Picture this: I am in a crowded room, soft jazz playing somewhere in the background, holding a drink I haven’t touched. Someone casually mentions “new dramas these days,” and I drift off...staring into the distance like a character in an indie film. “Back then,” I say, unprompted, “stories took their time. Feelings lingered. OSTs ruined your life.” No one asked, but everyone listens.
With the 2016 throwback trend taking over the internet, I knew this was my time to shine, to ramble unapologetically about what is hands down one of the BEST. BEST. BEST. years in K-drama history.
If you are a new k-drama fan, congratulations, you just hit a goldmine. Some of these dramas might spark very different conversations if they were released in 2026, but in their time, they were perfect. At least, they were perfect to me.
So buckle up, we are going back in time. Here’s a list of the best K-dramas of 2016 - 16 shows that defined the year. If you have not given them a chance yet, I am sure you will find some of your all time favourites in this list. I know I did.
10 Best Korean Dramas of 2025
1. Reply 1988
2. Goblin
3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
4. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
5. Signal
6. Dr. Romantic
7. Hwarang
8. The K2
9. W
10. The Legend of the Blue Sea
11. Hello, My Twenties
12. Descendants of the Sun
13. Something About 1%
14. Don't Dare to Dream
15. Uncontrollably Fond
16. Cheese in the Trap
The 16 K-Dramas That Made 2016 Iconic
1. Reply 1988
Genre: Slice of Life, Coming of Age, Light hearted
Starring: Lee Hye Ri, Go Kyung Pyo, Park Bo Gum, Ryu Jun Yeol, Lee Dong Hwi
Where to Watch: Netflix
I haven’t really left Ssangmun-dong in ten years. Even when I have lived in different cities and moved through various stages of my life, this block and these people have been there, quietly comforting me. Reply 1988 is about five friends and their families who live on the same block - Ssangmun-dong.
It’s a nostalgia-filled story set in a time I wasn’t even born into - in a city I have never been to - yet it somehow feels like home. And that’s the beauty of this drama. If you haven’t watched it yet, you are about to meet some of your best friends. I hope you enjoy your stay because once you enter Ssangmun-dong, it stays with you, wherever you go.
2. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
Starring: Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
Most K-drama fans meet Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, also known as Goblin, at the very start of their K-drama journey. Even after a decade, it remains one of the most popular and widely watched K-dramas to date - and for very good reason!
Gong Yoo delivers one of the most iconic performances of his career, balancing quiet sorrow, humor, and warmth in a way that makes it impossible not to fall in love with him. And just when you think the drama couldn’t get any better, it introduces the Grim Reaper - another unforgettable character brought to life by the equally brilliant Lee Dong Wook. This was truly perfect casting; no one could have played these roles better. Their chemistry, bickering, and unexpected bromance add so much heart to the story that it often rivals the romance itself.
Goblin is a true blockbuster. It has everything you could want in a drama: exceptional writing, immaculate cinematography, incredible OST, comedy, romance, friendship, fantasy, action, and much more! It will make you laugh, and it will absolutely make you cry. If you still have not watched it, what are you even doing?
3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Melodrama
Starring: IU, Lee Joon Gi, Kang Ha Neul
Where to Watch: Viki
This was the historical drama that made me fall in love with the genre. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo follows a woman who is transported back in time to the early days of the Goryeo Dynasty, during King Taejo’s reign. Thrown into the middle of a brutal power struggle among princes, she must navigate love, loyalty, and survival in a world where every choice has consequences.
IU and Lee Joon Gi are the heart and soul of the drama, delivering performances so raw and impactful that you can’t help but love them (and cry with them). Also, the OST was absolutely beautiful.
That said, this isn’t a drama for everyone. Even I am not sure I would have loved it the same way if I had watched it today. It was perfect for its time and perfect for me. This is the kind of drama that breaks your heart once, and then stays with you forever. Even a decade later, I still find myself wishing for a modern-day adaptation set in the present timeline.
4. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Genre: Sports, Romance, University, Comedy
Starring: Lee Sung Kyung, Nam Joo Hyuk
Where to Watch: Netflix
Everything about Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is cute...in the best possible way. The story, the characters, the relationships, even the little everyday moments come together to create something really sweet and comforting. While it may look like a romcom on the surface, the drama is also about athletes striving to become the best in the world.
Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk are effortlessly charming and incredibly well-matched, making their friends-to-lovers journey feel warm, awkward, and deeply relatable. Even years later, it still feels like a warm hug and one of those dramas you return to when you want to feel lighter after an exhausting day.
5. Signal
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Si-Fi
Starring: Lee Je Hoon, Joo Jin Woong, Kim Hye Soo
Where to Watch: Netflix
Signal is a crime mystery that connects two detectives across different timelines through a mysterious walkie-talkie. The connection from the past to the present allows them to solve long-forgotten cold cases (inspired by real-life Korean cold cases, by the way).
But Signal is far more than a show about catching criminals. What really sets it apart is how deeply human it feels. The performances are outstanding - you feel their pain, guilt, hope, and frustration, and that emotional weight grounds the show’s high-concept premise beautifully.
The time-travel element is surprisingly handled with incredible care, showing how even the smallest change in the past can ripple into something much bigger in the future. The drama also maintains a near-perfect pace without ever feeling rushed or dragged, so if you are looking for a binge-able drama, this will be a perfect show to start.
6. Dr. Romantic
Genre: Medical Drama
Starring: Han Seok Kyu, Yoo Yeon Seok, Seo Hyun Jin
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
Dr. Romantic is a surprisingly heartfelt, quirky medical drama that tries to answer one simple question: What does it mean to be a good doctor? A lot of people misunderstand this to be a romance drama because of the title. Sure, there is romance in this drama, but the “romantic” in Dr. Romantic isn’t about love between characters. It’s about the way a romantic sees the world with ideals, obsession, and a stubborn kind of hope.
Set in a small, underfunded hospital, the drama focuses on a team of doctors and medical staff who are trying to do their very best, even when it’s inconvenient. At the centre of it is Doctor Kim Sabu (played by the amazing Han Seok Kyu) - an unconventional mentor and a gifted surgeon. His passion and ideals not only lift this show, it also develop the characters around him. You can't help but love and admire him. This is the kind of show that ends up feeling like a family that you can keep coming back to. Also, this drama has 2 more seasons after this for you stay with this family.
7. Hwarang
Genre: Historical, Action, Comedy, Romance
Starring: Park Seo Joon, Park Hyung Sik, Go A Ra
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
Kim Taehyung is in it. If you are a regular reader here, you already know I am an ARMY - so Hwarang naturally holds a special place in my heart. It dropped back in 2016, right as I was first discovering BTS, so the nostalgia factor is incredibly high for me. But fangirling aside, this is genuinely a drama worth your time.
Hwarang is a youth historical about friendship, identity, and coming-of-age. Set in the Silla era, it follows a group of elite young men training to be warriors and learning what it actually means to lead. The brotherhood is the real heartbeat of the show; even when the plot wobbles a bit, you can’t help but get attached to them. It’s not a dense, heavy historical epic - it’s warm, youthful, and full of moments that make you root for the characters. If you go in expecting 'vibes' over gritty realism, Hwarang definitely delivers.
8. The K2
Genre: Action, Romance
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Song Yoon Ah, Lim Yoon A
Where to Watch: Viki
The K2 is messy, dramatic, and unapologetically extra drama. It’s a political action thriller packed with power games, passion, and loyalty. The drama features some of the most impressive action sequences, with Ji Chang Wook (my husband, hehe) right at the center of it all. He is truly the undisputed king of the genre - even when he insists on leaving the genre behind.
It is also one of the rare dramas where someone actually matches Ji Chang Wook’s energy and star power: Song Yoon Ah. Even as a morally grey character, she completely commands the screen - you simply can’t look away. Her chemistry with Ji Chang Wook was so electric that it even overshadowed the actual romance of this show.
