18] Following the block, Chinese TV shows showcasing Chinese culture and other similar content replaced Korean content on TV networks' prime time schedules in the country.[19] In November 2017, the ban was lifted unannounced following the appearance of K-pop groups on national TV and the move to resume importation of Korean dramas by Chinese streaming services.[20] In China, apps like IQiyi, which is currently also available in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and some other countries in multiple different subtitles, are available to stream and download Korean dramas for viewing.

Japan

The first Korean drama to gain widespread popularity in Japan was Winter Sonata, which was broadcast on the NHK satellite channel NHK BS2 in 2003. The program was aired twice in the same year due to high demand from viewers.[21] NHK also hosted a classical concert featuring Winter Sonata's tunes performed by Korean musicians.[21] Korean dramas boost tourism between Korea and Japan,[21] and is considered a possible way of improving strained relationships between the two countries, as series have become increasingly popular with Japanese viewers.[22][23] Conversely, the series Iris had several pivotal scenes shot in Akita, Japan, which led to an increase of Korean tourists in that part of Japan.[24][25]

Mongolia

In Mongolia, Korean dramas have become popular and are broadcast at prime time. Dae Jang Geum achieved success in the country and was broadcast five times due to this. Autumn in My Heart, Winter Sonata and Stairway to Heaven were other popular dramas. Popularity in Korean dramas has resulted in interest in the learning of the Korean language as well as Mongolians travelling to South Korea. It has also led to increased mutually cooperative relations between Mongolia and South Korea.[26]

North Korea

Watching films or TV dramas from South Korea is a serious offence in North Korea, punishable by execution,[27] but people still manage to acquire them on CDs, VHS Tapes, streaming services and DVDs.[28]

In 2021, there was an article that young people who were watching the popular drama The Penthouse: War in Life were caught in Pyeongseong, Pyeongnam Province, and will have to serve more than 10 years. Later, the residents of Yanggang Province began to imitate the famous lines from the Penthouse series, and the residents were also unable to avoid punishment.[29][30]

Taiwan

In Taiwan, interest in Korean dramas began when Star in My Heart aired in 1999. Since then Korean dramas have become very popular and according to the South Korean mission 120 K-dramas had been broadcast in Taiwan in the first half of 2011.[31][32]

Southeast Asia

Brunei

In recent times Korean dramas have experienced growing popularity in Brunei. The growing impact of Korean culture in Brunei led to the hosting of the ninth Korea Forum in the country at Universiti Brunei Darussalam in 2010. Korean television dramas, movies, music, and clothing have had a great impact on the people of Brunei.[33]

Cambodia

The first Korean drama to be broadcast in Cambodia was Winter Sonata; it was, however, Full House that launched the interest in Korean dramas and entertainment in the country. Following the success of Full House, more Korean dramas have been dubbed into the Khmer language. Korean dramas have become popular particularly amongst youth in Cambodia.[34]

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Korean dramas have gained popularity and the popular Korean dramas Winter Sonata and Endless Love were aired on Surya Citra Media in 2002. Some Korean dramas have also been remade into Indonesian versions such as Demi Cinta in 2005 which was a remake of the popular drama Autumn in My Heart and Cinta Sejati, a remake of Stairway to Heaven. RCTI and Indosiar are examples of Indonesian television networks that air Korean dramas in the early times, but later Trans TV airing some of popular Korean dramas until today.[35][36]

Laos

The popularity of Korean dramas and pop culture in Laos has led to many Laotian tourists travelling to South Korea. Korean pop culture has gained popularity in Laos through the Thai TV channels broadcasting Korean dramas and K-pop bands in the country.[37]

Malaysia

In Malaysia, Winter Sonata began airing on TV3 in 2003, which started an interest in Korean pop culture in the country. Dae Jang Geum and Autumn In My Heart were also aired in Malaysia. The popularity of Korean dramas have resulted in a positive reception of Korean expatriates in Malaysia.[38]

Myanmar

In Myanmar, the K-drama Autumn in My Heart was broadcast in the country in 2001, which led to interest in Korean entertainment. When Dae Jang Geum was on air, the drama sparked an interest in Korean cuisine in the country.[39] The rising popularity of Korean dramas and music in Myanmar has led to the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) distributing Korean dramas in the country for free.[40]

Philippines

In the Philippines, Korean dramas are politically popular on free-to-air television since 2003.[41] In the past two decades, GMA Network has the highest number of Korean dramas broadcast in the Philippines.[42]

Singapore
Actor Lee Min-ho achieved pan-Asia popularity with his hit dramas Boys Over Flowers (2009), The Heirs (2013) and The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016).

