2021 New Korean Dramas On Netflix We All Need To Watch Right Now

We've all had that period in 2020, at one point or another, where we stayed home and watched shows on Netflix all day.

Will this year be any different? Of course, we'd like to move around on our free will, but with these new Korean dramas in store, we'll probably have moments of Netflix binge-watching in the year 2021 too!

Remember, we update the list constantly, so be sure to check the list on a regular basis to see what new shows have come out. Also, do keep in mind that Netflix's content availability tends to differ by country.

Hellbound
지옥

Source: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Dark Fantasy

Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-ah, Kim Hyun-joo

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 6

Running Time: 42-60 minutes

Source: Netflix

Hellbound is based on a webtoon of the same name and became the world's most watched Netflix series the day after its release, surpassing Squid Game. It takes place in Korea where supernatural beings show up and condemn people to Hell. Yoo Ah-in plays the leader of religious order New Truth Society, who plays on people's fears to gain power.

This drama centers around this cult and those investigating the cult and these supernatural events.

Squid Game
오징어 게임

Source: Netflix

Genre: Action, Survival

Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-jun, Jung Ho-yeon

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 9

Running Time: 32-63 minutes

Source: Netflix

Upon release, this intense survival drama made it into Netflix's top 10 rankings worldwide and is the first Korean series to rank #1 in the US.

One day, people struggling in life receive a mysterious invitation to participate in a game where they can win 45.6 billion won (approx. 38.7 million USD). But what is the truth behind this game? And what will people gain and lose after participating?

The players soon realize it won't be as simple as they thought to make it through all 6 stages.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
갯마을 차차차

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice Of Life

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

Release Date: August 28, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: 75 minutes

This drama is a remake of the 2004 Korean movie Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong.

Shin Min-a plays Yoon Hye-jin, a pretty dentist who has to move to a little village by the sea after losing her job. 

There, she meets Hong Du-shik, played by Kim Seon-ho, who is very kind and respected in the town for always helping elders and doing tasks for his neighbors.

Watch to see how their relationship grows. 

D.P.
디피

Genre: Drama

Cast: Jung Hae-in, Kim Sung-kyun, Koo Kyo-hwan

Release Date: August 27, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 6

Running Time: 50 minutes

Jung Hae-in along with Koo Kyo-hwan, who played the role of Captain Seo in the movie Peninsula, star as soldiers on the D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) team who are tasked with tracking down military deserters. Just the thought of the handsome Jung Hae-in and Koo Kyo-hwan in military uniforms is enough to have us excited!

Get a look at the dark side of the Korean military and the realities, like bullying, faced by new recruits.

You Are My Spring
너는 나의 봄

Genre: Thriller, Romance, Mystery

Cast: Seo Hyun-jin, Kim Dong-wook, Yoon Park, Nam Gyu-ri

Release Date: July 5, 2021

Running Time: 70 minutes

Unlike what the title suggests, I was shocked to find out in the first episode that this drama actually involves a murder mystery!

Two of the main characters move into a building where someone was recently killed. The story of people who all faced childhood trauma unfolds.

There is a perfect mix of drama and mystery, and the cinematography is highly praised as well.

KINGDOM: Ashin Of The North
킹덤 아신전

Genre: Zombies, Action, Drama

Cast: Jun Ji-hyun, Park Byung-eun

Release Date: July 23, 2021

Running Time: 93 minutes

Okay, so we're just talking one special episode here, but we have been passionately waiting on season 3 of this zombie drama, and it's really exciting to hear of this new spin-off.

The special episode is not as lengthy and packed with stories as the previous two seasons at just 93 minutes long, but we get a closer look into Ashin and her perspective of the zombie-filled Korea.

Writer Kim Eun-hee says that Ashin is one of the most significant characters in the story and that she wanted to make the special episode to share the world of Ashin (played by Jun Ji-hyun).

So Not Worth It
내일 지구가 망해버렸으면 좋겠어

Genre: Comedy, Sitcom

Starring: Park Se-wan, Shin Hyun-seung, Choi Young-jae, Minnie, Han Hyun-min

Release Date: June 18, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 12

Running Time: 35 minutes

This sitcom takes place in an international dorm of a university in Seoul. The director Kwon Ik-joon is the one who produced classic sitcoms including Three Guys And Three Girls and the Nonstop series.

