2023 is the year of numerous intriguing Korean dramas. Unfortunately, not all of them made it to the top list of best Korean dramas of the year. Join us as we explore 10 of the best Korean dramas with the highest rating in 2023, and see if your favorites are on the list!
Best Korean Dramas with the Highest Rating 2023
Based on Nielsen Korea’s Report
10. Revenant
Placing at the 10th place in the highest-rated Korean dramas of 2023 is “Revenant,”starring Kim Tae Ri and Oh Jung Se. It is an exceptional horror Korean drama that centers on Goo San Yeong (Kim Tae Ri), who repeatedly becomes possessed by a demon, which leads her to unpredictable behaviors.
Alongside folklore professor Yeom Hae Sang (Oh Jung Se), she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind mysterious deaths linked to five sacred objects. This narrative unfolds as a portal to another world, revealing the shocking existence of demons.
Standing out in the K-drama landscape due to its horror theme and led by a prominent cast, “Revenant” achieved an outstanding 11.2% in household ratings and attracted 2.302 million individual viewers.
Watch Revenant on Disney+ and Hulu.
9. Payback
You may not expect this, but “Payback,” starring controversial actor Lee Sun Kyun and Moon Chae Won, has become one of 2023’s highest rating Korean dramas.
“Payback” is a riveting Korean drama about a money trader named Eun Yong, who courageously stands up to the corrupt elite using their power for personal gain. Along with the people who suffer from similar misfortunes, Eun Yong adopts unconventional methods to defeat his powerful foes, operating outside the bounds of the law.
Hence, this intense, business-themed thriller managed to captivate the audience. That is why it garnered impressive ratings on SBS and Amazon Prime, achieving 11.4% viewership and 2.084 million viewers by its 11th episode.
If you haven’t watched this series, you can always start today on Amazon Prime.
8. The Good Bad Mother
It is unfortunate, but “The Good Bad Mother,” starring Ra Mi Ran and Lee Do Hyun, only thrived at #8 of the highest rating Korean dramas in 2023.
Revolving around Young Soon, “The Good Bad Mother” shows how the single mom must raise her son Kang Ho with intense strictness so he wouldn’t stray too much in life as she did. Kang Ho then grew into a cold-hearted adult prosecutor who detested his mother. One day, an unexpected accident caused Kang Ho to suffer from paralysis and amnesia. This accident also caused him to revert to a child-like state, which brought him back to his mother. As a result, they must start over again and begin a new life.
The series, praised for its emotional script and strong performances, especially by Lee Do-Hyun, achieved impressive ratings, especially given its mid-week airing slot. It ranked 25th in household viewership for cable dramas with a 12.03% rating, drawing 2.669 million individual viewers.
Do not miss the heartbreaking bonds between Young Soon and Kang Ho, and watch the series now on Netflix.
7. My Dearest
Next, standing at #7 is “My Dearest,” starring Korean Hulk Namgoong Min, Ahn Eun Jin, and Lee Seung Gi’s treasured and controversial wife, Lee Da In.
Set in the background of the 1600s during the Qing invasion, “My Dearest” presents the touching love story of Lee Jang Hyun (Namgoong Min) and Yoo Gil Chae (Ahn Eun Jin).
This outstanding drama has captivated the viewers’ hearts not only through the storyline but also through various other aspects. From costumes, lighting, action, and post-production, “My Dearest” sets a new benchmark for upcoming historical drama with amazing appeal.
Then, especially after the 7th episode, it gained massive popularity with its narrative and is expected to garner even higher achievement in its ongoing second half since October. With 12.9% ratings, “My Dearest” has become one of the best Korean dramas with the highest ratings in 2023.
And you can watch this amazing series on Amazon Prime.
6. King the Land
Despite all the issues and Arab Prince controversy, “King the Land” has gained massive popularity as one of the best Korean dramas with the highest rating in 2023.
Starring Yoona and Lee Junho, the drama weaves a tale of unexpected love between Gu Won, a chaebol family heir entangled in inheritance disputes, and Cheon Sa Rang, a cheerful staff member at King Hotel.
