K-drama Earns Fans’ Enduring Love with Its Unique Charm
‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’, a historical comedy drama by tvN, has once again won top honors at the 2025 Netizen Awards in the acting category. Garnering an impressive 34,195 votes (67.5%), the series extended its streak to nine consecutive months at number one.
Far from being a one-time nostalgic favorite, the series continues to resonate emotionally with viewers. Fans praise its balanced blend of lighthearted humor, justice-driven plot, and dynamic characters, calling it content that still feels relevant “in this very moment.”
Kim Hye-yoon’s Star Power Turns Period Drama into a Modern Favorite
One of the core reasons behind the show’s ongoing popularity is actress Kim Hye-yoon. Her compelling portrayal brought vibrancy and life to her character, turning what could have been a classic period piece into a timeless hit.
The show revolutionized the traditional Korean sageuk (historical drama) genre by weaving in sharp humor and a clever take on the theme of good triumphing over evil—something international audiences might compare to mixing ‘Sherlock Holmes’ with ‘Bridgerton’s’ sass.
Classic Hits Remain Strong in the Top 10 Rankings
In second place was the fan-favorite ‘Reply 1988’, which received 4,432 votes (8.7%). The nostalgic coming-of-age story still tugs at heartstrings with its emotional and relatable depiction of 1980s Seoul.
Following closely in third was JTBC’s ‘King the Land’ with 4,078 votes (8.1%), praised for its flirtatious romance and viewer-friendly chemistry between the leads.
- 4th: Coupang Play’s ‘Things That Come After Love’ – 2,668 votes (5.3%)
- 5th: ENA’s ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ – 1,613 votes (3.2%)
- 6th: MBC’s ‘The Red Sleeve’ – 1,185 votes (2.3%)
- 7th: MBC’s ‘My Dearest’ – 1,151 votes (2.3%)
- 8th: SBS’s ‘My Demon’ – 558 votes (1.1%)
- 9th: MBC’s ‘The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract’ – 528 votes (1.0%)
- 10th: ‘Crash Landing on You’ – 250 votes (0.5%)
What’s Next for Kim Hye-yoon?
Kim Hye-yoon’s upcoming role as a mythical creature—a human-turned-fox—is generating buzz. Known for her striking transformations in roles such as ‘Snowdrop,’ fans are excited to see what kind of sensation she’ll deliver next. If her track record is anything to go by, expect nothing less than spellbinding.
As audiences continue to revisit ‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy‘ over and over again, it proves that true masterpieces don’t fade—they evolve with time, continuing to offer joy, laughter, and emotional depth.
