Korean dramas capture Nigerians’ hearts with their captivating stories, talented actors, and unique blend of genres.
K-dramas, the creative expression of Korean culture with a unique blend of drama, romance and humour, have captivated Nigerian viewers.
With their intriguing stories and distinctive mash-ups of genres, Korean TV shows have emerged as a prominent force.
It’s not just the stories that captivate Nigerians. Korean shows boast a powerhouse of talented actors who bring these characters to life with remarkable authenticity.
Best Korean TV series in 2024
Here’s a list of Korean series that are particularly popular among Nigerians in 2024:
1. Queen of Tears (2024)
Synopsis: The series depicts the crisis and rekindling of love between Hong Hae-in, played by Kim Ji-won, a third-generation chaebol heiress of Queens Group, and Baek Hyun-woo, played by Kim Soo-hyun, the son of farmers from Yongdu-ri, and their three years of marriage.
Director: Jang Young-woo and Kim Hee-won
Cast: Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Lee Joo-bin
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Marry My Husband (2024)
Synopsis: The series begins in 2023 when Kang Ji-won played by Park Min-young, is terminally ill with gastric cancer. After catching her husband, Park Min-hwan played by Lee Yi-kyung, in bed with her best friend, Jeong Su-min, a scuffle ensues in which Ji-won is accidentally killed by Min-hwan.
Ji-won then awakens in the year 2013, having been sent back in time following the intervention of her late father’s spirit. As she relives her life with the same knowledge and information as in the previous timeline, she discovers that to live a better life, she must transfer her misfortune to others. She then resolves to have Su-min marry Min-hwan to exact revenge and escape her miserable fate.
Director: Park Won-guk and Han Jin-seon
Cast: Na In-woo, Song Ha-yoon, and Lee Gi-kwang
Where to watch: Prime Video
3. Doctor Slump (2024)
Synopsis: It is a romantic comedy series about the hate-turned-love relationship of Nam Ha-neul played by Park Shin-hye and Yeo Jeong-woo played by Park Hyung-sik, who had promising prospects in their careers, but fell into a slump due to different circumstances.
Ha-neul and Jeong-woo were high school rivals who despised each other and parted ways after high school. But when they are forced to quit their jobs as doctors, they end up living together at Ha-neul’s house.
Director: Hyun Jong Oh
Cast: Yoon Park, Gong Seong-ha, and Oh Dong-min
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Love Song For Illusion (2024)
Synopsis: The story follows Yeon Wol played by Hong Ye-ji, who hides her identity and becomes an assassin to avenge her family. Her mission is to assassinate the king but she falls into a trap set by an unknown person. She wakes up the next day with no memory of her past and is appointed as the crown prince’s concubine.
Director: Lee Jung-seob
Cast: Park Ji-hoon, Lee Joo-won, Hwang Hee, and Ji Woo
Where to watch: Viki
5. A Killer’s Paradox (2024)
Synopsis: The series follows the story of Lee Tang played by Choi Woo-shik, who was discharged from the army six months ago, struggles with his life and dreams of visiting Canada. He works at a convenience store and relies heavily on his parents for support.
One night, he is assaulted by a customer, leading to a violent confrontation and the subsequent murder of the customer. Tang is guilt-ridden and prepares to turn himself in, but discovers his victim was a serial killer.
Dutiful detective Jang Nan-gam, remains uncooperative and keeps investigating. It is unclear if Nan-gam is onto him, but Tang continues to kill, revealing his hidden talent for accidentally offending evildoers.
The story explores the question of whether Tang is serving justice or evading it.
Director: Lee Chang-hee
Cast: Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-Joon, Kim Yo-han, and Jung Yi-seo
Where to watch: Netflix