Best Korean Dramas and Movies on Hulu to Watch Right Now

Hulu‘s collection is ever-expanding, particularly regarding foreign movies and TV shows. While many titles leave monthly, some stay for years, and the arrival of Korean dramas and films has provided Hulu viewers with a new reason to renew their subscriptions every month.

Many people have no access to Korean-language-focused streaming platforms such as Rakuten Viki, and not all Netflix titles are available in all regions. Even while Hulu does not have as extensive a repertoire, it continuously attempts to bring more South Korean content. Fans of Korean films or television dramas will be pleased to know that Hulu offers an exceptional variety of content.

22

‘Call It Love’ (2023)

Kicked around by life’s many brutalities, Sim Woo Joo is a simple woman who finds herself lost after her father’s death. Before she can even grieve properly, her father’s mistress kicks her out of their home, leaving her lost and broken. She teams up with the woman’s son, who is a lonely man himself, and together they decide to plot a revenge scheme against her.

Romance with a Touch of Revenge

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo’s Lee Sung-kyung and Kim Young-kwang star as the main leads in this romantic melodrama with a touch of revenge. Lacking any gimmicks yet resonating profoundly with its tender moments of humanity, Call It Love is a smooth-sailing, naturalistic K-drama that fans will love to grow. Moreover, watching the two characters fall for each other is as charming as ever.

21

‘The Impossible Heir’ (2024)

The Impossible Heir highlights an intense power struggle and the long path to success. Having grown up in poverty, Kang In Ha’s life hasn’t always been easy. However, when he finds his father, he learns that he is the CEO of a company and lives in abundant wealth. Set on climbing up the social ladder, In Ha puts all his effort into adapting to his new family, but not everyone is ready to welcome him in. To overcome certain obstacles, In Ha partners with his ambitious childhood friend, Tae Oh, and together they embark on a journey from poverty toward wealth.

Mixing Business and Romance

Despite this show being considered a bit of a slow burner, The Impossible Heir is definitely full of surprises. After creating a solid foundation, the series picks up pace and draws the audience right in with a plot that is full of excitement. The series highlights the strong commitment between two friends, how working together can actually be extremely helpful, and, of course, there is also plenty of difficult love thrown in there. Overall, The Impossible Heir stands out with its successful suspense build and captures the attention of anyone who enjoys some mystery.

20

‘Adamas’ (2022)

Adamas is one such show where the protagonists are twin brothers troubled by the death of their father 22 years ago. Woo Shin is a best-selling author and his niche is writing mystery novels, whereas Soo Hyun is a public prosecutor always embroiled in one crime case or another. Given their professions, it isn’t hard for them to try and find the real culprit, but first, they must get their hands on Adamas, a diamond arrow that will lead them to darker secrets and long-buried truths.

A Korean Drama with Phenomenal Character Development

Character backstories play a huge part in making a Korean drama more successful and emotionally resonant. In Adamas, a huge part of the narrative is anchored by the complex and beautiful characters. Their struggles may be different from ours, but their sentiments and reactions seem familiar and relatable. Infusing detective thriller clichés with sensitive characters, the show weaves a touching mystery that addresses how fragile life is.

19

‘The Golden Spoon’ (2022)

The Golden Spoon is a Korean fantasy series that centers on a young man’s life-altering decision and the troublesome consequences it brings along. Seung Cheon is given an exceptional opportunity when he finds a magical spoon and figures out that its power allows him to swap places with his best friend. Seeing the wealth his friend is surrounded by, Seung Cheon shows no hesitation, but soon after, he realizes that not everything about switching lives is as bright as it first seems.

Living in the Shoes of Another to Learn About Oneself

With its exciting storyline, The Golden Spoon picks up a thought that is known all too well to everyone out there. Wishing to be in somebody else’s place, living what seems to be a better life, isn’t necessarily rare but extremely relatable. This series effortlessly combines the thrilling aspect of such an opportunity with realistic inner turmoil. With an impeccable script, innovative episodes, fantastic character development, and an overall captivating vibe, The Golden Spoon is a must-watch.

