Korean drama movies have a way of pulling you in with their heart, emotion, and unforgettable stories. Whether you’re craving a tearjerking romance, a thrilling suspense, or a feel-good family story, Netflix has plenty of K-drama films to dive into in 2025. From classic favorites to recent hits, these movies show why Korean cinema is loved worldwide. In this list, we’ve rounded up the 40 best Korean drama movies on Netflix in 2025, perfect for your next movie night.
1. The Match (2025)
- Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in
- Genre: Drama movies, movies based on real life
The Match is a 2025 Korean sports drama based on the real-life story of Go legends Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho. Set in the ’80s and ’90s, it follows Cho, a top Go champion, who discovers a gifted but untrained young boy, Lee Chang-ho, at an amateur contest. Cho takes him under his wing, helping him grow into a professional player. But as Lee’s talent and confidence soar, their mentor-student relationship is tested when he starts challenging Cho’s methods. Starring Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in, The Match is an engaging tale of talent, ambition, and rivalry in the world of competitive Go.
2. Firefighters (2025)
- Cast: Joo Won, Kwak Do-won, Yoo Jae-myung
- Genre: Drama movies
The Firefighters is a 2024 Korean drama directed by Kwak Kyung-taek, starring Joo Won, Kwak Do-won, and Lee Yoo-young. The film, inspired by the Hongje-dong arson incident, follows a team of brave firefighters who face life-or-death situations every day, united by their mission to save lives. When a massive fire breaks out in Hongje-dong, they must put everything on the line to protect the community. Released on December 4, 2024, The Firefighters is an intense and moving tribute to the courage, teamwork, and sacrifices of the men and women who risk it all on the frontlines.
3. Crypto Man (2025)
- Cast: Song Jae-lim, An Woo-yeon, Min Sung-wuk
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas
Set in 2025, Crypto Man is inspired by real-life crypto scandals like the 2022 LUNA crash. Do-hyun, driven by his ambitious mom Ok-ja, moves to Seoul’s elite Daechi-dong and soon spots loopholes in government support programs after losing an exchange opportunity to a rich, seemingly disabled classmate. Teaming up with college friend Ji-woo, they exploit incentives for youth, women, and the disabled, hopping from one failing startup to another to game the system. Ambitious and daring, Do-hyun launches the crypto venture “MOMMY,” which hits record highs, but flawed algorithms and interest issues soon draw the eyes of financial regulators.
4. Love in the Big City (2024)
- Cast: Kim Go-eun, Noh Sang-hyun, Jeong Whee
- Genre: Drama movies, romantic movies, LGBTQ+ movies
Love in the Big City is a 2024 Korean comedy-drama starring Kim Go-eun and Noh Sang-hyun. It follows Jae-hee, a free-spirited young woman, and Heung-soo, a man with a mysterious past, as they become best friends and roommates in bustling Seoul. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of city life, sharing laughs, challenges, and moments of growth. The film focuses on Jae-hee’s story from the novel Love in the Big City, which is made up of four interconnected tales. Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, it’s a heartfelt and relatable look at friendship, secrets, and life in the big city.
5. My Name Is Loh Kiwan (2024)
- Cast: Song Joong-ki, Choi Sung-eun, Waël Sersoub
- Genre: Drama movies, romantic movies, movies based on books
My Name Is Loh Kiwan is a 2024 Korean drama starring Song Joong-ki and Choi Sung-eun, based on the novel I Met Loh Kiwan by Cho Hae-jin. The story follows Loh Kiwan, a North Korean defector who escapes to China with his mother but is tragically separated from her. Alone, he makes his way to Brussels, struggling with homelessness and freezing winters, driven by his mother’s dying wish for him to find freedom. There, he meets Marie, a former athlete facing her own hardships. Together, they navigate life’s challenges and form a bond, making this a heartfelt story about survival, hope, and resilience.
