Netflix continues to cement its dominance in the world of K-dramas, and 2025 is proving to be no exception. Two South Korean dramas have recently skyrocketed into the top 10 of the platform’s global charts, reinforcing the growing global influence of Korean television. With the success of past shows like Squid Game and the upcoming release of Revelations, Netflix is showing no signs of slowing down in its support of Korean content.
K-Dramas Take Over Netflix: Heavenly Ever After and The Haunted Palace Rise to the Top
Since the global phenomenon of Squid Game in 2021, which racked up an astonishing 265.2 million views, K-dramas have become a staple of Netflix‘s offerings. This year, the platform is releasing an impressive 29 new Korean-language titles, including both films and series. Among the most highly anticipated releases is Revelations, a film by Yeon Sang-ho, the acclaimed director of Train to Busan. But it’s not just the upcoming titles that are making waves. Two recent K-dramas have captured the spotlight and quickly climbed the ranks of Netflix’s global charts: Heavenly Ever After and The Haunted Palace.
Heavenly Ever After: A Bittersweet Romance with a Heavenly Twist
Heavenly Ever After is a heartwarming, bittersweet romantic comedy that tells the story of an 80-year-old woman who, after leaving this world, ascends to the heavens—and is reunited with her husband, now in the form of a 30-year-old. With a stellar cast, including Kim Hye-ja, Son Suk-ku, Yuuki Luna, and Han Ji-min, this drama mixes romantic nostalgia with a touch of the fantastical. Its unique premise and emotional depth quickly captivated audiences, placing it in the fifth spot in Netflix’s global rankings for the week of April 21–27, with 2.9 million views.
The Haunted Palace: A Romantic Mystery with a Poetic Atmosphere
The Haunted Palace, which premiered at the end of April, offers a mix of romance and mystery, set in a beautifully haunting, almost ethereal world. Starring Yook Sung-jae, Bona, Kim In-kwon, and Kim Ji-hun, the drama combines a poetic and unsettling ambiance that has intrigued viewers. In the same week, it landed in the ninth spot with 1.4 million views. The blend of mystery and romance, along with its visually striking narrative, has made it a fan favorite, especially in Asian markets like South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.
K-Dramas Dominate Global Netflix Charts
The rise of Heavenly Ever After and The Haunted Palace only adds to the growing dominance of K-dramas on Netflix. According to official data from the week of April 21–27, more than half of the top 10 non-English language series on Netflix came from South Korea. Other popular titles such as Weak Hero: Class 2, Resident Playbook, and When Life Gives You Tangerines continue to attract global audiences. This trend highlights the continuing importance of the Hallyu wave, or the Korean cultural wave, as Netflix’s global strategy centers increasingly around K-dramas.
With their captivating storylines, rich emotional depth, and unique blend of genres, it’s clear that Korean dramas are here to stay, commanding attention not only in Korea but across the globe. The success of shows like Heavenly Ever After and The Haunted Palace is just the beginning. So, which one will you watch first—the heavenly romance or the mysterious haunted tale? Both are proving to be must-watch titles in 2025.