18

‘Revenge of Others’ (2022)

In Revenge of Others, the connection between two twins, Chan Mi and Soo Heon, takes center stage as a tragedy unfolds. Even though the two orphans were separated at a young age, they continued to stay in contact and remained a part of each other’s lives. Everything seems to go well until their last phone call ends abruptly. Worried about Soo Heon, Chan Mi shows up at his school, where she is crushed by the devastating news of her brother’s death. Fully aware of the mysterious circumstances of his death, Chan Mi takes matters into her own hands, making it her mission to find the murderer and reveal the truth.

An Emotional Whirlwind

Revenge of Others paints a wonderfully heart-breaking picture of the connection shared between twins, circling in on the heroine of the story, as she tries to unveil the truth behind her brother’s death. The raw portrayal of the twin sisters’ emotional whirlwind is wildly captivating and highlights the strength this young woman possesses. It becomes clear that she grew up fighting for herself, as the sense of empowerment stands out throughout the entire series. This series tells a tale of love and utter dedication, seeking revenge and justice when everyone else fails to help.

17

‘Dr. Romantic’ (2016)

Idealist yet quirky, the titular character of Dr. Romantic, known popularly as “Hand of God,” has found a decent amount of fame as a professional surgeon. But now he wishes for nothing more than to move to a small Korean town and serve at a rural community hospital and teach other doctors about good healthcare, while also confronting the bureaucracy that hampers patient care in his neighborhood.

Feel Good Medical Drama

Consisting of three unrelated seasons, which isn’t very common in the K-drama landscape, Dr. Romantic is a heartwarming medical drama. Chaotic yet feel-good, the show depicts the hardships faced and victories won in the lives of staff dedicated to saving lives day and night. Led by the charming Ahn Hyo-seop and a talented cast that includes Lee Sung-kyung and Yoo Yeon-seok, Dr. Romantic speaks universally to the audience with its witty stories.

16

‘The First Responders’ (2022)

The series follows three excellent first responders who work together to eliminate crime and heal souls. Jin Ho-Gae (Kim Rae-Won) is a detective. He is a simple, introverted man with no social life, but when solving cases, he puts his remarkable knowledge to use earnestly. Bong Do-Jin (Son Ho-Jun) is a firefighter, and as the job demands, he is fearless and kind-hearted, jumping into a calamity headfirst and saving the lives of those in crisis. The third member of this team is Song Seol (Gong Seung-Yeon), a paramedic who not only binds the other two together but extends her warmth and care to everyone she meets.

Compassion in Times of Need

While Hospital Playlist left fans heartbroken and uplifted at the same time, The First Responders came to their rescue (literally) by delivering the same amount of heartwarming drama and a little bit of action to go with it. The best part about the series is watching them grow with each challenge, and you cannot help but root for and fall for them.

15

‘Moving’ (2023)

In the center of it all are Kim Bong-Seok, Jang Hui-Soo, and Lee Gang-Hoon, who go to the same high school. On the outside, they look like normal kids. But they carry a great legacy within them. Like their parents, who run an intelligence agency, they possess supernatural abilities like unmatched speed, the power to heal from bullet wounds, and super strength. As students, they try their best to blend in while the elders make sure they’re protected from the evil and hungry outside world.

Drama with a Serving of Fantasy-Driven Action

Moving is an incredibly creative series that blends the action and fantasy genres. Director Park In-jae perfectly captures the vulnerabilities of his strong characters, showing a whole new level of emotion and humanity. Moreover, the unique camera work and superb special effects also elevate the show to a binge-worthy standard.

14

‘Broker’ (2022)

Broker centers around a woman who is reconsidering raising her newborn baby. When she learns of a scheme, she leaves her baby in a “baby box” where children can be anonymously surrendered. Parasite’s Song Kang-ho works as a “broker,” illegally selling these infants. Their latest “package” is a young girl named So-young, played by IU. As they set out to find her a home, the brokers begin to view her and care for her as their own.

A Tale of Morality From One of Korea’s Best Directors

The celebrated director Hirokazu Kore-eda (Our Little Sister, Shoplifters) brought another mesmerizing and heart-rending movie in 2022. Broker is a film that will have you pondering the meaning of family in a new light. Despite tackling the serious subject of child trafficking, director Kore-eda skillfully steers the film toward family with the help of its unlikely characters. With tender moments and touching dialogues, this unconventional story will leave you wondering what is right and what is wrong.

