KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) is a top South Korean network famous for its high-quality dramas that resonate with viewers. KBS has made shows that appeal to a wide audience. They range from heartwarming family stories to epic historical sagas. Many of these series have garnered both critical acclaim and impressive viewership ratings. Here is a list of the KBS highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. It showcases the network’s finest productions based on their nationwide ratings.

Smile Again (2010–2011)

Smile Again is a story about Dong-hae, a Korean-American short-track speed skater. It follows his quest to find his biological father. The drama explores family reunions, love triangles, and resilience.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 51.4% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Ji Chang-wook’s breakout role was as a determined athlete.
• Inspiring themes of family reunions and resilience.
• Emotional storytelling with compelling mother-son dynamics.

Bread, Love and Dreams (2010)

Bread, Love and Dreams follows Kim Tak-goo, an illegitimate son. He wants to be a master baker. He faces fierce competition and family betrayal. But he stays determined to achieve his dreams.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 50.8% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Inspiring story of perseverance against all odds.
• Yoon Shi-yoon’s standout performance as the resilient Tak-goo.
• A beautifully crafted story with strong emotional moments.

My Only One (2018–2019)

My Only One tells a heartfelt story. A woman learns her father, thought dead, is alive. As they reconnect, they test family bonds, and emotional healing takes center stage. Themes of redemption, forgiveness, and unconditional love drive the series.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 49.4% (nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Explores complex family relationships and the power of forgiveness.
• Stellar performances by Uee and Choi Soo-jong elevate the emotional depth.
• Memorable dialogues reflecting family values and reconciliation.

The Wang Family (2013-2014)

A drama focusing on the ups and downs of the Wang family. Each member struggles with their issues, from financial hardship to relationship problems. The Wang Family is a mix of humor and emotion. It offers a real look at family dynamics.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 48.3% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Deep exploration of familial bonds and sibling rivalries.
• Relatable performances showcasing real-life family struggles.
• Strong emotional scenes mixed with lighthearted moments.

My Golden Life (2017–2018)

My Golden Life focuses on Seo Ji-an, who experiences a rags-to-riches life transition. Her new wealth tests her relationships with family and friends. The drama explores identity, class disparity, and the pursuit of happiness.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 45.1% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• An insightful examination of wealth and happiness.
• Shin Hye-sun’s compelling portrayal of a conflicted woman.
• A well-written narrative with deeply emotional moments.

Descendants of the Sun (2016)

Descendants of the Sun follows Captain Yoo Si-jin and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon. They fall in love while navigating a war-torn region. The drama weaves together themes of sacrifice, duty, and love. It has heart-pounding action and a heartfelt romance.

Highest Ratings: Average rating: 38.8% (nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Unforgettable chemistry between Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo.
• Excellent mix of romance and action, with stunning international locations.
• Powerful themes of love and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

My Father is Strange (2017)

My Father is Strange is about a family. A young actor moves in, believing the father is his real dad, and turns their lives upside down. The drama explores identity, family bonds, and the surprises life throws at you.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 36.5% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• A humorous and touching portrayal of family secrets.
• Lee Yoo-ri’s strong performance as the sharp yet caring daughter.
• A mix of comedy and drama makes it engaging throughout.

Five Enough (2016)

Five Enough is about two single parents. They meet and fall in love while juggling their chaotic families. The series explores second chances at love and blending families. It emphasizes forgiveness and rebuilding trust.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 36.5% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Touching narrative about finding love after loss.
• Ahn Jae-wook and So Yoo-jin’s heartwarming chemistry.
• Relatable, down-to-earth storytelling with humor and warmth.

The Slave Hunters (2010)

The Slave Hunters is set in the Joseon Dynasty. It follows a slave hunter’s pursuit of a general who became a slave. This historical drama explores loyalty, revenge, and redemption amid action.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 35.9% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Breathtaking action scenes mixed with emotional depth.
• Jang Hyuk’s compelling portrayal of a man consumed by revenge.
• Stunning cinematography highlights the beauty of the Joseon era.

When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

This drama follows Dong-baek, a single mother. She moves to a small town and faces both prejudice and love. When the Camellia Blooms is a romantic thriller. It explores resilience, motherhood, and breaking societal barriers.

Highest Ratings: Average rating: 23.8% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• It uniquely blends romance, suspense, and social commentary.
• Gong Hyo-jin’s portrayal of a resilient single mother.
• Beautifully crafted scenes reflect small-town life and societal issues.

Love in the Moonlight (2016)

Love in the Moonlight is a historical drama. It follows the love story between Crown Prince Lee Yeong and a young woman who is disguised as a eunuch. The show emphasizes youthful love, political intrigue, and self-discovery.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 23.3% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• A visually stunning period drama with a youthful charm.
• Park Bo-gum’s magnetic performance as the charismatic prince.
• Memorable, light-hearted romance paired with political stakes.

The Good Doctor (2013)

The Good Doctor tells an inspiring story. It is about a young man with autism and savant syndrome. He becomes a pediatric surgeon. The series explores acceptance, perseverance, and self-belief. It has a heartwarming story.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 21.5% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• The groundbreaking portrayal of a doctor with autism.
• Joo Won’s heartfelt and sensitive performance.
• A well-written medical drama with an emotional core.

Uncontrollably Fond (2016)

Uncontrollably Fond is about two childhood sweethearts. They meet again as adults, but they are now rivals in the entertainment industry. The series highlights themes of love, regret, and redemption, wrapped in emotional storytelling.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 12.5% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Beautifully tragic love story with a strong emotional core.
• Excellent chemistry between Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy.
• Haunting soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of the series.

Woman of 9.9 Billion (2019-2020)

Woman of 9.9 Billion follows a woman who stumbles upon a fortune and is drawn into a web of danger and deceit. The drama explores desperation, greed, and survival. It shows the dark side of human nature.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 11.6% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• Gripping thriller with intense performances.
• Jo Yeo-jeong’s nuanced portrayal of a woman on the edge.
• Strong narrative filled with twists and moral dilemmas.

The Tale of Nokdu (2019)

The Tale of Nokdu is a gender-bender historical romance. It follows a man who, disguised as a woman, infiltrates a secret all-women community. The drama blends romance, humor, and political intrigue. It offers a fresh take on the genre.

Highest Ratings: Peak rating: 10.5% (Nationwide)

Key Highlights:

• A unique storyline that blends romance and historical drama.
• Charming performances, especially Jang Dong-yoon in a gender-bending role.
• Playful, lighthearted scenes are balanced with serious undertones.

KBS’s top dramas have moved viewers with their depth, characters, and stories. These series have captivated audiences and set a high bar for excellence in Korean TV. KBS produces high-rated, timeless dramas. With diverse genres and great moments, it leads the world in viewership.