6. Citizen of a Kind (2024)
- Cast: Ra Mi-ran, Gong Myoung, Yeom Hye-ran
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas
Citizen of a Kind is a 2024 Korean crime drama starring Ra Mi-ran and Gong Myung, inspired by the real-life story of Kim Seong-ja. It follows Deok-hee, a laundromat owner who gets tricked by a voice phishing scam after taking a loan following a fire at her shop. Left with nothing and struggling to care for her children, she refuses to back down. When the scammer Jae-min contacts her with insider info about the criminal group, Deok-hee takes bold action, flying to Qingdao with her coworkers to confront the fraudsters and get her money back. It’s a gripping, true story of bravery and justice.
7. The Daechi Scandal (2024)
- Cast: An So-hee, Park Sang-nam, Terada Takuya
- Genre: Drama movies, romantic movies
The Daechi Scandal, a 2024 South Korean drama film, follows Yun-im, a talented but reserved Korean language teacher at a prestigious Daechi-dong academy. After the midterms, she meets Gi-haeng, the Korean teacher from a local middle school. Their encounter sparks rumors among the competitive parents, including suspicions of leaked exam questions. This meeting forces Yun-im to confront her past: her best friend and novelist Na-eun, her ex-boyfriend Gi-haeng from ten years ago, and her secret admirer Michio, unearthing long-buried memories and emotions from her college days. The film explores ambition, love, and the choices that shape our lives.
8. Concrete Utopia (2023)
- Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-jun, Park Bo-young
- Genre: Drama movies
Concrete Utopia is a gripping South Korean disaster-thriller starring Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon, and Park Bo-young. After a massive earthquake devastates Seoul, the residents of the only building left standing, Hwang Gung Apartments, must fight to survive. At first, they try to rebuild a sense of order, but tensions rise, morality breaks down, and violence erupts as outsiders seek shelter. When the truth about their leader comes out, chaos takes over. Amid the destruction, survivors like Min-sung and Myung-hwa cling to hope, showing the strength of human spirit even in the darkest times.
9. The Policeman’s Lineage (2022)
- Cast: Cho Jin-woong, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hee-soon
- Genre: Drama movies, movies based on books
The Policeman’s Lineage is a 2022 Korean action thriller starring Cho Jin-woong and Choi Woo-shik. It follows Park Kang-yoon, a high-ranking detective who lives in luxury and uses his own unorthodox methods to tackle crime. When rookie cop Min-jae joins his team, the two form an uneasy but effective partnership while investigating a synthetic drug case. Things take a twist when Kang-yoon discovers Min-jae is actually undercover, and Min-jae starts uncovering the darker secrets of the police force. Packed with suspense, action, and moral dilemmas, the film is a gripping story of loyalty, deception, and justice.
10. 20th Century Girl (2022)
- Cast: Kim You-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo
- Genre: Drama movies, youth drama movies, romantic movies
20th Century Girl is a touching 2022 Korean coming-of-age romance on Netflix. It follows 17-year-old Na Bo-ra in 1999, who promises her best friend Yeon-du to keep tabs on a boy Yeon-du has fallen for before her heart surgery. Along the way, Bo-ra discovers she’s actually falling for his best friend, Poong Woon-ho, who feels the same. Misunderstandings and loyalty tests make their young love complicated. Years later, Bo-ra learns that Woon-ho tragically died, leaving her with bittersweet memories. Starring Kim Yoo-jung and Byeon Woo-seok, it’s a nostalgic, heartfelt story about friendship, first love, and growing up.
11. Kingmaker (2022)
- Cast: Sul Kyung-gu, Lee Sun-kyun
- Genre: Drama movies, period pieces
Kingmaker is a gripping 2022 Korean political drama inspired by real events involving Kim Dae-jung and his strategist Uhm Chang-rok. It follows Kim Woon-beom, a seasoned politician who’s faced multiple election defeats, as he teams up with the brilliant and unconventional strategist Seo Chang-dae. Together, they shake up the political scene and achieve a string of victories, pushing Kim closer to the presidential race. But when an explosion at Kim’s home casts suspicion on Seo, their partnership is put to the ultimate test, leading to a tense and thrilling political showdown. It’s a must-watch for fans of strategy, suspense, and history.