13

‘Revenant’ (2023)

In a world where humans and demons have co-existed for decades, Gu San-Yeong is a student possessed by one of these demons. Yeom Hae-Sang is an exorcist who can see the demon stuck to Gu San-Yeong, who turns out to be the same demon that killed his mother when he was a child. Together, they set out to uncover the truth about a decade-long string of deaths occurring around them related to five mysterious objects.

Falling In Between Good and Evil

Twenty-Five Twenty-One’s Kim Tae-ri and It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’s Oh Jung-se star in this supernatural thriller series. The series plunges deep into the morally gray territory of good and bad. As darker secrets come to light, a chilling atmosphere sets in, gripping your soul and attention. The ensemble cast delivers brilliant performances and the narrative stays put throughout. As a revenge Western, Revenant may seem dark to many viewers who are used to feel-good K-dramas.

12

‘Hunt’ (2022)

Hunt is set in 1980, after the brutal murder of President Park. In such a situation, North Korea finds itself as a powerful party, readying itself for a future invasion so it sends an infiltrator into the country. Park Pyong-Ho and Kim Jung-Do are two senior officers of the Korean Spy Agency, and they have made it their mission to find this mole who goes by the name of Donglim.

Will Keep Viewers on the Edge of Their Seats

With a start that is as exhilarating and satisfying as the end, Hunt becomes one of the greatest Korean action movies of recent times. Also faring well at the box office, the movie is the fourth-highest-grossing Korean film of 2022. Well-choreographed in its action and raising the bar for suspense at every turn, the movie brings you plenty of plot twists. A perfect edge-of-your-seat thriller from the mind of director Lee Jung-jae, Hunt is a must-watch.

11

‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’ (2018)

The popular rom-com What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim follows the story of Lee Young-joon, vice president of a large corporation. He is knowledgeable, successful, and exceptionally narcissistic. Lee Young-joon relied heavily on his secretary, Kim Mi-so, for nine years, as she was incredibly efficient. However, everything changes when Mi-so decides to resign from her secretary position.

An Iconic Romance Series

Throughout the series, viewers witness the development of Young-joon and Mi-soo’s relationship, which is filled with comedic and heartwarming moments. The chemistry between the lead actors, well-written dialogues, and character growth are key elements that contribute to the Korean drama’s popularity and appeal.

10

‘Shadow Detective’ (2022)

Shadow Detective follows Kim Taek-rok, a seasoned detective preparing for retirement. He receives alarming calls from someone confessing to killing his colleague. As suspicions arise, Squad Chief Kook Jin-han investigates Taek-rok but eventually believes in his innocence. Together with movie-like detectives Lee Sung-a and Son Kyung-chan, they strive to uncover the mysterious caller’s identity.

A Phenomenal Detective Thriller

This gripping South Korean crime thriller boasts a profound script, a dedicated cast, and skilled camerawork. It immerses the audience with its intense and three-dimensional storytelling. Shadow Detective takes fans on a thrilling journey, skillfully navigating suspense and intrigue that led to a successful sequel season.

9

‘Big Mouth’ (2022)

Big Mouth is a mystery crime drama with a hint of comedy. It features Park Chang-ho, a talkative lawyer with a mere 10% winning rate. During a murder case, he is mistaken for the genius swindler Big Mouse and faces life-threatening consequences. His wife, Go Mi-ho, a wise and brave nurse who supported his legal career, sets out to clear his name.

One Man’s Chance at Redemption

Featuring a star-studded cast of Lee Jong Suk, YoonA, Kwak Dong Yeon, Yang Kyung Won, and Oh Eui Shik, the drama emerges as a wildly immersive one full of plot twists in every episode. This series adeptly tackles class politics and incarceration issues, revealing a compelling story with captivating lead actors. Big Mouth keeps viewers hooked with engaging twists and thrilling moments until the end.

8

‘May It Please The Court’ (2022)

No Chak-hee, an ambitious attorney at a law firm, faces a setback when a case jeopardizes her promotion in May It Please The Court. She decides to become a public defender instead and starts sharing an office with Jwa Si-baek, a talented but mysterious fellow defender. While No Chak-hee and Jwa Si-baek don’t get along, they team up to solve a serial murder case involving wealthy elderly victims.

Will Keep Audiences Guessing Until the Final Episode

As a legal drama, May It Please The Court features courtroom sequences and trials that constantly keep you on the edge of your seat. The gripping mystery keeps viewers guessing about the killer’s true identity, which is a true victory for any show. The blend of dark themes, class confrontations, humor, and a touch of romance makes May It Please The Court a top-notch legal series.

