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Top 5 most expensive Korean dramas to binge-watch on Netflix

From Arthdal Chronicles to The King: Eternal Monarch, here are Top 5 most expensive Korean dramas to binge-watch on Netflix

Top 5 most expensive Korean dramas to binge-watch on Netflix. Many Korean dramas benefit of big budgets. Productions that have action set in a fantasy and historical worlds need serious money to ensure top-notch quality scenes, CGI, and sets. There are productions filmed outside of the country, which means extra costs. Not to mention, that top Korean dramas often cast famous actors, and their salaries make up a large part of the budget. A K-drama that exceeds a budget of 25$ million enters among the top most expensive Korean dramas ever made. But over the years, more productions are surpassing this threshold, especially after foreign investments appeared in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Top 5 most expensive Korean dramas ever made. Where can we see them?

1. “Arthdal Chronicles” (2019)

Estimated cost: $46 million (54 billion won)

In 2019, Arthdal Chronicles started the trend of high-cost productions in the Korean drama industry. The reasons behind his big budget include grandiose sets in Brunei and Osan and special effects since it is about a fantasy set in a fabulous pastime and in an equally imaginary land named Arth. Starring Song Joong-ki, also known as Leonardo DiCaprio of Korea, the series is split into three parts with a total of 18 episodes. The series includes mythical heroes in the land of Arth, tales of beautiful love, and equally painful loss. Production cost per episode was reportedly around KRW 3 billion at the time of filming. Fans pointed out similarities between Arthdal Chronicles and Game of Thrones. “Arthdal Chronicles” (2019) is available on Netflix.

2. “Mr. Sunshine” (2018)

Estimated cost: $34 million (40 billion won)

Mr. Sunshine starring Lee Byung-hun in the leading role, is a historical drama set in the early 1900s, the period of guns and glory in Korea. All budget went on sets, costumes, and many well-choreographed battle scenes, adding to its total. “Mr. Sunshine follows the story of Captain Eugene Choi, a child born into slavery, who escapes to the United States, where he grows up. Years later, Eugene will return to his homeland as a US Marine Officer. A beautiful love story develops between Eugene and Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), an aristocratic girl with strong beliefs and a freedom fighter. Production cost per episode is estimated at around KRW 1.5 billion.

“Mr. Sunshine” (2018) is available on Netflix.

3. “Kingdom 1 and 2” (2019)

Estimated cost: $30 million (35 billion won)

The Kindom series is a zombie horror drama starring Ju Ji-Hoon and Bae Doona, set in the Joseon era in the 15th century. The Kingdom series originally had eight episodes but was cut to six due to budget issues. The series has two seasons with six episodes each, and the third season is expected to premiere in late 2022. The series was all about special effects and big battle scenes with a whole army of the undead. Recreating scenes from the Joseon period, including elements of the zombie apocalypse, is quite expensive, with the total budget per episode estimated at 3 billion won. “Kingdom” (2019) is available on Netflix.

4. “Sweet Home” (2020)

Estimated cost: $26 million (30 billion won)

The Netflix horror thriller Sweet Home, starring Cha Hyun-Su and directed by Lee Eung-bok. The series follows the story of Cha Hyun-Su, who struggles to survive the tragedy of losing his family. He will venture into the outside world, which is full of monsters, to try to save humanity. Most of the budget went on high-tech CGI effects to create the armies of monsters. Production cost per episode is around KWR 3 billion. “Sweet Home” (2020) is available on Netflix.

5. “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020)

Estimated cost: $25 million ( 30 billion won)

“The King: Eternal Monarch” is the first series of Lee Min-Ho after finishing his mandatory military service. The Netflix Korean series is full of special effects, expensive cars, helicopters, and a rich display of costumes and jewelry. Lee Min-ho is one of the highest-paid South Korean actors and is known to charge around KWR 70 million for each episode. The King: Eternal Monarch depicts two parallel universes: Modern day Korea and the fictional Kingdom of Korea from where the monarch comes. “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020) is available on Netflix.