The 16 Best K-dramas on Hulu in December 2024

Hulu offers a collection of Korean dramas that are particularly captivating and enjoyable. For anyone keen on picking up Korean, these shows also serve as excellent learning resources.

Below is my selection of the top and newest K-dramas you can watch on this streaming service.

1. Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023)

The mythical realm of Arth is engulfed in turmoil, and its leadership is perpetually uncertain. A lone warrior aims to revive his people and spearhead a revolt against the cruel monarch who has declared himself the sole, supreme leader.

This series instantly captured my interest, as I had never encountered a K-drama set in an "ancient fantasy" world before. "Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun" serves as a follow-up to the 2019 original, so I suggest viewing that initial season before starting this one (Note: the first season does not appear to be on Hulu currently).

I believe enthusiasts of shows such as "Game of Thrones" would discover much to appreciate here, from the imaginative character creations and intense combat sequences to the somber political themes.

2. Big Mouth (2022)

Park Chang-ho is a lawyer with a mediocre record, jokingly called “Big Mouth” because he talks a lot.

His life is thrown into chaos after he gets mixed up in a murder investigation and is mistakenly identified as the notorious swindler "Big Mouse." To safeguard his family, he delves into a complex network of deceit and plots within the upper class.

Despite the grave premise, the show includes numerous humorous instances that soften its dark atmosphere. The action sequences are equally exciting. For those who appreciate mystery with a touch of comedy, I suggest giving this one a watch.

3. Call It Love (2023)

Learning that her late father had a hidden lover was difficult, but when Sim Woo-joo is forced out of her home by this same woman, she becomes determined to seek vengeance. However, her spiteful scheme goes off course when she starts falling for the woman's son.

While melodrama isn't usually my preferred genre, "Call It Love" possesses a genuineness that makes the emotional struggles meaningful and the gentle scenes genuinely touching. Additionally, the visual style and camera work are notably refined for a romantic show.

4. Big Bet (2022)

After departing from Korea, Cha Mu-sik rises to become a prosperous casino owner in the Philippines. But when he is framed for a murder and pursued by law enforcement, Cha Mu-sik must calculate every move to ensure his survival.

The narrative draws inspiration from a true story about a Korean individual who operated a casino network in the Philippines. That fact alone grabbed my interest, but it was the outstanding performances (you can't miss with the renowned Choi Min-sik, star of "Oldboy") and compelling storyline that kept me engaged throughout.

5. Connect (2022)

Ha Dong-soo leads a simple and quiet existence, until he is abducted by a black-market organ harvester and loses an eye.

Yet he acquires a strange new sense: he can now "connect" to the vision of the person who has his eye. As fate would have it, the eye is now with a vicious serial killer, and Dong-soo is resolved to put an end to his lethal spree.

The series is dark and gruesome, though not excessively so. I found "Connect" intriguing due to how distinctly it differed from most other K-dramas in its plot, themes, and overall mood. If you like supernatural elements and body horror, this could be the series for you.

6. Doctor Lawyer (2022)

Following a false accusation of medical negligence, brilliant surgeon Han Yi-han has his license revoked. He finds a new path by becoming a lawyer focused on medical law. Teaming up with a prosecutor, he strives to defend the rights and respect of those he represents.

One might think doctors practicing as lawyers in medical cases would be more common, but "Doctor Lawyer" illustrates the distinct separation between these two fields. The show is filled with tense drama that can captivate viewers, regardless of their interest in medicine or law.

7. Dr. Romantic (2016)

Famous surgeon Kim Sabu vanishes from public view after unexpectedly resigning from his prestigious role at a major hospital.

Now going by Teacher Kim, or "Dr. Romantic," he is employed at a modest rural hospital. He mentors two young doctors, showing them the value of compassion and dedication in healthcare.

This is another medical-themed show (with three seasons!), but with a distinctly different feel. "Dr. Romantic" features a strong ensemble of characters and their individual journeys. However, don't be misled by the gentle summary—the show presents remarkably realistic surgical details that might be unsettling for some viewers.

8. Kiss Sixth Sense (2022)

Whenever Hong Ye-sul kisses a person, she receives a vision of their future. But after an accidental kiss with her stern boss, she is stunned to see a future scene that includes herself. To make matters worse, they both appear to be in a very intimate situation. What could this unsettling premonition mean?

Adapted from a well-known webtoon, "Kiss Sixth Sense" is an amusing and breezy comedy that maintains a light tone. This makes it a solid option for those seeking more relaxed viewing. I'm certain it appeals to romance lovers as it includes many beloved tropes that induce swooning.

9. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)

A mermaid from the Joseon period finds herself transported to the modern world. Upon meeting a clever scam artist, she feels a profound and immediate bond. But what is the nature of their connection when they originate from different eras?

The plot is inspired by an old Korean folk story about a mermaid and a fisherman. Usually, I steer clear of time-travel narratives (they can be so complex!), but "The Legend of the Blue Sea" is straightforward and pleasurable.

It maintains a cheerful and affectionate vibe from start to finish. Naturally, the highlight is the vibrant and often humorous dynamic between the main characters.

10. May It Please the Court (2023)

Noh Chak-hee is a tenacious lawyer: focused, determined, and unwavering. But after an arrest, she loses her elite job and becomes a lower-level public defender.

The change is even more irritating because her colleague, public defender Jwa Si-baek, annoys her. However, when the pair is assigned to a murder case, they must collaborate to uphold the law and uncover the truth.

The series is derived from a book written by a real Korean public defender, so the courtroom scenes contain authentic legal details. As someone who enjoys watching actual court cases, I found those parts particularly absorbing and thought the overall story was very engaging. The clever and lively rapport between the two leads is an added bonus.

11. Moving (2023)

Three high school students receive superpowers from their parents. The youths' ordinary lives become strange and perilous as they become the focus of shadowy groups.

The program is based on a webtoon of the same name. I find "Moving" a fitting title because the show is dynamic in multiple ways. It combines significant character growth with stunning action, while also making room for slower, emotionally charged segments.

12. The First Responders (2022)

Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics: the three essential services at any emergency. This series tracks the distinct viewpoints of three individuals, one from each service, as they collaborate to rescue people.

I personally know people in emergency services, so I started "The First Responders" with certain assumptions. The tone is certainly not lighthearted, and realism is sometimes sacrificed for dramatic effect, but it was undoubtedly exciting and fast-moving.

I particularly enjoyed the natural chemistry among the three main characters—they are never dull on screen, and one can only wish that real-life first responders could coordinate so seamlessly.

13. Revenge of Others (2022)

Ok Chan-mi's twin brother dies at his high school, officially ruled a suicide. But Chan-mi is sure there is more to the story. She enrolls at her brother's school to uncover the truth, focusing on a particular student who acts as a vigilante for bullying victims.

"Revenge of Others" is aimed at a teenage audience, but that didn't prevent me from appreciating the intense school-centered plot. I enjoy mysteries, particularly those that deliver the satisfying feel of justice being served.

This show is not only gratifying to watch—it also highlights social issues and boldly portrays the prevalent problems of social pressure and bullying in Korea.

14. Revenant (2023)

Gu San-yeong is a typical, hard-working woman... until she is inhabited by a malevolent spirit and begins to experience a streak of bad luck.

She attracts the attention of Yeom Hye-sang, a folklore professor who also has the ability to see spirits. Joining forces, they look into a string of bizarre deaths in their community.

Ghosts, demons, folklore: these three elements drew me to this show right away, and it met my expectations. "Revenant" is authentically creepy and skilled at horror, but it offers more than just scares. It includes its own set of surprises that any viewer, not only horror fans, can enjoy.

15. Vigilante (2023)

Kim Ji-yong, a dedicated police academy student, conceals a sinister secret: when not acting as a model cadet, he operates as a mysterious vigilante, pursuing criminals according to his own rules. His unauthorized activities are monitored by a police task force intent on capturing him.

Another adaptation of a webtoon, "Vigilante" presents a grim, punitive narrative that will keep you mentally and visually engaged. The rapid pace of the series stimulates thought, offering viewers sensory entertainment while also raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of justice.

16. The Worst of Evil (2023)

Rural police officer Park Jun-mo is frustrated with being measured against his wife, a top agent in Seoul. He tries to demonstrate his value by going undercover to probe a vast international drug network. However, his distinguished wife is also assigned to dismantle the involved cartels.

I anticipated a show about a crime-fighting couple handing out arrests to lawbreakers. Instead, I encountered a story that was far more intricate, powerful, and morally ambiguous. I won't reveal more, but I can assure you it's a violent, exciting ride that will maintain your attention and curiosity from beginning to end.

Make the most of your Hulu subscription (or the platform's free trial!) without delay.

If you're also interested in learning Korean, you can explore the program Lingflix, which features numerous K-drama clips equipped with interactive subtitles. Lingflix uses real-world videos—such as music videos, movie trailers, news, and motivational talks—and converts them into customized language learning sessions. You can test Lingflix free for 2 weeks. Visit the website or get the iOS app or Android app. P.S. Click here to benefit from our current promotion! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Settle into your sofa, get comfortable, and start streaming these shows immediately before they leave the platform. I'm confident you'll discover several favorites from this list!

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