Historical Comedy K-Drama Still Reigns
Not all stories withstand the test of time, but the tvN K-drama ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ has proven to be an exception. Since October of last year, the series has dominated the Netizen Awards’ “Acting – Classic Drama” category, taking the No.1 spot for seven consecutive months. As of April 2025, it secured 14,357 votes, claiming 54.3% of the total votes and once again coming out on top.
A Genre-Bending Hit That Keeps Giving
‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ distinguished itself with its unique blend of comedy, politics, and heartwarming moments—packaged in a refreshing take on a Korean historical drama. Its whimsical tone, layered characters, and emotional storytelling stirred strong viewer affection that has yet to fade. For fans, this isn’t just a nostalgic title—they continue to revisit and celebrate it as a true masterpiece.
Kim Hye-yoon’s Star Power Shines
One key reason behind the drama’s lasting appeal is actress Kim Hye-yoon, who portrayed the lovable and bold female lead, Kim Joy. Known for breathing life into strong, relatable young women, Kim captivated audiences and recently ranked 2nd in the Netizen Awards’ Best Actress category for April—proof of her ongoing popularity.
Other Fan Favorites in the Rankings
While ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ held onto the crown, other popular dramas made the top 10. JTBC’s ‘King the Land’ came in second with 3,805 votes (14.4%), praised for its polished, feel-good romance. Coupang Play’s ‘After Love Comes…’ landed third (2,540 votes, 9.6%), followed by ENA’s ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ (1,659 votes, 6.3%) in fourth and MBC’s ‘My Dearest’ (1,427 votes, 5.4%) rounding out the top five.
The rest of the top 10 featured MBC’s ‘The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract’ (912 votes), SBS’s ‘My Demon’ (709 votes), MBC’s ‘The Red Sleeve’ (566 votes), SBS’s ‘My Perfect Assistant’ (260 votes), and tvN’s Hallyu hit ‘Crash Landing on You’ (189 votes).
A True Classic Among K-Dramas
In the ‘Classic Drama’ category, the award doesn’t just honor popularity—it celebrates timeless stories, unforgettable dialogues, and enduring connections to viewers. That’s why ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’s’ seven-month streak isn’t just a statistical achievement—it’s a symbol of unchanging fan affection. As one fan commented, “I don’t rewatch many dramas—but this one? I come back every time.”
