Ready to trade lazy beach days for a binge-worthy series that keeps you glued to the couch? Whether you’re unwinding after a scorching hike or sheltering from a surprise summer storm, these ten Korean dramas promise thrills, laughs and moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll. From pulse-pounding survival tales to swoon-worthy romances, there’s a K-drama here to suit every mood.
Our Top 10 Summer K-Drama Picks
1. Lovely Runner (Viki)
Why you’ll love it: Imagine your favourite idol’s voice pulling you back from the brink—literally. This time-travel romance sees hospitalised fangirl Im Sol hurled 15 years into the past to save her hero, Ryu Sun-jae, from a tragic fate. The chemistry between Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon is electric, and the cliffhangers will have you hitting “Next Episode” far past midnight.
2. Squid Game (Netflix)
Why you’ll love it: The global phenomenon that needs no introduction—debts, deadly childhood games and a chilling critique of modern society. With over 1.7 billion viewing hours in its first month and a gripping performance by Lee Jung-jae, this thriller remains Netflix’s most-watched series ever.
3. Good Boy (Prime Video)
Why you’ll love it: Picture ex-Olympians turned elite detectives, navigating crime scenes with the same discipline that once earned them gold. Park Bo-gum shines in this action-comedy hybrid, where high-octane chases meet heartfelt camaraderie—perfect for when you need both adrenalines and smiles.
4. Hyper Knife (Disney+)
Why you’ll love it: Neurosurgery meets black. Park Eun-bin delivers a haunting portrayal of a disgraced surgeon performing black-market brain operations. The show’s dark, atmospheric tone recalls Dexter’s edge-of-your-seat tension—just don’t watch it right before bed.
5. Semantic Error (Viki)
Why you’ll love it: In just eight bite-sized episodes, this Boy’s Love drama explores friendship, redemption and unexpected chemistry between two university programmers. With its heartfelt performances by Park Seo-ham and Park Jae-chan, it’s proof that great storytelling doesn’t need a dozen hours to land.
6. No Profit, No Love (Prime Video)
Why you’ll love it: Career-driven Son Hae-yeong’s unconventional plan to secure a promotion—marrying the wrong man—sparkles with sharp humor and genuine warmth. Led by Shin Min-a and Kim Young-dae, this romantic comedy is refreshingly honest without ever feeling soppy.
7. Pachinko (Apple TV+)
Why you’ll love it: Spanning four generations from 1930s Korea to modern-day Japan, this epic family saga weaves love, loss and resilience into a tapestry that’s as poignant as it is visually stunning. With Lee Min-ho’s subtle turn, Pachinko proves that history can captivate just as much as fantasy.
8. The Glory (Netflix)
Why you’ll love it: A masterclass in well-earned vengeance, Song Hye-kyo’s portrayal of a woman out to make her bullies pay is both powerful and unflinching. Dark, violent and utterly engrossing, The Glory has become a go-to for those craving intense drama.
9. Shadow Powers (Disney+)
Why you’ll love it: Three teens juggling secret supernatural abilities and typical high-school angst make for one of the most visually spectacular K-dramas out there. Winner of the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Series, it’s a hidden gem that blends teen drama with blockbuster-style action.
10. Crash Landing on You (Netflix)
Why you’ll love it: The ultimate cross-border romance that charmed the world. When South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri meets North Korean officer Ri Jeong-hyuk by chance, sparks—and cultural clashes—fly. With unbeatable chemistry between Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin, this series remains the gold standard for K-drama love stories.
With this lineup in your summer rotation, you’re all set for sunshine, rain or a lazy stay-in day. Just don’t blame us if you lose track of time—these must-watch K-dramas are guaranteed to keep you hooked.