7

‘Connect’ (2022)

Connect follows Ha Dong-Soo (Jung Haein), who is, like a handful of humans in the show, born with superhuman abilities, as they can heal non-lethal wounds. Unfortunately, he gets abducted by organ traffickers and loses his eye before escaping with his life. However, his eye has been implanted in Oh Jin Seo (Go Kyung Pyo), a serial killer, and Ha Dong-Soo witnesses everything he does. Soon after, he sets out on a mission to catch the killer before he takes any more innocent lives.

Bringing Together International Talent for an Unforgettable K-Drama

Korean dramas based on webtoons have always been popular with viewers, and Connect is no exception. Combining that with Japanese director Takashi Miike’s expertise gives you a gritty and dark Korean drama you don’t see very often. Connect takes a new road down memory lane and develops an exciting plot without pulling its punches.

6

‘The Host’ (2006)

The plot revolves around Gang-du, a clueless man in his 40s whose wife abandoned him years ago and who is now struggling to raise his little daughter. While he is still content with his current life owning a snack shop on the Han River’s side, the abrupt appearance of a squid monster alters his life forever. When the monster snatches his daughter and vanishes, Gang-du is compelled to join forces with his unemployed brother and a sister on the national archery team. They work together to track down the beast, hoping the young girl will survive.

A Monster Film From Bong Joon Ho

The Host is another masterwork by Bong Joon Ho, who would go on to direct Parasite. The film evokes practically every emotion in the viewer, including dread, thrill, grief, and even delight at moments. The film crams all of these feelings into the first few minutes but then diverges dramatically with a groundbreaking introduction of a creature.

5

‘The Legend of the Blue Sea’ (2016)

Heo Joon Jae is a highly skilled con artist who spends his days tricking wealthy people and avoiding getting caught. However, during one such incident, he is pursued by the victims and meets Shim Chung, who is a mermaid. After escaping with her and realizing that they are destined to be together, owing to a link from their past lives, he must learn to live with her while coping with his problems.

A Perfect Introduction to K-Dramas

Even if Hulu did not bring any Korean dramas to its streaming service, it wouldn’t lose any K-drama viewers as long as it streams The Legend of the Blue Sea. It is one of those introductory dramas for newcomers that makes you fall in love with the concept of these shows and binge-watch everything you can find in a short period. The drama is nothing short of a masterpiece with its touching and lighthearted tale, especially with Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun delivering stellar performances.

4

‘One Dollar Lawyer’ (2022)

The plot of One Dollar Lawyer revolves around Cheon Ji Hun, an exceptional attorney who is upright and only accepts 1000 won as payment for every one of his cases. He argues in court with expensive lawyers and their wealthy clients, making them look foolish with his unconventional approach to law. Meanwhile, Baek Ma Ri (Kim Ji Eun), a recent graduate of a prestigious training institute, aspires to be a successful lawyer like her grandfather, but her life is turned upside down when she meets Ji Hun.

A Perfectly Cast Comical Drama

We’re all familiar with how the law works in Korean dramas, and One Dollar Lawyer takes it a step further by carrying out a satisfying premise to keep viewers engaged. It is well-balanced with comical and intense situations, and the cast is simply outstanding in their performances. You can’t imagine someone other than Namkoong Min playing the leading role, Ji Hun. Overall entertaining, the drama is a must-watch for fans.

3

‘The Judge from Hell’ (2024)

A merciless judge in hell, Justitia, is sent to Earth as a punishment after condemning an innocent person. She enters the body of the very person condemned, another judge in Kang Bit-na. Beyond dealing with the awkwardness of her humanity, Justicia is tasked with sending ten ruthless criminals to hell within a year or facing her own destruction. This task and the desire to return home become complicated when she finds herself romantically interested in a detective who is looking into those she is murdering.

A Devilish Action Comedy

Genre-wise, The Judge from Hell throws almost everything at the wall: action, comedy, drama, detective thriller, and addictive courtroom drama. While the mash-up of genres should not work, the K-drama series becomes a rather uproarious and engaging entry into the medium. The production also has a policy similar to a film, making for a visually rich viewing experience (particularly regarding the action). The cast here is also phenomenal, with Park Shin-hye as Kang Bit-na/Justicia, intimidating or charming depending on her goal.