In a world full of different talents, ideas, and creativity, if I were a judge in the entertainment industry, I would be a confused and indecisive one.

One of these many creative circles is the K-Drama world, and the most interesting part is that they don’t just come out plain, they come in all shades of colors, flavors, and aromas (literally themes, genres, and tropes).

I don’t have to start telling you how the Hallyu wave has the world on a choke like a plague, do I?

We all know K-dramas are a masterful blend (just like smoothies) of emotional storytelling, great casts with both face cards that don't decline, and stellar performances. Need I say more? They stun us with how they explore themes like love, family, coming-of-age stories, and many more, which often have a unique cultural touch that appeals to the eyes. It does not only have us glued to screens most times; it sets the bar high for other visuals, and that is what I call the leader’s trait.

Just because the Baeksang Arts Awards remain the biggest in the Korean entertainment world, here is what their 10 year K-Drama ranking looks like.

Heard It Through the Grapevine - 2015

Heard It Through the Grapevine is a 2015 satirical drama that secured the best drama in that year over other nominated dramas in the category which include Kill Me, Heal Me, Miseang: Incomplete Life, and a host of others.

The SBS tells the story of an elite family whose son impregnates a woman from a lower socioeconomic background while intertwining genres like black comedy and romance.

Signal - 2016

In 2016 came Signal, the tvN drama that received both praise and criticism and it probably contributed to its win over dramas like Descendants of the Sun, Reply 1988, and others.

Signal is a series that intertwines time travel and crime-solving as detectives from the past and present communicate via a mysterious radio to solve cold cases.

Dear My Friends - 2017

Dear My Friends is a 2017 story celebrating life and friendship among elderly characters, and this drama was a heartfelt exploration of aging and human connection. The tvN series won the best drama awards over series like Love in the Moonlight, Dr. Romantic, and more.

Mother - 2018

Amidst other drama nominations like Misty, Stranger, Fight for My Way, and others, the 2018 tvN drama Mother received the best drama award. The drama is a gripping and emotional tale of a teacher who kidnaps an abused student to protect her. highlighted themes of morality and love and that explains why it secured a win.

My Mister - 2019

In 2019, another tvN drama My Mister received the award for best drama, making it a win four times in a row. Amazing, right?

Winning over dramas like Mr Sunshine, Sky Castle, and more, the story centered on the unlikely bond between a struggling young woman and an older man, both burdened by life’s hardships.

Hot Stove League - 2020

It was a sporty win for the SBS drama Hot Stove League in 2020 after it won best drama over series like Crash Landing on You, When the Camellia Blooms, and others.

Hot Stove League focused on the behind-the-scenes world of a struggling baseball team’s management and it probably bagged the award for breaking away from the ever-popular romance-driven narratives we are used to.

Beyond Evil - 2021

Beyond Evil is a JTBC 2021 dark psychological thriller that follows two detectives unraveling chilling secrets in their town.

Other series nominated in the category include It’s Okay Not to be Okay, Flowers of Evil, and others.

D.P. - 2022

In 2022, Deserter’s Pursuits won best drama over dramas like Squid Game, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, etc.

D. P. is a Netflix Drama that delves into the harsh realities of South Korea’s mandatory military service. It also sheds light on abuse and systemic issues.

The Glory - 2023

A 2023 revenge drama, The Glory released by Netflix and securing the latter’s win two times in a row, received the best drama award defeating series like My Liberation Notes, Our Blues, and more.

The Glory explored the long-lasting scars of bullying and the protagonist’s quest for justice.

My Dearest - 2024

Making it the first historical drama win in 10 years, the MBC Drama; My Dearest secured the win for the best drama in 2024 amidst other nominated dramas like The Good Bad Mother, Moving, and more.

Set during the turbulent Joseon era, this historical romance weaved themes of love and tragedy amidst societal upheaval and I will say this win appeals to my satisfaction.

The Baeksang Arts Awards has been honoring dramas that challenge the status quo in terms of narrative, deal with powerful social messages, and even provide fresh views on things. While K-dramas have grown and stunned audiences around the world, the Baeksang Arts Awards keep on shining and leading generations and their stories that are worth craftsmanship.

By the way, which of these dramas really deserved a win in your opinion? Drop them in the comments.