In Singapore, Prime 12 (now known as Suria) originally aired the Korean drama Sandglass on a weekly basis in 1996 and aired Asphalt Man in 1997. Since 2001, they are shown on Chinese language channel MediaCorp Channel U daily.[43] The launch of KBS World, ONE TV ASIA, Oh!K, Channel M and streaming app, Viu in Singapore allows viewers to watch Korean dramas with a variety of subtitles in a matter of hours after the original South Korean telecast.[44] Currently, Singaporeans also get access to Korean dramas through China-originated online platform IQIYI, which first soft-launched its app in 2019 and planned to expand its international bases in Singapore.[45][46]

Thailand

When Dae Jang Geum was on air in Thailand, Korean food started gaining wide popularity.[47] Due to the lop-sided nature of entertainment exports favoring South Korea, the Thai government requested increased introduction of popular Thai films to South Korean media outlets. This led to the signing of an Agreement of Cultural Cooperation between the two countries in August 2004.[48]

Vietnam

Korean dramas have also gained popularity in Vietnam, particularly among women and young people. The fashion and hairstyles presented in Korean dramas have become very popular among the youth of the country.[49]

South Asia

Bangladesh

Korean dramas have gained popularity in Bangladesh in recent years.[50] Their rising popularity in the country has led to the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE), an organisation which aims to distribute Korean dramas for free to countries, cooperating with broadcasters to distribute Korean dramas for free in the country.[51] With the growing number of K-drama fans in Bangladesh, more and more Facebook groups are popping up, giving them a platform to share their love of the shows with fellow K-drama enthusiasts and take part in events and activities hosted by the groups. One of the largest Bangladeshi K-Drama groups, BD K-Family, arranges a yearly get together for its members. Other popular Facebook K-Drama groups include K-Drama Archive BD, Korean Lovers Bangladesh, and BD Korean Drama Fam- all of which create opportunities for both local and international fans to participate in discussions about their favourite shows.[52]

Pakistan

In Pakistan, Korean dramas have gained popularity after the broadcast of My Love from the Star, Empress Ki and The Heirs have been broadcast in dubbed on H Now entertainment. Whereas Pakistan Television Corporation aired Dae Jang Geum and Descendants of the Sun being aired in Filmazia. However during the pandemic Hallyu sparked and took Pakistan by storm, when the hit show Crash Landing on You, All of Us Are Dead and Squid Game took off. With the help of Korean Dramas and "K-pop" Pakistani youngsters are getting more familiar with them. Korean dramas are mostly watched by women and young Pakistanis. Korean dramas are unique enough to be endearing and familiar enough to be reassuring for the Pakistani viewers because of the similar storylines regarding family, romance, and comedic elements. Pak-Korea Culture Collaboration (PKCC) is a group of young Pakistanis living in Karachi who want to improve ties between both cultures. The youth have worked with the Korean embassy in Karachi on multiple occasions to host festivals and activities, and they have been incredibly successful in their aim.[53]

Bhutan

In the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Korean dramas and entertainment have gained popularity particularly amongst youth. Prior to interest in Korean entertainment, Bollywood had largely been the most popular form of entertainment in the country. When the Bhutanese film industry launched in the mid-1990s, Bollywood was the only form of influence on the industry. However, in recent years Korean entertainment has made significant inroads in the country and influence the entertainment industry alongside Bollywood. Korean entertainment has managed to influence fashion, and many video shops now sell Korean dramas and movies alongside Bollywood films. The interest in Korean entertainment has also led to controversy with older generations voicing their concern that Korean entertainment will deteriorate Bhutanese culture and traditions.[54][55]

India
Hyun Bin has starred in Highest Rated K-Dramas in Korean Television history like My Lovely Samsoon, Secret Garden, Memories of the Alhambra and Crash Landing on You and is considered one of the most influential South Korean actor

