18 popular K-drama title songs that will give you an earworm–or two

Synopsis: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha follows the story of Yoon Hye-jin (played by Shin Min-a), a pragmatic and ambitious dentist, who moves from Seoul to the small village of Gongjin after her life in the city takes an unexpected turn. There, she meets Hong Du-sik (played by Kim Seon-ho), a jack-of-all-trades known as Chief Hong, who is adored by the villagers for his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need.

Don't miss: Exclusive: Meet Kim Seon-Ho and Lee Sang-Yi, the leading men of Netflix's ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’

As Yoon struggles to adjust to the slower pace of life and the tight-knit community, she frequently crosses paths with Hong, leading to humorous and heartwarming interactions. Despite their contrasting personalities and initial misunderstandings, the two gradually grow closer and develop a romantic relationship.

Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi

Release: August 28, 2021

Synopsis: Hotel Del Luna is a K-drama that blends elements of fantasy, romance, and comedy. It was well-received for its unique storyline, visual effects, and strong performances by the lead actors.

Read more: IU: What to expect from her ‘2024 H.E.R. World Tour Concert’

The series revolves around a mystical hotel called Hotel del Luna, which caters exclusively to ghosts. Located in the heart of Seoul, it is invisible to humans in its true form. The hotel is managed by Jang Man-wol (played by Lee Ji-eun), a beautiful but cold and aloof woman who has been cursed to run the establishment for over a millennium as punishment for her past sins.

Cast: Lee Ji-eun (IU), Yeo Jin-goo 

Release: July 13, 2019

Synopsis: Descendants of the Sun is a K-drama that combines elements of romance, action, and melodrama. It gained widespread popularity both domestically and internationally, making it one of the most successful Korean dramas of its time.

See also: Tatler Exclusive: Song Joong-ki opens up about his ‘Vincenzo’ experience

The K-drama follows the story of Yoo Si-jin (played by Song Joong-ki), a captain in the South Korean Special Forces, and Kang Mo-yeon (played by Song Hye-kyo), a skilled surgeon. Their lives intersect when Yoo brings a thief to the hospital where Kang works. Despite their immediate attraction, their relationship faces numerous challenges due to the dangerous nature of Yoo's job.

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won

Release: February 24, 2016

Synopsis: Descendants of the Sun is a K-drama that combines elements of romance, action, and melodrama. It gained widespread popularity both domestically and internationally, making it one of the most successful Korean dramas of its time.

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The K-drama follows the story of Yoo Si-jin (played by Song Joong-ki), a captain in the South Korean Special Forces, and Kang Mo-yeon (played by Song Hye-kyo), a skilled surgeon. Their lives intersect when Yoo brings a thief to the hospital where Kang works. Despite their immediate attraction, their relationship faces numerous challenges due to the dangerous nature of Yoo's job.

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won

Release: February 24, 2016

Synopsis: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, commonly internationally known as Goblin, is a K-drama that aired from December 2016 to January 2017. The show blends fantasy, romance, and drama, and has gained immense popularity both in South Korea and internationally.

Read more: Christmas Eve with Gong Yoo? Netflix's ‘The Silent Sea’ announces a rather bold release date

The K-drama centres on the character Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo), a goblin who has lived for over 900 years and serves as a protector of souls. Ji Eun-tak (played by Kim Go-eun) is a bubbly high school student who remains cheerful and hopeful despite her tragic life and can see ghosts, though she tries to ignore them. She summons the Goblin by chance and their fates begin to entwine. 

Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, Yook Sung-jae

Release: December 2, 2016

Synopsis: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, commonly internationally known as Goblin, is a K-drama that aired from December 2016 to January 2017. The show blends fantasy, romance, and drama, and has gained immense popularity both in South Korea and internationally.

See also: How do Korean actors stay fit? Workouts of Gong Yoo, Hyun Bin, and more, revealed

The K-drama centres on the character Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo), a goblin who has lived for over 900 years and serves as a protector of souls. Ji Eun-tak (played by Kim Go-eun) is a bubbly high school student who remains cheerful and hopeful despite her tragic life and can see ghosts, though she tries to ignore them. She summons the Goblin by chance and their fates begin to entwine. 

Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, Yook Sung-jae

Release: December 2, 2016

Synopsis: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a K-drama that blends historical, romantic, and fantasy elements. The series is based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua and is a remake of the Chinese drama Scarlet Heart.

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During a total solar eclipse, a 25-year-old 21st-century woman, Go Ha-jin (played by Lee Ji-eun), is transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty. She wakes up in the year 941, in the body of Hae Soo, among the many princes of the ruling Wang family, during the reign of King Taejo. She initially falls in love with the gentle and warm-hearted 8th Prince Wang Wook (played by Kang Ha-neul), but later develops a relationship with Wang So (played by Lee Joon-gi), the fearsome 4th Prince, who hides his face behind a mask and is given the derogatory label of “wolf dog”.

As the story develops, Hae Soo finds herself unwittingly caught up in the palace politics and the rivalry among the princes, as they fight for the throne.

Cast: Lee Joon-gi, Lee Ji-eun (IU), Kang Ha-neul, Kim San-ho, Hong Jong-hyun, Yoon Sun-woo, Byun Baek-hyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, Ji Soo 

Release: August 29, 2016

Synopsis: Itaewon Class is a K-drama based on a webtoon of the same name. The series is a blend of drama, romance, and slice-of-life genres, and it gained significant popularity both domestically and internationally.

Read more: Park Seo-joon: 9 things you may not have known about the actor

Itaewon Class follows the story of Park Sae-ro-yi (played by Park Seo-joon), an ex-convict who dreams of making it big in the food industry while seeking revenge against the powerful family of the Jangga Group that wronged him.

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung, Kwon Nara

Release: January 31, 2020

Synopsis: SKY Castle is a satirical K-drama that delves into the lives of wealthy families living in an exclusive residential community and their relentless pursuit of academic success for their children. It explores themes of societal pressure, family dynamics, and the dark side of the education system in South Korea.

See also: ‘The Penthouse’ hangover: 5 similar K-dramas you should watch

The K-drama is set in a luxurious residential complex called SKY Castle, home to wealthy doctors and professors. The title “SKY” refers to the three most prestigious universities in South Korea: Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. The series portrays the lengths these families go to secure their children's admission to these top universities.

Cast: Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Seo-hyung

Release: November 23, 2018

Synopsis: While You Were Sleeping is a K-drama that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and legal drama. The series gained popularity for its unique storyline and strong performances.

Don't miss: K-drama star Lee Jong-suk on his childhood dreams of becoming an actor, his favourite Singaporean dish, and more

The K-drama revolves around three young adults—a field reporter (played by Bae Suzy), a prosecutor (played by Lee Jong-suk), and a police officer (played by Jung Hae-in)—who can see future events in their dreams. These dreams often involve tragic incidents. Troubled by these dreams, the trio collaborate to prevent their ominous dreams from turning into reality and to defeat their archenemy, the corrupt lawyer Lee Yoo-beom (played by Lee Sang-yeob).

Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Lee Sang-yeob, Jung Hae-in

Release: September 27, 2017

Synopsis: Written by Park Ji-eun and directed by Lee Jung-hyo, Crash Landing on You is a K-drama that aired on tvN and internationally on Netflix. The series blends romance, comedy, and drama with elements of political tension between North and South Korea.

Read more: It’s official! ‘Crash Landing on You’ sweethearts Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin are tying the knot today

The K-drama follows the unexpected romance between a South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri (played by Son Ye-jin) and Ri Jeong-hyeok (played by Hyun Bin), a member of the North Korean elite and a captain in the Korean People's Army, after a paragliding accident crash-lands Yoon in the North Korean portion of the DMZ

Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun

Release: December 14, 2019

Synopsis: Written by Park Ji-eun and directed by Lee Jung-hyo, Crash Landing on You is a K-drama that aired on tvN and internationally on Netflix. The series blends romance, comedy, and drama with elements of political tension between North and South Korea.

