The 90 Best K-Dramas You Can Watch On YouTube!

Whether you’re new to the K-drama universe or a seasoned binge-watcher, a new show or a rewatch is always welcome. And if you think that Netflix or Disney+ is the only way to go, I’m happy to tell you that you’re very much mistaken. Believe it or not, you can watch hundreds of K-dramas on YouTube!

There are several K-dramas on YouTube — complete and subbed! The main channels that offer these are SBS World, KBS World TV, and Cereal. However, while SBS World and KBS World offer all episodes, Cereal offers the first four complete episodes and then, redirects you to Tubi.

Owned by Fox, Tubi is an American ad-supported content platform that offers thousands of films and TV shows for free, some of them being Korean dramas and movies. The catch is that Tubi is only available in the US, Mexico, Canada, and Australia. So if you live anywhere else, either stick to YouTube or use a VPN.

So, What Can I Find on Tubi?

Some of the K-dramas you can watch on Cereal’s YouTube channel + Tubi are Signal, Search: WWW, High School King of Savvy, Melting Me Softly, Tomorrow With You, Confession, The Liar and His Lover, Oh My Ghost, Psychopath Diary, Reply 1994/1997/1988, The K2, Misaeng, Bring It On, Ghost, Voice 1 and 2 and Cheese In The Trap.

On Tubi, you can also watch K-films for free such as Be With You (2018), Little Forest (2018), Train To Busan (2016) and Shin Hye-sun’s recent thriller Don’t Buy the Seller (2023). If you loved Lovely Runner, you’re in for a treat: you can watch Soulmate (2023) on Tubi too! More Byeon Woo-seok? Yes, please!

Another comment we must make is that KBS World usually only offers complete episodes of soap operas. So don’t expect to find your favourite KBS shows on their channel ):

I Don’t Have a VPN. What Are The Best K-Dramas I Can Watch On YouTube?

So here’s a list of the best K-dramas you should watch on YouTube. You’ll see that they are all from SBS World for four reasons. To make the list, they had to:

1. be fully available on YouTube (all episodes);
2. be fully subbed in English;
3. be available worldwide without the need for a VPN;
4. be a drama (shows with 10-50 one-hour episodes — I decided to exclude soap operas).

These have been organised according to their ratings: first on MDL, then on Viki. If two shows had the same ratings on both Viki (or if they aren’t available on Viki) and MDL, the “tiebreak” was their IMDb score.

[UPDATE Sep. 14th, 2024: All links have been updated! If you have any problems, please let me know in the comments!]

So, without further ado, here are the top 15 K-dramas you can watch for free on YouTube:

1. Taxi Driver

MyDramaList 8.8 | Viki 9.7 | IMDb 8

Adapted from the webtoon of the same name by Carlos and Keukeu Jae Jin, Taxi Driver tells the story of Rainbow Taxi, a seemingly ordinary taxi service that secretly offers revenge to victims who have been let down by the law. Starring Lee Je-hoon, Esom, Kim Eui-sung, and Pyo Ye-jim, Taxi Driver is flawlessly written and performed. The synergy of this cast is off the charts, and the plot is so compelling you can’t stop watching it. Taxi Driver was so successful in Korea (and internationally) that they released a second season last year, and a third season is already in the pipeline.

• Who would you recommend this show to? It’s an intense watch, so it’s recommended to all hardcore thriller and crime fans out there. If you’ve enjoyed Lawless Lawyer, The Devil Judge, or Weak Hero Class 1, Taxi Driver should definitely be your next stop.
• Is there any romance in it? In the first season? Not really.

2. Dr Romantic (1 and 2)

MyDramaList 8.7 | Viki 9.6 | IMDb 8.4

Dr Romantic follows the talented surgeon Kim Sa-bum (Han Seok-kyu), aka Teacher Kim, who changes the lives of the staff and patients of Doldam Hospital with his kindness and humane ideals. Yoo Yeon-seok, Seo Hyun-jin, and Yang Se-jong complete the main cast in the first season, while Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung continue the tale alongside Han Seok-kyu in the second and third seasons.

• Who would you recommend this show to? Dr Romantic has become so successful it’s difficult to find a K-drama fan who hasn’t watched it yet. But if you like Hospital Playlist and haven’t given this one a chance, this is a warm-hearted show that will inspire you.
• Is there any romance in it? Absolutely.

