New York Times Highlights 9 Must-Watch K-Dramas Beyond ‘Squid Game’
With the release of Squid Game Season 2, Netflix’s most-watched series in history, a wave of fresh and innovative K-dramas is capturing global attention. Among them, the New York Times has spotlighted nine unexpectedly well-crafted Korean dramas that deserve the limelight.
1. The Auditors (tvN)
Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Jin Goo, Jo A-ram, and Jung Moon-sung, this office drama aired from July to August last year. The series follows Shin Cha-il (played by Shin Ha-kyun), a meticulous and no-nonsense audit team leader at JU Construction, as he uncovers corruption and white-collar crimes with his rookie colleague. The New York Times praised Shin Cha-il as one of the most entertaining new K-drama characters of the year. With a peak rating of 9.5% (Nielsen Korea), The Auditors blends humor, intrigue, and thrilling office dynamics.
2. Chicken Nugget (Netflix)
This quirky sci-fi comedy, based on a webtoon, explores the bizarre question: “What would you do if a loved one turned into fried chicken after stepping into a mysterious cabinet?” The story revolves around Seon-man’s quest to reverse his daughter Min-ah’s transformation, with help from her admirer Baek-jung. Directed by Lee Byung-hun of Extreme Job fame, Chicken Nugget delivers absurd humor and unpredictable mysteries, making it a refreshing watch.
3. Chief Detective 1958 (MBC)
This 10-episode prequel to the classic series Chief Detective (1971–1989) aired in April and May last year, achieving a peak rating of 10.8%. Starring Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, and Kim Min-jae, the series is set in 1958 and follows Detective Park Young-han as he tackles corruption and crime alongside his eccentric team. The gripping period drama is both a tribute to the original and a thrilling standalone series.
4. Crash (ENA)
Airing in June and August last year, Crash broke records with a peak rating of 6.6%, becoming ENA’s highest-rated Monday-Tuesday drama. The series skillfully blends investigation, comedy, action, and thriller elements while tackling serious cases with humor and heart. Its fresh action sequences and tight storytelling earned it a second season, solidifying its place as a standout drama.
5. Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (tvN)
Kim Tae-ri stars in this inspiring tale of a young girl pursuing her dream of becoming a top national theater performer in post-war 1950s Korea. Aired from October to November, the series achieved a peak rating of 16.5%. Praised for its powerful female narrative and high-quality production, it was named one of TIME’s best Korean dramas of 2024.
6. Lovely Runner (tvN)
This romantic fantasy, aired in April and May, garnered a 5.8% peak rating. Starring Byeon Woo-seok, it tells the lighthearted story of vibrant high school students intertwined with a whimsical romantic fantasy. The drama received praise for its lively tone and creative storytelling.
7. Miss Night and Day (JTBC)
This 16-episode drama aired from June to August and reached a peak rating of 11.7%. The story follows job-seeker Lee Mi-jin, who mysteriously transforms into a 50-year-old woman’s body during the day. The unique premise, paired with engaging characters and storytelling, made it a hit among viewers.
8. No Gain No Love (tvN)
Aired from August to October, this romantic comedy stars Shin Min-ah and Kim Young-dae. With a peak rating of 5%, it tells the story of a young prosecutor navigating a chaotic internship involving time-traveling hijinks and sweet romance. The drama’s surprising twists and engaging plot earned it praise.
9. A Shop for Killers (Disney+)
This stylish action series follows Jian, who inherits a dangerous legacy from her assassin uncle Jin-man, making her the target of professional killers. Already renewed for a second season, A Shop for Killers was named one of the New York Times Best TV Shows of 2024, cementing its international acclaim.
These diverse dramas showcase the ever-expanding creativity and excellence of Korean television, proving there’s so much more to explore beyond Squid Game.