Rakuten Viki in the US Reveals Top 10 Korean Dramas Including 'Jaebeoljip' and 'Byeoldongbyeol'

Photo by Rakuten Viki

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] What were the K-dramas loved overseas throughout 2022?

On the 19th, Rakuten Viki, a global online video streaming service (OTT) headquartered in the United States, revealed the top 10 most beloved Korean drama titles streamed overseas this year, including in North America, Europe, and Oceania.

The 10 K-dramas released that day included a variety of themes and genres, led by the drama Jaebeoljip Maknae Adeul (The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family), which currently ranks number one in most regions, followed by Wolsugeumhwamokto (Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu-Fri-Sat), Byeoldongbyeol (Shooting Star), Wae Osujae Inga (Why Oh Soo-jae?), Yumi-ui Sepo Season 2 (Yumi’s Cells Season 2), Dangshini Sowoneul Malhamyeon (If You Wish Upon Me), Oneulbuteo Urineun (Starting Today, We), Eoreojugeul Yeonae Ttawi (Frozen Love), Beopdaero Saranghara (Love According to the Law), and Good Job.

In particular, the romantic comedy genre, which has been consistently loved by overseas viewers, saw Byeoldongbyeol and Wolsugeumhwamokto entering the weekly top 1 spot immediately after their launch, maintaining number one for 8 to 9 consecutive weeks in North America and Europe. The mystery genre combined drama Wae Osujae Inga also demonstrated overseas users’ interest by holding the number one spot in North America and Europe for about two weeks.

The currently streaming Jaebeoljip Maknae Adeul has been ranked weekly number one since its launch and has maintained the top spot continuously throughout its four-week airing period across North America, Europe, and Oceania. Common reactions from Rakuten Viki viewers’ reviews highlight the unique story concept, strong story immersion, and outstanding acting skills of the main and supporting actors. It is receiving so much love that there is virtually no competition, and this atmosphere is expected to continue until the final episode.

Hong Jaehee, Director of Content, said, "This year, various Korean dramas gained popularity among Rakuten Viki viewers beyond the traditionally popular romance genre. Although the story set against modern Korean economic history might be somewhat unfamiliar to overseas viewers, Jaebeoljip Maknae Adeul, featuring the passionate performances of Song Joong-ki and Lee Sung-min, has sparked great interest."

He added, "Crime mystery, investigation, and courtroom dramas such as Wae Osujae Inga and Beopdaero Saranghara also showed good results as diverse romance hybrid genres. It is also positive that seasonal series like Yumi-ui Sepo Season 2 continued to appeal to overseas viewers."

Meanwhile, Rakuten Viki is a U.S.-based video streaming service offering Asian dramas and movies, serving over 190 countries worldwide, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and India.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.