K-Drama Fandom's Fiery Feud: Which Year Boasts the BEST K-Dramas?

The international K-Drama fandom is ablaze with a debate hotter than a bowl of kimchi jjigae: which year truly delivered the best K-Dramas? From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, fans are passionately defending their favorite eras, and the opinions are as diverse as the genres themselves.

At the heart of the discussion, a few years consistently pop up as strong contenders: 2016-2019 and the more recent 2022. For many, 2016 hands down holds a special place, often cited as the “golden age” that launched countless international obsessions. “Any newbie should start there and then work their way up to more recent ones,” one fan passionately advises. This sentiment is echoed by those who lament newer viewers “complaining about kdrama tropes in older shows because they already saw it in newer ones. YOU HAVE THE ORDER BACKWARDS!” It’s a plea to appreciate the foundational works before judging.

However, not everyone agrees that 2016 wears the undisputed crown. “I think anything like this is subjective,” another fan points out, admitting that “quite a few of the dramas that are considered ‘classics’ from 2016 I didn’t think very highly of.” This perspective highlights the deeply personal nature of K-Drama enjoyment. For this fan, a look at their personal ratings on MDL suggests 2022 might be on average their highest-rated year. They boast no drama below a 5-star (shout out to Crazy Love and One-Dollar Lawyer) and even a couple of 10-stars in Alchemy of Souls and The Interest of Love (a choice they playfully acknowledge as “MY ratings”). Interestingly, they have no 10-star dramas from 2016, and even one of their only 1-star dramas, Madame Antoine, hails from that very year.

The discussion also delves into the evolution of K-Dramas. “What I’ve found is post-2020, dramas are more codified,” a fan observes. This means “fewer really memorable, unique ones but there are also fewer ones that are just an ugh-level mess.” While older dramas might offer a “quirkiness,” they also come with the risk of “truly awful ones to trip over.” Case in point? The 2010 classic Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors, celebrated for its unique premise but perhaps “could NOT get made today with howls of outrage heard all over the internet,” alongside the infamous “unholy creation” that is Playful Kiss from the same year.

Ultimately, the debate boils down to a fundamental question: “What criteria do you want to use to define ‘the best’?” Is it overall quality, groundbreaking narratives, rewatch value, or simply personal enjoyment? While opinions diverge, many agree on appreciating the unique strengths each period offers. “2016 and 2017 had the best dramas,” some still assert, proving that even as K-Drama continues to evolve, the legacies of certain years remain etched in fandom’s hearts. So, what’s your pick for the ultimate K-Drama golden year? The comments section is waiting!