In partnership with FanLife
Because of streaming sites like Netflix and Viu, we almost fail to notice which network our favorite K-dramas come from. We also don’t know much about the ratings in Korea since we’re watching from a different country altogether.
READ: Netflix invests half a billion dollars in Korean content production
However, it’s nice to know which dramas were popular not only to us Filipinos but also to Koreans. Since most of the dramas we watch are on Korea’s cable channels, the dramas in this list are the highest-rated in pay TV (so this excludes free-to-air TV or public broadcasters).
Without further ado, here are the top 6 most-watched dramas on Korea’s cable channels.
1. The World of the Married – JTBC
This infidelity-themed K-drama is the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television despite it being rated 19+. The story follows a married couple whose lives get complicated when the wife discovers her husband is having an affair.
2. Sky Castle – JTBC
This K-drama follows the lives of four women living in the SKY Castle neighbourhood. All of them are living in luxury and most of their lives revolve around making their husbands more successful and trying to get their children accepted into prestigious universities.
3. Crash Landing on You – tvN
The most recent drama in this list is Crash Landing on You, which just ended early last year. CLOY follows the lives of a South Korean heiress and a North Korean soldier. The two fall in love when Se-Ri finds herself in North Korea’s territory via a paragliding accident.
ALSO READ: ‘Crash Landing On You’ stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin reportedly dating
4. Reply 1988 – tvN
A story about family and friendship, Reply 1988 was a hit in Korea. This drama is set in the late 80s and early 90s, and it follows the lives of those living in Ssangmundong as they grow up. Since this is the third installment of the Reply series, its high ratings can also be attributed to the writer.
ALSO READ: Healing K-Dramas to Make You Feel Better During Hard Times
5. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God – tvN
Guardian is Gong Yoo’s first drama series since 2012. He definitely returned with a bang since this K-drama is one of the most viewed in Korean cable television. The story follows the Lonely and Great God as he lives in the modern world looking for his bride. Aside from the two outstanding main leads, the supporting ensemble of characters complete this drama.
6. Mr. Sunshine – tvN
After writing Guardian, writer Kim Eun-sook returned with another hit – Mr. Sunshine. This drama is more on the historical side since it’s set in the time before Japan colonized Korea. Even though the story follows the romance between a Korean-American officer and an aristocrat’s daughter, Mr. Sunshine is much more than a love story.
If you haven’t watched some of the shows on this list, luckily, you can catch all of the above on Netflix!