See also: ‘Crash Landing on You’ stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jn reunite on screen for a Philippines ad campaign

The K-drama follows the unexpected romance between a South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri (played by Son Ye-jin) and Ri Jeong-hyeok (played by Hyun Bin), a member of the North Korean elite and a captain in the Korean People's Army, after a paragliding accident crash-lands Yoon in the North Korean portion of the DMZ

Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun

Release: December 14, 2019

Synopsis: It's Okay to Not Be Okay is a well-loved K-drama that boasts a unique blend of romance, psychological drama, and healing journey, crafted with elements of fantasy, and fairy tales.

Don't miss: Mental Health Awareness Month: 7 K-dramas that tackled uncharted territory

Moon Gang-tae (played by Kim Soo-hyun) lives with his older brother Moon Sang-tae (played by Oh Jung-se) who is autistic. Gang-Tae works as a caregiver in a psychiatric ward at every place they settle in. While working in a hospital, he meets a famous children's book writer, Ko Moon-young (played by Seo Yea-ji), who is rumoured to have antisocial personality disorder. Moon-young forms a romantic obsession with Gang-tae after finding out that their pasts overlap. She follows him to Seongjin, where the trio (including Sang-tae) slowly begins to heal each other's emotional wounds. They unravel many secrets, seek comfort from each other, and move forward in their lives.

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, Oh Jung-se, Park Gyu-young

Release: June 20, 2020

Synopsis: Nevertheless is a K-drama based on a popular webtoon of the same name and explores contemporary themes of love, relationships, and emotional complexity among young adults.

Read more: Netflix: 5 reasons why Korean drama ‘Nevertheless’ will make you swoon

The K-drama focuses on the nuanced and often ambiguous relationship between two university art students, Yoo Na-bi (played by Han So-hee), a heartbroken woman who no longer believes in love, and Park Jae-eon (played by Song Kang), a flirtatious man who does not want to commit to a relationship, and their differing views on love and commitment.

Cast: Han So-hee, Song Kang, Chae Jong-hyeop

Release: June 19, 2021

Honourable mentions

Multitalented actors lent their voices and showcased their standout vocals to the soundtracks of the K-dramas that they starred in.

Synopsis: While You Were Sleeping is a K-drama that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and legal drama. The series gained popularity for its unique storyline and strong performances.

See also: 5 best restaurants to visit in Seoul, according to K-drama star Lee Jong-suk

The drama revolves around three young adults—a field reporter (played by Bae Suzy), a prosecutor (played by Lee Jong-suk), and a police officer (played by Jung Hae-in)—who can see future events in their dreams. These dreams often involve tragic incidents. Troubled by these dreams, the trio collaborate to prevent their ominous dreams from turning into reality and to defeat their archenemy, the corrupt lawyer Lee Yoo-beom (played by Lee Sang-yeob).

Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Lee Sang-yeob, Jung Hae-in

Release: September 27, 2017

Synopsis: Queen of Tears is a K-drama that tells the story of Hong Hae-in (played by Kim Ji-won), the heiress to the Queens Group, and her husband Baek Hyun-woo (played by Kim Soo-hyun), who is the son of the Yongdu-ri village chief. The K-drama revolves around their turbulent marriage and the trials they face together.

Don't miss: Get inspired by these 10 designer furniture items as seen on hit K-drama ‘Queen of Tears’

Despite their differences and the challenges that threaten to tear them apart, they find a way to rekindle their love and discover a miraculous new beginning. The series blends elements of melodrama and romance, delivering a heartfelt narrative about overcoming adversity and the enduring power of love.

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Joo-bin 

Release: March 9, 2024

Synopsis: The Innocent Man (also known as Nice Guy or Chakan Namja) is a K-drama that combines elements of romance, melodrama, and revenge, weaving a complex narrative of betrayal, love, and redemption.

Read more: Song Joong-ki on Netflix, from ‘Vincenzo’ to ‘Descendants of the Sun’

The drama follows the story of Kang Ma-ru (played by Song Joong-ki), a smart and promising medical student who experiences a life-changing betrayal by a girl he loves, Han Jae-hee (played by Park Si-yeon) that leaves him fractured and leads him down a path of revenge and moral ambiguity, resulting in making young chaebol heiress Seo Eun-gi (played by Moon Chae-won) collateral damage along the way.

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Moon Chae-won, Park Si-yeon

Release: September 12, 2012

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