Is The K2 perfect? Not at all. I would happily delete a few characters and unnecessary plot points. But even with its flaws, it’s gripping, stylish, and wildly entertaining. A decade later, I still haven’t found another drama that captures this exact action–romance–thriller energy.
9. W
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Thriller
Starring: Lee Jong Suk, Han Hyo Joo
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
Ah, those days when K-dramas dared to be fun and different. They didn't always make sense, but they were entertaining regardless. W was one of those dramas. It was not perfect by any means. But it had a great concept, and the actors made it worth your while. The drama follows a woman who gets pulled into a webtoon world created by her father, there she gets entangled in a murder mystery involving the story's hero.
This is probably one of the few misses in Lee Jong Suk's near-perfect K-drama catalogue, but just because it is not perfect doesn't mean I won't recommend it. It was a very unique show of its time, and it was a great attempt. I think if you can turn off your brain and just want to be entertained, give this drama a try - you never know, you might end up really liking it.
10. The Legend of the Blue Sea
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
Starring: Jun Ji Hyun, Lee Min Ho
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Legend of the Blue Sea is the legendary drama that birthed some of the most iconic memes in K-dramas. Truly, top-tier unserious drama with a serious fantasy scenario. If I am being honest, I didn't appreciate it enough when it was airing. Looking back, though, I get it. I GET IT. I also miss this era of K-drama where the show just had fun. If it were made in 2026, I am pretty sure they would have made this show too boring and serious. Unfortunately, they no longer make shows like this anymore.
The story follows reincarnated, star-crossed lovers (a mermaid and a man) across two timelines: the Joseon era and the present day. The Joseon timeline serves as a dramatic, almost tragic backdrop, while the modern-day story leans more into comedy and romance, giving the drama its signature tonal contrast.
Jun Ji Hyun is effortlessly beautiful and ethereal, making her the perfect mermaid. Her comic timing is always such an unexpected delight to watch. Lee Min Ho also embodied his dual roles with ease and brought a distinct charisma to both versions of his character.
The Legend of the Blue Sea had everything going for it, but sadly, the writing didn’t manage to keep up with its potential. It would have benefited from being a few episodes shorter and more tightly edited. That said, I would still recommend it if you want to revisit what made K-dramas feel so magical in that era.
11. Hello, My Twenties
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
Starring: Park Eun Bin, Ryu Hwa Young, Han Ye Ri, Han Seung Yeon, Park Hye Soo
Where to Watch: Netflix
Hello, My Twenties! - also known as Age of Youth - is the story of five women living together under one roof. It’s a true hidden gem and, in my opinion, a near-perfect drama. This is one of the most beautiful portrayals of found family and women supporting women that I have ever watched.
You will laugh, you will cry...and you might even feel a little scared, because there’s a “ghost” in the house who feels like a sixth roommate. But don’t worry - this isn’t a horror drama. The ghost is never really shown, and it’s not meant to be scary (okay, maybe just a little). It’s more symbolic than anything else.
It’s been a decade since I watched Age of Youth, and I still vividly remember how hard I cried during one of the final episodes - a full-blown, two-hour-long cry session. It was released at a time in my life when I was living alone in a big city, working, struggling, and figuring life out. Maybe that’s why it hit so hard. I love, love, love this drama, and I would recommend it to every woman - especially if you are in your twenties.
12. Descendants of the Sun
Genre: Romance, Action, Melodrama
Starring: Song Hye Kyo, Song Joong Ki, Kim Ji Won, Jin Goo
Where to Watch: Netflix
Even if you haven't seen Descendants of the Sun, you have definitely heard of it. It was a cultural moment - the kind that dominated conversations, timelines, and playlists. The premise of the K-drama was simple but high-stakes: a romance between a doctor and a special forces officer.
The chemistry between the 'Song-Song couple' was so lovely it actually led to a real-life marriage (however brief it may have been). But it wasn't just the leads - between the cinematography, the iconic bromances, and a second lead couple that was just as charming, the show really had everything going for it.
