Five globally loved one season K-dramas that deserve a sequel. From thrillers to fantasy, these stories are too strong to end. Discover why fans still demand their return.
One of the defining traits of Korean dramas is their compact format. In just 16 to 20 episodes, the story usually reaches its climax, characters find their resolution, and everything is wrapped up neatly without leaving much room for continuation. But sometimes, the story and characters are simply too rich and complex to end in a single season. Viewers are left wanting more, the world building still holds countless mysteries, and new conflicts seem ready to unfold just as the finale rolls around.
Over the past decade, several one season K-dramas have achieved massive global success, dominating Netflix charts, building passionate fanbases around the world, and earning critical acclaim. Yet, despite the enormous potential, they still have not returned with a second season. Here are five K-dramas that truly deserve a sequel.
Source: IMDb
Vincenzo (2021)
IMDb: 8.4/10
National rating: 14.6%
Cast: Song Joong Ki, Jeon Yeo Been, Ok Taec Yeon
Vincenzo broke through the global market with a unique style rarely seen in K-dramas. The series follows Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong Ki), a Korean born consigliere for the Italian mafia who returns to Seoul to resolve personal matters. Instead of a quiet life, he finds himself waging war against the corrupt Babel Group. Filled with dark humor, legal battles, and stylish action, the drama scored impressive ratings in Korea and spent weeks dominating Netflix’s global Top 10.
What makes Vincenzo so deserving of a sequel is the vast narrative space still unexplored. The finale shows Vincenzo continuing his life as a “villain who punishes villains,” hinting at endless new storylines. His mafia past in Italy, larger criminal networks, and new global enemies could all fuel a second season. Moreover, the complex relationship between Vincenzo and Cha Young could evolve in compelling ways. With unfinished storylines and a massive international fanbase, Vincenzo has everything it needs to return as a powerful multi season series.
Source: IMDb
My Name (2021)
IMDb: 7.8/10
National rating: 2.8% (Netflix original, global release)
Cast: Han So Hee, Ahn Bo Hyun, Park Hee Soon
My Name is one of Netflix’s most talked about releases of 2021, delivering a gritty tone rarely seen in mainstream K-dramas. Han So Hee stars as Yoon Ji Woo, a woman who infiltrates the police force to avenge her father’s death, only to find herself caught in a web of betrayal, violence, and moral conflict. With its brutal action sequences and strong noir atmosphere, My Name captured audiences worldwide and marked a turning point in Han So Hee’s career.
Even though Ji Woo’s revenge arc concludes in the final episode, there is still so much story to tell. Her fate after the climax, the legal consequences of her actions, and the psychological aftermath of her choices all offer fertile ground for a second season. The vast criminal underworld could also introduce new characters and deeper conflicts. With its bold themes and cinematic execution, My Name absolutely deserves a darker, more intense continuation.
Source: IMDb
Hotel Del Luna (2019)
IMDb: 8.2/10
National rating: 12.0%
Cast: IU, Yeo Jin Goo, Lee Do Hyun
Hotel Del Luna is one of the most beloved fantasy dramas ever produced, combining myth, emotion, and breathtaking visuals into a magical story. IU stars as Jang Man Wol, the owner of a supernatural hotel where spirits rest before moving on to the afterlife. Cursed to remain bound by her past sins for centuries, Man Wol gradually rediscovers love and forgiveness through Goo Chan Sung (Yeo Jin Goo), the hotel’s new manager. With double digit ratings in Korea and massive international popularity, Hotel Del Luna remains one of tvN’s most influential series.
The rich supernatural world of Hotel Del Luna makes it perfect for a sequel. The finale teases reincarnation and a new hotel owner, leaving endless possibilities for fresh stories, either exploring new characters or revisiting old ones in different forms. Man Wol’s past also holds many untold stories that could deepen the narrative even further. Even if a second season focused on a completely new owner, the Hotel Del Luna universe is simply too compelling to leave behind.
Source: IMDb
Signal (2016)
IMDb: 8.5/10
National rating: 12.5%
Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, Cho Jin Woong
Widely regarded as one of the best K-dramas of all time, Signal masterfully blends crime, emotion, and suspense. The series tells the story of detectives from the past and present who communicate across time to solve cold cases. Each episode unveils deeper truths about Korea’s criminal history, making Signal more than just a mystery drama. It is also a powerful social commentary. Its impressive national ratings and stellar IMDb score reflect its enduring impact both in Korea and globally.
The show’s cliffhanger ending is the main reason why a sequel feels essential. Many mysteries remain unsolved, relationships between characters still hold emotional weight, and the time bridging communication concept offers limitless potential for new cases. Fans around the world continue to demand a second season, and rumors of Signal 2 still surface to this day. If it ever becomes a reality, Signal 2 would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated returns in K-drama history.
Source: IMDb
Extracurricular (2020)
IMDb: 7.6/10
National rating: (Netflix original, global release)
Cast: Kim Dong Hee, Park Ju Hyun, Jung Da Bin
Extracurricular is one of Netflix Korea’s most daring and controversial dramas, tackling the criminal underworld from a teenager’s perspective. Kim Dong Hee stars as Ji Soo, a model student secretly running an illegal business to support himself. His double life spirals into chaos, leading to moral collapse, violence, and looming legal consequences. With its dark tone, raw storytelling, and departure from typical high school tropes, Extracurricular captivated viewers worldwide.
The finale leaves far more questions than answers, making a sequel feel almost necessary. What happens to Ji Soo after the climactic events? What legal fallout awaits him, and is redemption even possible? The show could also expand its scope by introducing new characters or exploring a larger criminal network. With its bold social themes and gripping storytelling, Extracurricular is perfectly positioned to evolve into a multi season series that dives even deeper into the dark side of modern youth.
These five dramas prove that some stories are too powerful to end in just one season. With vast worlds, complex characters, and unresolved conflicts, the potential for sequels is undeniable. If the K-drama industry embraces the multi season format more seriously, Vincenzo, My Name, Hotel Del Luna, Signal, and Extracurricular are the titles most deserving of a comeback, bringing stories loved by millions around the world into deeper and more compelling chapters.
Source: Netflix, tvN, IMDb, Nielsen Korea, OSEN via Naver, Xportsnews, Soompi.
A sequel exploring a new owner with a different, but equally elegant, story would be so wonderful. The aesthetic alone would be worth it.