Doha, Qatar: Korean dramas and movies have consistently occupied the top 10 lists of the most watched TV and movies on Netflix in Qatar. From action and romance to comedy and slice-of-life, K-Dramas continue to take its viewers on an emotional rollercoaster experience of laughter, tears, and everything in between.
With Netflix's plan on investing $2.5 billion in South Korean content in the next four years, and more exciting titles scheduled to release this year, avid K-Drama watchers in Qatar may have found themselves in an endless trail of adventure through more films and TV productions.
Much like the catchy social media phrase, "so many K-dramas, so little time".
For Netflix subscribers in Qatar who have yet to delve into the world of K-drama, here is a number of Korean TV shows (listed in no particular order) that have made headlines around the globe and secured top spots in the country.
Alchemy of Souls
The Alchemy of Souls is a fantasy historical drama about a powerful sorceress trapped in a blind woman's body who met a man from a prestigious family, who wants her help to change his identity.
This romance and action-filled series unfold the two character's journey to reaching their greatest potential. Alchemy of Souls consists of two seasons, in which its first season lasted for 13 weeks in the Top 10 most-watched TV shows in Qatar.
True Beauty
First aired in South Korea in 2020, True Beauty which was based on a webtoon, finally arrived on Netflix in February this year. The romantic comedy-drama tells the story of how a female teen's life changes when she mastered the art of makeup and becomes a knockout at her new school — but keeping up appearances is harder than it seems.
True Beauty was in the Top 10 most-watched TV shows in Qatar for 12 weeks.
The Glory
Renowned actors Song Hye-Kyo and Lee Do-hyun starred in this psychological thriller centered on the story of a young woman who puts an elaborate revenge scheme against her high school bullies. The controversial drama's global success also prompted action in South Korea to combat such aggression in schools.
The Glory was in the Top 10 most-watched TV shows in Qatar for 10 weeks.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is arguably among the best legal drama shows produced in South Korea. It tells the story of Woo Young Woo, a brilliant young lawyer with Asperger's syndrome, as she tackles challenges in the courtroom and beyond, as a newbie at a top law firm and a woman on the autism spectrum. Further, it encapsulates heartwarming stories about life, friendship, family, and love. Extraordinary Attorney Woo was in the Top 10 most-watched TV shows in Qatar for 10 weeks.
Business Proposal
If one wants laughter and romance, then Business Proposal is a candidate for a staple choice. This romance comedy-drama series is also based on the webtoon of the same title. Concepts of family and friendship are also depicted in this popular series which has won hearts around the globe.
Business Proposal lasted in the Top 10 most-watched TV shows in Qatar for 11 weeks.
Crash Course in Romance
Crash Course in Romance is a mix of romantic comedy and thriller featuring the story of a mother and daughter relationship as well as South Korea's 'Hagwon' which pertains to the country's private educational institutes or schools.
The series takes viewers into the life of a mother with a heart of gold as she navigates the cutthroat world of private education when her daughter tries to join a celebrity math instructor’s class.
Crash Course in Romance lasted in the Top 10 most-watched TV shows in Qatar for 6 weeks.
The above list of K-dramas is just a peek at the popular shows on Netflix which has topped charts in Qatar and around the globe. More titles are expected to release in the coming weeks, as some new ones have already started streaming weekly on the platform.
Netflix's $2.5 billion investment in South Korea promises new content in the hopes of recreating global phenomenons like 'Squid Game', and the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite'.
The streaming giant's CEO Ted Sarandos previously affirmed that "this investment plan is twice the total amount Netflix has invested in the Korean market since we started our service in Korea in 2016."
He also said that Netflix has "great confidence" in the ability of South Korea's creative industry to continue to tell great stories.
