Three South Korean series dominate the Netflix ranking

The success of South Korean dramas shows no signs of slowing down. Currently, three South Korean dramas are among the top 10 most-watched non-English language shows on Netflix, according to a report released by the global video streaming platform. So far, productions “Queen of Tears,” “Parasyte: The Grey,” and “My Demon” have racked up millions of views, further cementing the popularity of South Korean content worldwide.

The international success of K-dramas

According to the report, non-English language content accounted for 30 percent of total views on Netflix during the first half of 2024. Among these, the three South Korean series mentioned above were the most prominent. With “Queen of Tears” leading with 29 million views, followed by “Parasyte: The Grey” with 25 million and “My Demon” with 18 million.

While these numbers reflect the global impact of K-dramas, none of the series managed to crack the list of the top 10 most-watched shows globally. However, Queen of Tears ranked 14th globally, while South Korean film “Badland Hunters” ranked 17th on the list of most-watched films.

Queen of Tears: a family drama

“Queen of Tears” is one of the most acclaimed series of the year, and its success was already assured even before its premiere. Written by Park Ji-eun, one of South Korea’s most renowned screenwriters, the series features a high-profile cast, led by actor Kim Soo-hyun and actress Kim Ji-won.

The plot follows the lives of Baek Hyun-woo, a lawyer working at the powerful Queens Group corporation, and his wife Hong Hae-in, who comes from the family that owns the conglomerate. As they face both familial and business challenges, their relationship is put to the test, in a story that mixes drama, romance and comedy.

The title “Queen of Tears” refers to Hong Hae-in’s emotional struggles as she tries to balance her personal life with the demands of the family business.

Directed by Kim Hee-won, known for her work in notable dramas such as Vincenzothe series has generated a lot of anticipation. The combination of a stellar cast, an intriguing narrative and high-quality production has raised expectations, both among South Korean fans and the growing international audience.

Parasyte: The Grey: Korean science fiction conquers the world

Parasyte: The Grey It is a South Korean adaptation of the Japanese manga Parasytea science fiction and horror story that has been a global success since its original publication in the 1980s. In this version, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the director behind hits like Train to Busan and Hellboundaddresses the issue of coexistence between humans and alien parasites that invade Earth.

The series follows the life of a young man who, in order to prevent a parasite from taking control of his brain, must learn to live with the creature that takes over his hand. Throughout the story, the characters face challenges about what it means to be human and the complex dynamics of survival.

The cast of Parasyte: The Grey is headed by Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, and Lee Jung-hyun. Its fresh approach and South Korean cultural localization give a new perspective to this classic Japanese sci-fi horror story. This has attracted both fans of the original manga and a wider international audience.

My Demon: romance and supernatural fantasy

Finally, My Demon has caught the attention of fans of romantic and supernatural dramas. The series combines fantasy, comedy and romance in a story that follows the unlikely relationship between a human and a demon.

The plot centers on Do Do-hee, a millionaire heiress whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Jung Gu-won, a demon who loses his powers.

The drama explores the interplay between these two characters as they struggle to survive in a world where supernatural and human rules intertwine. Starring Kim Yoo-jung and Song Kang, two of the most popular stars on South Korean television at the moment, the series has been praised for its on-screen chemistry and approach to the fantasy genre.

Directed by Kim Jang-han and produced by the network SBS, My Demon has attracted a local and global audience thanks to its moving plot and humorous moments.