The dynamic and heartfelt performances of Yoona and Junho have been pivotal in winning audience approval. Despite high expectations, the drama ranked 21st among top cable Kdramas, achieving a 13.79% rating and 3.404 million viewers.
Join Yoona and Lee Junho’s captivating story in “King the Land” on Netflix. Also, you can purchase the DVD version via Amazon.
5. Agency
It’s always intriguing to watch the supremacy of female executives. That is why “Agency,” starring Lee Bo Young and Son Na Eun, climbed up to #5 of the best Korean dramas with the highest rating in 2023.
The 16-episode drama centers on Go Ah In, a woman who rises from modest beginnings to the top of her field over 20 years, only to find her efforts undervalued by superiors. “Agency” keeps the audience engaged with a compelling script and intriguing characters.
The series, diving into the lives of female executives, soared in ratings. It eventually finished 15th in household viewership with a 16.04% rating. As for individual viewers, “Agency” placed 14th with 3.685 million viewers.
Watch “Agency” on Netflix.
4. Dr. Romantic Season 3
Just as in its previous seasons, there is no disappointment in the “Dr. Romantic” series. That is why it climbed to #4 of the best Korean dramas with the highest rating in 2023.
In Season 3, Kim Sabu and his Doldam Hospital team introduced a new trauma center with advanced medical equipment. The series once again depicted medical professionals’ lives, captivating the viewers’ hearts.
While the third season of the “Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim” series maintained high ratings, it didn’t quite reach the heights of its earlier seasons. It concluded with a 16.8% household rating, compared to 27.6% and 27.1% for the first and second seasons.
In the meantime, “Dr. Romantic” Season 3 is available at Disney+, but you can always purchase the DVD at Amazon.
3. Crash Course in Romance
Impressively reaching #3 is “Crash Course in Romance,” starring Jeon Do Yeon and Jung Kyung Ho.
The drama revolves around Nam Haeng Seon, a former athlete and banchan shop owner with a vibrant personality. She unexpectedly enters the world of private education to assist her niece and forms an unlikely alliance with Choi Chi Yeol, a demanding celebrity lecturer. This encounter then leads to a surprise romance.
Celebrated for its fresh take on education and rich, realistic character development, the series achieved a noteworthy final episode rating of 17.03%. It placed 11th among cable dramas and 9th in individual viewership with 4.329 million.
Watch “Crash Course in Romance” on Netflix.
2. Doctor Cha
The #2 of best Korean dramas with the highest rating in 2023 is impressively held by the underdog series, “Doctor Cha”.
The series focuses on Cha Jung Sook (Uhm Jung Hwa), a 47-year-old who has been a housewife for two decades. One day, she loses her trust in her husband due to a crisis and his infidelity. That is why she reclaims her independence by resuming her medical career as a hospital intern.
Highlighting Cha Jung Sook’s journey of self-discovery and professional revival, “Doctor Cha” achieved significant success. The drama ranked 7th in household viewership among cable Korean dramas with an 18.55% rating despite its controversy. Not only that, but it also placed 10th in individual viewership, attracting 4.088 million viewers.
Meanwhile, if you’re wondering what’s so good about this drama, you can watch “Doctor Cha” on Netflix.
1. Taxi Driver Season 2
Finally, the first place among the highest rating Korean dramas in 2023 goes to “Taxi Driver” Season 2, starring Lee Je Hoon and Pyo Ye Jin.
In Season 2, Kim Do Gi and his Rainbow Taxi team embark on a mission to find a Korean teenager who disappeared in Vietnam. This mission leads him to uncover an international criminal ring running an online gambling site, trapping Koreans into slavery. Eventually, they began to unravel the mysteries behind all the cases that started the company in the first place.
The sequel of “Taxi Driver” outperformed its predecessor, garnering a 21.0% household rating and 4.005 million individual viewers. This is a significant increase from the first season’s 16.0% and 3.117 million viewers.
“Taxi Driver” season 2 is available on Amazon Prime.
So, which of these highest rating Korean dramas 2023 is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
The items recommended in this list are all selected independently by our editor. However, Kpoppost may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links.
Source: Nielsen Korea.
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