That said, Descendants of the Sun does run into a classic problem: it desperately needed tighter editing. The story had so much potential, but the pacing often got in its own way. If they had trimmed it down to about 12 episodes, it would have felt far more emotionally cohesive. Still, despite its flaws, the drama’s charm is hard to deny; it’s stylish, romantic, and undeniably iconic.
13. Something About 1%
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Starring: Ha Seok Jin, Jeon So Min
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
There’s something about Something About 1% that perfectly captures that old-school K-drama charm. It’s just so sweet - the kind of show that draws you in and keeps you hitting 'next episode' without even realizing it. Honestly, I am not sure how it would be received in today’s social climate, but for me, it remains a true hidden gem.
The plot is the classic rich chaebol and sweet school teacher who find themselves in a contract engagement. You can probably guess exactly what happens next; let’s be real, this trope wasn't even new a decade ago! But even so, the drama manages to keep you totally hooked, giggling, and swooning at every turn. The chemistry is between the leads is just fantastic. At the end of the day, you have to love it for what it is: pure cheesy romantic cotton candy goodness.
14. Don't Dare to Dream
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Starring: Gong Hyo Jin, Jo Jung Suk, Ko Kyung Pyo
Where to Watch: Netflix
Don’t Dare to Dream (also known as Jealousy Incarnate) is a wonderfully quirky, slightly chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt rom-com that balances laugh-out-loud humor with some really deep emotional beats. The story follows an underdog weathercaster fighting for her career while getting caught in a love triangle.
All three leads are a total delight, but Jo Jung Suk is the real standout. His character is incredibly flawed (and honestly, a bit of a jerk at times), but when he falls, he falls hard. Watching him go from arrogant to completely unhinged while trying to win the female lead back was an absolute highlight.
The drama also perfectly captures the grit of professional ambition and the general chaos of modern life. If you are looking for a drama that delivers big laughs but still leaves you with those small, lingering 'feels,' this is definitely the one.
15. Uncontrollably Fond
Genre: Melodrama
Starring: Kim Woo Bin, Bae Suzy
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
Uncontrollably Fond is NOT the drama for everyone. It wasn’t even for me. This definitely isn’t a comfort watch. But for those of you who live for heavy melodrama, deep heartbreak, and a total tear-jerker of an ending, this can be a great watch, and I couldn’t leave it off this list of the most iconic K-dramas of 2016.
The story follows two former lovers who reunite years later under painful circumstances, both carrying old wounds and unresolved emotions. Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy bring a raw, aching vulnerability to their roles that makes the story impossible to ignore. Their chemistry is perfectly bittersweet, which is exactly what you want in a drama that thrives on pure emotion. It’s heavy and can feel overly tragic at times, but that’s also where its power lies.
16. Cheese in the Trap
Genre: Romance, Drama
Starring: Park Hae-Jin, Kim Go-eun, Seo Kang-jun, Lee Sung-kyoung, Nam Joo-hyuk
Where to Watch: Netflix
Cheese in the Trap is quietly addictive. Not everyone understood what it was trying to do, but those who gave it a chance got completely hooked. It’s the kind of drama that "traps" you in before you even realise what’s happening.
This is not your classic rom-com...it’s a psychological drama about people, power, and control, and at times, it feels uncomfortably real.
The story follows a university student from a poor background who becomes convinced that a seemingly perfect senior, who is loved by everyone, has a dark side. She is a pushover. He is manipulative. Honesty, explaining this drama is very difficult. Give it a watch, it might surprise you.
So, there you have it: 16 Iconic K-Dramas That Defined 2016.
Some of these made me laugh, some made me swoon, and one definitely made me cry more than I’d like to admit. If you’ve watched them all, welcome to the elite club! And if this list added a few new titles to your watchlist, then my job here is done.
Now, I want to hear from you: Which 2016 K-drama still lives rent-free in your mind? Did I miss one of your absolute favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
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Happy watching! 💙
