From “Queen of Tears” to “Lovely Runner”: Top 10 K-Dramas that Shook Japan
A Japanese media outlet has revealed the top 10 K-dramas that were most loved in Japan during the first half of 2024.
On June 29, Japanese media outlet Model Press announced the top 10 Korean dramas that were most loved in Japan in the first half of this year. The survey was conducted from May 17 to May 29, with a total of 7,826 responses, 89.5% of which were from women.
The results revealed that the number one spot was taken by the drama “Queen of Tears,” starring Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won. The media outlet described it as a “mega-hit drama that cannot be left out when discussing the first half of this year,” noting that “the popularity of ‘Queen of Tears’, which surpassed ‘Crash Landing on You’ to achieve tvN”s highest viewership ratings, was also conveyed to Japan through Netflix.”
Viewers who enjoyed “Queen of Tears” commented, “I was moved by how the two people, who initially misunderstood each other, realized they needed each other and overcame various trials. The actors’ performances were excellent, and the story was engaging. It’s been a while since I’ve been so hooked on a Korean drama.”
In 2nd place was “Marry My Husband,” starring Park Min-young, which garnered significant attention in Japan due to Park Min-young’s notable weight loss of 37kg for her role as a cancer patient. In 3rd place was “Doctor Slump” starring Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik.
The Netflix series “A Killer Paradox,” starring Choi Woo-shik and Son Seok-gu, took 4th place. The drama “Lovely Runner,” which also caused a sensation in Korea, ranked 5th. Japanese media highlighted Byeon Woo-seok’s popularity, stating, “He is the hottest actor right now.” One Japanese viewer remarked, “Although the plot is completely unrealistic, the acting skills of Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon make it plausible. I was completely drawn to both of them.”
Additionally, “Welcome to Samdal-ri,” starring Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun, ranked 6th; the TVING original series “Death’s Game” starring Seo In-guk, ranked 7th; the Netflix original series “Gyeongseong Creature,” starring Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee, ranked 8th; the Netflix original series “Parasyte: The Grey,” starring Jeon So-nee, ranked 9th; and the JTBC drama “The Atypical Family,” starring Jang Ki-yong and Chun Woo-hee, ranked 10th.
Source: StarNewsKorea