In India, after the late 1990s and around 2000 Korean dramas started becoming popular through piracy particularly in north-eastern states such as Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland as well as parts of eastern state like West Bengal and more recently in southern states like Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu.[56][57] Hindi films and TV serials were banned in Manipur in 2000, as a result local television stations began broadcasting subtitled Korean dramas instead from Arirang TV and KBS World.[58][59] Many young people in north-eastern, eastern, northern and southern parts of India mimic the hairstyles, clothes of Korean actors while Korean fashion became very popular in the region.[60][61][62] As part of cultural exchange, public broadcaster Doordarshan telecast Emperor of the Sea and Dae Jang Geum.[63] Korean dramas are dubbed in Tamil on Puthuyugam TV such as Boys Over Flowers, My Love from Another Star, Playful Kiss and many more.[64] Full House and Hwang Jini started airing on Firangi channel in 2008. Reliance Big TV offered KBS World to its subscribers from 2009 on satellite television. Local fan clubs got help from Consul-General of the Republic of Korea while Korean Cultural Centre in India (KCCI) under South Korean embassy started mapping popularity of K-dramas.[65] As per KCCI, the motivation to understand Korean drama properly without subtitles is driving the uptake of Korean language classes among the youth with females outnumbering males.[66] DD Bharati broadcast period drama Hur Jun in 2014 that received highest viewer ratings of 34 million from January to October 2014. Online streaming platform ZEE5 launched Descendants of the Sun to test the Indian market from 8 February to 1 March 2017 and found overwhelming positive response for Korean content with viewership ran close to 56 million.[59] The telecast of Korean drama on Cable TV in 2017 stopped as Korean Broadcasting System Network wanted to raise syndication charges due to accumulation of large viewer-ship base in India that included pockets of Bihar, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh due to short 16 to 20 episodes format that are easier for binge-watching.[67][68] With increasing interest in Korean content among younger generation from tier-1 cities, Samsung through its My Galaxy mobile application is partnering with Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) in 2019 to bring exclusive content for 20 million Indian users.[69] With COVID-19 pandemic, Dish TV started premium K-dramas dubbed in Hindi and Tamil.[70] Korean dramas are also driving highest viewer-ship on Netflix with second season of TV series Kingdom attained the Top 10 series row as of March 2020. It's Okay to Not Be Okay is on Netflix Top 10 list in India for several weeks in August 2020 which has jumped to number 3 position. Netflix is increasing investment on Korean content to capture the Indian market.[71] Over-the-top media service (OTT) MX Player confirmed rising popularity and demand of Korean dramas among millennial population especially the women audience and is now making deals with South Korean television and radio network company Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) to bring more content in India. Korean dramas and films became most visited category for ShortsTV in India.[72] As per media experts, the relatable themes in Korean content is fast catching the imagination of general public of almost every age group that is going mainstream and driving highest viewing especially after 92nd Academy Awards winning movie Parasite due to the shared Asian cultural heritage and societal values.[73][74][75] As per Parrot Analytics report, K-drama series Crash Landing on You, is on demand 1.2 times than an average TV series that is 89.8% more than all drama titles shown in India forcing broadcasters to make extra slots as women are at the forefront of consumer demand in Korean content category.[76][77] The COVID-19 lockdown in India proved to be an inflection point in 2020–2021 when Korean drama moved from a niche sub-culture segment to mainstream due to services like Netflix, Rakuten Viki and YouTube. It penetrated to every age group and social background. The popularity of Korean drama forced many over-the-top media service in India such as MX Player, Viu and ZEE5 to bring the dubbed versions in local language that will help cater to large non English speaking audience.[78][79][80]

Nepal

Interest for Korean dramas in the Nepal began when Winter Sonata aired on Kantipur Television Network in the mid-2000s. This led to the popularity of other K-dramas such as Boys Over Flowers, Autumn In My Heart, You Are Beautiful and Full House to name a few. Popularity of Korean media products has also led to interest of learning the Korean language and has resulted in the emergence of Korean language tutorials that air on ABC Television in the country. Korean dramas have become popular among Nepali youth and markets are often frequented by teenagers looking to buy the latest dramas. The hairstyles and fashion of Korean actors have influenced the fashion sense of Nepali youth. Fascinated by the lifestyle and food of Korea, restaurants serving Korean cuisine have also been established in the country.[81][82]

