With the first half of 2026 now behind us, which K-dramas stood out the most?
Sports Today asked 50 entertainment industry insiders, including journalists, network executives, talent managers, and PR experts, to choose the best dramas of the year so far.
1. Teach You a Lesson (11 votes)
Teach You a Lesson claimed the top spot despite early concerns over the violence in its original webtoon. The series proved its massive popularity by holding the No. 1 position on Netflix for four consecutive weeks.
Insiders universally pointed to the show’s “cathartic” nature as its biggest strength. Voters praised the series for tackling realistic issues such as school violence and the challenges faced by teachers, while delivering a satisfying story of justice from the victims’ perspectives. The performances of leads Kim Moo Yul and Jin Ki Joo were also highly praised for making the heavy themes relatable.
“There was a lot of anxiety surrounding the project before it premiered, but its massive success made everyone forget those worries,” one insider noted. “The series stood out for both its impressive viewership performance, which drew comparisons to Squid Game, and its focus on important social issues.”
2. The Legend of Kitchen Soldier (9 votes)
The Legend of Kitchen Soldier was highly praised for its faithful adaptation of the original webtoon.
“Many webtoon adaptations disappoint fans with weak storytelling or changes that stray too far from the original,” one voter shared. “But The Legend of Kitchen Soldier successfully brought the original’s charm to life with a tight storyline and unexpected comedic moments.”
The cast also received rave reviews. “It’s rare to see a comedy executed this well,” another insider remarked. “Park Ji Hoon’s presence is incredible and the script is seamless, backing him up with rich subplots for supporting actors like Yoon Kyung Ho, Lee Hong Nae and Han Dong Hee.” Critics called it the ultimate “dinner-mate” drama—a lighthearted, comforting watch that beautifully blends mouth-watering food visuals with realistic comedy.
3. My Royal Nemesis (7 votes)
My Royal Nemesis ranked third. Industry insiders praised it as a perfect feel-good rom-com. “It’s a textbook romantic comedy. The story is well-structured, and the writing is so witty that it’s hard to believe it came from a first-time writer,” one voter said. Others credited the series with helping revive interest in the rom-com genre.
The chemistry and dedication of the cast were major selling points. Insiders praised the “intense acting battle” between leads Lim Ji Yeon and Heo Nam Jun, adding that the writer, director and actors hit a perfect trifecta with detailed directing and an engaging storyline.
4. The Scarecrow (6 votes)
Inspired by the infamous Hwaseong serial murders, psychological thriller The Scarecrow locked down fourth place.
Industry insiders praised it as a flawless, well-made drama. “The series left nothing to be desired, from the performances and plot twists to the message it delivered,” one respondent said. Another added, “The drama maintained its intense suspense even after the culprit was revealed and left viewers with a powerful message. Despite the real-life case being widely known, it kept audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.”
5. We Are All Trying Here, Yumi’s Cells Season 3 (4 votes each)
Two very different dramas shared fifth place, each pulling in four votes.
We Are All Trying Here won over voters with its deeply comforting, introspective dialogue. “Instead of relying on flashy directing or CGI, this show was packed with lines that truly heal the soul,” a voter shared. Others appreciated the series for focusing on human connection and community rather than relying on overly dramatic storytelling. The performances of Koo Kyo Hwan, Oh Jung Se and Go Youn Jung were also praised as one of the drama’s greatest strengths.
Meanwhile, Yumi’s Cells Season 3 returned after a four-year hiatus and was hailed as a golden standard for multi-season television. Insiders noted that Kim Go Eun’s acting kept the emotional core of the show alive, ensuring the series never lost momentum despite its long run. “It was a perfect finale that stuck the landing across all three seasons,” one industry expert noted, while also praising the addition of Kim Jae Won to the cast.
6. Other Notable Mentions
Netflix’s horror-occult series If Wishes Could Kill earned three votes and was praised for discovering fresh rookie talent while delivering a unique concept that seamlessly blended shamanism with modern tech.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s The Art of Sarah earned two votes, with insiders highlighting Shin Hae Sun’s standout performance and the series’ deep exploration of what defines something as “real” or “fake.”
A handful of projects also picked up one vote each. Netflix’s Notes from the Last Row was praised for its fast-paced, six-episode psychological twists that kept audiences guessing, while Boyfriend on Demand was applauded for its incredibly unique virtual dating simulation premise.
Additionally, Hong sisters’ romance Can This Love Be Translated? was celebrated for its heartwarming chemistry and star-studded appeal, and SBS’s Phantom Lawyer caught voters’ attention for its fresh, comedic concept of a lawyer who specializes in defending ghosts.
>> 5 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Teach You A Lesson’ Star Kim Moo Yul
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
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