The year 2026 marks a special milestone for K drama lovers across the world. A few of the most famous Korean dramas that gave Hallyu wave its worldwide fame will reach their tenth anniversary since their release. Not only did these shows generate record breaking viewership in South Korea, they also exposed international audiences to Korean storytelling, romance, fantasy and thrillers in a very big way.
With epic love stories to mysteries in time, these dramas remain popular and talked about even today. A lot of these K dramas can be found on popular OTTs with ease, so it is high time fans rewatch them or watch them first time ever.
Guardian The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) – Netflix
Often called one of the greatest K dramas ever made, Goblin tells the story of an immortal goblin who is searching for his human bride to end his cursed life. The drama stars Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na. Goblin was a cultural phenomenon with its lyrical plot and heart-warming soundtrack and emotional storytelling. Its love, fate and loss themes continue to touch the viewers a decade later.
Descendants of the Sun – ZEE 5
Descendants of the Sun follows the love story between a special forces officer and a doctor who meet in a war torn country. The medical K drama, which incorporates romance and action, stars Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. It was a huge success in Asia and played a major role in expanding the global popularity of Korean television. The show is also remembered due to its great chemistry, memorable lines and emotional narration.
W: Two Worlds Apart- Amazon MX Player
W Two Worlds offers a unique fantasy thriller where the real world collides with a webtoon universe. Lee Jong Suk portrays a comic book character who comes to life and Han Hyo Joo plays the role of a doctor pulled into his fictional world. The K drama stands out for its creative concept, fast paced plot and suspense filled romance. Even after ten years, its fresh storytelling continues to impress viewers.
The Legend of the Blue Sea – Netflix
This fantasy romance stars Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun and is inspired by a classic Korean folktale. The story revolves around a mermaid who follows her past love into the modern world. The drama is known as having beautiful imagery and humour and emotional scenes; this made it one of the most viewed Korean shows of its era and is still popular among fans of fantasy romance.
The K2 – Amazon Prime Video
The K2 is a political action thriller starring Ji Chang Wook, Song Yoon Ah and Im Yoon Ah. The drama follows a former soldier who becomes a bodyguard and gets entangled in power struggles and corruption. Included in the darker and more serious sides of K drama storytelling were the action-packed scenes and the riveting plot of The K2.
Signal – Netflix
Signal is a crime thriller that connects detectives from the past and present through a mysterious walkie talkie. Starring Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo and Cho Jin Woong, the drama is inspired by real life unsolved cases in South Korea. It is praised for its smart writing, emotional depth and realistic portrayal of crime investigations. Signal has been established as one of the admired thrillers in Korean television history.
Dr. Romantic – Amazon MX Player
Dr Romantic is a medical drama that focuses on a brilliant but unconventional doctor working at a small countryside hospital. The series, which stars Han Suk Kyu, Yoo Yeon Seok and Seo Hyun Jin, addresses medical ethics, mentorship and personal growth. Its good performances and touching tales helped it to become a successful franchise with several seasons.
Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Netflix
Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical fantasy drama that follows a modern woman who travels back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. The drama features Lee Joon Gi, IU, Kang Ha Neul and other leading stars and is characterized by tragic romance and emotional aspects. It had mixed feelings at first, but became a cult among the world.
As these iconic K dramas turn ten in 2026, their legacy remains stronger than ever. Be it romance, fantasy, action or suspense, these shows are able to keep attracting new viewers, and reminding those who like K dramas how they fell in love with these shows in the first place.
Also Read | New OTT Releases This Week: From Romantic Dramas to Gripping Crime Stories, Your Watchlist Is Sorted
