Throughout the world of K-Dramas, various broadcasting stations bring numerous series to the home of fans all across the globe. One of these stations is the illustrious MBC. MBC is one of the most popular broadcasting channels, with its K-Dramas consistently placing in the best ratings list. The channel continues to deliver high-quality productions appealing to fans in South Korea and abroad. As such, MBC drama ratings rise to the very top, with many reaching record highs.
Here are the top MBC Dramas with the highest ratings since 2020!
1. "Knight Flower" - 18.4%
Starring Lee Hanee and Lee JongWon, the historical drama "Knight Flower" starred high in ratings and quickly reached high ratings. The drama gained even more popularity in its last weeks and reached the ratings of 18.4% with its final episode. In 2024, the drama broke the previous records held by "The Red Sleeve". The drama is available on Viki, Kocowa, Apple TV, and Prime Video.
2. "The Red Sleeve" - 17.4%
Among historical K-Dramas, "The Red Sleeve" was phenomenally made, filled with moments of romance and yearning that cannot be easily forgotten. Due to its massive success, it gained 17.4% ratings, making it the highest rated series among MBC K-Dramas from 2020 to 2023. Luckily for fans new and old, the K-Drama is available to watch on Rakuten Viki.
3. "Big Mouth" - 13.7%
"Big Mouth" made big waves during its initial run. The chemistry between Lee JongSuk and Girls' Generation's YoonA was magnificent, and combined with a compelling storyline, it became an immediate hit, reaching 13.7% ratings. The drama can be watched via streaming site Hulu.
4. "My Dearest (part 1 & 2)" - 12.9%
Starring NamKoong Min and Ahn EunJin, "My Dearest" gained massive success and tugged on the heartstrings of all its viewers with a total of 21 episodes. Reaching its highest rating of 12.9% with the final episodes, it puts the series as one of the most watched of MBC. "My Dearest" is currently available on Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
5. "Wonderful World" - 11.4%
"Wonderful World" (2024) is a revenge and thriller drama starring Kim NamJoo and ASTRO's Cha EunWoo. The drama went viral on social media and the mysterious story caught attention. The drama peaked at 11.4% with its 9th, 11th, and 13th episodes. It started at 5.3%.
6. "Chief Detective 1958" - 10.8%
The retro crime drama "Chief Detective 1958" starring Lee JeHoon, Lee DongHwi, Choi WooSung, Yoon HyunSoo, and Seo EunSoo started with 10.1% and reached 10.8% with its 3rd episode (its best-ever ratings). The drama started after "Wonderful World" and garnered a lot of attention to be able to start with such high ratings. The drama ended with 10.6%.
7. "The Veil" - 9.8%
Also starring NamKoong Min, "The Veil" kept audiences at the edge of their seats with its various twists and turns. Its captivating suspense allowed the drama to reach its highest ratings of 9.8%, landing it at number four among MBC dramas. "The Veil" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki or Kocowa.
8. "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" and "Doubt"- 9.6%
Jang TaeSoo (Played by Han SukKyu) plays a single parent who's a criminal profiler in Korea, but while working on a murder case he realises his only daughter, Jang HaBin (Played by Chae WonBin) is involved in the case. This gripping plot brings "Doubt" into the rankings with a best rating of 9.6%.
"The Story of Park's Marriage Contract" based on webtoon gained a lot of popularity. Bae InHyuk and Lee SeYoung's chemistry was amazing and the story was full of mystery so the drama gained a lot of viewers. The drama started at 5.6% and reached the highest rating of 9.6%, tying it with "Doubt" in the rankings.
9. "Tracer" - 9.0%
This MBC drama depicted the hard working performance of the National Tax Service. Featuring a cast with Yim SiWan, Go AhSung, Son HyunJoo, and much more, "Tracer" reached its highest rating at 9.0%, earning it the fifth spot among MBC dramas so far. "Tracer" is available on Rakuten Viki, Kocowa, and Wavve.
10. "Black Out" - 8.8%
"Black Out" is a thriller drama starring Byun YoHan, Ko Jun, Go BoGyeol and Kim BoRa. Originating from a German novel, the story depicts a man that may or may not have been falsely accused of murder and sent to jail for 10 years. By its 15th and final episode, this crime and mystery filled drama was rated 8.8%.
11. "When The Phone Rings" - 8.6%
"When The Phone Rings" is a web novel based series that depicts a married couple whose relationship completely changes after a life-altering incident. At the helm was Yoo YeonSeok and Chae SooBin, two actors who displayed amazing chemistry, captivating millions in the process. By the last episode, the K-Drama reached its highest rating at 8.6%.