3. Six Flying Dragons (aka Roots of the Throne)

MyDramaList 8.7 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 8.8

Six Flying Dragons is a 50-episode sageuk that tells a fictional version of the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty, starting with Yi Bang-won, who would become King Taejong. With an incredible cast that includes Yoo Ah-in, Shin Se-kyung, Byun Yo-han, and Yoon Kyun-sang, and an addictive, compelling script, Six Flying Dragons is a must-watch.

• Who would you recommend this show to? If you’re a fan of Empress Ki or The Crowned Clown, you have to watch this one. Without a doubt, Six Flying Dragons is a mandatory watch for all sageuk fans.
• Is there any romance in it? Very, very little, so if you’re looking for a historical drama heavy on romance, this isn’t it.

4. The Penthouse (1, 2 and 3)

MyDramaList 8.7 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.9

The story of The Penthouse stretches over three seasons that were watched by an average of 4 million people in Korea. A melodramatic thriller, The Penthouse depicts the lives of the residents of a Seoul luxury apartment complex called Hera Palace. The script focuses on the tales of the women who would do whatever it takes to achieve power and prestige and protect their children. The cast is led by Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-yeon, and Eugene.

• Who would you recommend this show to? A fan of SKY Castle, The World of the Married, or VIP (also available on YouTube) would enjoy The Penthouse. Be ready for a dark and very dramatic ride.
• Is there any romance in it? Yes, a bit. But it definitely isn’t the main focus of the show. If you don’t like plots that involve cheating, I would discourage you from watching it.

5. The Fiery Priest

MyDramaList 8.6 | Viki 9.6 | IMDb 8.2

When The Fiery Priest came out, it was quickly hailed as one of the best action comedies out there. And that status was firmly kept even after its 40-episode run. The Fiery Priest is Kim Hae-il (perfectly played by Kim Nam-gil), a Catholic priest who is infamous for his rudeness towards others. Alongside Detective Koo Dae-young (Kim Sung-kyun) and Prosecutor Park Kyung-sun (Lee Ha-nee), he does everything in his power to solve the murder of a fellow clergyman. After an incredibly successful first run, SBS is currently working on a second season that should come out this year.

• Who would you recommend this show to? The Fiery Priest was written by Park Jae-bum, who also wrote Vincenzo (a marvel of a show with a bit less comedy, a bit more romance, and a brilliant narrative), Good Manager (a lot less action but just as much comedy) and The Good Doctor (medical drama). It has the same vibes as Special Labor Inspector Mr Jo too.
• Is there any romance in it? No romance here.

6. Hot Stove League

MyDramaList 8.6 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 8.2

When I heard about Hot Stove League, I wondered to myself how good this show could be, really. A baseball team? Should I go for it or not? But with a cast that features Namkoong Min, Park Eun-bin, Oh Jung-se, and Jo Byeong-kyu, I had to try it. And, goodness me, I did not regret it. Hot Stove League stands out for its heartfelt performances, airtight script, solid character development, and beautiful cinematography. This is not just my opinion: Hot Stove League won Best Drama at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, among several other awards. Believe it or not, you can watch this gem for free on YouTube.

An inspiring tale of perseverance, Hot Stove League follows the professional baseball team Dreams, which is currently ranked at the bottom of the league. That’s when the determined and astute Baek Seung-Soo comes in as their new general manager.

• Who would you recommend this show to? A mix of sports and drama? Hm… I’d say that if you like Prison Playbook, you would enjoy this one too (even though PP isn’t really sports-focused). Racket Boys also comes to mind.
• Is there any romance in it? No romance, really.

7. Still 17 (aka Thirty But Seventeen)

MyDramaList 8.5 | Viki 9.6 | IMDb 7.9

Let’s say that Still 17 made me fall in love with K-dramas all over again when it came out. Sweet without being overly melodramatic, juvenile yet mature, and unbelievably uplifting, Still 17 is led by the chemistry-charged couple Shin Hye-sun and Yang Se-jong, with Ahn Hyo-seop in one of his very first main role credits.

If you haven’t seen this little beauty, here’s the synopsis: Woo Seo-ri was a violin prodigy who fell into a coma when she was seventeen. She wakes up 13 years later as her teenage self but now in the body of a 30-year-old woman. She meets Gong Woo-jin, who suffered intense trauma when he was a teenager himself and avoids any kind of relationship. Together, they need to find a way to regain their lives and finally let their time start ticking again.

• Who would you recommend this show to? If you like Her Private Life, Run On, A Piece of Your Mind, or Because This Is My First Life, I think you’re in for a treat.
• Is there any romance in it? Yes! One of the loveliest romance tales you’ll see, that’s for sure.