12. The Boys (2022)
- Cast: Sul Kyung-gu, Yu Jun-sang, Jin Kyung
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas, movies based on real life
The Boys is a gripping 2022 Korean crime drama based on a real-life case. In 1999, three local boys are falsely accused of a violent supermarket robbery and thrown in jail overnight. Years later, detective Hwang Jun-cheol takes over the case and uncovers clues about the real culprit, but his attempts to set things right are blocked by the original investigator, costing him his position. Sixteen years on, the grown-up boys and the only eyewitness reappear, bringing the past crashing back. It’s a tense, emotional story about injustice, redemption, and how the truth can’t stay buried forever.
13. Next Sohee (2022)
- Cast: Kim Si-eun, Bae Doona
- Genre: Drama movies, independent movies, movies based on real life
Next Sohee is a powerful 2022 Korean drama inspired by a real-life tragedy, and it follows the heartbreaking journey of Sohee, a high school student pushed into an exploitative call-center externship. There, she faces nonstop pressure, verbal abuse, and unfair treatment, eventually witnessing a manager’s suicide and becoming overwhelmed herself. When Sohee dies, Detective Yoo-jin steps in to uncover the truth, revealing how both the company and the school failed her. Premiering to strong praise at Cannes, the film shines a harsh but important light on youth labor exploitation and the systems that allowed Sohee’s story to happen.
14. Night in Paradise (2021)
- Cast: Um Tae-goo, Jeon Yeo-been, Cha Seung-won, more
- Genre: Drama movies
Night in Paradise is a dark and gripping 2020 Korean crime thriller about Tae-gu, a mobster whose life is turned upside down when his sister and niece are murdered by a rival gang. On the run in Jeju Island, he meets Jae-yeon, a terminally ill woman, and her arms-dealer uncle, Kuto, while trying to escape relentless enemies. Betrayed by his own boss, Tae-gu faces brutal torture and deadly confrontations, ultimately meeting a tragic end. Jae-yeon takes her own revenge before her final goodbye. Directed by Park Hoon-jung and starring Uhm Tae-goo and Jeon Yeo-been, it’s a tense story of loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance.
15. Miracle: Letters to the President (2021)
- Cast: Park Jeong-min, Lee Sung-min, Lim Yoon-a
- Genre: Drama movies, youth drama movies
Miracle: Letters to the President is a heartwarming 2021 Korean drama based on a true story from the 1980s. It’s set in a remote North Gyeongsang village where engineer Tae-yoon dreams of building a train station because even though tracks run through the town, there’s nowhere for people to actually board a train. With help from his math-genius son Joon-gyeong, his girlfriend Ra-hee, his sister Bo-gyeong, and the villagers, they pull together to create Korea’s first privately owned train station in 1988. Starring Park Jeong-min and Im Yoon-ah, it’s an inspiring story about family, community, and chasing big dreams.
16. Innocence (2020)
- Cast: Shin Hae-sun, Bae Jong-ok, Huh Joon-ho
- Genre: Drama movies, courtroom movies
Innocence is a gripping South Korean legal drama starring Shin Hye-sun, Bae Jong-ok, and Huh Joon-ho. The story follows Jung-in, a talented lawyer, who’s thrown for a loop when her mother, Chae Hwa-ja, is accused of murder. After her father’s funeral, a deadly mishap with poisoned makgeolli leaves a village elder dead and others critically ill, putting her mother at the center of the case. Determined to prove her mom’s innocence, Jung-in dives into a tense courtroom battle. Released on June 10, 2020, the film won praise for its emotional performances and intense, edge-of-your-seat legal drama.
17. Three Sisters (2020)
- Cast: Moon So-ri, Kim Sun-young, Jang Yoon-ju
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas, independent movies
Three Sisters is a 2020 South Korean drama directed by Lee Seung-won, featuring Moon So-ri, Kim Sun-young, and Jang Yoon-ju. The story follows three sisters who seem to live normal lives, but hidden struggles and old memories start shaking their world. It first premiered at the 25th Busan International Film Festival in October 2020 and hit theaters in South Korea on January 27, 2021. With heartfelt performances and emotional storytelling, Three Sisters has won 12 awards, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys powerful, character-driven family dramas.