Korea is long overdue for a good sitcom and we're looking forward to this one!

Move To Heaven
무브 투 헤븐: 나는 유품정리사입니다

Genre: Drama

Starring: Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang, Hong Seung-hee

Release Date: May 14, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 10

Running Time: 50 minutes

A teenager with Asperger's syndrome and his uncle, who suddenly appears after the death of the teenager's father, continue to run the family business together as trauma cleaners.

They clear out the possessions of the deceased and the many stories and emotions of the dead are uncovered.

Click To Learn More About Move To Heaven.

Mine
마인

Genre: Drama

Starring: Lee Bo-young, Kim Seo-hyung, Lee Hyun-wook

Release Date: May 8, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: 65 minutes

Daughters-in-law of a large conglomerate family and their happiness are put to test when a maid and a tutor start working for the family.

The maid and the tutor as well as the wealthy family members all hold big secrets that slowly unfold.

Mad For Each Other
이 구역의 미친 x

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Starring: Jung Woo, Oh Yeon-seo, Baik Ji-won

Release Date: May 24, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: N/A

Running Time: 30 minutes

A man and a woman, who are next-door neighbours, happen to share a psychiatrist and keep crossing ways.

With personalities that are complete polar opposites, comic drama unfolds between the two.

Navillera
나빌레라

Genre: Drama

Starring: Park In-hwan, Song Kang, Na Moon-hee

Release Date: March 22, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 12

Running Time: 60 minutes

Based on the popular webtoon with the same name, the story shows a 70-year-old man with a dream and a 23-year-old ballerino who has been facing life's burdens for a while.

The combination of veteran actors and young up-and-comers including Song Kang who is considered the son of Netflix has filled with viewers with anticipation.

Law School
로스쿨

Genre: Crime, Drama

Starring: Kim Myung-min, Kim Beom, Ryu Hye-young

Release Date: April 14, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: 60 minutes

A professor is murdered at a prestigious law school. A strict law professor and his aspiring students go through a series of legal disputes to identify the true culprit.

Many viewers are saying that the plot is quite similar to the American TV series How To Get Away With Murder. If you liked the show, check this K-drama out too!

Beyond Evil
괴물

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Starring: Yeo Jin-goo, Shin Ha-kyun, Choi Dae-hoon

Release Date: February 19, 2021

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: 65 minutes

The plot revolves around two policemen who chase the serial killer of a cold case from 20 years ago that resurfaced in a suburban town.

When the two policemen start working together, killings start happening again, causing the two to be suspicious of each other.

Love Alarm
좋아하면 울리는

Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy

Starring: Kim So-hyun, Jung Ga-ram, Song Kang

Release Date: March 12, 2021

Seasons: 2

Episodes: 8 (Season 1), 6 (Season 2)

Running Time: 50 minutes

The first season of Love Alarm was received overwhelmingly positive reviews when it aired on Netflix, but the ending left many fans with questions. To everyone’s delight, they confirmed a second season, and the filming has already wrapped up.  

Let this relaxing drama full of sweet romance bring some joy to your every day. 

She Would Never Know
선배 그 립스틱 바르지 마요

Genre: Romance, Drama

Cast: Won Jin-ah, Rowoon, Lee Hyun-wook

Season: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: 65 minutes

This drama unfolds as the perfect guy with a great sense of style and values goes after someone his senior at the office.

Sisyphus: The Myth
시지프스

Genre: Action, Adventure

Cast: Park Shin-hye, Cho Seung-woo

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: Around 70 minutes

Sisyphus: The Myth is a fantasy mystery drama that shows the journey of Han Tae-sul, a genius engineer who tries to uncover the existence of a hidden identity in our world, and Kang Seo-hae, a saviour who has travelled a long and dangerous path for him.

It's a special drama produced to honour JTBC's 10th anniversary. Plus, Park Shin-hye, who celebrated the audience's welcoming response to the movie The Call in 2020, will come back to the K-drama scene this year.

