In the heart of December, the Korean drama landscape is filled with titles that capture the audience’s attention and spark passionate debates. According to the Good Data Corporation, which monitors trends through articles, blogs and social media, some dramas stood out for popularity and engagement.
Let’s find out together the most viewed and discussed titles from the first weeks of the month.
When the Phone Rings
Among the undisputed hits of the season, MBC’s drama When the Phone Rings surely stands out. This series, which combines mystery and romance, has climbed the charts thanks to a compelling storyline and the extraordinary chemistry between leads Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin, who are also in the top ten of the most talked-about actors list, solidifying their place as the couple of the moment.
Despite some interruptions in programming due to political events in South Korea, When the Phone Rings has dominated not only the domestic but also the global charts, ranking among the most viewed series on Netflix.
Its mix of emotional tension and twists & turns makes it a must-see for lovers of the mystery-romance genre.
Number of episodes: 12
Starring: Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-jun
Where to watch it: Netflix
Genre: mystery, romance
Plot: A mysterious phone call from a kidnapper disrupts the lives of Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hui Ju, permanently exposing the cracks in an already fragile marriage built on appearances.
Baek Sa Eon (Yoo Yeon Seok), scion of a prestigious political family, is South Korea’s youngest presidential spokesman. His career is brilliant and varied: he has been a war correspondent, hostage negotiator, and news anchor. His impeccable public life, however, hides a marriage devoid of affection.
His wife, Hong Hui Ju (Chae Soo Bin), is the daughter of an influential newspaper publisher. Left mute following an accident in childhood, she works as a sign language interpreter in the courts and on television.
Their union, celebrated three years earlier for convenience, has turned into a cold and distant cohabitation. The two do not communicate, do not share meals, and merely maintain a facade of being a perfect couple for the public.
Everything changes when Hui Ju is kidnapped by a mysterious criminal. This dramatic event drags Sa Eon into a race against time, stirring up feelings and bringing to light secrets and truths that will strain their lives and their bond.
The Tale of Lady Ok
Among the most interesting new dramas of the month, JTBC’s The Tale of Lady Ok stands out for its historical setting and a strong, charismatic female protagonist. The series made a strong debut, entering the list of most talked-about dramas, gaining the attention of audiences both locally and globally.
Lim Ji Yeon, who plays the protagonist, has received great appreciation, ranking as the third most popular actor.
Number of episodes: 16
Starring: Lim Ji Yeon, Choo Young Woo, Kim Jae Won, Yeon Woo
Where to watch it: (updating)
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Plot: Set in the Joseon period, The Tale of Lady Ok follows the life of Ok Tae Young (Lim Ji Yeon), a brilliant, determined lawyer with an impeccable work ethic. She is appreciated by everyone who knows her for her intelligence, generosity in helping others even in the most difficult situations, and her extraordinary athletic abilities.
However, behind this admirable figure lies an unmentionable secret: her name, husband, and social status are a sham.
In the course of her life, Ok Tae Young crosses the path of Cheon Seung Hwi (Choo Young Woo), an itinerant storyteller who travels the country telling stories and novels to people.
Their meeting changes both of their lives forever: Seung Hwi falls madly in love with Tae Young from the very first glance and decides to stand by her side, supporting her in every situation, even when the truth threatens to come out.
The Tale of Lady Ok weaves romance and mystery together, exploring the complexities of identity and the challenges of a woman fighting for justice in an age dominated by social conventions.
Love Your Enemy
tvN’s romantic drama Love Your Enemy continues to hold a prominent position among the most talked-about titles. The story, which explores the fine line between love and hate, has captivated audiences thanks to the performances of Ju Ji Hoon and Jung Yu Mi, both of whom feature in the Top 10 most popular actors.
Number of episodes: 12
Starring: Ju Ji Hoon, Jung Yu Mi
Where to watch it: VIKI
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Plot: Seok Ji Won (Ju Ji Hoon) and Yun Ji Won (Jung Yu Mi), born on the same day and with the same name, shared a past marked by rivalry, fueled by families who had been enemies for generations. After years away, Seok Ji Won returns to their hometown as president of the high school they attended, where Yun Ji Won now teaches physical education.
Their meeting brings up old grudges and feelings that were never resolved, forcing them to confront the past.
Amid conflicting emotions, will they be able to put the past behind them and discover something deeper?
Iron Family
Among the stories that have most engaged audiences is KBS2’s drama Iron Family, which stands out for its deep and touching tale of resilience and family love.
Number of episodes: 24
Starring: Kim Jung Hyun, Geum Sae Rok, Choi Tae Joon, Yang Hye Ji
Where to watch it: VIKI
Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Romance
Plot: Lee Da Rim (Keum Sae Rok) is the youngest daughter of a family that has run Cheongryeom Laundry for three generations. Lively and determined, she discovers at age 14 that she suffers from a rare eye disease that will slowly lead to blindness. Before she loses her sight completely, Da Rim is passionate about everything she loves, such as reading books and watching movies.
Her fate becomes intertwined with that of Seo Kang Ju (Kim Jung Hyun), the son of a wealthy family and director of a major company.