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the Independent Television Network aired Full House in 2009 and it proved popular. Dae Jang Geum aired on Rupavahini in 2012 and was dubbed in Sinhala under the title Sujatha Diyani (සුජාත දියණී), meaning "The Pure, Valuable Daughter" and received a viewer rate of over 90%.[83] The Independent Television Network, Rupavahini, TV Derana, Sirasa TV, Swarnavahini and TV 1 air Korean dramas dubbed in the Sinhalese language.[84][85] Streaming service, Iflix also streams many Korean dramas with English and Sinhalese subtitles in the country, some as early as 24 hours after their original Korean broadcast.[86] Additionally, the popularity of Korean pop culture in the country has led to an increasingly warm reception towards Korean people.[87]

Middle East and North Africa

Since the mid-2000s, Israel, Iran, Morocco and Egypt have become major consumers of Korean culture.[88][89] Following the success of Korean dramas in the Middle East & North Africa, the Korean Overseas Information Service made Winter Sonata available with Arabic subtitles on several state-run Egyptian television networks. According to Youna Kim (2007), "The broadcast was part of the government's efforts to improve the image of South Korea in the Middle East, where there is little understanding and exposure towards Korean culture" (p. 31).[90] The New York Times reported that the intent behind this was to contribute towards positive relations between Arab & Berber audiences and South Korean soldiers stationed in northern Iraq.[91]

MBC4 (Middle East Broadcasting Channel) played a major role in increasing the Korean wave's popularity in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). This broadcasting channel hosted a series of Korean drama , paying for the Arabic subtitles or dubbed. starting 2012 such as Boys Over Flowers (أيام الزهور), You're Beautiful (أنت جميلة), Dream High (حلم الشباب ), Coffee Prince ( مقهى الأمير). Some Arab countries opposed Korean content (dramas, reality show) out of fear that their youth would abandon Islamic traditions in order to adopt Western modernity.[92] However, this did not stop the Korean industries from exporting more Korean Dramas to the Arab world in the following years such as The Heirs ( الورثة). The popularity of Korean dramas in the MENA region-and its continuous growth- originates from the content of these dramas. As the majority of the plots of Korean dramas focus on social issues (love between different social classes or family problems for instance),[93] the Arab audiences fit themselves and could relate to the Korean socio-cultural values as they seem appealing to them. So Korean dramas play the role of an equilibrium point where two, somehow, different cultures could create a new cultural space where these two different cultures could meet.

LBC SAT and Rotana Drama (Rotana Group) played a major role in increasing the Korean wave's popularity in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). This broadcasting channel hosted a series of Korean dramas, paying for the Arabic subtitles starting in 2022, such as When I Was the Most Beautiful,Extraordinary You, Find Me in Your Memory, Love in Sadness, The Red Sleeve, and My Secret Terrius. The Arab audiences fit themselves and could relate to the Korean socio-cultural values as they seem appealing to them. So Korean dramas play the role of an equilibrium point where two, somehow, different cultures could create a new cultural space where these two cultures could meet. Fear that the learning rituals embedded in the show would lead Kuwaiti youth to abandon their traditions wholesale in order to adopt Western morality wholesale. However, this did not stop the Korean industries from exporting more Korean dramas to the Arab world in the following years.[94][95][96]

Iran

Iran's state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), aired several Korean dramas during prime time slots in recent years, with this decision attributed by some to their Confucian values of respect for others, which are "closely aligned to Islamic culture",[97] while in contrast, Western productions often fail to satisfy the criteria set by Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.[98] In October 2012, the Tehran Times reported that IRIB representatives visited South Korea to visit filming locations in an effort to strengthen "cultural affinities" between the two countries and to seek avenues for further cooperation between KBS and IRIB.[99][100] According to Reuters, until recently audiences in Iran have had little choice in broadcast material and thus programs that are aired by IRIB often attain higher viewership ratings in Iran than in South Korea; for example, the most popular episodes of Jumong attracted over 90% of Iranian audience (compared to 40% in South Korea), propelling its lead actor Song Il-gook to superstar status in Iran.[101]

Iraq

In the early 2000s, Korean dramas were aired for South Korean troops stationed in northern Iraq as part of coalition forces led by the United States during the Iraq War. With the end of the war and the subsequent withdrawal of South Korean military personnel from the country, efforts were made to expand availability of K-dramas to the ordinary citizens of Iraq.[102] In 2012, the Korean drama Hur Jun reportedly attained a viewership of over 90% in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.[102] Its lead actor Jun Kwang-ryul was invited by the federal government of Iraq to visit the city of Sulaymaniyah in Kurdistan, at the special request of the country's First Lady, Hero Ibrahim Ahmed.