8. Nobody Knows

MyDramaList 8.5 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 7.8

Nobody Knows is the kind of show that didn’t fully receive the attention it really deserved. A combo of hypnotic storytelling and perfect cinematography gives depth to a thought-provoking and humane script. The main character of this tale is Detective Young-jin (played by Kim Seo-hyung), who is determined to catch the serial killer who murdered her friend years ago. When her neighbour’s son is hurt, she suspects foul play and, alongside his homeroom teacher Lee Sun-woo (Ryu Deok-hwan), she does whatever she can to unravel this mystery.

• Who would you recommend this show to? Have you watched Confession with Junho? If you have, you might enjoy Nobody Knows. It also has the same vibes as Signal and Voice. Highly recommended if you like well-written thrillers with a strong main character.
• Is there any romance in it? Not at all.

9. Doctor John

MyDramaList 8.5 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 8

Doctor John is loosely based on a Japanese book by Yo Kusakabe, “Hand of God”. It’s an intense and addictive watch that tells the story of genius doctor Cha Yo-han (played by the brilliant Ji Sung), an anesthesiologist, and his team of pain management specialists as they work to find the cause behind their patients’ suffering.

There are so many reasons why this show is a must-watch: First, very well-researched, the script explores ethical and moral dilemmas with kindness. Second, the cinematography and the OST are excellent. Last but not least, Ji Sung and Lee Se-young both have incredibly strong screen presence, and their performances bounce off each other, creating both romantic and dramatic scenes that you won’t forget.

• Who would you recommend this show to? If you’re a medical drama fan, what are you waiting for? Anyway, maybe you’ve watched the Japanese adaptation, WOWOW’s Hand of God (2019), and are looking for something a bit similar. From Korea, I’d say that A Beautiful Mind, Kill Me Heal Me (for more Ji Sung being one of the very best actors alive), or Life have similar themes.
• Is there any romance in it? Yes, absolutely.

10. (The) Master’s Sun

MyDramaList 8.5 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 8.1

I remember that The Master’s Sun was ridiculously popular when it came out. Was it because of the So Ji-sub and Gong Hyo-jin combo? As more episodes were released, it was clear that there was more to it. With the right amount of comedy, romance, and supernatural elements, The Master’s Sun is about Joo Joong-won, a greedy CEO whose life turns upside down when he meets Tae Gong-shil, a gloomy young woman who can see ghosts. As they start tackling these spirits together, they find the answers to their past traumas. The show stands out for its excellent character development and intense chemistry between the leads.

• Who would you recommend this show to? Any fan of the supernatural + romance combo will definitely enjoy The Master’s Sun (it has the same vibes as Oh My Ghost and Bring It On, Ghost).
• Is there any romance in it? 100%.

11. I Can Hear Your Voice

MyDramaList 8.5 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 8

I Can Hear Your Voice is how the Lee Jong-suk & Writer Park Hye-ryun partnership started. If you don’t know anything about it, Lee Jong-suk and Writer Park Hye-ryun have done three very successful K-dramas together: this one, Pinocchio, and While You Were Sleeping, all with SBS. An irresistible script and marvellous performances explain why this is one of the best K-dramas you can watch on YouTube today — even I might go for a rewatch after writing this post!

This is the story of three people who come together to bring the most difficult cases to justice: audacious lawyer Jang Hye-sung (Lee Bo-young), mindreader Park Soo-ha (Lee Jong-suk), and the optimistic lawyer Cha Kwan-woo (Yoon Sang-hyun). As they face the injustices of our society and legal system, Jang, Park, and Cha will definitely make you laugh, cry, and reflect.

• Who would you recommend this show to? Writer Park Hye-ryun has her own style, so if you like any of her shows (Pinocchio, While You Were Sleeping, or the more recent Start-Up and Castaway Diva), you shouldn’t even think about it. I’m a huge fan of hers myself, so I’m a bit biased! Maybe… you’ll see a bit of Miss Hammurabi here too.
• Is there any romance in it? Yes!

12. Pinocchio

MyDramaList 8.3 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 8.1

Here we go again: Pinocchio was also written by Writer Park Hye-ryun and led by Lee Jung-suk. This time, his leading lady is the lovely Park Shin-hye. Park plays the bold and determined Choi In-ha, a young woman who decides to become a reporter even though she suffers from “Pinocchio Syndrome”. That means that every time she lies, she starts hiccuping. Alongside her childhood friend (/”uncle”) Choi Dal-po (Lee Jung-suk), they have to learn to survive in the media industry all the while staying true to their values.

