Over the past six years, Korean dramas have reached new heights, winning global audiences with powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and world-class production quality. From heartwarming romances and historical epics to action-packed thrillers and fantasy adventures, these series showcase the very best that K-dramas have to offer.

Topping many recent rankings is When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025), a Netflix hit starring IU and Park Bo-gum that tells a touching, lifelong love story set on Jeju Island. The series received widespread praise for its emotional depth and memorable performances.

Here are the 20 best K-dramas of the last six years based on the ratings provided.

1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
2. Moving (2023)
3. Queen of Tears (2024)
4. My Dearest (2023)
5. Alchemy of Souls (2022)
6. The Glory (2022)
7. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
8. Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
9. Vincenzo (2021)
10. The Worst of Evil (2023)
11. A Shop for Killers (2024)
12. Bloodhounds (2023)
13. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
14. Little Women (2022)
15. My Name (2021)
16. Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022)
17. The Judge from Hell (2024)
18. Twinkling Watermelon (2023)
19. Lovely Runner (2024)
20. Study Group (2025)

1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) – 9.5/10

A beautifully written romance that follows two people through decades of love, hardship, and personal growth. The heartfelt storytelling and outstanding performances have made it one of the most acclaimed dramas of 2025.

2. Moving (2023) – 9.5/10

A unique superhero drama that mixes action, mystery, family relationships, and emotional storytelling. Its compelling characters and cinematic quality helped it become one of the biggest Korean dramas of 2023.

3. Queen of Tears (2024) – 9.4/10

This romantic drama captivated audiences with its emotional story of a married couple struggling to save both their relationship and their future. Strong chemistry between the lead actors made it a global sensation.

4. My Dearest (2023) – 9.4/10

A historical romance set during a turbulent period in Korean history. The drama combines epic storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances.

5. Alchemy of Souls (2022) – 9.3/10

A fantasy masterpiece filled with magic, political intrigue, romance, and adventure. Its imaginative world-building helped it become one of the most popular Korean fantasy dramas ever.

6. The Glory (2022) – 9.3/10

A gripping revenge thriller starring Song Hye-kyo. The series follows a woman seeking justice against those who brutally bullied her in the past, delivering intense drama from start to finish.

7. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) – 9.2/10

A nostalgic coming-of-age story about dreams, friendship, love, and growing up during difficult times. Its emotional ending continues to spark discussion among fans.

8. Weak Hero Class 1 (2022) – 9.2/10

One of the most powerful school dramas ever made. It explores friendship, bullying, and survival through intense action and exceptional performances.

9. Vincenzo (2021) – 9.1/10

A stylish crime-comedy featuring a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer who fights corruption using unconventional methods. The mix of humor, action, and suspense made it an instant classic.

10. The Worst of Evil (2023) – 9.1/10

A dark crime thriller following an undercover police officer infiltrating a dangerous drug cartel. The drama is known for its gritty realism and strong performances.

11. A Shop for Killers (2024) – 9.0/10

An action-packed thriller centered on a young woman who discovers her uncle was running a secret business connected to professional assassins. Fast-paced and highly entertaining.

12. Bloodhounds (2023) – 8.9/10

A hard-hitting action series that follows two boxers taking on ruthless loan sharks. The fight scenes and emotional brotherhood between the leads are standout features.

13. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) – 8.9/10

This uplifting legal drama follows a brilliant lawyer with autism as she navigates her career and personal life. The series earned worldwide praise for its heartwarming storytelling.

14. Little Women (2022) – 8.8/10

A suspenseful drama about three sisters who become entangled in a powerful family's secrets. The combination of mystery, greed, and family bonds keeps viewers hooked.

15. My Name (2021) – 8.8/10

A revenge-driven thriller about a woman who joins a criminal organization to uncover the truth behind her father's death. Dark, intense, and action-packed.

16. Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022) – 8.8/10

A refreshing historical drama focused on a determined queen doing everything possible to protect her sons and prepare them for leadership.

17. The Judge from Hell (2024) – 8.7/10

Blending fantasy, crime, and dark comedy, this drama follows a supernatural judge who punishes the truly wicked in unexpected ways.

18. Twinkling Watermelon (2023) – 8.7/10

A touching time-travel drama about family, friendship, and music. Its emotional storytelling and lovable characters made it a fan favorite.

19. Lovely Runner (2024) – 8.7/10

One of the biggest romance hits of 2024, the series follows a devoted fan who travels back in time to save her favorite celebrity from tragedy. The show became a worldwide sensation thanks to its blend of romance, comedy, and fantasy.

20. Study Group (2025) – 8.7/10

Based on a popular webtoon, this action-comedy follows a student who dreams of academic success despite attending one of the toughest schools in Korea. Its mix of humor, friendship, and intense action quickly won over viewers.

Final Thoughts

The last six years have been a golden era for K-dramas. Whether you enjoy romance, fantasy, action, historical stories, legal dramas, or revenge thrillers, this list offers something for every viewer.

While established hits like Vincenzo, The Glory, and Extraordinary Attorney Woo remain fan favorites, newer titles such as When Life Gives You Tangerines, Lovely Runner, and Study Group prove that Korean television continues to raise the bar year after year.