Korean dramas have become a worldwide phenomenon with millions of people watching them daily. They have a vast audience who stream on online platforms.
But why are Kdramas so popular? The reasons behind their popularity are the relatable characters, cheeky romance, unique storyline, and music. You will easily relate to the actors in the dramas.
Korean dramas have numerous genres to choose from such as romance, thriller, comedy, horror, suspense, and a lot more. There’s always a drama available of a specific trope that is your favorite.
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Political Thriller Kdramas
One of the most famous genres is political thriller. These dramas are about the power battles and political games that go on in South Korea. They depict things like corruption, ambition, and loyalty.
They have a unique mix of mystery, drama, and political intrigue that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making them a favorite among people who like exciting and thought-provoking dramas.
If you’re looking for some of the best political thriller Korean dramas, here is a list of some recommended dramas that explore the theme of politics, that you can watch.
1. Designated Survivor: 60 Days
Moo Jin is the Minister of Environment. One day, the cabinet is gathered in the Assembly. A terror attack kills many government officials but he is left alive & must sit as the acting president for 60 days. He chases after the person or group responsible for the attack.
Cast –
- Ji Jin Hee as Park Moo Jin
- Son Seok Koo as Cha Young Jin
- Kang Han Na as Han Na Kyung
- Heo Joon Ho as Han Joo Seung
No. Of Episodes – 16
Watch On – Netflix
2. Memorist
With the power to read people’s memories, Dong Baek solves crimes as a detective in the police force. When a string of serial murders happen, Dong Baek teams up with talented criminal profiler Han Sun Mi to stop the killer and prevent further deaths.
Cast –
- Yoo Seung Ho as Dong Baek
- Lee Se Young as Han Sun Mi
- Jo Sung Ha as Lee Shin Woong
- Ko Chang Seok as Goo Kyung Tan
No. Of Episodes – 16
Watch On – Viki
3. Moon Embracing The Sun
A love story between a king & a female shaman. She was born into a noble family and became the crown princess, but was entrapped and faced execution. Now trained as a shaman, she returns to reclaim her rightful position as queen.
Cast –
- Han Ga In as Heo Yeon Woo
- Kim Soo Hyun as Lee Hwon
- Jung Il Woo as Yang Myung
- Kim Min Seo as Yoon Bo Kyung
No. Of Episodes – 20
4. Nobody Knows
Cha Young Jin is a detective. She lost her friend 19 years ago to a serial killer. She still carries guilt and trauma over the death of her friend. The serial killer case then begins again after 19 years. Cha Young Jin chases after the killer.
Cast –
- Kim Seo Hyung as Cha Young Jin
- Ryu Deok Hwan as Lee Sun Woo
- Park Hoon as Baek Sang Ho
- Ahn Ji Ho as Go Eun Ho
No. Of Episodes – 16
Watch On – Viki
5. Bridal Mask
Hangul: 각시탈
Year: 2012
In the 1930s, Lee Kang To lives in Korea, which is oppressed by Japanese Imperial rule. Even though he is Korean, he works with the Japanese police to catch “Bridal Mask,” an unknown rebel fighting for Korean independence.
Rating:
Main Cast (Characters):
- Joo Won as Lee Kang To
- Jin Se Yeon as Oh Mok Dan
- Park Ki Woong as Kimura Shunji
- Han Chae Ah as Ueno Rie
No. Of Episodes: 28 (65 min. each)
Streaming Options (region-specific):
Short Review: The drama does a good job of mixing historical facts with fictional characters and events. The main actors give strong performances, especially in scenes that show how hard war and oppression are on people emotionally. The conflict between the two male leads makes it intense.
6. Chief Of Staff
The drama follows Blue House politics and power battles. Tae Joon, the President’s smart political strategist and chief of staff, navigates political intrigue, competing politicians, and personal problems to protect the President and his vision for the country.
Cast –
- Lee Jung Jae as Jang Tae Joon
- Shin Min Ah as Kang Sun Yeong
- Kim Gab Soo as Song Hee Seop
- Lee Elijah as Yoon Hye Won
No. Of Episodes – 10
Watch On – Netflix
7. Watcher
15 years ago a horrific murder is committed changing the lives of Do Chi Kwang, a senior detective, Han Tae Joo, a former prosecutor, and Kim Young Goon, a policeman. They become members of an internal affairs investigation team to uncover the truth.
Cast –
- Seo Kang Joon as Kim Young Goon
- Han Seok Kyu as Do Chi Kwang
- Kim Hyun Joo as Han Tae Joo
- Park Joo Hee as Jo Soo Yeon
No. Of Episodes – 16
Watch On – Viki
8. Into The Ring
Se Ra, a spirited young woman gets involved in local politics to save her father’s bookstore. Together with a strict civil worker named Gong Myung, they deal with corrupt politicians, bureaucracy, and an unexpected romance in their pursuit of justice.
