11 of the best South Korean movies and TV shows to stream on Netflix right now

Inyoung ChoiOct 19, 2020, 20:52 IST

"Romance is a Bonus Book" stars Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young.tvN, Netflix

South Korean TV shows and movies are gaining popularity on Netflix.
The thriller "#Alive" was ranked fourth in the Netflix US Top 10 list a day after its release.
The popularity of Netflix K-dramas is an extension of the "Korean Wave" phenomenon.
Here are 11 South Korean shows and movies that US audiences can stream right now.

South Korean movies and TV shows are gaining massive popularity on Netflix.

It's the latest chapter of the new "Korean Wave" phenomenon, frequently dubbed "Hallyu." 2020 revitalized the Korean Wave, from "Parasite's" historic Oscar sweeps to BTS's latest single "Dynamite."

"Nothing happens overnight," Ju Oak Kim, an Assistant Professor of Communication at Texas A&M International University, told Insider.

When it comes to shows and movies, she explained that the "quality of Korean dramas and movies have improved overall" over time. She added that storylines in so-called "K-dramas" and films are different from what American audiences are accustomed to, but can still be embraced by audiences universally.

If you want to find your next binge-watch, here are 11 South Korean shows and movies that US audiences should check out on Netflix.

"#Alive" is a South Korean zombie film that US audiences already love.

"#Alive" is a South Korean zombie film. Lotte Entertainment

"Kingdom" is at the heart of the "K-Zombie" phenomenon.

"Kingdom" is a series on Netflix. Netflix

"Itaewon Class" was an incredibly popular television show with a stellar soundtrack including a song by BTS member V.

"Itaewon Class" has 16 episodes on Netflix. JTBC, Netflix

"Crash Landing on You" is a romantic comedy that will warm your heart.

"Crash Landing on You" is about a South Korean heiress who finds love in North Korea. tvN, Netflix

The "Reply" drama series is a "How I Met Your Mother"-style show that explores the meaning of friendship and family.

"Reply 1994" is one of the "Reply" drama series. tvN

"Hospital Playlist" explores the lives of five longtime friends who all work as doctors at the same hospital.

"Hospital Playlist" is renewed for a second season in 2021. tvN, Netflix

"My Mister" explores the meaning of adulthood through an unlikely companionship between two coworkers.

"My Mister" is a tear-jerker, for sure. tvN

"Okja" is one of Bong Joon Ho's many critically acclaimed films.

Director Bong Joon Ho and Tilda Swinton at the "Okja" press conference in 2017. Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

"Romance is a Bonus Book" is a romantic comedy that is as dreamy as a fairytale.

"Romance is a Bonus Book" stars Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young. tvN, Netflix

"Record of Youth" is a fun romance between two 20-somethings navigating their careers.

"Record of Youth" has a must-listen soundtrack. tvN, Netflix

"Burning" received acclaim from critics around the world.

Jun Jong Seo, Steven Yeun, Yoo Ah-in, and director Lee Chang-Dong pose during a photocall for the film "Burning" at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival. ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images

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