Which shows really captivated audiences and critics this year? A new survey of 110 industry insiders just revealed their picks for the Best Dramas of the Year. Here’s what made the top of their list.
1. Netflix’s ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ (Votes: 48)
When Life Gives You Tangerines became the undisputed champion by earning a staggering 48 out of 110 votes. The Netflix series tells the adventurous life stories of Ae Soon (played by IU) and Gwan Shik (Park Bo Gum) across four seasons.
Released in 16 episodes, the show’s hopeful journey resonated deeply with viewers worldwide. Insiders praised it as the year’s most emotional drama for its deeply human narrative, heartbreaking dialogue, delicate direction and the passionate performances from its star-studded ensemble cast.
2. tvN’s ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ (Votes: 18)
Securing a strong second place, this genre-bending drama was a massive ratings success. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a survival fantasy rom-com about a top chef (Yoona) who travels back in time to the Joseon dynasty and meets King Yi Heon (Lee Chae Min), a “tyrant” with an absolute palate.
Despite facing casting hurdles before its premiere, the show became a runaway hit. Its finale scored a 17.1% viewership rating, the highest of any mini-series this year. Insiders loved its skillful blend of fusion history, time travel and mouth-watering K-food that unfolded like a Top Chef competition in a royal palace.
3. Netflix’s ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’ (Votes: 10)
Taking third place is this refreshingly satisfying medical drama. Released in January, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call stars Ju Ji Hoon as Baek Kang Hyuk, a genius surgeon from the battlefields who is tasked with reviving a defunct trauma center.
The show earned enthusiastic responses for its blunt portrayal of medical realities and its team’s relentless drive to save lives. Ju Ji Hoon was praised for his captivating lead performance, handling action and comedy. The show’s success was so immediate that Seasons 2 and 3 have already been confirmed.
4. Netflix’s ‘You and Everything Else’ (Votes: 9)
You and Everything Else was recognized by insiders as a highly accomplished masterpiece. Starring Kim Go Eun and Park Ji Hyun, the series focused on the realistic friendship of two women from their teens to their forties. It was praised for its intense and healing portrayal of their complex emotions, including friendship, jealousy, misunderstanding, and acceptance.
5. tvN’s ‘Our Unwritten Seoul’ (Votes: 7)
Another drama praised for its profound, realistic characters, Our Unwritten Seoul was a showcase for star Park Bo Young. She took on the challenging dual role of twin sisters, Yoo Mi Ji and Yoo Mi Rae. Insiders noted her profound acting ability in delicately portraying two characters with identical appearances but completely different inner worlds, setting a new standard for playing contrasting roles.
Other Honorable Mentions
MBC’s Doubt garnered three votes thanks to Han Suk Kyu’s powerful performance.
Perhaps the most surprising result from the poll was the reception of Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3. Despite the show’s global phenomenon status, the new seasons received only two votes from the 110 insiders. Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3 found themselves tied with Light Shop, Queen Mantis and Resident Playbook, which also received two votes each.
Other series mentioned included My Troublesome Star, Low Life, A Hundred Memories, The Haunted Palace, Hyper Knife, Nine Puzzles, My Youth, Heavenly Ever After, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born and Aema.
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