Egypt

Autumn in My Heart, one of the earliest Korean dramas brought over to the Middle East, was made available for viewing after five months of "persistent negotiations" between the South Korean embassy and an Egyptian state-run broadcasting company. Shortly after the series ended, the embassy reported that it had received over 400 phone calls and love letters from fans from all over the country.[103] According to the secretary of the South Korean embassy in Cairo Lee Ki-seok, Korea's involvement in the Iraq War had significantly undermined its reputation among Egyptians, but the screening of Autumn in My Heart proved "extremely effective" in reversing negative attitudes.[104]

Europe

Romania

The first Korean drama in Romania was aired on TVR in August 2009 with Dae Jang Geum, and in the following month it became the third most popular television program in the country.[105] Since then, Korean dramas have seen high ratings and further success.[105][106]

North America

United States

The Asian American-targeted cable TV channels AZN Television and ImaginAsian aired Korean dramas alongside content from China, Japan, India, Thailand and other parts of Asia. The dramas were aimed at the Asian American community before the channels dissolved in 2008 and 2011 respectively.[107][108]

In November 2008, Netflix[109] began offering several Korean dramas as part of its video selection. In August 2009, DramaFever began offering free subtitled video streaming service, with video advertisements, in the United States.[110][111]

Singapore-based Viki streams popular Korean dramas across the world including North America, with subtitles in 70 languages.[112] Companies in Asia have also designed streaming services available online and as mobile apps targeted towards overseas Asian communities. "MobiTV" created by the Sri Lankan company, Bhasha is a streaming service and mobile app aimed at the Sri Lankan community and streams Korean dramas dubbed in the Sinhalese language alongside other content aired in Sri Lanka.[113] "Roopa", created by the same company, is another service available as a mobile app also aimed at the Sri Lankan community, it too streams Korean dramas dubbed in the Sinhalese language.[114] Chinese company PPTV is another example, a mobile app, "PPTV网络电视HD" streams Korean dramas aimed at the Chinese community alongside content that is primarily available in Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean but also increasingly in English.[115][116]

Additionally, Korean dramas are available at online DVD retailers. Some Korean dramas, however, are not available for region 1 (North America) encoding and NTSC video format. Amazon offers streaming of Winter Sonata for a fee.[117]

KBFD-DT in Honolulu, Hawaii broadcasts a majority of Korean dramas on its daily schedule, as well as offering the programs on sale at its website and on demand through its K-Life channel on Oceanic Time Warner Cable. Another Honolulu outlet, KHII-TV devotes three hours of its Sunday afternoon schedule to Korean dramas.

KTSF, a channel aimed at the Asian American community in San Francisco, California airs Korean dramas as part of its schedule alongside content in Mandarin, Tagalog, Hindi, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Taiwanese and Cantonese.[118]

South America

Between 2001 and 2002, South America began to absorb Korean programming. The 1997 series Star in My Heart began its successful broadcast in Chile, Peru and other countries in the area, but these last two were where More had repercussions, including an Ahn Jae-wook fan club founded.[119] In 2002, Winter Sonata, produced by KBS 2TV, became the first series in the region to match the success of Meteor Garden, attracting a cult following in Asia. Marketing sales, including DVD sets and novels, exceeded $3.5 million in Japan. In 2004, then-Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi noted that the series' male lead was "more popular than I am in Japan."[120] Other Korean dramas released in later years such as Jewel in the Palace (2003) and Full House (2004) had comparable levels of success.[121]

Chile

In Chile, which was one of the first countries on a global level, the phenomenon of Korean wave, which is also known as hallyu, began with the first drama aired that was the original 1997 MBC series Star in My Heart in 2001 by Chilevisión past midnight[122] and later years later in 2003 it was retransmitted by Canal 21 (Chillán) [es] in Chillán, but it was not until 2006, when Stairway to Heaven was broadcast at 1:00 pm on the public television channel Televisión Nacional de Chile, which achieved notoriety of this genre being compared to La madrastra—an old very successful Chilean soap opera—due to the high audience figures in its schedule competing directly with other channels, it was also broadcast by TV Chile to other continents dubbed into Spanish.[123][124]

