Previously, we ranked the best K-Dramas from the first half of 2022. Now, it’s time to reveal the best of the best from the 2nd half of the year! Here are the 10 best K-Dramas from the second half of 2022! Note: This list includes K-Dramas that started after June 30 and ended before 2023. It is Kpopmap’s ranking, but you can vote for your favorite K-Drama in the poll at the end of the article. As this is a poll for readers to vote and share their opinion on whenever they find this article, it will not be closed, and no result article will be published.
1. “Under The Queen’s Umbrella”
Genre: Historical, Mystery Cast: Kim HyeSoo, Kim HaeSook, Moon SangMin, Choi WonYoung, SF9’s Chani. Summary: The story of the graceful and dignified Queen HwaRyeong, who navigates palace politics and dismisses royal protocol to raise her sons into proper princes and make one of them the Crown Prince. Key Strengths: Political intrigue, Feminine strength, Love of a mother. Rank Rationale: The very definition of a complete package, “Under The Queen’s Umbrella” undoubtedly deserves the top spot on our list. Stretched over 16 episodes of conspiracy, palace politics, and power play, complemented by moments of utmost elegance, beauty, and affection, this drama presents a significantly compact story in intimate detail. The central dilemma of “Under The Queen’s Umbrella” surrounds the position of the Crown Prince, and it never deviates from the same until the end. This is what makes it such a well-focused work of art that will fly by before you even know it. In addition, Kim HyeSoo is a master of her craft, and her portrayal of Queen HwaRyeong will definitely go down in K-Drama history as the most beloved, intelligent, and competent queen of them all. Fan Verdict: Fans enjoyed the constant turn of events, especially the unpredictable plot twists that kept them engaged throughout the show’s runtime. The Queen’s unique temperament and intensity were the highlights of the drama, and the moments of comedy sprinkled in to lighten the heavy atmosphere were well-appreciated. The love between the brothers, the theme of acceptance, and the romance between our unlikely couple - Crown Prince SeongNam and Crown Princess ChungHa (Oh YeJu) added to the enjoyability of the drama. Some fans opined that the ending written for the Queen Dowager was slightly anti-climactic, but it was admittedly fitting. Overall, viewers are pleased with the conclusion of the drama and vouch for its rewatch value. “Under The Queen’s Umbrella” Theories & Predictions That Just Make Sense KDRAMA STORIES|Nov 16, 2022
2. “Weak Hero Class 1”
Genre: Action, Thriller Cast: Park JiHoon, Choi HyunWook, Hong Kyung, Shin SeungHo, Lee Yeon. Summary: The story of Yeon ShiEun, a lonely outcast who fights for his friends against bullies using psychology and practical knowledge as tools. Key Strengths: Power of friendship, Flawed characters, Realistic action. Rank Rationale: The K-Drama that left the biggest impression on us in 2022, “Weak Hero Class 1”, deserves limitless ovations. The spectrum of emotions this drama portrayed - from anguish to desperation, fear, anger, grief, and unadulterated love - each and every sentiment struck a chord in a way that will stay with us for quite a while. The cool-toned, shadowy cinematography is undercut by a golden shade of reverie, leaving us in a haze of melancholia. The high stake complications and their painful denouement, the delayed gratification and the intriguing ending - all make us experience the sharpest pangs of reality as we ready ourselves for another round. Needless to say, a second season is inevitable (or so we hope). Fan Verdict: “Weak Hero Class 1” was the K-Drama that introduced a wider audience to the acting chops of our lead actors Park JiHoon, Choi HyunWook, and Hong Kyung. Fans are thoroughly impressed with their acting in this series. According to some viewers, “Weak Hero Class 1” is entertaining but also rightfully depressing as it does not have a conventional happy ending. Rather, it opens up the scope for a second season, especially since the webtoon it is based on starts from where the drama leaves off. So, while it is exceptionally impactful in its own right, it does leave you wanting more. QUIZ: What Relationship Would You Have With Yeon ShiEun Of “Weak Hero Class 1” Played By Park JiHoon? QUIZZES|Nov 21, 2022
3. “Glitch”
