2024 was another year filled with amazing K-drama releases. Out of the countless Korean dramas that came our way this year, here are the favorites that the allkpop staff loved the most!

Demian09: 'The Trunk'

Netflix's 'The Trunk' premiered on November 29th, quickly becoming one of the most captivating dramas in recent memory. With only eight episodes, 'The Trunk' doesn’t waste a second, offering compelling characters, unpredictable twists, and emotional depth that leaves viewers craving more. Seo Hyun Jin delivers an extraordinary performance, infusing her character with such nuance that it's impossible to look away. Meanwhile, Gong Yoo, as magnetic as ever, commands every scene with effortless presence. The series delves into themes of love, trust, and redemption, presenting them in a fresh and profoundly moving way. It's a drama that lingers long after the credits roll.

ean1994: 'Cinderella at 2AM'

A drama with an intelligent female character who isn't ditzy, clumsy, or loud and chaotic? Yes, please. A drama where the female character finally takes the money from her rich boyfriend's mother, and is practical about her relationship? Yes! Brothers who actually help support one another instead of having rivalry? Yes! I loved this drama, it was flirty, light-hearted, and hilarious too. You also can't help but fall in love with each and every character, and I really enjoyed just how well played the second lead romance was too.

Sofia Sayson: 'Pyramid Game'

I'm fond of thriller dramas, and I have high expectations when it comes to such genres. At first, I thought ‘Pyramid Game’ might follow familiar survival mystery tropes. To my surprise, every episode kept me on the edge, anticipating what would come next. The game itself may be somewhat typical, but I do think ‘Pyramid Game’ successfully infused twists that kept me hooked. Although the ending wasn't to my personal liking, it was still an entertaining thriller drama.

MaiaD: 'Love In The Big City'

'Love in the Big City' is the standout drama of 2024, celebrated for its unparalleled representation in an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity, alongside a genuine showcase of the stories and other facets of its characters. The series delves into the complexities of urban relationships, exploring themes of love, identity, and belonging with authenticity and depth. Its bold storytelling, nuanced performances, and commitment to representation make it a groundbreaking work that resonates with audiences while setting a new standard for inclusivity in television.

Jia-Lin: 'When The Phone Rings'

I haven't watched many dramas this year, but 'When the Phone Rings' has completely captured my attention. It strikes the perfect balance of mystery and tension as the male and female leads navigate their relationship while keeping secrets from each other. While it's still an ongoing drama, it's definitely my favorite this year. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds!

Minsoo-Kim: 'The Atypical Family'

Chun Woo Hee’s melodramas never fail. While the pacing may feel slow in the age of short-form content, the direction allows for full immersion in the actors’ performances. On top of that, the effort put into the soundtrack is undeniable. While deeply engrossed in the show, I didn’t even realize there was background music, yet when the drama ended, I found myself unconsciously humming the tunes.

hjang: 'Lovely Runner'

I was looking forward to this because I read the web novel based on it, but I liked the casting of the actors and the way the story was dramatized and transformed.

A-Nish: 'Family by Choice'

It was a really well-made drama full of emotions. I laughed, cried and felt heartache in every episode. The acting by the entire cast, especially Hwang In Yeop, was really good. Although the story lacked in certain places, their genuine acting made up for it. I wished there was more to Sanha’s story, as we didn’t get to see him sharing his inner feelings and struggles with his family. Even till the end, he kept it all to himself. I would have wanted a better closure to his story but overall it was a really heart-warming watch.

Rika-Go: 'When The Phone Rings'

The ongoing drama series 'When the Phone Rings' has already claimed the title of my favorite K-drama of 2024, and with each passing episode, it continues to captivate me and keep me hooked to the screen. What I love most about the drama is its perfect blend of genres—it's not just a mystery thriller but also a deep exploration of human nature, relationships, and the psychological toll of trauma. Plus, the chemistry between the leads is absolutely chef's kiss.

Paul: 'Squid Game' season 2

'Squid Game' season 2 was the only K-drama I watched in 2024, so it wins by default—but honestly, I thought it was a solid season. While reactions were mixed, I enjoyed the new games, intriguing characters, and the twist of the Frontman participating in the action. Gong Yoo was a standout (Spoiler Alert) though he’s gone after the first episode, but the gripping storyline had me binge-watching all the way through. Now, I can’t wait to see what season 3 has in store!

Alec06: 'A Shop For Killers'

'A Shop for Killers' is based on the novel by Kang Ji Young. It features a unique setting, an exciting plot, and action sequences that was truly enjoyable to watch. This stylish new-wave action drama tells the survival story of Ji-an, a young girl who becomes the target of mysterious killers due to the dangerous legacy left behind by his uncle Jin-man, portrayed by actor Lee Dong Wook. It you haven't heard of this drama, I highly recommend you to check it out!

Sophie-HA: 'Death's Game'

This drama premiered in 2023, with its final episodes airing in 2024, making it a fitting inclusion in the 2024 drama section. The story begins with a man who takes his own life and, as punishment, is thrust into a survival game where he must cheat death across twelve reincarnated lives. If he succeeds, he earns a second chance at life, but if he fails, hell awaits him. At first glance, this is a gripping fantasy thriller, and I was hooked by the premise of watching the protagonist, Yi Jae, navigate this intense game of survival. However, by the end of the series, I was deeply moved by the powerful message it delivered. This is a must-watch drama, especially for those who appreciate stories with a deeper meaning.

SEE ALSO: "Squid Game USA & World?" Is Netflix expanding the 'Squid Game' universe with multiple spin-offs?