18. By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture (2019)
- Cast: Park Hae-soo, Seo Yea-ji, Kim Sang-ho
- Genre: Drama movies
By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture is a 2019 South Korean crime thriller about Lee Chan-woo, a nightlife insider who lives by the mantra, “Thought creates reality.” One day, he stumbles upon a celebrity-linked drug party and tips off his longtime friend, Detective Park Ki-heon. What starts as a seemingly simple case quickly spirals into a massive scandal that drags in the entertainment industry, prosecutors, and politicians. To stay alive and uncover the truth, Chan-woo teams up with Park and top industry figures like Sung Eun-young. It’s a gripping story of courage, loyalty, and taking on corrupt powers, showing how much your mindset can really shape reality.
19. Kim Ji-Young: Born 1982 (2019)
- Cast: Jung Yu-mi, Gong Yoo, Kim Me-kyung
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas, movies based on books
Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 tells the story of Ji-young, a woman in her 30s navigating life as a stay-at-home mom while dealing with postpartum depression and societal pressures. Played by Jung Yu-mi, Ji-young starts having stress-triggered episodes where she seems “possessed” by her mother and grandmother. With her husband Dae-hyun (Gong Yoo) by her side, she begins therapy, considers going back to work, and learns to stand up against workplace and societal discrimination. Slowly, Ji-young finds her voice, rebuilds her confidence, and even starts writing her own memoir, embracing a new chapter in her life.
20. Innocent Witness (2019)
- Cast: Jung Woo-sung, Kim Hyang-gi
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas, courtroom movies
Innocent Witness is a touching South Korean legal drama that follows Soon-ho, a lawyer drowning in debt, and Ji-woo, an autistic high school student who happens to be the only witness in a murder case he’s handling. The accused is a housekeeper who insists she found her employer already dead, and everything hinges on Ji-woo’s testimony. To figure out what really happened, Soon-ho reaches out to Ji-woo, slowly building trust and understanding. The story blends gentle warmth with courtroom tension, highlighting empathy, honesty, and what it means to truly listen to someone.
21. Default (2018)
- Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Yoo Ah-in, Huh Joon-ho
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas
Default is a powerful 2018 Korean drama that takes a close look at the 1997 IMF financial crisis. It follows three perspectives: Gap-su, a factory owner ruined when a client goes bankrupt; Jung-hak, a young financial analyst trying to profit from the downturn; and Si-hyun, a central bank official racing to stop the economy from collapsing. Through their stories, we see the real human cost of the crisis: families losing homes, small businesses failing, and lives turned upside down. With standout performances from Kim Hye-soo, Yoo Ah-in, and Huh Joon-ho, Default is both gripping and deeply moving.
22. 1987: When the Day Comes (2018)
- Cast: Kim Yun-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Yoo Hai-jin
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas, movies based on real life
1987: When the Day Comes tells the thrilling and emotional story of South Korea’s struggle for democracy. Set under President Chun Doo-hwan’s rule, it follows the death of student activist Park Jong-chul during police interrogation and the desperate cover-up that follows. A determined prosecutor, a courageous prison guard, a student named Yeon-hee, and a persistent journalist work together to expose the truth. Their bravery sparks public outrage, showing how ordinary people can make a difference. Packed with tension, emotion, and historical significance, the film captures the courage and collective spirit behind Korea’s fight for justice and democracy.
23. Be With You (2018)
- Cast: So Ji-sub, Son Ye-jin, Kim Ji-hwan
- Genre: Drama movies, romantic movies, movies based on books
Be With You is a touching South Korean romantic fantasy that’ll pull at your heartstrings. It tells the story of Woo-jin, whose late wife, Soo-ah, promised she’d return on a rainy day. Sure enough, during a summer monsoon, she shows up, but there’s a catch: she doesn’t remember any of their life together. Overjoyed but heartbroken, Woo-jin patiently reminds her of their first meeting, their dates, and all their happiest moments. Slowly, Soo-ah begins falling in love with him all over again. A beautiful remake of the 2004 Japanese film, it’s a story about love, memory, and second chances.