Ratings and viewership

Viewership ratings are provided by two companies in South Korea: Nielsen Korea and TNmS.[125] Originally, Media Service Korea (MSK) was the sole company providing TV viewership ratings using people meter since 1992, but was only limited to Seoul Capital Area.[125][126] In 1998, TNS Media Korea began as a rival company in partnership with Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) which extended the service to five major cities; it was officially launched in June 1999 with a more sophisticated viewership rating survey technique.[125] While, in August 1999, AC Nielsen acquired MSK and rebranded it as AC Nielsen Korea and expanded the audience rating survey to the whole country with the aim to increase the credibility of the ratings.[125] In 2005, AC Nielsen Korea signed a merger with AGB Group and AGB Nielsen Media Research was established.[127] AGB Nielsen Media Research merged with KADD Nielsen Media Research in January 2013, and the official name was changed to Nielsen Korea.[125][128]

In 2010, TNS Media Korea was renamed to TNmS (Total National Multimedia Statistics).[129][125] Since late 2018, TNmS stopped providing data to the public through their websites, and instead occasionally releases the ratings through news agencies such as BreakNews.[130]

List of highest-rated series on terrestrial television

See also: List of South Korean dramas

The list was compiled from data by Nielsen Korea, based on the episode of the highest viewership since 1992.[131]

By household rating

List of highest-rated series on cable television

  • The following dramas air on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).

By household rating

See also

Footnotes

  1. ^ As of 2010 it remained 38th in ranking,[172] as of January 2013, it remained 41st in ranking,[173] as of May 2015, it remained around 40th in ranking,[174] as of June 2018, it remained 39th in ranking.[175]
  2. ^ a b The number of viewers was released by Nielsen Korea starting January 2018.

