MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) is famous for its top K-Dramas. They are unforgettable and receive high ratings. MBC dramas have a rich legacy of great stories and performances. They have drawn large audiences in Korea and worldwide on a regular basis. We present the best 15 MBC highest-rated Korean dramas. Nationwide viewership, critical acclaim, and cultural significance rank them.
Jewel in the Palace (2003)
Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) is a legendary drama. It follows Jang Geum, an orphan. She rises from a kitchen apprentice to the king’s personal physician. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the drama blends palace politics, medicine, and cooking. Its grand scale and captivating story made it a global hit. So did Lee Young-ae’s outstanding performance.
Highest Ratings: 57.8% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- Inspirational story of a woman’s perseverance and rise to power.
- Lavish production values and historical accuracy.
- Internationally acclaimed and loved for its unique plot and deep cultural ties.
Queen Seondeok (2009)
Queen Seondeok tells of Korea’s first ruling queen. It shows her rise to power in a male-dominated political landscape. The drama has stellar performances from Lee Yo-won and Go Hyun-jung. It blends political maneuvering with intense character dynamics. The story’s feminist themes and high production values made it a hit.
Highest Ratings: 43.6% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A captivating portrayal of Korea’s first female ruler.
- Strong feminist themes intertwined with historical intrigue.
- Outstanding performances by Lee Yo-won and Go Hyun-jung.
Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
This period fantasy drama is a love story. It is between a fictional king and a shaman. They face political conflict and supernatural forces. Moon Embracing the Sun stars Kim Soo-hyun as the king and Han Ga-in as his doomed love. It mixes romance, fantasy, and political intrigue. Its beautiful story and strong performances captivated many in Korea and beyond.
Highest Ratings: 42.2% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A perfect mix of romance, political tension, and supernatural elements.
- Strong performances by Kim Soo-hyun and Han Ga-in.
- Captivating storyline filled with emotional depth and intrigue.
Yi San (2007)
Yi San is a historical drama. It depicts the life and reign of King Jeongjo, one of Korea’s most respected rulers. The drama shows royal politics, intrigue, and the king’s emotional struggles. Lee Seo-jin’s gripping performance as Jeongjo brings the king’s story to life, making Yi San a fan favorite.
Highest Ratings: 38.6% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A richly detailed historical drama about the life of King Jeongjo.
- Strong focus on political intrigue and royal dynamics.
- Lee Seo-jin’s performance as the king won critical and popular acclaim.
Dong Yi (2010)
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Dong Yi follows the story of a low-born woman who rises to become a royal consort. Played by Han Hyo-joo, Dong Yi’s intelligence and resilience win the hearts of both the king and the audience. Its deep emotions and palace politics made the drama a standout in MBC’s history.
Highest Ratings: 33.1% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- Emotional story of a low-born woman’s rise in the royal court.
- Strong character development and intricate political plot.
- Han Hyo-joo’s portrayal of the titular character is unforgettable.
Empress Ki (2013)
Empress Ki is an epic historical drama. It is about a woman who rises from a concubine to a powerful empress. The drama stars Ha Ji-won. It blends love, power, and betrayal in ancient Korea and China. Its sweeping narrative and rich historical content captivated a broad audience.
Highest Ratings: 29.2% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A dramatic tale of love, power, and betrayal.
- Ha Ji-won’s commanding performance as the Empress.
- Grand-scale production with rich historical details.
The Flower in Prison (2016)
The Flower in Prison is set in the Joseon Dynasty. It tells of a girl born in prison who grows up to be a judicial officer. The drama is notable for its unique plot and complex characters. It shines as a tale of resilience and determination. Jin Se-yeon delivers a standout performance as the lead character, Ok-nyeo.
Highest Ratings: 22.6% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- Unique storyline of a woman’s rise from the depths of prison to power.
- A combination of political intrigue and action.
- Strong, determined female protagonist.
