Furthermore, Netflix itself began investing heavily in original South Korean productions, following the growth of the so-called Hallyu, also known as the "Korean Wave", which already impacts music, fashion, beauty and entertainment on a global scale.
Below, you can check five K-dramas that stood out as some of the most watched on the platform and understand why they became so popular.
Squid Game
The biggest phenomenon in Netflix history
When Squid Game premiered in 2021, few imagined that the South Korean production would become the most-watched series in Netflix history. Within weeks, the title crossed borders and dominated social media, cultural debates and even costume and fashion trends.
The plot follows hundreds of indebted people who agree to participate in seemingly childish games in exchange for a billionaire prize. The problem is that losing means paying with your own life.
The series starring Lee Jung-jae drew attention not only for its intense suspense, but also for its strong social criticism about inequality, debt and financial desperation — themes that resonate with audiences from various countries.
Why did Squid Game become such a hit?
The success came from the combination of impactful narrative and social identification. Despite an extreme premise, the story reflects real issues, such as indebtedness, social exclusion and economic inequality.
Another important factor was Netflix's global reach, which allowed the production to reach dozens of markets simultaneously, including Brazil, where the K-drama quickly became one of the most discussed topics.
Queen of Tears
The romantic K-drama that broke records
Among the most talked-about romances in recent years, Queen of Tears established itself as one of the recent successes of South Korean drama. The plot follows Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in, a couple facing a serious marriage crisis after three years together. When a devastating diagnosis completely changes their lives, they must revisit old feelings and decide if it's still worth fighting for their relationship.
With performances by Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won, the K-drama achieved high ratings and became one of Netflix's most discussed titles.
The emotional appeal that conquered the audience
The difference lies in the mix of family drama, mature romance and real relationship conflicts. Unlike idealized romances, the series addresses issues such as emotional exhaustion, pride and reconciliation.
This type of approach usually generates strong identification with adult audiences, especially among viewers seeking deeper and emotionally dense stories.
The Glory
An intense drama about revenge and justice
The Glory is one of the most impactful K-dramas available on the platform and also one of the most discussed among fans of the genre.
The protagonist, played by Song Hye-kyo, suffered extreme school violence during her youth and spends years planning meticulous revenge against her former aggressors.
The narrative is dense, tense and extremely well-constructed, addressing delicate themes with depth and strong emotional impact.