12. "The Golden Spoon" - 7.8%
"The Golden Spoon" is a webtoon-based drama that followed poor, yet studious Lee SeungCheon (BTOB's SungJae) and chaebol son Hwang TaeYong (Lee JongWon) as they switched lives during adolescence and adulthood. The drama explored the stark differences between the extremely rich and those living in poverty. While there were moments of crushing heartache, there were scenes of uplifting hope that lit up all the dark spaces in your heart. "The Golden Spoon" earned its highest ratings at 7.8% and is available on Disney+ and Hulu.
13. "Tomorrow" - 7.6%
While this webtoon-based drama had various moments of uplifting comedy, it also did an excellent job at exploring hard-hitting topics. This involved aspects of mental health, life after death and those left behind, as well as the will to live on. At its highest peak, "Tomorrow" earned 7.6% in ratings. This MBC K-Drama is available on streaming platform, Netflix.
14. "Doctor Lawyer" - 7.2%
Starring the iconic actor, So JiSub, "Doctor Lawyer" is a fusion of medical and law, providing the best of both worlds. As Han YiHan (So JiSub) searched for the truth, viewers could not help but remain by his side. With the help of its loyal viewers, the MBC drama reached its highest ratings of 7.2%, placing it at eighth on this list. "Doctor Lawyer" is currently available on Disney+ and Hulu.
15. "Kkondae Intern" - 7.1%
Adapted from the winning script from MBC's 2018 drama writing contest, "Kkondae Intern" follows the reversal of roles between Ka YeolChan (Park HaeJin) and Lee ManSik (Kim EungSoo). The office comedy provided viewers a reason to smile and laugh, week after week, and reached its highest ratings of 7.1%. "Kkondae Intern" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
16. "Bitter Sweet Hell" - 6.2%
Starring Kim HeeSeon, Lee HyeYoung, Kim NamHee and YeonWoo, follows the story of a renowned family therapist that must join forces with her mother-in-law to save their family from all of the mysterious events have started to occur around them. This drama gained a lot of popularity when it was first released, on its 3rd episode it reached its highest rating of, it is available to watch via Rakuten Viki.
17. "Dinner Mate" - 6.1%
A story of strangers to lovers, Kim HaeKyung (Song SeungHeon) and Woo DoHee (Seo JiHye) unexpectedly meet on Jeju Island. Bonding over their respective heartaches and love of food, they remain in contact and gradually fall for one another. "Dinner Mate" earned its highest ratings at 6.1% and is available to watch via streaming sites iQIYI and Prime Video.
18. "Motel California" - 6.0%
Lee SeYoung and Na InWoo are childhood friends turned into lovers in this 12-episode drama. Their love story gathered viewers from their first episode with 4.5% and ended with 5.9%. However, the 7th episode, gathered 6.0%.
19. "Find Me In Your Memory" - 5.4%
"Find Me In Your Memory" is a moving story between Lee JungHoon (Kim DongWook) and Yeo HaJin (Mun KaYoung). While the drama had its fair share of romance, it also offered moments of healing that aided broken souls everywhere. The drama earned its highest ratings at 5.4%, landing at eleventh among MBC K-Dramas. It is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
20. "The Forbidden Marriage" - 4.9%
"The Forbidden Marriage" certainly had it all: a budding romance, a swoon-worthy second lead, a love triangle that broke your heart, and so much more. Audiences certainly agreed, sticking with the drama for every new episode, helping it reach its peak at 4.9% ratings. "The Forbidden Marriage" is available to watch on Prime Video, Rakuten Viki, and Kocowa.
21. "Kokdu: Season Of Deity" - 4.8%
"Kokdu: Season Of Deity" was filled with quirky characters, electrifying chemistry, and a romance that withstood the test of time. Switching between historical and modern, "Kokdu: Season Of Deity" had fans constantly coming back for more, earning 4.8% ratings. The MBC drama is made available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Wavve.
22. "When I Was Most Beautiful" - 4.7%
"When I Was Most Beautiful" is a heartbreaking love story featuring Oh YeJi (Im SooHyang) who is caught between brothers Seo Hwan (Ji Soo) and Seo Jin (Ha SeokJin). As they navigated feelings of love and jealousy, audiences remained glued to their seats, watching the story unfold. With the help of its dedicated viewers, the series earned 4.7% ratings, placing it at number fourteen among MBC K-Dramas. "When I Was Most Beautiful" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
23. "From Now On, Showtime!" - 4.6% & "The Game: Towards Zero" - 4.6%
Comedic with a touch of mystery, "From Now On, Showtime!" was able to captivate viewers with its lighthearted storyline and incredible lineup of actors. On the other hand, there was the more serious, thriller series "The Game: Towards Zero" which kept viewers shrouded in suspense. While two different genres, these series earned its highest ranking at 4.6%, tying at number fifteen among MBC K-Dramas.
Which of these MBC dramas is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!