In recent years, Korean series, or K-dramas, have been gaining an increasing number of fans in Brazil. The quality of the productions, engaging plots, and well-developed characters are just some of the reasons why they have attracted so much attention from Brazilian viewers.
In addition to entertaining, K-dramas often address social, emotional, and cultural issues in a deep and sensitive way, resonating with audiences of all ages and interests. Check out the following 8 Korean series that are very popular in Brazil!
1. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
“Descendants of the Sun” is a romantic and action drama that tells the story of Captain Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki) and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo). He is a soldier from the South Korean special forces, while she is a talented doctor. Their paths cross in a fictional country devastated by war, where both are sent on a peace mission. The series addresses themes such as sacrifice, love in times of
war
And it is the duty to protect life.
Where to watch:
Viki.
2. What’s wrong with Secretary Kim? (2018)
In the romantic comedy, Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon), an arrogant and perfectionist executive, faces a crisis when his dedicated secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young), decides to leave her position after nine years of impeccable work. Determined to prevent her departure, he starts a series of attempts to convince her to stay, while both of them revisit
memories
They come from the past and face emotional wounds. Throughout the plot, the professional bond transforms into an emotional involvement marked by humor, personal growth, and revelations.
Where to watch:
Viki.
3. Landing in Love (2019)
Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) is a successful South Korean businesswoman who suffers an accident during a paragliding flight and accidentally lands in North Korean territory. There, she is discovered by Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin), a loyal and reserved captain who decides to protect her. During this forced coexistence, feelings
true
They bloom, defying not only the limits imposed by geopolitics, but also their own fears and responsibilities. Amid moments of tension, humor, and tenderness, the story balances drama and romance, showing that love can arise in the most unlikely places and withstand even the strictest borders.
Where to watch:
Netflix.
4. Itaewon class (2020)
Based on a
webtoon
of success, the series follows Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon), a determined young man who, after losing his father under tragic circumstances, decides to open his own bar-restaurant in the vibrant Itaewon district of Seoul. Driven by a strong sense of
justice
And driven by the desire to avenge his family, he gathers a diverse team made up of marginalized people, each with unique stories and skills. Together, they face numerous challenges to turn the small business into a symbol of inclusion and resistance, challenging the gastronomic empire responsible for his painful past.
Where to watch:
Netflix.
5. Round 6 (2021)
“Round 6” is a
thriller
a survival game that became a global phenomenon. The series follows a group of indebted people who participate in a series of deadly “childish” games to win a large cash prize. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is the
protagonist
who fights to survive and protect their loved ones while facing moral and physical challenges.
As the competition progresses, alliances are formed and broken, revealing the darkest side of human nature. With sharp social criticism, increasing tension, and impactful twists, the plot exposes inequality, despair, and ethical limits in a society driven by greed.
Where to watch:
Netflix.
6. Barganha (2022)
The series revolves around an illegal human organ auction. The characters find themselves trapped in an isolated place after a
earthquake
, turning what was a trafficking scheme into a desperate struggle for survival. The plot explores human greed and morality in extreme situations. As resources dwindle and tension rises, fragile alliances are formed, secrets come to light, and the instinct for self-preservation conflicts with a sense of compassion.
Where to watch:
Paramount+
7. Genuine Smile (2023)
The series follows Gu Won (Lee Jun-ho), heir to a hotel chain, who returns to the family business with a cold demeanor and a dislike for forced displays of sympathy. There, he meets Cheon Sa-rang (Lim Yoon-a), a charismatic employee who values kindness and faces obstacles while maintaining her essence in the corporate environment. Despite their differences, the two end up getting close, starting a relationship marked by
maturation
Emotional, reencounters with the past and the discovery of sincere feelings.
Where to watch:
Netflix.
8. If Life Gives You Oranges (2025)
Set on Jeju Island, the series follows, over several decades, the story of Oh Ae-sun (IU), a young dreamer who wants to become a poet, and Yang Gwan-sik, a simple and determined boy. Told by the couple’s adult daughter, the plot reveals memories that span the four seasons of the year, symbolizing the emotional maturation of the protagonists amid the social, political, and cultural transformations of South Korea. The production addresses themes such as love, loss, identity, and overcoming, and has been widely praised.
awarded
, conquering the Korean and international audience.
Where to watch:
Netflix.
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