24. A Taxi Driver (2017)
- Cast: Song Kang-ho, Thomas Kretschmann, Yoo Hai-jin
- Genre: Drama movies
A Taxi Driver is a powerful 2017 Korean political drama based on the true story of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. It follows Kim Man-seob, a struggling taxi driver from Seoul, who unwittingly ends up driving German journalist Jürgen Hinzpeter into the heart of the city’s violent crackdown. Along the way, they witness the horrors of the uprising firsthand and risk everything to share the truth with the world. Starring Song Kang-ho, the film is both gripping and emotional, showing how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference, while capturing friendship, courage, and the human cost of political turmoil.
25. Heart Blackened (2017)
- Cast: Choi Min-sik, Park Shin-hye, Lee Hanee
- Genre: Drama movies, mystery movies, courtroom movies
Heart Blackened is a tense and gripping South Korean drama starring Choi Min-sik, Park Shin-hye, and Ryu Jun-yeol. It tells the story of Im Tae-san, a wealthy man whose life is turned upside down when his fiancée, Yoo-na, is murdered and, shockingly, his own daughter, Im Mi-ra, is the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Tae-san hires a young, passionate lawyer, Choi Hee-jung, to defend her. As the courtroom battle heats up, the mystery deepens around the seven hours Mi-ra can’t remember. Just when it seems hopeless, crucial CCTV footage comes to light, flipping the case on its head.
26. The Fortress (2017)
- Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Yun-seok, Park Hae-il
- Genre: Drama movies, movies based on books, period pieces
The Fortress is a gripping historical epic directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, based on Kim Hoon’s novel. Set during the 1636 Qing invasion of Joseon, it follows the tense 47 days inside Namhansanseong Fortress that lead up to the humiliating surrender at Samjeon-dong. The story centers on diplomat Choi Myung-gil, who believes surrender is the only way to save the nation, and Kim Sang-heon, who insists on fighting to the very end. Caught between them, King Injo struggles with his own doubts. With realistic historical detail, the film explores honor, survival, and the heavy weight of leadership in a time of war.
27. Will You Be There? (2016)
- Cast: Jung In-ki, Ahn Se-ha, Park Hye-su
- Genre: Drama movies, Romantic movies, movies based on books
Will You Be There? is a Korean film based on Guillaume Musso’s novel Seras-tu là?. It tells the story of Su-hyun, who in 2015 saves a girl’s life during a medical volunteer trip and is mysteriously given 10 pills as thanks. Out of curiosity, he swallows one and suddenly finds himself 30 years in the past, face-to-face with his younger self in 1985. As he relives old memories, especially his lost love with Yeon-ah, he gets a chance to rethink past choices. It’s a moving, thought-provoking story about time travel, second chances, and whether changing the past can reshape your future.
28. Ode to My Father (2014)
- Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Kim Yun-jin, Oh Dal-soo
- Genre: Drama movies
Ode to My Father is a moving South Korean drama that follows Deok-soo’s life against the backdrop of Korea’s modern history. From losing his sister during the 1950 Hungnam evacuation to working as a miner in Germany, serving in the Vietnam War, and raising a family, Deok-soo sacrifices everything for his loved ones. Along the way, he searches for his long-lost sister, leading to an emotional reunion. Packed with heart and resilience, this story of family, duty, and perseverance touched millions of viewers, making it one of South Korea’s biggest box office hits with 14.2 million tickets sold.
29. Thread of Lies (2013)
- Cast: Kim Hee-ae, Ko A-sung, Kim You-jung
- Genre: Drama movies, movies based on books
Thread of Lies is a deeply emotional South Korean drama that tells the story of 14-year-old Cheon-ji, who tragically takes her own life, leaving her family devastated. The film stars Kim Hee-ae, Go Ah-sung, Kim Yoo-jung, and Kim Hyang-gi. Following Cheon-ji’s mother and older sister, the story unravels as they try to understand why she died. Through flashbacks, we see Cheon-ji’s struggles with relentless school bullying led by the seemingly perfect but cruel Hwa-yeon. Heartbreaking and thought-provoking, the film explores grief, guilt, and the hidden struggles of teens, highlighting the strength of family bonds in the face of tragedy.
