K-dramas are a global sensation, providing fans with lovable storylines, wonderful cinematography, and characters that are difficult to forget. Based on the opinions and recommendations provided by subject matter experts and K-drama fan favorites, here are the top 12 recommendations that highlight the best of the lot:

1. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) (2016-2017)
This fantasy romance is about an immortal goblin who is looking for a wife so he can break the curse that has been on him for a long time. This series has received huge acclaim for its deep content, great cast of characters that include Gong Yoo and others, as well as songs from an unforgettable soundtrack.

2. Reply 1988 (2015–2016)

This slice-of-life drama, set in 1980s Seoul, follows five childhood friends as they enter adulthood and explore both the joys and adversities of life with their families. Known as the drama that provided a comforting dose of nostalgia, it explores friendship in its purest form.

3. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)

A South Korean heiress inadvertently parachutes into North Korea and becomes smitten with a stern army captain, leading a forbidden love story amidst the political circumstances. This drama is unique because of the combination of both romantic, comical, and drama elements; the chemistry between the characters Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin is an added fact because the two married later on.

4. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
A military captain and a doctor discover their love during their peacekeeping mission, overcoming risks and moralities when they arrive in the war-torn nation. Famous for its high-octane action, swoon-worthy love, and international success, it brought Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo international fame.

5. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
This historical epic, which takes place in the latter part of the 1800s, casts a Korean-born US marine who falls in love with a woman of nobility in Korea, which is under Japanese occupation. This movie has received accolades for its camera work, story, and performances by Lee Byung-Hun and Kim Tae-Ri.

6. Itaewon Class (2020)
An ex-convict opens a bar in the Seoul district of Itaewon as an act of revenge for the powerful family, and the movie is an empowerment tale about justice, diversity, and entrepreneurship. The movie is actually an empowerment tale starring Park Seo-joon.

7. Kingdom (2019–2021)

In 17th-century Joseon Dynasty Korea, a crown prince seeks to uncover the mystery of a zombie outbreak and exposes a web of political intrigue in a historical drama with horror elements. The first Netflix original from South Korea, it is highly acclaimed for its thrilling storyline, beautiful cinematography, and fresh take on the zombie apocalypse formula.

8. Squid Game (2020-2025)
Desperate contestants fight in deadly child games for a huge prize, revealing the inequality in society. This global series has now smashed records in terms of thrilling action, commentary, and performance, which fetched Lee Jung-jae an award.

9. Vincenzo (2021)
A Korean-Italian mafia lawyer goes back to Korea for gold, playing a deceptive game against corrupt companies. It is praised for Song Joong Ki's performance as an anti-hero as well as for creative plotlines.

10. Signal (2021)
A mystery walkie-talkie holds communications among detectives through various eras in an investigation of cold murders, based on true events. Its noteworthy features are the engaging storyline and emotional expression of this crime story that explores the theme of justice.

11. Hospital Playlist (2020)

Five lifelong doctor friends juggle their medical practices in a hospital and pursue their passion of playing in a band. Praised as loved by fans of the Reply series of dramas, it offers warm comedic tales of doctors and friends.

12. 'My Mister' (2018)

A weary engineer and a young woman in trouble form an unlikely pair, helping each other heal from the wounds of life. This emotional drama explores the themes of mental health, strength, and unrequited love through the impeccable acting by Lee Sun-kyun and IU.