TIME spills the tea: the 5 best K-Dramas of 2024 with Lovely Runner and Love in the Big City

K-Dramas are on fire, and we can’t get enough! With stories like Lovely Runner and Love in the Big City, we can confirm that South Korean storytelling is now a global sensation. And guess what? TIME recently spilled the tea on their list of the Best K-Dramas of 2024.

But this year wasn’t just about flashy budgets, it was the year underdog stories stole the show. From superpowered families to heart-wrenching romances, these are 5 K-Dramas that dominated screens and hearts this year, according to TIME:

5. The Atypical Family (Netflix)

Meet the Boks: not your average family. Once blessed with superpowers, they’re now grappling with chronic illnesses like depression and insomnia. This domestic drama swaps capes for Kleenex, exploring the messy, human side of being “super.”

4. A Shop for Killers (Hulu)

This eight-episode action-packed thriller hits the ground running—literally. Jeong Ji-an, played by Kim Hye-jun, dodges assassins while uncovering a mysterious web of revenge. Co-created by Lee Kwon, this show is giving serious Kill Bill vibes!

3. Love in the Big City (Viki)

This one’s a heartbreaker and a game-changer! Adapted from Park Sang-young’s bestselling novel, Love in the Big City dives into the life of a gay man navigating love and rejection in society. Despite the initial controversy in South Korea, this series stood out in 2024.

2. Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (Hulu)

Set against the backdrop of post-war Korea, this series turns the spotlight on female gukgeuk performers—women dreaming of prince roles in traditional theater. With stunning visuals and a nostalgic touch, Jeongnyeon is a love letter to a forgotten art form.

1. Lovely Runner (Viki)

Who doesn’t love a good time-slip romance? Lovely Runner went from production purgatory to global sensation, thanks to its heartfelt story of Sol and Sun-jae. Adapted from Lee Si-eun’s webtoon, this drama kept fans on edge.