In 2016, Korean television delivered an unprecedented lineup of dramas that kept viewers glued to their screens, turning the year into a milestone in K-drama history. With captivating scripts, top-tier actors, addictive OSTs and a mix of genres from romance and comedy to historical and fantasy thrillers, the year offered an entertainment feast that is still fondly remembered.
Descendants of the Sun
Premiering early in 2016, Descendants of the Sun became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting “Song-Song Couple” Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo to immense fame. Following the romance between Captain Yoo Shi-jin and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon amid war and disaster in Uruk, the drama seamlessly blended love, camaraderie and humanitarian themes. Its finale hit a record 38.8% rating (Nielsen Korea), cementing it as one of Korea’s most successful dramas.
Signal
This crime-thriller-fantasy gem stood out with its gripping time-bridge premise: Lieutenant Park Hae-young discovers a radio that connects him to Detective Lee Jae-han in 1989. Together, they solve cold cases and prevent crimes, with plots inspired by real-life incidents. Kim Hye Soo’s powerful performance as Cha Soo-hyun helped Signal earn critical acclaim and a spot among the best Korean thrillers ever made.
Doctors
Doctors tells the transformative journey of Yoo Hye-jung (Park Shin-hye), a once rebellious teenager who becomes a compassionate doctor thanks to her mentor Hong Ji-hong (Kim Rae-won). Reuniting years later as colleagues, their relationship blossoms in a hospital setting rendered with authentic detail. Its strong character growth and sweet chemistry made it a ratings success and fashion trendsetter.
Cheese in the Trap
Based on the hit webtoon, Cheese in the Trap follows diligent student Hong Seol (Kim Go Eun) and mysterious senior Yoo Jung (Park Hae Jin). Unlike typical romantic dramas, it dives deep into complex character psychology, creating a tense yet intimate atmosphere that resonated with viewers.
Moonlight Drawn by Clouds
A vibrant historical romance, this drama portrays Hong Ra On (Kim Yoo Jung), a young woman disguised as a eunuch, and her slow-burning romance with Crown Prince Lee Yeong (Park Bo Gum). Its charming leads, humorous tone and hit OSTs made it a national favorite.
W – Two Worlds
Breaking genre boundaries, W – Two Worlds tells of surgeon Oh Yeon Joo (Han Hyo Joo) being pulled into the world of a webtoon where Kang Chul (Lee Jong Suk) is the hero. With constant plot twists and polished visual effects, it offered a thrilling blend of fantasy, romance and suspense.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
This coming-of-age romance follows weightlifter Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung) and swimmer Jung Joon Hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk) in a sweet, playful relationship that captured the essence of youthful dreams and insecurities. The drama charmed viewers with its realistic portrayal of young love and friendship.
Legend of the Blue Sea
Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Min Ho shine in this cross-era romance between the last mermaid and a genius conman. With picturesque scenes from Joseon to the present day, the drama combined fantasy, comedy and heartfelt romance to dominate ratings.
Goblin
A masterpiece from writer Kim Eun Sook, Goblin follows immortal warrior Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) and his destined bride Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun), alongside the tragic love of the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong Wook) and Sunny (Yoo In Na). Exceptional cinematography, iconic OSTs and stellar performances made it a cable TV ratings legend.
Another Oh Hae Young
This unique rom-com revolves around two women with the same name, whose lives intertwine through sound director Park Do Kyung (Eric Mun). With humor, emotional depth and Seo Hyun Jin’s breakout performance, it tackled themes of self-worth and love in an unforgettable way.
The year 2016 was more than a high point — it was a defining chapter in Korean drama history. Each series left a lasting cultural footprint, proving the creativity and storytelling mastery of Korea’s screenwriters, directors and actors. Even today, fans revisit these works, a testament to why 2016 remains the legendary year of K-dramas.
Sources: K14
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