Best Korean Web Series on Netflix, Hulu, and Viki

Best Korean Web Series on Netflix, Hulu, and Viki: A Deep Dive

The global appetite for Korean dramas, or K-dramas, has exploded in recent years, fueled by their compelling narratives, high production values, and captivating performances. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Viki have become essential platforms for accessing this rich tapestry of storytelling. This article delves into some of the very best Korean web series available on these platforms, offering a detailed look at their plots, key themes, and why they resonate with audiences worldwide.

Netflix: A Hub for Genre-Bending K-Dramas

Netflix has heavily invested in Korean content, resulting in a diverse and impressive catalog. Here are some standout series:

1. Squid Game (2021): The Global Phenomenon

• Genre: Survival Thriller, Drama
• Plot: Hundreds of financially desperate individuals are invited to compete in a series of deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize. As they navigate the brutal competition, alliances are formed and broken, revealing the depths of human desperation and the corrupting influence of money.
• Why it’s notable: Squid Game transcended cultural barriers to become a global sensation. Its stark commentary on economic inequality, combined with its visually striking design and suspenseful plot, captivated audiences worldwide. The series explores themes of class struggle, morality, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The intricate set design, reminiscent of childhood playgrounds, contrasts sharply with the deadly nature of the games, creating a disturbing and unforgettable visual experience. The performances, particularly those of Lee Jung-jae as the flawed protagonist Gi-hun and Park Hae-soo as the morally conflicted Sang-woo, are both compelling and nuanced. Squid Game sparked countless discussions about its social commentary and its impact on popular culture. Its success paved the way for even greater investment in Korean content on Netflix.
• Key Themes: Economic inequality, desperation, morality, survival, class struggle, capitalism.

2. Kingdom (2019-2020): Historical Horror with a Political Edge

• Genre: Historical Horror, Political Thriller
• Plot: Set in the Joseon dynasty, Kingdom follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he investigates a mysterious plague that is turning people into zombies. Amidst political intrigue and power struggles within the royal court, Lee Chang must fight to protect his people from both the undead horde and the corrupt forces seeking to exploit the chaos.
• Why it’s notable: Kingdom masterfully blends historical drama with the zombie horror genre. The stunning visuals, including meticulously recreated period costumes and breathtaking landscapes, create an immersive viewing experience. The series explores themes of political corruption, social injustice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. The zombies in Kingdom are not merely mindless monsters; they are a terrifying manifestation of the societal decay and neglect that has plagued the kingdom. The action sequences are intense and visceral, while the political maneuvering adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Ju Ji-hoon delivers a powerful performance as the determined Crown Prince, while Bae Doona shines as the compassionate physician Seo-bi. Kingdom is a unique and compelling series that offers a fresh take on both the historical drama and zombie genres.
• Key Themes: Political corruption, social injustice, survival, power struggles, resilience, societal decay.

3. Crash Landing on You (2019-2020): A Cross-Border Romance

• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
• Plot: A South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri, accidentally paraglides into North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean army officer, Ri Jeong-hyeok. As they navigate the cultural and political differences between their two countries, they fall in love, facing numerous obstacles and dangers along the way.
• Why it’s notable: Crash Landing on You is a heartwarming and captivating romance that explores the complexities of the relationship between North and South Korea. The series offers a glimpse into North Korean life, albeit a somewhat romanticized one, and highlights the shared humanity that transcends political divides. The chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, who later married in real life, is undeniable. The series is filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and thrilling action sequences. The supporting characters, particularly the North Korean soldiers under Ri Jeong-hyeok’s command, add depth and charm to the story. Crash Landing on You is a feel-good series that reminds us of the power of love and connection in a world often divided by conflict.
• Key Themes: Love, cultural differences, political divides, family, sacrifice, connection.

4. Sweet Home (2020): Apocalyptic Horror with a Focus on Humanity

• Genre: Apocalyptic Horror, Thriller
• Plot: After a sudden apocalypse turns humans into monsters reflecting their deepest desires, a troubled high school student, Cha Hyun-soo, and his neighbors must fight to survive in their apartment building. As they battle the monstrous creatures, they also grapple with their own inner demons and the question of what it means to be human.
• Why it’s notable: Sweet Home is a visually stunning and terrifying series that explores the darker aspects of human nature. The monsters are creatively designed and genuinely frightening, reflecting the inner turmoil and desires of the people they once were. The series delves into themes of isolation, trauma, and the struggle for survival in a world gone mad. Song Kang delivers a compelling performance as the introverted Hyun-soo, who discovers unexpected strength and resilience within himself. The series is filled with intense action sequences and moments of genuine emotional connection between the survivors. Sweet Home is a thought-provoking and unsettling series that challenges viewers to confront their own inner demons and consider what they would do to survive.
• Key Themes: Survival, humanity, isolation, trauma, inner demons, monstrous desires.

5. Itaewon Class (2020): A Story of Revenge and Redemption

• Genre: Drama, Revenge, Business
• Plot: Park Sae-ro-yi’s life is turned upside down when he is expelled from school and his father is killed by the son of a powerful restaurant CEO. Driven by revenge, Sae-ro-yi vows to destroy the CEO and his empire, opening a bar in the vibrant Itaewon district of Seoul and building his own business from the ground up.
• Why it’s notable: Itaewon Class is a captivating story of revenge, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. The series explores themes of social justice, perseverance, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Park Seo-joon delivers a powerful performance as the unwavering Sae-ro-yi, who refuses to compromise his principles even in the face of adversity. The series is filled with inspiring moments of resilience and camaraderie as Sae-ro-yi builds his team and challenges the established order. Itaewon Class is a motivational and uplifting series that reminds us of the power of hard work, determination, and the importance of staying true to ourselves. The diverse cast of characters and the vibrant setting of Itaewon add to the series’ appeal.
• Key Themes: Revenge, determination, social justice, perseverance, dreams, standing up for what is right.

Hulu: A Smaller but Growing Selection of K-Dramas

Hulu’s K-drama offerings are currently more limited than Netflix’s, but they still offer some gems:

1. Hotel Del Luna (2019): A Fantasy Romance with a Touch of the Supernatural

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
• Plot: Jang Man-wol is the owner of Hotel Del Luna, a mysterious hotel that caters exclusively to ghosts. Cursed to run the hotel for centuries, she is forced to confront her past when a young man, Goo Chan-sung, becomes the hotel’s new manager.
• Why it’s notable: Hotel Del Luna is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant series that blends fantasy, romance, and drama. The series explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the importance of letting go of the past. IU delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic Man-wol, while Yeo Jin-goo shines as the kind-hearted Chan-sung. The series is filled with beautiful costumes, elaborate sets, and a haunting soundtrack. Hotel Del Luna is a poignant and unforgettable series that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the journey towards healing. The unique premise and the strong chemistry between the leads make it a standout series.
• Key Themes: Redemption, forgiveness, past, letting go, love, loss, healing.

Viki: The Go-To Platform for Classic and Underrated K-Dramas

Viki is a dedicated streaming platform for Asian content, offering a wide variety of K-dramas, including many older and less mainstream series:

1. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016-2017): A Timeless Fantasy Romance

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
• Plot: Kim Shin, a decorated military general from the Goryeo Dynasty, is cursed to live forever as a goblin. He can only end his immortality by finding his bride, a human woman who can pull out the sword embedded in his chest. Ji Eun-tak, a cheerful high school student, is destined to be his bride.
• Why it’s notable: *Gob