Gu Family Book (2013)
Gu Family Book is a fantasy romance drama set in the Joseon era. It follows a half-human, half-gumiho (a mythical creature) in search of a legendary book. Starring Lee Seung-gi and Suzy, the drama captivated. It blended action, fantasy, and romance. Its supernatural plotline was a refreshing addition to the typical historical drama genre.
Highest Ratings: 19.5% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A thrilling combination of fantasy, romance, and action.
- Lee Seung-gi and Suzy’s chemistry adds emotional depth.
- Supernatural elements set this drama apart from traditional historical dramas.
The Red Sleeve (2021)
The Red Sleeve is a tragic love story. It is between King Jeongjo and his court lady, played by Lee Jun-ho and Lee Se-young. Set against the backdrop of the royal court, the drama explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. The Red Sleeve has a powerful story and strong performances. It became one of MBC’s most beloved historical romances.
Highest Ratings: 17.4% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- Emotionally gripping love story set against a historical backdrop.
- Outstanding performances from Lee Jun-ho and Lee Se-young.
- Deep exploration of love, duty, and sacrifice in the royal court.
She Was Pretty (2015)
She Was Pretty is a fun, heartwarming rom-com. It is about childhood friends who reconnect as adults. But, their looks and fortunes have changed. Starring Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon, the drama became a hit. Its charming story and relatable characters won viewers. They loved the perfect mix of humor and romance.
Highest Ratings: 15.9% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A delightful romantic comedy with plenty of heart.
- Strong chemistry between Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon.
- Humorous yet heartfelt exploration of beauty, friendship, and love.
W: Two Worlds (2016)
W: Two Worlds takes a unique approach by blending the real world with the fictional universe of a webtoon. Starring Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo, the drama’s clever plot and twists made it a fan favorite. The drama stands out for its new story and fresh take on romance.
Highest Ratings: 13.8% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A groundbreaking fusion of romance, action, and fantasy.
- Inventive narrative that blurs the line between reality and fiction.
- Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo’s captivating performances.
My Dearest (2023)
My Dearest is set against the Qing invasion of Joseon. It is a love story of passion, sacrifice, and heartache. Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin gave powerful, emotional performances. They left a lasting impact on viewers. The beautiful cinematography and moving plot made this drama a recent MBC hit.
Highest Ratings: 12.9% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- Emotionally charged narrative with complex characters.
- Strong performances from a stellar cast.
- Focuses on societal expectations and personal struggles.
Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)
Kill Me, Heal Me is about a man with dissociative identity disorder. It follows his psychiatrist, who tries to heal him. Ji Sung gives a masterful performance. He portrays multiple personalities with depth and complexity. The drama’s touching take on mental health, and its mix of humor and emotion, made it a hit.
Highest Ratings: 11.5% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A unique and heartfelt drama about mental health and healing.
- Ji Sung’s incredible performance of multiple personalities.
- Engaging mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth.
One Spring Night (2019)
This modern romance, starring Jung Hae-in and Han Ji-min, is a drama. It is about two people who fight societal and personal pressures to be together. One Spring Night is praised for its realistic relationships and its moving story. The slow-paced, character-driven storyline resonated with a wide audience.
Highest Ratings: 9.0% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A refreshing, realistic take on modern romance.
- Strong chemistry between Jung Hae-in and Han Ji-min.
- Exploration of love, societal norms, and personal challenges.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is a sports romance drama. It is a coming-of-age story about a young weightlifter. Lee Sung-kyung’s portrayal of Bok-joo won over audiences. Her charm and determination shone through in the strong yet vulnerable character. The drama’s focus on female athletes and its story of friendship and love made it a refreshing K-drama.
Highest Ratings: 5.5% (nationwide)
Key Highlights:
- A heartwarming coming-of-age sports drama.
- Strong, relatable female lead and an empowering storyline.
- Themes of friendship, love, and personal growth.
This ranking is based on the highest viewership ratings of MBC dramas. It shows the diversity and success of MBC’s productions over the years.
