TIME Magazine Ranks “Lovely Runner” as the Top K-Drama: Is There No “Queen of Tears”?

Top K-Dramas of 2024: CJ ENM Dominates TIME’s Rankings

In a significant recognition of the thriving Hallyu wave, the American news magazine TIME has unveiled its “Top 10 Best K-Dramas of 2024,” where productions by CJ ENM have convincingly taken the top two slots. This impressive feat includes a total of five CJ ENM titles featured within the prestigious top 10 list.

TIME emphasized the unparalleled quality of storytelling that characterizes Korean content, declaring, “2024 is the golden age of Korean TV.” This year’s rankings also reflect a refreshing diversity in K-Dramas, showcasing a broader array of dramas from various streaming platforms, contrasting with the Netflix-centric lists of previous years.

#1: Lovely Runner

“Lovely Runner” has emerged as TIME’s top pick for the Best K-Dramas of 2024. Praised for its “well-crafted story,”the series captivates audiences without the advantages of a substantial budget or star-studded cast. This marks its second prestigious ranking, as it previously secured the No. 2 spot in an assessment by the British cultural magazine NME. The drama maintained an impressive six-week run at No. 1 on Rakuten Viki, appealing to viewers across 109 countries, including major markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Mexico.

#2: Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born

Following closely is “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born” (known locally as “Jeong Nyeon”), which presented viewers with the rich tapestry of traditional Korean opera, or “gukgeuk.” This K-Drama not only brought this historical art form back to the limelight but also spurred a cultural revival. A recent survey by Gallup Korea revealed that this series topped the charts as the most preferred program among Korean audiences in October.

#3: Pyramid Game

At the seventh position in TIME’s rankings is “Pyramid Game” , which has earned accolades for its “dark allure,”according to NME. This series made waves by being the only Korean production invited to the esteemed “Series Mania” festival in France. Its world-building, coupled with the standout performances of emerging talents and expert direction, has garnered positive feedback from critics.

#4: Marry My Husband

“Marry My Husband” made history as the first K-Drama to reach the pinnacle of global TV rankings on Amazon Prime Video, landing at eighth place on TIME’s list. The series continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, dominating viewership charts in key markets such as the U.S., Canada, France, and the U.K.

Full Rankings from TIME

The series “Death’s Game” also caught the attention of global viewers, ranking No. 9 after the explosive premiere of its second part in January. The phrase “K-content”has gained momentum, especially as this series reached No. 2 in global TV show rankings on Amazon Prime Video, further solidifying the global interest in Korean dramas.

Lovely Runner

Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born

Love in the Big City

A Shop For Killers

The Atypical Family

The Judge From Hell

Pyramid Game

Marry My Husband

Death’s Game

Mr. Plankton

Notably absent from the list is the highly-buzzed “Queen of Tears” , featuring stars Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun, which came as a surprise to many fans due to its immense popularity.

Amidst these accolades, CJ ENM has demonstrated its prowess, achieving the highest prime-time viewership ratings in South Korea for the first half of 2024, thereby asserting its leadership among Korean TV networks and OTT platforms.

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