30. The Face Reader (2013)
- Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Jung-jae, Baek Yoon-sik
- Genre: Drama movies, period pieces
The Face Reader is a gripping Korean historical drama that follows Nae-gyeong, a talented but low-key face-reading expert played by Song Kang-ho. After he shows off his skills by solving a tricky murder case, he’s called to the royal court to help King Munjong spot possible traitors. But when the king suddenly dies, Nae-gyeong finds himself caught in a dangerous power struggle between the loyal general Kim Jong-seo and the ruthless Grand Prince Suyang, who’s determined to claim the throne. Filled with tension, political mind games, and standout performances, the film became one of the biggest hits of 2013 and earned multiple awards.
31. Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012)
- Cast: Choi Min-sik, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas
Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time is a 2012 Korean crime drama set in 1980s–’90s Busan, starring Choi Min-sik and Ha Jung-woo. It tells the story of Choi Ik-hyun, a customs officer who teams up with gangster Choi Hyung-bae to make money in the criminal underworld. As their empire grows, rival gangs and the law force Ik-hyun into risky choices, eventually betraying Hyung-bae to survive. Spanning decades, the film explores loyalty, power, and the consequences of betrayal. Even years later, Ik-hyun enjoys wealth but struggles with guilt, making it a gripping and unforgettable tale of crime and survival.
32. Masquerade (2012)
- Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo
- Genre: Drama movies, period pieces
Masquerade is a fascinating South Korean period drama featuring Lee Byung-hun in a dual role as the strict King Gwanghae and Ha-sun, a humble acrobat. When the king is threatened with poisoning, Ha-sun is brought in to stand in for him. But as Ha-sun takes on royal duties, his kindness and fairness win over the palace staff and even inspire better leadership. Amid palace intrigues and political schemes, he proves to be a surprisingly wise ruler. With over 12 million tickets sold and 15 Grand Bell Awards, Masquerade is an unforgettable story of courage, identity, and heart.
33. My Paparotti (2012)
- Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Han Seok-kyu, Kang So-ra
- Genre: Drama movies, music
My Paparotti is a feel-good Korean drama inspired by the real story of singer Kim Ho-joong. The movie follows Sang-jin, a former vocalist turned high school music teacher, whose quiet life gets shaken up when Jang-ho, a tough teenage gangster with an unexpectedly amazing voice, shows up in his class. Even though they clash at first, Sang-jin quickly realizes Jang-ho has real potential and decides to mentor him. As the two grow closer, Jang-ho gets pulled deeper into gang trouble, putting his dreams at risk. The heart of the film is their touching bond and the fight to help Jang-ho become the singer he’s meant to be.
34. Punch (2011)
- Cast: Kim Yun-seok, Yoo Ah-in, Park Su-young
- Genre: Drama movies, youth drama movies, movies based on books
Punch is a touching South Korean coming-of-age film starring Yoo Ah-in and Kim Yoon-seok. It tells the story of Do Wan-deuk, a rebellious teen living with his dad and uncle after his mom left years ago. Things start to change when his strict but caring teacher, Lee Dong-ju, moves in next door. Through Dong-ju’s guidance, Wan-deuk finally meets his Filipina mother, discovers kickboxing, and navigates first love with classmate Jeong Yun-ha. Based on the bestselling novel Wandeuk, the film is all about growing up, family ties, and how the right mentor can truly make a difference.
35. Silenced (2011)
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Kim Hyeon-soo
- Genre: Drama movies, movies based on books, courtroom movies
Silenced is a gripping South Korean drama based on the true story of abuse at Gwangju Inhwa School for the Deaf. The film follows art teacher Kang In-ho (Gong Yoo), who discovers that the students have been sexually abused by the faculty. Determined to fight for justice, he teams up with activist Seo Yoo-jin, but faces cover-ups from school staff, police, and prosecutors. The movie shocked the nation, sparking public outrage and eventually leading to the Dogani Bill, which removed the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against minors and people with disabilities, a real-life impact from a powerful story.