Genre: Science fiction, Mystery, Comedy Cast: Jeon YeoBeen, After School’s NaNa. Summary: The story of Hong JiHyo, an ordinary woman who is plagued by the vision of aliens in baseball helmets but believes them to be hallucinations, and Huh BoRa, a content creator and alien enthusiast who’s chasing her next big story. Together, they look for JiHyo’s missing boyfriend, who they think has been abducted by aliens. Key Strengths: Deferred coming-of-age, WLW representation, Aliens. Rank Rationale: “Glitch” is a meditation on belief, conviction, and accepting oneself. Our main characters have a yin and yang dynamic whereby JiHyo (Jeon YeoBeen) is constantly at odds with her own identity and the direction her life is taking, and BoRa (NaNa) represents authenticity, freedom and self-love, even though she is a flawed human being herself. The show is filled to the brim with the loveliest metaphors and symbolism, which make it exceptionally delightful to decipher. At the same time, its feminist core gives it an empowering color. This is one of those K-Dramas that you can watch again and again just for fun or write a thesis on, and that duality speaks for itself. Fan Verdict: “Glitch” is another drama that drew viewers in by the merit of its stellar cast. Some fans were fond of its slow and patient pacing, while others would have preferred it slightly faster. Consensus dictates that the second half of the series was much more exciting and thrilling than the first. Another plus point of the drama, according to fans, was how relatable it was despite the, quite literally, otherworldly plot. Even non-fans of science fiction were able to immerse themselves in the story simply because the characters and their underlying issues were easy to identify with. Kpopmap Reviews: To Believe Or Not To Believe, That Is The Question & “Glitch” Gives Us A Terrific Answer KDRAMA STORIES|Oct 12, 2022
4. “The First Responders”
Genre: Crime, Thriller Cast: Kim RaeWon, Son HoJun, Gong SeungYeon. Summary: “The First Responders” follows the joint investigations of Taewon Police Station and Taewon Fire Station into the darkest crimes plaguing the town, all the while fighting a larger evil that looms over them. Key Strengths: Riveting plot, Episodic format, Solid characterization. Rank Rationale: “The First Responders” is that one K-Drama that you just can’t stop telling your friends about because you have discovered the diamond that they missed. If any drama has hit the perfect casting jackpot this year, it is “The First Responders”. Kim RaeWon brings the heat with his passionate madness, whereas Gong SeungYeon imparts a cooling, comforting breath of fresh air. Son HoJun, on the other hand, is making us swoon anew in uniform with his resolute fervor. It simply doesn’t get any better than this. The case-by-case structure is tied together by a coherent backstory, which gives our characters more substance and the viewers more reasons to care. “The First Responders” should definitely be on your watchlist before the end of the year. Fan Verdict: Viewers of “The First Responders” all collectively agree that it is highly underrated. The major charm of the drama, according to fans, lies in its serial format that follows the characters as they solve individual cases in each episode. However, according to some viewers, the bigger subplot that explores Jin HoGae’s (Kim RaeWon) past is a tad too dragged out and off-putting. For some fans, this is because it adds a darker undercurrent to the show, dampening something that is otherwise remarkably entertaining - rife with moments of romance, comedy, and hardcore action. Fans have also shared that they’re employing a willing suspension of disbelief to enjoy the show. “The First Responders” (2022 Drama): Cast & Summary KDRAMA STORIES|Nov 12, 2022
5. “Bad Prosecutor”
Genre: Crime, Comedy, Law Cast: EXO’s D.O. (Doh KyungSoo), Lee SeHee. Summary: “Bad Prosecutor” is an action-investigation drama about a prosecutor who chooses expediency, tricks, and delinquency over going by the book, to punish the corrupt powerful people who are eating away at society. Key Strengths: Addictive pacing, Balance of genres, Chemistry. Rank Rationale: Easily one of the most chaotic crime shows of 2022, “Bad Prosecutor” is everything we love about K-Dramas. It is perfectly eccentric yet considerably profound, intense but light, unbelievably funny but also equally thrilling, and if that’s not the making of a timeless classic, we don’t know what is! “Bad Prosecutor” is the type of K-Drama that will be recommended for years down the line and will still please viewers ten years from now. D.O. and Lee SeHee’s pairing is one for the history books, and we can’t help but wish for a second season just to see them again. Fan Verdict: “Bad Prosecutor” has garnered mixed reactions from viewers in terms of its central theme, but the majority of them highly recommend it. While some are not fond of the good vs. evil trope, others enjoy the familiarity, especially since it’s a fresh take on the same. The cast has impressed fans thoroughly, regardless of their opinions on the drama’s execution of its predominant genres. Rather than as a courtroom drama, fans enjoyed “Bad Prosecutor” as a revenge thriller with larger-than-life characters. 4 Reasons Why EXO D.O.’s “Bad Prosecutor” Drama Is A Must Watch KDRAMA STORIES|Oct 19, 2022