Vincenzo
빈센조

Source: Namu Wiki

Genre: Action, Drama

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, Ok Taec-yeon

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 20

Running Time: Around 75 minutes

Vincenzo, presented by a stellar cast, tells the story of a Mafia strategist and lawyer (Song Joong-ki) who fled from Italy to South Korea.

He meets Jeon Yeo-bin, a top lawyer with a vicious tongue and a strong desire to win. The two will fight evil together and carry out their own justice.

In addition, Ok Taec-Yeon is an intern at the same law firm. He trusts Yeo-Bin's character infinitely and feels inexplicable hostility towards Song Joong-Ki.

The drama is a black comedy with action and drama that everyone is excited for.

Hello, Me!
안녕? 나야!

Source: KBS

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Cast: Choi Gang-hee, Kim Young-kwang

Season: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: 60 minutes

Bahn Hani (played by Choi Gang-hee), a 37-year-old timid office worker who tries to stay invisible at most times, gets a visit from her 17-year-old self (Lee Re) and gets reminded of how free-spirited and outgoing she used to be.

This time travel drama also shows an immature character named Han Yu-hyeon (Kim Young-kwang) from an extremely wealthy family.

Yu-hyeon and Hani's first encounter happens at the police station where they are both turned in and we're excited to see how the story will unfold from there!

Love (Ft. Marriage & Divorce)
결혼작사 이혼작곡

Source: Namu Wiki

Genre: Drama, Romance

Cast: Sung Hoon, Lee Tae-gon, Park Joo-mi

Season: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: Around 70 minutes

Three women in their 30s, 40s and 50s seem to live perfectly happy lives until their marriages take weird turns. They struggle to regain their happiness while all making difficult decisions for their marriages.

This drama set a record for the highest-viewed TV Chosun drama from its first episode by reaching 6.9% in viewer rating.

A Love So Beautiful
아름다웠던 우리에게

Genre: Teenage Romance, Romantic Comedy, Drama

Cast: Kim Yo-han, So Joo-yeon, Yeo Hoi-hyun

Season: 1

Episodes: 24

Running Time: Around 23 minutes

A remake from a popular 2017 Chinese drama with the same title (致我们单纯的小美好), the Korean version of the adorable story takes place in a high school in Korea. Both versions are available on Netflix and are highly recommended!

A teenage girl is openly in love with her next-door neighbour who's in the same grade as her and constantly states he doesn't like her back.

How will the story between the two unfold as they grow into young adulthood?

Lovestruck In The City
도시남녀의 사랑법

Source: Namu Wiki

Genre: Romance, Drama

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Kim Ji-won, Kim Min-seok

Season: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: Around 30 minutes

Park Jae-wook, a passionate architect falls in love with a free-spirited woman on a beach getaway. 

Moreover, the way the drama tells the story is quite interesting as it follows around a number of young Koreans and their love life in a video interview form.

Each episode is only around 30 minutes long, so it's a great light watch to go with your snacks!

The Uncanny Counter
경이로운 소문

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Action

Cast: Cho Byeong-kyu, Yu Jun-sang, Kim Se-jeong

Season: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: Around 60 minutes

Original story by a popular webtoon, the Counters are noodle shop employees by day and demon hunters by night.

They have the ability to chase down evil spirits that prey on humans, while their stylish uniforms are matching sweatpants and sweatshirts.

As they discover that their stories from the past are entangled, they work together to bring justice back to the society dirtied by evil spirits and wicked humans.

Click here to find out more about Uncanny Counters!

Run On
런온

Source: Money Today

Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy

Cast: Yim Si-wan, Shin Sae-kyeong, Choi Soo-young

Season: 1

Episodes: 16

Running Time: Around 70 minutes

The drama tells a story of a national track star (played by Yim Si-wan) and a movie translator (Shin Sae-kyeong), as their paths coincidentally cross multiple times.

As a side note, the filming of the drama faced delays when a staff member was confirmed to have Covid-19 on September 28th and a Covid case broke out once again in the apartment building Yim Si-wan lives in.

We're glad to see the drama air now!

Which drama would you want to watch first?

Oh, and if you need more recommendations or want to find out what's coming up next, check out the articles below!