The two had met years earlier in college, but an accident complicated their relationship. Now, Da Rim is completely blind, but an expensive surgery could restore her sight.
When all seems impossible, Da Rim’s grandmother discovers something precious in the hills that could change the young woman’s life forever.
Brewing Love
With a story that intertwines work, competition and the unexpected blossoming of feelings, Brewing Love has carved out a space among the most talked-about dramas in December.
Number of episodes: 12
Starring: Kim Se Jeong, Lee Jong Won, Shin Do Hyun, Baek Sung Chul
Where to watch it: VIKI
Genre: romance, comedy
Plot: The main character, Chae Yong Ju, is a former member of the special forces, known for her physical and mental strength, but also for her cheerful and determined personality. She now works as a saleswoman for a liquor company, where she has earned the title of “sales queen.” However, her branch is on the verge of closure, and to save it, she is given a decisive mission: to promote a new type of craft beer.
The beer in question is created by master brewer and CEO Yun Min Ju, a sensitive man who has chosen to live in a quiet rural village to focus on his passion for beer and his emotional equilibrium.
But the arrival of Yong Ju upsets his peace, bringing new challenges and feelings into his life.
Further complicating matters are Bang A Reum, an ambitious manager who is ready to do anything to take over Min Ju’s brewery, and Oh Chan Hwi, a free-spirited friend of Yong Ju’s who adds a touch of unpredictability to the plot.
Face Me
Face Me captured viewers’ attention through its mix of excitement, mystery and chemistry between the main characters, stimulating debates and theories among fans.
Number of episodes: 12
Starring: Lee Min Ki, Han Ji Hyeon, Lee Yi Kyung, Jeon Bae Soo
Where to watch it: VIKI
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Medical
Plot: Cha Jung Woo (Lee Min Ki) is a brilliant plastic surgeon, known for his exceptional medical skills but also for his cold and aloof nature, which leads him to maintain an emotional barrier with patients.
His life changes dramatically when a suicide case is linked to his refusal of surgery, putting his career at risk.
To rehabilitate his reputation, Jung Woo decides to devote himself to an unusual project: helping victims of violent crimes with reconstructive surgery.
During this journey, he meets Lee Min Hyung (Han Ji Hyun), a determined and compassionate detective who works in the homicide squad. The two, initially at odds, develop an unexpected partnership that leads them to solve complex cases and explore each other’s emotional wounds.
As their bond deepens, a dark mystery related to Jung Woo’s past resurfaces, bringing with it secrets that could shock them both.
The Trunk
The Trunk has quickly earned a place among the most talked-about K-dramas of the moment, abetted by the presence of Gong Yoo, a beloved actor known for his talent and charm.
The intriguing plot and the mystery behind the story have sparked debates on social media.
Number of episodes: 8
Starring: Seo Hyun-jin, Gong Yoo and Jung Yun-ha
Where to watch it: Netflix
Genre: mystery, romance
Plot: Noh In-Ji (Seo Hyun-Jin) works for NM (New Marriage), a company that offers one-year contract marriages to its clients.
After ending her fourth marriage, she is about to embark on her fifth with Han Jeong-Won (Gong Yoo), a music producer marked by anxiety and loneliness stemming from a painful past. Still haunted by the memory of his ex-wife Seo-Yeon, who had enrolled him in NM service, Han Jeong-Won accepts this new union.
Over time, Noh In-Ji and Han Jeong-Won get to know each other and live together, but their fragile routine suffers a sudden jolt when a mysterious trunk is recovered from a lake.
This event catapults them into a spiral of secrets and intrigue, revealing the dark side of NM that lies behind the apparent perfection of service.
Light Shop
Light Shop, which blends elements of horror, thriller, and melodrama, features a stellar cast, including Ju Ji-hoon, Park Bo-young, and Kim Seol-hyun.
Their presence has already generated excitement among global audiences.
Number of episodes: 8
Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Park Bo-young, Kim Seol-hyun, Bae Seong-woo, Uhm Tae-goo, Lee Jung-eun
Where to watch it: Disney +
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller, fantasy, “horror”
Plot: The series follows the events of a group of strangers, all struggling with a traumatic experience from the past that they are struggling to process. They each go about their daily lives when, inexplicably, they find themselves drawn to a light store located at the end of a dark and mysterious alley.
A cautious gentleman guards the store, which seems to hold the key to solving the mysteries related to each visitor’s past, present and future.
Squid Game 2
The highly anticipated second season of Squid Game is already making global headlines ahead of its debut on Dec. 26.
Number of episodes: ?
Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul
Where to watch it: Netflix (starting Dec. 26)
Genre: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Horror, Romance
Plot: The second season of Squid Game will see Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist, embark on a mission to destroy the Squid Game system after discovering that the deadly game is ready to resume with new competitors. Determined to stop this ruthless competition once and for all, Gi-hun uses his experience as a player and winner to devise a plan.
He will most likely attempt to infiltrate the game again, trying to destroy it from within and prevent it from continuing to claim victims.