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  201. ^ "February 3, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (MBC) 주말특별기획(돈꽃) 4,085
  202. ^ "April 15, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (SBS) 금토드라마(복수대행써비스모범택시2) 4,005
  203. ^ "March 19, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(꽃길만걸어요) 3,950
  204. ^ "February 14, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (SBS) 금토드라마(스토브리그) 3,921
  205. ^ "October 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(여름아부탁해) 3,897
  206. ^ "August 24, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(기막힌유산) 3,852
  207. ^ "June 4, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (SBS) 금요드라마(WARINLIFE펜트하우스3) 3,778
  208. ^ "March 14, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2020. 1st (KBS2) 수목드라마(왜그래풍상씨) 3,692
  209. ^ "January 1, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (MBC) 금토드라마(옷소매붉은끝동) 3,668
  210. ^ "March 1, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(누가뭐래도) 3,599
  211. ^ "February 10, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(비밀의남자) 3,502
  212. ^ "January 1, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(내남자의비밀) 3,480
  213. ^ "November 1, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(내일도맑음) 3,478
  214. ^ "March 5, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(비켜라운명아) 3,459
  215. ^ "June 17, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (SBS) 금토드라마(낭만닥터김사부3) 3,423
  216. ^ "September 12, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(으라차차내인생) 3,382
  217. ^ "March 23, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(내눈에콩깍지) 3,377
  218. ^ "February 27, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일연속극(미워도사랑해) 3,330
  219. ^ "February 21, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (SBS) 드라마스페셜(황후의품격THELASTEMPRESS) 3,282
  220. ^ "March 14, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 저녁일일극(국가대표와이프) 3,245
  221. ^ "November 6, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (SBS) 금토드라마(원더우먼) 3,235
  222. ^ "September 17, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS2) 주말드라마(효심이네각자도생) 3,200
  223. ^ "April 17, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (SBS) 금토드라마(복수대행써비스모범택시) 3,117
  224. ^ "February 16, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 3rd (MBC) 주말특별기획(신과의약속) 3,112
  225. ^ "January 14, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 3rd (MBC) 주말드라마(밥상차리는남자) 3,082
  226. ^ "March 26, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (KBS2) 일일드라마(우아한모녀) 3,080
  227. ^ "December 10, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(빨강구두) 3,074
  228. ^ "September 5, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS2) 일일드라마(황금가면) 2,998
  229. ^ "July 12, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS1) 일일드라마(속아도꿈결) 2,951
  230. ^ "October 22, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (SBS) 금토드라마(천원짜리변호사) 2,933
  231. ^ "May 15, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (KBS2) 수목드라마(닥터프리즈너) 2,832
  232. ^ "January 24, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (KBS2) 일일드라마(태풍의신부) 2,820
  233. ^ "February 7, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (SBS) 드라마스페셜(리턴) 2,817
  234. ^ "May 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(부부의세계) 28.371%
  235. ^ "December 25, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토일드라마(재벌집막내아들) 26.948%
  236. ^ "February 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(SKY캐슬) 23.779%
  237. ^ "February 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(사랑의불시착<본>) 21.683%
  238. ^ "Reply 1988 Writes Cable Television History". Stoo Asaie. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  239. ^ "January 16, 2016 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 응답하라1988<본> 18.803%
  240. ^ "January 21, 2017 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 쓸쓸하고찬란하신도깨비<본> 18.680%
  241. ^ "June 4, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(닥터차정숙) 18.546%
  242. ^ "September 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 미스터션샤인<본> 18.129%
  243. ^ "August 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (ENA) 이상한변호사우영우<본> 17.534%
  244. ^ "February 14, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(철인왕후조선중전영혼가출스캔들<본>) 17.371%
  245. ^ "March 5, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 일타스캔들<본> 17.038%
  246. ^ "December 4, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 슈룹<본> 16.852%
  247. ^ "August 8, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡2) 16.582%
  248. ^ "February 29, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(이태원클라쓰) 16.548%
  249. ^ "February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(대행사) 16.044%
  250. ^ "May 2, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(빈센조<본>) 14.636%
  251. ^ "June 12, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(우리들의블루스<본>) 14.597%
  252. ^ "October 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 월화드라마(백일의낭군님<본>) 14.412%
  253. ^ "May 28, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 슬기로운의사생활<본> 14.142%
  254. ^ "September 16, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 슬기로운의사생활2<본> 14.080%
  255. ^ "August 6, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(킹더랜드) 13.789%
  256. ^ "October 17, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(갯마을차차차<본>) 12.665%
  257. ^ "March 12, 2016 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 시그널<본> 12.544%
  258. ^ "종영 '품위녀' 12.1%로 자체 최고 기록..무서운 뒷심". Star News (in Korean). 20 August 2017.
  259. ^ "August 19, 2017 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(품위있는그녀) 12.065%
  260. ^ "June 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 수목드라마(나쁜엄마) 12.032%
  261. ^ "September 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(호텔델루나<본>) 12.001%
  262. ^ "February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(빨간풍선) 11.566%
  263. ^ "April 3, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 스물다섯스물하나<본> 11.513%
  264. ^ "December 28, 2013 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 응답하라1994 11.509%
  265. ^ "January 18, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 수목드라마(슬기로운감빵생활<본>) 11.195%
  266. ^ "October 9, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 작은아씨들<본> 11.105%
  267. ^ "January 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (OCN) 경이로운소문<본> 10.999%
  268. ^ "March 4, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 월화드라마(왕이된남자<본>) 10.851%
