Korean Movies and TV Series You Shouldn't Miss on Netflix

It's no secret that Korean entertainment has taken the world by storm, and Netflix has become the ultimate playground for experiencing this cultural wave. From heart-wrenching romances to mind-bending thrillers, the platform offers an addictive lineup that keeps subscribers glued to their screens. For those who want to experience the excitement and adrenaline rush that only slots and other casino games can provide from the comfort of their own home, there are many online gaming platforms available on the web. Unlike their physical counterparts, these platforms offer attractive promotions that allow you to play without spending your own money initially thanks, for example, to online slots with welcome bonuses that let you obtain an initial budget simply by registering on one of the platforms listed in the link above. But if high-stakes human drama is more your style, Korea’s storytellers deliver tension that rivals any casino showdown.

The genius game: When strategy becomes life

The Match (originally titled Seungbu) isn’t about cards or roulette, it’s about the intense world of Go, a board game where every move carries life-altering consequences. This biographical drama dives into the complex bond between legendary players Cho Hun-hyun (Lee Byung-hun) and his protégé-turned-rival Lee Chang-ho (Yoo Ah-in). Set across the 1980s-90s, it frames their master-student dynamic as a high-wire act of loyalty and betrayal. Director Kim Hyung-joo masterfully transforms silent stone placements into edge-of-your-seat moments, describing the game as "a match where defeat teaches dignity". Despite real-life controversies involving Yoo Ah-in’s delayed release, the film overcame obstacles to score record ratings at the Korean box office, proving its emotional resonance extends far beyond Go enthusiasts.

Courtroom clashes: Where words are weapons

Move over, Suits Beyond the Bar brings legal battles to Netflix with a distinctly Korean flair. Premiering August 2, this series stars Squid Game’s Lee Jin-wook as Yun Seok-un, a brilliant but icy lawyer who "pressures opponents with creative logic." His world unravels when he’s forced to mentor Kang Hyo-min (Jung Chae-yeon), a socially awkward rookie with uncompromising ethics. Their friction isn’t just professional; it’s a generational collision that dissects power, ambition, and the cost of winning. Set against sleek corporate backdrops, the drama’s weekly episodes (Saturdays and Sundays) make it a perfect weekend binge for fans of razor-sharp dialogue.

A royal culinary revolution

Imagine trading Parisian Michelin stars for a 17th-century royal kitchen that’s the delicious premise of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. Starring Girls’ Generation’s Yoona as chef Yeong Ji-yeong, this time-slip romance (premiering August 23) blends food porn with palace politics. After winning France’s top culinary award, Ji-yeong is mysteriously transported to the Joseon era, where she must win over a tyrannical king (Lee Chae-min) with kimchi reinterpretations and fusion banquets. The series serves up eye candy in spades think vibrant hanbok against lavish sets while exploring how culture and cuisine collide. As one early review teased: "Modern gastronomy meets ancient royalty, and sparks fly".

Golden era glamour and grit

For a dose of retro realness, Aema (August 22) transports viewers to the cutthroat Korean film industry of the 1980s. Lee Ha-nee dazzles as Jung Hui-ran, a diva actress whose ego costs her the lead role in Madame Aema. Her replacement? Shin Joo-ae (Bang Hyo-rin), a nightclub dancer with raw talent and ambition. This six-episode drama isn’t just about catfights; it’s a scathing commentary on ageism and artistic integrity, wrapped in decadent period costumes and smoky set pieces. With its shorter runtime, it’s the ideal binge for cinephiles craving melodrama with substance.

Why this golden age hits different

What unites these wildly different stories? Korean creators excel at merging high-concept hooks with intimate humanity. Whether it’s The Match’s exploration of mentorship as a double-edged sword or Beyond the Bar’s dissection of workplace morality, they ground spectacle in emotional truth. Netflix’s investment over 80% of global members have streamed Korean titles has given these narratives a worldwide stage without diluting their specificity. The result? A renaissance where a board game rivalry can feel as epic as a superhero showdown, and a chef’s journey through time becomes a metaphor for finding belonging. Truth be told, we’re spoiled for choice. As director Kim Hyung-joo noted while reflecting on The Match’s success: "Go is like life you sit at the board every day, trying to find the best move". The same could be said for Netflix’s Korean slate: every new release is a gamble, but lately, the house keeps winning.