The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) have released the “2025 Global Hallyu Survey” for the most popular Korean content worldwide, highlighting the most popular Korean content worldwide and demonstrating Hallyu’s continued global influence. Let’s explore the eight most popular Korean dramas and films according to the Global Hallyu Survey below.
2025 Global Hallyu Survey: 8 Most Popular Korean Dramas & Films
The “2025 Global Hallyu Survey” (as of 2024) gathered responses from 26,400 individuals across 28 regions who had engaged with Korean culture. This year’s survey expanded its reach by including the Philippines and Hong Kong among the target regions. The study covers 12 categories related to the Korean Wave, such as dramas, movies, entertainment shows, music, animation, webtoons, games, publishing, fashion, beauty, food, and the Korean language.
Most Popular Korean Dramas in 2024
5. “Lovely Runner” (1.8%)
The 2024 Korean drama “Lovely Runner” captivated audiences worldwide with its heartfelt storytelling. It blends a unique time-travel twist, a nostalgic 2000s background, and the charming chemistry between the lead couple. This romance fantasy achieved an average nationwide viewership rating of 5.8 percent.
4. “True Beauty” (2.1%)
“True Beauty” is a live adaptation of the popular webtoon of the same name. Starring Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, and Hwang In-yeop, this youth romantic comedy became one of 2020’s most popular dramas. It succeeds by skillfully adapting its webtoon while adding unique depth. The story explores relatable themes of youth, like struggles and growth, beauty standards, self-confidence, and romance.
3. “Crash Landing on You” (2.2%)
Released in 2019, “Crash Landing on You” depicts a unique yet captivating love story. The drama featured Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin (who married in 2022). Their charming chemistry, engaging setting and storyline, and talented supporting cast made it popular in Korea and internationally.
2 “Queen of Tears” (6.5%)
“Queen of Tears” is a hit drama in 2024 from the legendary writer Park Ji-eun, who is also the creator of “Crash Landing on You.” Audiences were drawn to Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun’s electric on-screen chemistry, elevating the story and deepening emotional moments. Overall, it truly lived up to the drama’s title.
1. “Squid Game” (9.7%)
Through its gripping storyline, compelling cultural elements, and breathtaking visuals, “Squid Game” has maintained its popularity since its 2021 release. It explores economic struggles through human characters while revealing how desperation drives people to make extreme choices. This winning-award series blends action, suspense, and psychological depth, cementing its status as a global phenomenon.
“Squid Game” was included in the survey list because “Squid Game 2” was scheduled for release on December 26, 2024, after this survey’s completion.
Most Popular Korean Films in 2024
3. “EXHUMA” (4.1%)
The occult film “Exhuma” made waves globally in 2024. Audiences were fascinated by its intriguing story that blends horror, Korean folklore, cultural elements, and the cast’s powerful performances. Through its exploration of ancestry, the supernatural, and colonialism’s lingering legacy, the film hits differently from typical horror films. It delivers a gripping and slow-burn plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and wondering what is coming next.
2. “Train to Busan” (6.5%)
Starring Gong Yoo, the 2016 thriller “Train to Busan” gained worldwide popularity and remains a favorite among Korean film fans. This thrilling zombie film delivers masterful storytelling, blending action, suspense, and emotional depth while exploring human nature.
1. “Parasite” ( 8.3%)
Director Bong Joon Ho’s 2019 thriller comedy “Parasite” earned worldwide acclaim. The award-winning film blends comedy and suspense in its unique narrative, exploring dysfunctional family dynamics, exploitation, class inequality, and other social issues. Its intriguing story keeps audiences engaged.
The 2024 releases “Queen of Tears,” “Lovely Runner,” and “Exhuma” have earned their place among Korea’s most beloved dramas and films. This demonstrates how audiences worldwide now consume Korean cultural content almost simultaneously with its domestic market release.
Korean dramas and films continue to strengthen South Korea’s leading cultural exports, demonstrating the enduring momentum of the Hallyu wave.
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Source: MCST