A sweet, humane, and endlessly intriguing tale that has become even more interesting in the last few years with the “fake news” coverage.

• Who would you recommend this show to? I’ll repeat what I said in the previous entry: if you’ve watched any of Writer Park Hye-ryun’s shows (I Can Hear Your Voice, While You Were Sleeping, or the more recent Start-Up and Castaway Diva), Pinocchio is a must-watch. It also has Healer vibes to it (with less action).
• Is there any romance in it? Absolutely yes!

13. Suspicious Partner (aka Love In Trouble)

MyDramaList 8.3 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 7.8

Suspicious Partner is the kind of show that raised different opinions, especially by the end of its 40-episode run. Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun play Ji-wook, an intelligent prosecutor, and Bong-hee, a clumsy justice department intern. When Bong-hee is accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend, Ji-wook believes in her innocence and ends up risking his career to help her out. Together, they need to find out who the real killer is and bring them to justice.

Without a doubt, Suspicious Partner is a really funny and entertaining show despite its narrative development flaws. And guys, Ji Chang-wook? Yes, please!

• Who would you recommend this show to? So, if you’re a Ji Chang-wook fan, this is a feast for the eyes. More recently, The Law Cafe has a similar approach with this legal + romance + comedy combo.
• Is there any romance in it? Absolutely yes!

14. Deep Rooted Tree (aka Tree With Deep Roots)

MyDramaList 8.3 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 8.1

Deep Rooted Tree is considered to be a loose sequel to Six Flying Dragons (see number 3). This is a heavy and intense sageuk based on a book of the same name by Lee Jung-myung. Jang Hyuk plays Ddol Bok, a warrior who finds himself investigating the deaths of several scholars from the King’s Palace. Meanwhile, King Se-jong (Han Seok-kyu) is developing a writing system that will eventually become Hangul.

An interesting fact about Deep Rooted Tree is that this was Han’s first TV project after 16 years of film roles. It was the right script for his comeback: well-written, gripping, and provocative, Deep Rooted Tree is of immense visual and historical value if you’re interested in learning more about Korean history.

• Who would you recommend this show to? If you’ve already watched Six Flying Dragons, this should definitely be your next stop. Similar shows could be Secret Door or My Country.
• Is there any romance in it? Very, very little. Definitely not the main focus here.

15. God’s Gift: 14 Days

MyDramaList 8.3 | IMDb 7.9

God’s Gift: 14 Days is a powerful thriller full of twists and turns. Lee Bo-young plays Kim Soo-hyun, a mother who is devastated after the kidnapping and murder of her young daughter. A miracle happens, and she travels back in time, exactly 14 days before tragedy strikes. With the help of PI Ki Dong-chan (Cho Seung-woo), she needs to bring the truth to light and catch the criminal before it’s too late.

• Who would you recommend this show to? I wouldn’t say God’s Gift is as strong as Signal, but fans might appreciate the similarities. Also, do you remember Nine: Nine Times Time Travel? It also has similar vibes to this one (with a lot less romance).
• Is there any romance in it? Not really.

Would you like to save this list for later? Just click it to pin it!

I’ve Watched All of Them! What Should I Watch Next?

Maybe you’ve seen that SBS World is full of other shows and you’re not sure where to go next. Here are another 75 excellent K-dramas you can watch on YouTube organised according to your preference:

For sageuk fans:

• The Nokdu Flower (MyDramaList 8.3 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.7)
• Haechi (MyDramaList 8.1 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.6)
• Rooftop Prince (MyDramaList 8.1 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.7): This is a comedy sageuk!
• Warrior Baek Dong Soo (MyDramaList 8.1 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.9)
• Jang Ok-Jung (MyDramaList 7.8 | Viki 8.8 | IMDb 7.5)
• The Royal Gambler (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.4)
• My Sassy Girl (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 6.9): This is also a comedy sageuk!
• Secret Door (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 8.6 | IMDb 7.3)

For romance + supernatural/fantasy fans:

• Secret Garden (MyDramaList 8.2 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 8.1)
• My Girlfriend is Gumiho (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.7)
• The Girl Who Can See Smells (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.1)
• Come Back Alive (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.3)
• Where Stars Land (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.1)
• Into the World Again, aka Reunited Worlds (MyDramaList 7.5 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.2)