9. Queenmaker
Do Hee ran the strategic planning office of a company. She is a genius at making things look good. Seung Sook, a human rights lawyer who has lived like a weed and been called a rhinoceros, jumps into the election board to become the mayor of Seoul.
Cast –
- Kim Hee Ae as Hwang Do Hee
- Moon So Ri as Oh Kyung Sook
- Ryu Soo Young as Baek Jae Min
- Seo Yi Sook as Son Young Shim
No. Of Episodes – 11
Watch On – Netflix
10. Argon
Baek Jin is a popular anchor, reporter, and leader of the investigative reporting program Argon. The team goes through many trials as they struggle to tell true and meaningful news stories that the public needs to hear while the company tries to undermine its goals.
Cast –
- Kim Joo Hyuk as Kim Baek Jin
- Chun Woo Hee as Lee Yun Hwa
- Park Won Sang as Shin Chul
- Shin Hyun Bin as Chae Soo Min
No. Of Episodes – 8
Watch On – Netflix
11. Six Flying Dragons
Hangul: 육룡이 나르샤
Year: 2015
A historical drama that takes place in Korea during the troubled Joseon dynasty. In the drama, six different people, each with their own talents and personalities, work together to fight for justice and change in their country.
Rating:
Main Cast (Characters):
- Yoo Ah In as Lee Bang Won
- Kim Myung Min as Jung Do Jeon
- Shin Se Kyung as Boon Yi
- Byun Yo Han as Ddang Sae
No. Of Episodes: 50 (60 min. each)
Streaming Options (region-specific):
Short Review: This drama is one of the highest rated historical drama with stunning cinematography, well-developed characters, and rich historical background. It is a must-watch series for everyone irrespective of the genre.
12. Trolley
The drama tells the story of Joong Do, a member of the National Assembly and his wife who hides her past. It will showcase the dilemma and struggles that couples face as their secret got revealed to the world.
Cast –
- Kim Hyun Joo as Kim Hye Joo
- Park Hee Soon as Nam Jung Do
- Kim Mu Yeol as Jang Woo Jae
- Jung Soo Bin as Kim Soo Bin
No. Of Episodes – 16
Watch On – Netflix
13. The Good Wife
Hye Kyung is a devoted wife and mother. When her politician husband gets caught in a corruption scandal, she finds herself in the middle of a high-profile incident. As she deals with legal and social problems, she becomes a lawyer to protect her family.
Cast –
- Jeon Do Yeon as Kim Hye Kyung
- Yoo Ji Tae as Lee Tae Joon
- Yoon Kye Sang as Seo Jung Won
- Kim Seo Hyung as Seo Myung Hee
No. Of Episodes – 16
Watch On – Free Streaming Sites
14. Kingdom
Hangul: 킹덤
Year: 2019
During the Joseon period, the spirit of a recently dead king comes back, and a mysterious illness starts to spread across the country. To find out what is going on and save his people, the crown prince must deal with a new kind of enemy.
Rating:
Main Cast (Characters):
- Joo Ji Hoon as Lee Chang
- Ryu Seung Ryong as Jo Hak Joo
- Bae Doo Na as Seo Bi
- Kim Sung Gyu as Young Shin
No. Of Episodes: 6+6 (50 min. each)
Streaming Options (region-specific):
Short Review: Kingdom is one of the best and most exciting shows about zombies. The filming is so good that all the zombies seem real. The story is interesting because it takes place in the past and has a zombie outbreak. Read Kingdom Review.
15. Chicago Typewriter
The drama depicts three resistance fighters who lived during the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea and are reincarnated into the present as a best-selling writer, a fan, and a ghostwriter. It is an epic story of friendship, comradeship, love, and betrayal.
16. Punch
The story of Jung Hwan, a prosecutor who is diagnosed with a brain tumor. With limited time, he seeks justice and redemption, facing moral dilemmas and confronting his past while dealing with political intrigue and personal struggles.
Wrapping Up
So, these were the recommended dramas involving politics that will keep you thrilled with their exciting stories. Put on your seatbelt and get ready to feel your heart racing as you get sucked into the world of political intrigue.
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FAQs
1. Which are the best political Kdramas?
Some of the best political thriller dramas include Queenmaker, Chief Of Staff, Kingdom, Designated Survivor.
2. Where can I watch political Kdramas?
You can watch most of the political series on legal platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Viu, Viki, Kocowa, etc.
3. What is the best crime thriller Kdrama?
One of the best crime thriller drama is Defendant. Other dramas such as Vagabond, The K2, Healer are also some good thrillers to watch.
