‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ Proves It’s a K-Drama Classic
11 months. Countless rewatches. And still the reigning champ. tvN’s ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ has once again clinched the top spot in the Netizen Awards’ August rankings, confirming what fans have been screaming all along: this isn’t just a drama—it’s a legacy.
Dominating the Votes: Still #1 After All This Time
According to the 2025 August Netizen Awards, ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ snagged 16,927 votes, accounting for an overwhelming 62.9% of the total votes in the drama category. That’s not just impressive—it’s historic. The show has now topped the chart for 11 consecutive months, a testament to its staying power in the K-drama stratosphere.
Even though it originally aired years ago, fans clearly haven’t moved on. With Kim Hye-yoon’s vivacious portrayal of Joy and a storyline that blends comedy, justice, and romantic tension in Joseon-era Korea, it’s a series people love to revisit. And rewatch. And re-quote.
Rising Contenders: Challengers in the 2nd to 4th Spots
While ‘Inspector & Joy’ monopolized the top rankings, other dramas brought serious flavor to the list:
- 2nd: Coupang Play’s ‘Things That Come After Love’ (2,447 votes, 9.1%) — a poignant narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and gently lingers, like a sad ballad on loop.
- 3rd: JTBC’s ‘King the Land’ (1,867 votes, 6.9%) — rom-com royalty with punchy moments and strong fan appeal.
- 4th: ENA’s ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ (1,640 votes, 6.1%) — legal drama meets empathy as this fan-favorite continues to gain global recognition for its unique heroine and heartfelt storytelling.
Mid-Tier Masters: The Battle for 5th to 7th
The mid-ranking dramas proved that fresh ideas and genre mash-ups still captivate audiences. Gathering solid support were:
- 5th: MBC’s ‘My Dearest’ (1,347 votes, 5.0%) — swoon-worthy romance with historical weight.
- 6th: MBC’s ‘The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract’ (1,087 votes, 4.0%) — think time-travel bride meets modern-day mischief.
- 7th: SBS’s ‘My Demon’ (992 votes, 3.7%) — sizzling supernatural meets slow burn love affairs. Plus, demons. Obviously.
Fan Favorites That Just Won’t Quit
They may have aired years ago, but they’ve got nostalgic power that slaps:
- 8th: MBC’s ‘The Red Sleeve’ (369 votes, 1.4%) — a tragic royal romance that’s basically Shakespeare meets sageuk (period drama).
- 9th: tvN’s ‘Crash Landing on You’ (165 votes, 0.6%) — yes, it’s the one with the North Korean soldier and the chaebol heiress… still giving everyone feels.
- 10th: tvN’s ‘Reply 1988’ (79 votes, 0.3%) — the ultimate comfort drama with goosebumps-inducing nostalgia and neighborhood chaos.
What Makes a True K-Drama “Masterpiece”?
The August chart isn’t just a popularity contest—it’s a litmus test for what stands the test of time. Critically and emotionally impactful series like ‘Inspector & Joy’ aren’t just riding waves of hype. They’ve become embedded in pop culture, revived by memes, rewatched on streaming, and recommended by fans like a rite of passage.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Joy and Ra Yi-eon earned their place in the K-drama hall of fame. From witty banter to satisfying justice served in hanbok, the series delivers every time. As one fan put it on social media: “It’s the only drama that makes me laugh, cry, and yell at my screen… all in one episode.”
What’s Next in September?
All eyes are on the next round—will ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ hold its record for a full year, or will a dark horse steal the crown? With new releases dropping and old favorites staying strong, the drama may shift offscreen too. But for now, one thing’s clear: Joy’s story still lives rent-free in our heads.
FAQs
Why is ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ still winning awards?
Its blend of humor, political intrigue, and strong performances make it both rewatchable and timeless. Despite ending, fan love hasn’t faded—if anything, it’s intensified.
Which dramas are rising contenders in 2025?
Dramas like ‘Things That Come After Love’, ‘King The Land’, and ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ are gaining traction due to their emotional storytelling and social relevance.
What defines a ‘masterpiece’ K-drama today?
Longevity, rewatch value, cultural impact, and emotional resonance—plus an iconic performance or unforgettable plot twist doesn’t hurt either.