  269. ^ Kim, Tong-hyung (25 February 2013). "Childless Comfort looks like TV game-changer". The Korea Times. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  270. ^ "February 24, 2013 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) JTBC특별기획드라마(무자식상팔자) 10.715%
  271. ^ "October 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 특별기획지리산<본> 10.663%
  272. ^ "June 27, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 마인<본> 10.512%
  273. ^ "May 1, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡3) 10.395%
  274. ^ "January 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (채널A) 채널A특별기획월화드라마(쇼윈도여왕의집) 10.335%
  275. ^ "November 29, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 수목드라마(남자친구<본>) 10.329%
  276. ^ "April 26, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 군검사도베르만<본> 10.081%
  277. ^ "January 13, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(알함브라궁전의추억<본>) 10.025%
  278. ^ "June 28, 2016 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 월화드라마(또오해영<본>) 9.991%
  279. ^ "October 15, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힘쎈여자강남순) 9.760%
  280. ^ "July 4, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (MBN) 종편특별기획드라마(보쌈운명을훔치다) 9.759%
  281. ^ "March 19, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 월화드라마(눈이부시게) 9.731%
  282. ^ "March 25, 2017 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(힘쎈여자도봉순) 9.668%
  283. ^ "February 14, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡) 9.656%
  284. ^ "January 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(환혼빛과그림자<본>) 9.651%
  285. ^ "September 24, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힙하게) 9.618%
  286. ^ "April 9, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(신성한이혼) 9.488%
  287. ^ "February 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(SKY캐슬) 6,508
  288. ^ "February 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(사랑의불시착<본>) 6,337
  289. ^ "December 25, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토일드라마(재벌집막내아들) 6,277
  290. ^ "May 16, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(부부의세계) 6,248
  291. ^ "February 14, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(철인왕후조선중전영혼가출스캔들<본>) 4,749
  292. ^ "September 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 미스터션샤인<본> 4,631
  293. ^ "August 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (ENA) 이상한변호사우영우<본> 4,449
  294. ^ "February 29, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 금토드라마(이태원클라쓰) 4,425
  295. ^ "March 5, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 일타스캔들<본> 4,329
  296. ^ "May 28, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(닥터차정숙) 4,088
  297. ^ "December 4, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 슈룹<본> 4,049
  298. ^ "September 16, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 슬기로운의사생활2<본> 3,853
  299. ^ "May 2, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(빈센조<본>) 3,841
  300. ^ "February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(대행사) 3,685
  301. ^ "September 1, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(호텔델루나<본>) 3,674
  302. ^ "May 28, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 슬기로운 의사생활<본> 3,579
  303. ^ "June 12, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(우리들의블루스<본>) 3,419
  304. ^ "August 6, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(킹더랜드) 3,404
  305. ^ "August 8, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡2) 3,344
  306. ^ "October 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 월화드라마(백일의낭군님<본>) 3,264
  307. ^ "January 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (OCN) 경이로운소문<본> 3,257
  308. ^ "October 17, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(갯마을차차차<본>) 3,237
  309. ^ "January 18, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 수목드라마(슬기로운감빵생활<본>) 3,063
  310. ^ "April 3, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 스물다섯스물하나<본> 3,047
  311. ^ "January 13, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(알함브라궁전의추억<본>) 2,853
  312. ^ "June 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 수목드라마(나쁜엄마) 2,669
  313. ^ "October 9, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 작은아씨들<본> 2,618
  314. ^ "October 24, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 특별기획지리산<본> 2,586
  315. ^ "November 29, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 수목드라마(남자친구<본>) 2,473
  316. ^ "February 26, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 2nd (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(빨간풍선) 2,457
  317. ^ "March 4, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 월화드라마(왕이된남자<본>) 2,447
  318. ^ "June 27, 2021 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 마인<본> 2,429
  319. ^ "August 28, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(환혼<본>) 2,410
  320. ^ "July 11, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 수목드라마(김비서가왜그럴까<본>) 2,383
  321. ^ "October 1, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힙하게) 2,328
  322. ^ "October 15, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(힘쎈여자강남순) 2,318
  323. ^ "April 26, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 군검사도베르만<본> 2,279
  324. ^ "January 8, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(환혼빛과그림자<본>) 2,267
  325. ^ "March 19, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 월화드라마(눈이부시게) 2,223
  326. ^ "June 11, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(구미호뎐1938<본>) 2,216
  327. ^ "January 18, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (채널A) 채널A특별기획월화드라마(쇼윈도여왕의집) 2,195
  328. ^ "October 4, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(비밀의숲2<본>) 2,186
  329. ^ "June 9, 2019 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 아스달연대기<본> 2,120
  330. ^ "March 4, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 화유기<본> 2,115
  331. ^ "July 1, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 무법변호사<본> 2,115
  332. ^ "April 9, 2023 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (JTBC) 토일드라마(신성한이혼) 2,073
  333. ^ "August 9, 2020 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 토일드라마(사이코지만괜찮아2부<본>) 2,065
  334. ^ "May 1, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (TV CHOSUN) 주말미니시리즈(결혼작사이혼작곡3) 2,060
  335. ^ "January 23, 2022 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (TV CHOSUN) 토일미니시리즈(엉클) 2,042
  336. ^ "August 30, 2018 Nationwide Cable Ratings". Nielsen Korea. 1st (tvN) 수목드라마(아는와이프<본>) 2,039

Bibliography

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