Kdramas have continued to evolve, and the 4th generation – spanning from around 2018 to 2023- brought its fresh storytelling, standout acting, and unforgettable soundtracks. The era introduced bold themes and global stars. Here are 22 of the best 4th generation K-dramas that captured hearts and screens across the world.
1. Destined With You
A civil servant uncovers a cursed book and an unexpected romance with a lawyer. A mystery, fate, and forbidden love collide in this magical slow-burn fantasy drama.
2. Behind Your Touch
A veterinarian with psychic powers teams up with a detective in a small town. This quirky mystery blends supernatural comedy with unexpected emotional depth.
3. Strong Girl Nam-soon
A girl with superhuman strength returns to Korea to find her birth parents. An action, crime, and laughter come together in this fun female-led adventure.
4. Crash Course in Romance
A former athlete and a star math tutor fall into an unlikely romance. This heartfelt story mixes slice-of-life struggles with sweet chemistry.
5. Bloodhounds
Two young boxers get caught in a dangerous loan shark underworld. A full of action, loyalty, and intensity, this drama is a gripping underdog story.
6. Weak Hero Class 1
A quiet top student uses strategy to fight bullies in a violent school. A raw and emotional, it’s a survival story wrapped in brutal realism.
7. Alchemy of Souls
A powerful soul is trapped in a weak body in a magical world. A fantasy, romance, and stunning lore define this epic two-part saga.
8. Unlock My Boss
A tech CEO gets trapped in a smartphone, and a jobless man finds it. In this drama, tech meets fantasy in this humorous and heartfelt underdog tale.
9. Business Proposal
An office worker pretends to be her friend on a blind date – only to meet her boss. This workplace rom-com is full of laughs, heart-flutters, and lovable side characters.
10. Vincenzo
A Korean-Italian mafia consigliere returns to Korea for revenge. A stylish, darkly funny, and intense, this crime drama has a cult following.
11. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
A city dentist opens a clinic in a seaside village and meets the local handyman. This feel-good romance captures healing, humor, and small-town charm.
12. True Beauty
A girl masters makeup to hide her appearance and finds unexpected love. A high school rom-com that explores beauty standards, identity, and growth.
13. The Uncanny Counter
Demon hunters disguised as noodle shop workers fight evil spirits. An action-packed and emotional, this supernatural team drama is full of heart.
14. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
A caregiver and a troubled author confront their traumatic pasts together. A visually stunning and deeply emotional, this healing drama is unforgettable.
15. Tale of the Nine Tailed
A nine-tailed fox protects humans while searching for his reincarnated lover. This fantasy romance blends mythology, action, and past-life love.
16. Mr. Queen
A modern-day chef’s soul ends up in the body of a Joseon queen. A hilarious, sharp, and full of twists, it’s a time-travel period comedy like no other.
17. Hospital Playlist
Five doctors and lifelong friends navigate work, love, and music. A heartwarming and slice-of-life, this medical drama is comfort food for the soul.
18. Crash Landing on You
A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and meets a soldier. Their forbidden love story is emotional, romantic, and culturally rich.
19. Angel’s Last Mission: Love
A mischievous angel must help a blind ballerina find love to return to heaven. A fantasy, tragedy, and romance intertwine in this moving love story.
20. Her Private Life
A professional art curator hides her obsession with a K-pop idol. A funny, steamy romance that explores identity and fangirl culture.
21. The Secret Life of My Secretary
A cold-hearted boss softens after losing his ability to recognize faces. This rom-com blends corporate life, memory twists, and a heartwarming love story.
22. Romance Is a Bonus Book
A single mom lies about her credentials to land a job at a publishing house. This is a slow-burn noona romance that celebrates second chances in life and love.
—-Karen Mwenda
#22Best4thGenerationKDramas #kcrush #koreandrama #kdrama #kpop #hallyu #koreanculture #HerPrivateLife #RomanceIsABonusBook #TheSecretLifeOfMySecretary #AngelsLastMissionLove #CrashLandingOnYou #MrQueen #HospitalPlaylist #TailOfTheNineTailed #ItsOkNotToBeOK #TheUncannyCounter #HometownChaChaCha #Vincenzo #TrueBeauty #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #BusinessProposal #UnlockMyBoss #AlchemyofSoul #Bloodhounds #WeakHeroClass1 #CrashCourseInRomance #StrongGirlNamSoon #BehindYourTouch #DestineWithYou #action #drama #kbeauty #kfashion #koreanactors #koreanactresses #fantasy #comedy #melodrama #hallyu #lifeandlove
User Review
( votes)Related Articles
G-Dragon 2025 World Tour: The “Superman” Has Returned to the United States
G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of KCrush. On... Read More
KPOP CLUB NIGHT UPCOMING DATES
Ready to lose your voice again? Thought so! Grab your tickets and block off the dates, we’re coming back to bring you together again! KPOP CLUB NIGHT UPCOMING DATES SEPT—-> DEC 2025 Sept 5 – Los Angeles (18+) – DJ... Read More
Sipping Through Seoul (Again!): 2025 Seoul Wine & Spirits Expo
The Seoul International Wines & Spirits Expo (SIWSE) returned to COEX Exhibition Center June 26-28, 2025 and Kcrush was able to gather amongst professionals and enthusiasts and enjoy an easier-to-navigate experience once again. The annual event... Read More
Beyond K-Pop – Korea’s Growing Partnership with Africa
Beyond K-Pop and KDramas, Korea is shaping global development by building strong ties with Africa. Over the years, Korea has worked alongside several African countries to offer a lending hand is various sectors including health. Below are some of... Read More
5 Kdramas to Watch this August 2025
Looking for the perfect k-dramas to binge on this August? Whether you are craving heart-fluttering moments, rime-travel, riveting fantasy, or a unique twist of royalty, these 5 k-dramas will keep you hooked. 1. My Lovely Journey Launching in... Read More
2025 Plus-Size Korean Fashion Trends
The rise of plus-size fashion in Korea isn’t just a fashion moment—it’s a cultural shift. While there’s still progress to be made in representation, 2025 shows potential for significant visibility to curvier bodies in a society long... Read More
The Rose ‘Once Upon a WRLD’ Tour Toronto, 2025 Performance by Carolyn Hinds
The lights go down. The auditorium hushes with a palpable low hum of anticipation. As the sound of “숨 Breath”—the opening instrumental track on WRLD, the latest album from South Korean indie rock band The Rose begins to play— plays through... Read More
‘Doctor X’ – Japan’s Longest-Running Medical Drama
‘Doctor X’ – Japan’s Longest-Running Medical Drama In the world of Japanese dramas, few series have carved a legacy as bold and enduring as ‘Doctor‑X’. Since its debut in 2012, this medical drama has captivated viewers with its... Read More
K-Pop Demon Hunters: Netflix’s Animated K-Fantasy Storming Global Charts
Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, released June 20, 2025, is topping streaming charts and music playlists worldwide. Mashing K-pop spectacle with supernatural fantasy, this animated phenomenon claims the #1 spot in over 40 countries and has fans... Read More
Leave a Reply