‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ Named Netizen’s Favorite Drama Again

Historical K-drama 'Secret Royal Inspector & Joy' continues to dominate Netizen Awards, claiming the top spot for the 10th straight month in the Drama Masterpiece category.

10 Months at No.1: A Drama That Refuses to Fade

Some dramas age like fine wine—and tvN’s ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ is clearly one of them. In the July 2025 edition of the Netizen Awards, the historical K-drama took home the “Drama Masterpiece Award” with a commanding 60.9% (19,919 votes), stretching its reign at number one to a jaw-dropping 10 months.

More Than Nostalgia—It Still Hits Home

Far from being a one-time hit, ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ continues to resonate with audiences years after its original broadcast. The secret sauce? A fresh, comedic twist on a classic moral tale. Think ‘Sherlock Holmes’ set in the Joseon era, with a lot more food, feminism, and fun.

Kim Hye-yoon’s electric performance as a bold, forward-thinking woman in a traditionally submissive world has been spotlighted repeatedly. Her role flips the K-drama damsel trope on its head—she’s fierce, witty, and fearlessly independent.

The Rest of the Pack: Who Came Close?

  • 2nd place: JTBC’s ‘King the Land’ (11.7%, 3,815 votes) — a luxurious rom-com ride powered by major star wattage.
  • 3rd place: Coupang Play’s ‘Things That Come After Love’ (7.5%, 2,462 votes) — a moody, slow-burn story that left a lasting impression.
  • 4th to 7th place: Fan-favorites like ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ (ENA), ‘The Red Sleeve’ (MBC), ‘The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract’ (MBC), and ‘My Dearest’ (MBC) followed close behind.
  • Rounding out the top 10: ‘My Demon’ (SBS), ‘Crash Landing on You’, and nostalgic juggernaut ‘Reply 1988’ (both tvN).

Timeless Classics vs Trendy Buzz

This year’s results confirm a simple truth: a K-drama’s masterpiece status isn’t just about ratings or recency. It’s about rewatchability, emotional depth, and characters that linger long after the credits roll. In other words, not just what trended—but what stuck.

‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ continues to deliver just that, combining comedic elegance with a whip-smart take on justice. As one voter commented, “It’s not just a good drama. It’s a drama that makes you want to live in its world again.”

Can the Streak Continue?

With a star like Kim Hye-yoon at the helm and fans still singing its praises online, chances are high the streak won’t end anytime soon. But with the ever-changing winds of the K-drama world, who knows what next month’s leaderboard might look like?

Until then, ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ holds its trophy high—proof that sometimes, joy never gets old.

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