6. “Little Women”
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Melodrama. Cast: Kim GoEun, Nam JiHyun, Park JiHu, Wi HaJun. Summary: Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women” tells the story of three sisters from a humble family who get involved in a crime and bravely face the power politics of the most influential family in the nation. Key Strengths: Female rage, Psychological warfare, Individuality in family. Rank Rationale: With some of the strongest female characters we have seen on television, “Little Women” is a celebrated standout thriller that has defined the year in K-Drama. It is a modern saga of sisterhood, betrayal, crime, and punishment that sticks with you long after it’s over, and this lasting power is what makes it such a tour de force. The Oh sisters could not be more different from each other in terms of their personality and worldview, yet there’s a nerve of similitude that inexplicably holds them close no matter how far apart they are. “Little Women” is family at its best and worst, lost and found, and this wonderful binary is what forms the essence of the drama. Fan Verdict: The K-Drama community has come together to dub “Little Women” a masterpiece. Besides the outstanding performance by the cast, each and every actor of which left a deep impact on viewers, the extraordinary storytelling, complex character development, and the ultimate ending have earned a 10/10 from fans. However, viewers have mentioned that they wouldn’t necessarily recommend “Little Women” to a total K-Drama beginner as the makjang of it all could be overwhelming at times. Underrated Scene Of The Week: The Brilliant Kim GoEun Has A Run-In With Power & High Heels In “Little Women” KDRAMA STORIES|Sep 7, 2022
7. “The Law Cafe”
Genre: Law, Romantic Comedy, Slice of life Cast: Lee SeungGi, Lee SeYoung. Summary: A former prosecutor turned building owner Kim JungHo, and a fiery lawyer, Kim YooRi, have been friends since high school. After leaving her job as a hotshot lawyer, she starts a unique business in the building owned by JungHo, dishing out coffee and legal advice. She calls it, “The Law Cafe”. Key Strengths: Mature romance with childlike wonder, Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, Novel concept. Rank Rationale: Satisfying every K-Drama fan’s insatiable desire for romantic comedies that make you forget about real life, “The Law Cafe” comes in strong. Lee SeungGi and Lee SeYoung leave us slack-jawed in awe of their dazzling chemistry, reminding us once again that they are powerhouses in their own right but even more iconic together. The genuinely playful and buoyant atmosphere created by the drama allows us to revel in its many joys without feeling unsettled in anticipation of some big change shaking everything up. In fact, because it is such a carefree watch, it is even more memorable. Fan Verdict: Viewers were completely taken with the main leads of “The Law Cafe”. From the fierceness of Lee SeYoung to the endearing Lee SeungGi, the chemistry between our central couple brought many heart-fluttering moments to viewers. The light-hearted, fluffy nature of the drama was comforting and refreshing for fans. If you haven’t watched “The Law Cafe’ yet, fans say that it is perfect for binge-watching. 5 Heart-Fluttering Moments From “The Law Cafe” KDRAMA STORIES|Oct 18, 2022
8. “Connect”
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Crime, Thriller Cast: Jung HaeIn, Ko KyungPyo, Kim HyeJun. Summary: Ha DongSu is an urban legend come to life - the “Connect”. He possesses the power of self-regeneration. After he is kidnapped by an organ trafficking racket and loses an eye to them, he starts having heinous visions of murder. Soon, he realizes that his eye has been transplanted into a serial killer. To prevent him from further carrying out his crimes, DongSu uses his out-of-body vision to take him down. Key Strengths: Dualism, Transformation, Cinematography. Rank Rationale: Myth and realism collide in this brilliantly produced horror mystery that is as much a satire as it is a wild, dystopian fantasy. Jung HaeIn and Ko KyungPyo present an