The Top 10 Most-Searched Korean TV Shows On Naver In 2020

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Often referred to as “the Google of South Korea”, Naver is the go-to search portal and online platform for Koreans. Naturally, many people use the engine to search for information on their favorite television shows. According to Naver’s new 2020 search rankings, these 10 shows captured the public the most.

The top 5 most-searched K-Dramas on Naver this year were:

5. “Once Again”

Once Again was the 5th most-searched K-Drama on Naver in 2020. Starring Lee Min Jung and Lee Sang Yeob, this KBS family drama centered on a doctor couple facing trouble in their marriage and their wider family circle. It aired from March to September this year and peaked at a viewership rating of 37.0% nationwide.

| KBS

4. “Hospital Playlist”

Hospital Playlist was the 4th most-searched K-Drama on Naver in 2020. Airing from March to May this year, this tvN drama became the 9th highest-rated Korean cable drama in history by its conclusion. The story focused on five doctors from the same social circle and a medical center, and the drama is set to get a sequel season next year.

| tvN

3. “Crash Landing on You”

Crash Landing on You was the 3rd most-searched K-Drama on Naver in 2020. The third highest-rated Korean cable drama of all time, tvN’s Crash Landing on You was all about a South Korean chaebol heiress (Son Ye Jin) who literally crash lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean Special Police Force captain (Hyun Bin). It began in 2019, airing its final episode in February this year.

| tvN

2. “Itaewon Class”

Itaewon Class was the 2nd most-searched K-Drama on Naver in 2020. This diverse drama aired on JTBC from January to March this year and recorded the 7th highest ratings of all time for a Korean cable drama. Based on a webtoon, Itaewon Class centered on a former convict played by Park Seo Joon, who aims to expand his bar-restaurant into a successful franchise.

| JTBC

1. “The World of the Married”

And the no.1 most-searched K-Drama on Naver in 2020 was The World of the Married—unsurprising given that’s it’s also the highest-rated Korean cable drama of all time. Overtaking SKY Castle, this JTBC drama was based on the British BBC One series Doctor Foster, telling the story of a married couple (Kim Hee Ae and Park Hae Joon) on a quest for vengeance. It aired from March to May this year.

| tvN

Meanwhile, the top 5 most-searched variety shows on Naver this year were:

5. “Running Man”

The 5th most-searched variety show on Naver in 2020 was SBS‘s Running Man. This “urban action variety” program shows MCs and famous guest compete in entertaining missions. This year, the show’s viewership rating peaked at 8.1% in March when actresses Bae Jong Ok and Shin Hye Sun guested.

| KBS

4. “Hangout with Yoo”

The 4th most-searched variety show on Naver in 2020 was MBC‘s Hangout with Yoo. The show centered on popular television personality Yoo Jae Suk on his days off. This July, the show spawned the famous co-ed music trio SSAK3 (made up of Yoo Jae Suk, Lee Hyo Ri, and Rain). Yoo later produced Refund Sisters, a project group with MAMAMOO‘s Hwasa, Jessi, Uhm Jung Hwa, and Lee Hyo Ri.

| MBC

3. “Heart Signal” Season 3

The 3rd most-searched variety show on Naver in 2020 was season three of Channel A‘s Heart Signal. This reality series follows eight people who live together and date each other for one month, their actions analyzed by a panel of celebrity hosts. This season’s panel included Block B‘s P.O, Lee Sang Min, and Han Hye Jin. The show’s castmates were also the subject of several bullying and harassment controversies.

| Channel A

2. “I Live Alone”

The 2nd most-searched variety show on Naver in 2020 was MBC’s I Live Alone. Known as one of Korea’s “real variety” series, this unscripted show documents the lives of celebrities who live alone following their daily routines. Currently, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, Henry Lau, and Park Na Rae are some of the show’s most popular cast members.

| MBC

1. “Mr. Trot”

And the no.1 most-searched variety show on Naver in 2020 was TV Chosun‘s Mr. Trot. Following the series finale, Mr. Trot became the country’s highest-rated cable television broadcast. The male version of Miss Trot, this audition show sees male trot singers battle it out for the crown. This year’s top 3 singers were Lim Young Woong, YoungTak, and Lee Chan Won.

| TV Chosun
Source: Chosun Biz