36. Sunny (2011)
- Cast: Yu Ho-jeong, Shim Eun-kyung, Jin Hee-kyung, Kang So-ra
- Genre: Drama movies, youth drama movies
Sunny is a feel-good South Korean comedy-drama that tugs at your heartstrings. It follows Im Na-mi, a middle-aged housewife who’s feeling disconnected from her family, as she sets out to fulfill her best friend Ha Chun-hwa’s dying wish: to reunite their high school group, “Sunny.” The story jumps between the 1980s, where we see Na-mi and her friends’ fun, chaotic teenage adventures, and the present day, where life has taken them on very different paths. Even though Chun-hwa passes away, the women come together, relive their memories, and celebrate friendship, laughter, and life itself.
37. Wish (2009)
- Cast: Jung Woo, Jo Young-jin, Yun Sun-sim
- Genre: Drama movies
Wish, inspired by actor Jung-woo’s own high school days and co-written by him, dives into the chaotic life of teenager Jjang-gu. Set in Busan Commercial High (mostly filmed at Gyeongnam High), it shows what growing up under a strict family while wanting a cool, standout school life really feels like. Jjang-gu faces tough teachers, intense student rivalries, and the tempting pull of a secret student group called “Monster.” As he gains some clout and even lands a girlfriend, he has to figure out if he can survive high school’s “survival of the fittest” world and still enjoy being eighteen.
38. A Moment to Remember (2004)
- Cast: Jung Woo-sung, Son Ye-jin, Baek Jong-hak
- Genre: Drama movies, romantic movies
A Moment to Remember is a touching South Korean romance starring Jung Woo-sung and Son Ye-jin. It tells the story of Su-jin, a young fashion designer, and Chul-soo, a construction foreman, who meet by chance and fall in love despite coming from very different worlds. They marry and build a happy life together, but everything changes when Su-jin is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The film follows their love, devotion, and struggles as her memory fades, showing the power of commitment and care. Loved for its emotional storytelling, it was a hit in Korea and Japan and even inspired remakes abroad.
39. Oasis (2002)
- Cast: Sul Kyung-gu, Moon So-ri, An Nae-sang
- Genre: Drama movies, social issue dramas, romantic movies
Oasis is a deeply moving Korean drama that follows the unlikely love story between Jong-du, a man with a mild intellectual disability, and Gong-ju, a woman living with severe cerebral palsy. After Jong-du gets out of prison, the two slowly connect, even as they face constant judgment and mistreatment from their families and the people around them. Their relationship grows into something genuine and tender, despite the harsh world they live in. The film earned major praise at the Venice Film Festival, especially for Moon So-ri’s incredible performance, and is still remembered as one of Korea’s most emotional and unforgettable stories.
40. One Fine Spring Day (2001)
- Cast: Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Young-ae, Park In-hwan
- Genre: Drama movies, romantic movies
One Fine Spring Day is a heartfelt South Korean romance from director Hur Jin-ho, starring Yoo Ji-tae and Lee Young-ae. It follows Sang-woo, a sound engineer living with his grandmother and distant family, who meets radio producer Eun-su one winter. She’s working on a program featuring natural sounds, and as they travel together recording, sparks fly. Their romance feels effortless at first, but when spring turns to summer, Eun-su, cautious from a previous divorce, says she’s not ready for marriage. Heartbroken, Sang-woo can’t let go, torn between love and longing as he drifts between Seoul and Gangneung.
Conclusion
No matter if you’re a longtime K-drama fan or just curious to explore, these 40 Netflix Korean drama movies have something for everyone. From swoon-worthy romances to inspiring, emotional stories, each film promises a cinematic ride that sticks with you. So cozy up, grab some snacks, and get ready to binge; these Korean drama movies will tug at your heartstrings and keep you hooked from start to finish.