unforgettable viewing experience, and Kim HyeJun’s edge is just what the show needed to give it a well-rounded sense of completion. Ha DongSu (Jung HaeIn) and Oh JinSeop (Ko KyungPyo) are connected, quite literally, by a fate beyond comprehension, and when this connection starts to interfere in their daily lives, leaving their consciousness fragmented, an otherworldly showdown awaits. Needless to say, the chase is as satisfying as it is compelling, and we just can’t take our eyes off the screen. Fan Verdict: “Connect” is another drama that received contrasting reactions from audiences. For some, the tone is lacking grit, while for others, it is the pacing that needed more attention. However, for all parties, the acting is one of the major reasons why they decided to stick around, and it ultimately paid off when “Connect” started to connect the dots in the second half, albeit leaving quite a few questions unanswered. About the finale, fans say that the rushed open ending left them scratching their heads, but it certainly did its job of making the audience expect another season. “Connect” (2022 Disney+ Drama): Cast & Summary KDRAMA STORIES|Dec 7, 2022
9. “Big Mouth”
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Cast: Lee JongSuk, Girls Generation’s Lim YoonA, Kwak DongYeon. Summary: “Big Mouth” tells the story of an unsuccessful lawyer Park ChangHo, who gets involved in a criminal case and is mistakenly identified as the genius con artist “Big Mouse”, putting his life in danger. In light of the chaos that is unleashed, Park ChangHo and his wife, Go MiHo attempt to clear his name. Key Strengths: Moral ambiguity, Making a hero, Cat & mouse chase. Rank Rationale: From the moment we saw the opening score of “Big Mouth” for the first time, it was a certainty that this was going to be one of the biggest K-Dramas of the year. After all, Lee JongSuk and YoonA are a match made in K-Drama heaven, and they deliver the most poignant, evocative, and multidimensional romance we’ve seen in a while. As a thriller, “Big Mouth” gave us exactly the whodunnit we were craving, going above and beyond to keep us hooked. It unfolded like a novel, and it was excruciatingly painful to wait a whole week to turn the pages but rewarding nonetheless. Fan Verdict: The most highly-anticipated K-Drama of 2022, “Big Mouth”, definitely lived up to its expectations, according to fans. From the fast pace to the various sub-plots, all of which kept the viewers on their toes, everything about this drama was brilliant, to say the least. While the ending did get its fair share of disapproval, its place in the bigger picture was fitting and realistic enough to impress fans. Lee JongSuk and YoonA were spectacular in their roles, as always, but fans also lauded the supporting characters, who were true scene-stealers. Underrated Scene Of The Week: Lee JongSuk Makes A Chilling Transformation Into A Menace With Nothing To Lose In “Big Mouth” KDRAMA STORIES|Aug 3, 2022 Genre: Comedy, Romance Cast: Kwak DongYeon, Ko SungHee, Bae HyeonSeong, Kang MinAh. Summary: A drama about the lives of young employees in the Marketing Division of Gaus Electronics. Key Strengths: Side-splitting humor, Comedic Timing, Diversity of characters. Rank Rationale: The K-Drama that singlehandedly fulfilled our comedy quota for 2022, “Gaus Electronics” is now our go-to for an effective pick-me-up. Featuring a colorful motley crew of characters, this drama will leave you in fits with tears in your eyes but for all the right reasons. It is unbeatable, not just in humor but also as an incredible webtoon adaptation, and huge props are due to the whole team for making it come to life. Most importantly, the versatility of our actors in this drama has made us fall in love with each and every one of them even more. Fan Verdict: Fans are calling “Gaus Electronics” the hidden gem of 2022. Even the tertiary characters of this drama have made their way into viewers’ hearts. The witty writing, hilarious personalities, and hysterical situations they find themselves in are enough to leave you rolling on the floor laughing. Fans are praising “Gaus Electronics” because of how uncomplicated and bright it is, especially since such dramas are rather rare in the industry at the moment. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Watch The Best Comedy K-Drama In 2022 “Gaus Electronics” KDRAMA STORIES|Oct 11, 2022 **Fan Verdict is based on fans’ opinions gathered from social media and online discussion forums. Which other K-Drama would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!
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