8 Best Short K-Dramas to Binge in a Couple Nights, Ranked by IMDb
There are no unnecessary plot arcs, just a rich story, deep emotional development, and memorable characters.
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's difficult to find the time to watch multi-episode dramas. However, the most vibrant, touching, and gripping stories can be experienced in just a couple evenings.
Short K-Dramas are a treasure trove for fans of quality storytelling because every minute of screen time counts.
8. 'Queen of the Ring', 2017
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
In South Korea's world of high beauty standards, Nan-hee is considered mediocre-looking. She attracts no attention from boys and constantly feels neglected.
But her classmates are surprised when the most popular student, Park Se-geon, who usually only dates beauties, falls in love with her. It all comes down to Nan-hee's magical family ring.
The drama's plot is inspired by Korean legends about magical artifacts. The jewelry doesn't change Nan-hee's appearance, she remains the same. However, Park Se-geon begins to see her as his ideal.
7. 'Anna', 2022
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Lee Yumi is a girl from a poor family who has been hiding the truth about her past since she was young. In order to escape poverty, she steals the identity of her wealthy employer, Anna Lee, and begins a new life under her name.
She establishes a career as a teacher, marries an influential businessman, and becomes part of Seoul's elite.
However, her perfect life is threatened when her old acquaintances, her husband, and the real Anna begin to threaten her with exposure.
6. 'High-End Crush', 2015-2016
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Se-hoon is the successful head of a production agency. He is aloof and arrogant and always puts profit first.
One day, he meets the shy and talented Yi-ryung. Although she never aspired to conquer the world of show business, her beauty and natural charm compel the producer to sign her immediately.
High-End Crush is a modern take on the classic story of opposites attracting despite their differences in status and social background. Like similar series, it features light humor and caricature yet charming characters.
5. 'Karma', 2025
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
This thriller follows six people whose destinies become intertwined. It all begins with Park Jae-yeong, a man mired in debt who decides to kill his father for the insurance money. This horrific act sets off a chain of irreversible events that gradually draws all the characters into it.
Each episode revolves around a single character. They gradually become connected by a single event – a planned car accident – and the final two episodes reveal all secrets.
4. 'Splash Splash Love', 2015
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Dan-bi, a high school student, is not good at science and is terrified of her final exams. While skipping a test, she is unexpectedly transported to the Joseon era, where she meets the young King Yi Do.
Using her knowledge of the future, Dan-bi helps solve the kingdom's problems. In the process, she falls in love with the ruler.
Splash Splash Love is a short, light-hearted yet not superficial story. The short format allows the story and the relationship between Dan-bi and the young king to develop rapidly.
3. 'Page Turner,' 2016
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Yoo-seul is a talented pianist and arts student, the focus of her teachers and demanding mother. After an accident leaves her blind, she puts her career on hold.
However, her new friend, Cha-sik, who is also facing challenges, and her longtime rival, Jin-mok, help her rediscover her strength and find support in music.
Page Turner is a story about how a sudden injury can change the course of a life. This K-drama explores topics of growing up, disillusionment, and the power of art to help us endure life's hardships.
2. 'Soundtrack #1', 2022-2023
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Poet Lee Eun-soo and photographer Han Seon-woo have been best friends since childhood. One day, circumstances conspire to force them to share a roof for a couple of weeks.
During this time, they realize they have hidden feelings for each other. But will they dare change everything when their strong friendship is their most precious possession?
Soundtrack #1 has only four short episodes, making it a great show to watch in one evening. The show evokes the cozy atmosphere of winter in Seoul with beautiful scenes of falling snow and the warm glow of streetlights.
1. 'A Shop for Killers', 2024
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Young Ji-an learns that her uncle, Jeong Jin-man, who raised her after her parents died, has passed away.
She goes to his house on the outskirts of a small village to prepare for the funeral but finds herself trapped when the house comes under attack from assassins on all sides.
However, Ji-an is no ordinary woman. Back when she was a schoolgirl living with her uncle, he taught her martial arts. At the time, she didn't understand why, but now she'll find a use for them.