For romcom fans:

• Don’t Dare to Dream (MyDramaList 8.1 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.8)
• Wok of Love (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.4)
• The Secret Life of My Secretary (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.3)
• He’s Beautiful (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.7)
• City Hall (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 7.5)
• Pretty Ugly (MyDramaList 7.8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.3)
• Modern Farmer (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.3)
• All About My Romance (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.4)
• Protect My Boss (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 6.9)
• Temperature of Love, aka Love Temperature (MyDramaList 7.5 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.1)
• The Undatables (MyDramaList 7.5 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 6.7)

For romance in a legal setting fans:

• Your Honor (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.5)
• Judge vs. Judge (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 8.9 | IMDb 6.6)
• Princess Prosecutor (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7)

For revenge fans:

• You’re All Surrounded (MyDramaList 8.2 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 7.5)
• Giant (MyDramaList 8.2 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 8.1)
• Remember (MyDramaList 8.2 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.7)
• My Strange Hero (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.3): Revenge with a healthy dose of romance in a school setting. Have I mentioned Yoo Seung-ho plays the male lead?
• The Last Empress (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.1): A mix of revenge, sageuk, alternate reality, and romance.
• Incarnation of Money (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.7)

For thriller/action fans:

• Ghost (MyDramaList 8.2 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.8)
• Punch (MyDramaList 8.1 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.3)
• Mrs. Cop 1 and 2 (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.6)
• Big Issue (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.4)
• Secret Mother (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.1 | IMDb 8.2)
• Switch (MyDramaList 7.8 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 7.3): This one is more on the comedy side.
• Return (MyDramaList 7.8 | IMDb 7.3)
• Good Casting (MyDramaList 7.8 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.1): Also with a good dose of comedy.
• The Village: Achiara’s Secret (MyDramaList 7.8 | Viki 9.1 | IMDb 7): This also belongs to the horror genre so keep that in mind.
• Whisper (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.1)
• The Chaser (MyDramaList 7.7 | IMDb 7.6)
• 3 Days (MyDramaList 7.7 | IMDb 7.1)
• Wanted (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 9 | IMDb 7.1)

For dramedy fans:

• Salaryman Cho Han (MyDramaList 8.2 | IMDb 7.6)
• The Entertainer (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 6.6)
• Alone in Love (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 8.7 | IMDb 8.5): This one is a very romantic life drama.
• Heard it Through the Grapevine (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 8.7 | IMDb 7.7): This is a black comedy, satire drama.

For melodrama fans:

• The Mask (MyDramaList 8.1 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.5)
• Cheongdam-dong Alice (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.5)
• Scent of the Woman (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.8)
• Do You Like Brahms? (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.6)
• Should We Kiss First? (MyDramaList 7.9 | IMDb 7.5)
• Brilliant Legacy (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.5)
• VIP (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 8.8 | IMDb 7.4): A melodrama with a good dose of mystery. Disclaimer: it deals with themes related to infidelity.
• The Good Witch (MyDramaList 7.9 | IMDb 6.6)
• Band of Sisters (MyDramaList 7.8 | Viki 9.1 | IMDb 8.1)
• Identical Affairs (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.9)
• The Mystery Housemaid (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.4): Melo with a good dose of mystery too.
• The Heirs (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.5): A classic.
• Let Me Introduce Her (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.3)
• King of Ambition (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 8.8 | IMDb 7.5)
• Angel Eyes (MyDramaList 7.5 | Viki 9.1 | IMDb 7.3): Melo with a touch of medical drama.

For medical drama fans:

• Heart Surgeons (MyDramaList 8 | Viki 9.4 | IMDb 7.7)
• The Doctors (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.5 | IMDb 7.6)
• Dr. Stranger (MyDramaList 7.9 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 7.5)
• The Gang Doctor (MyDramaList 7.8 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7.4)
• OB&GYN (MyDramaList 7.6 | Viki 9.2 | IMDb 6.9)
• Sign (MyDramaList 7.7 | IMDb 7.7)

For family drama fans:

• Super Family (MyDramaList 7.9 | IMDb 7.8)
• Bravo My Life (MyDramaList 7.7 | Viki 9.1 | IMDb 6.4)

For school drama fans:

• Cheer Up (MyDramaList 7.5 | Viki 9.3 | IMDb 7)

So what’s the next K-drama you’re watching (or rewatching) on YouTube? Share your thoughts in the comments and let me know how I can improve this long list!