Timeless Korean Dramas Worth Watching — Must-See Classics for Viewers Over 40 [Part 2]

According to a study by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission, the country’s total TV program exports exceeded 80 billion yen in 2022, with dramas playing a major role in that growth.

In recent years, numerous mega-hit Korean dramas have emerged, including Crash Landing on You, which recorded a peak household rating of 21%, and Squid Game, whose final season surpassed 60 million views within just three days of release.

It’s certainly not too late to ride the Korean drama wave—especially with so many high-quality titles. Following Part 1, here are more carefully selected, must-watch Korean dramas released after Crash Landing on You that are especially worth watching for viewers over 40.

Part 1: It’s Not Too Late! The Best and Most Entertaining Korean Dramas for Viewers Over 40

K-zombie masterpieces

Korean Dramas Even Adults Shouldn’t Miss – From Zombies to Courtrooms, These Are Timeless Masterpieces

Korean dramas have also produced many excellent zombie-themed works, fondly referred to worldwide as “K-Zombies.” One standout among them is All of Us Are Dead.

“As the title suggests, this is a zombie horror drama set in a school. When a virus outbreak causes a zombie infestation, students fight to survive. Beyond the intense suspense of escaping zombies, the drama explores the emotional dynamics of the students as they struggle to survive.

Some work together to help everyone survive, while others use classmates as shields to save themselves. With instincts laid bare in extreme circumstances, the protagonists seek ways to save as many as possible. It’s not just another zombie panic drama — there’s a depth that keeps viewers engaged.”
— Commentary by columnist Aiko Kodama

Another noteworthy drama is Business Proposal, packed with classic elements of Korean romantic comedies. Writer Sachie Ozawa, an expert on Korean dramas, explains:

“This is a love story between a handsome, capable chaebol heir and an office worker who works at his company, where he’s just become the new CEO. The scenes where the slightly tsundere heir makes moves on the heroine are full of cliché lines and over-the-top direction, but oddly enough, that resonated with viewers.

With many recent Korean dramas focusing on realism, this straightforward rom-com evoked nostalgia and excitement, attracting many viewers. It’s highly recommended for adults who haven’t watched many K-dramas.”

D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) is a hidden gem that tackles the dark side of South Korea’s conscription system:

“The main character is part of the D.P. unit, which tracks down military deserters. While desertion is usually unforgivable, his pursuit reveals the harsh reality of bullying and unfair hierarchies in the military. The show features thrilling chase scenes and emotional moments as he wrestles with whether or not to bring the deserters back.”

— Drama production staff from a major Japanese TV network

Finally, the seventh and final recommended title is Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which won the Grand Prize in the television category at the Baeksang Arts Awards — Korea’s equivalent of the Golden Globes.

“It’s a human drama about a brilliant rookie lawyer with autism spectrum disorder who grows as she faces various cases. Park Eun-bin gave a phenomenal performance in this extremely demanding role. In Korea, the show reportedly helped raise awareness and understanding of autism. It also addressed relatable issues like unfair dismissal, parental debt, and class-action lawsuits against expressway construction — themes that resonated with many viewers.”

— Professor Gochinobu Okada, sociology, Yamato University

Despite their varying genres, each of these is a landmark series in the history of Korean drama. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to ride the wave of the K-drama boom.

From the August 1, 2025, issue of “FRIDAY”