10 Chaebol K-Dramas to Watch for a Glimpse Into the Lives of the Ultra-Rich

Often shrouded in an aura of intrigue and opulence, chaebols are situated at the top of South Korea's societal pyramid. K-dramas offer us a slight glimpse into their daily lives, portraying characters who suit up as CEOs and retreat home to the most grandiose mansions. Stories usually portray how they gain a fresh perspective on life after encountering someone from the other side of society. More often than not, a little romance is sprinkled in for good measure. 

Also read:
10 K-Drama Series to Binge-Watch If You’re in the Mood for Revenge
Here's Why Watching K-Dramas Is a Punishable Act in North Korea

What is a chaebol in the first place?

The term "chaebol" is a portmanteau of "chae," which means wealth, and "bol," which means clan or faction. In essence, these are large conglomerates, usually in the fields of electronics, finance, and retail, that are solely owned and operated by one family. Modern-day examples would be the groups behind Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.

Chaebols play a huge role in making South Korea a global powerhouse, given their large market shares and contributions to economic growth. The leadership of a chaebol group is typically treated like a family heirloom, which is why people in these clans are perceived to have been born with silver spoons in their mouths.

If you enjoy getting a glimpse into the world of chaebols, we listed down some K-drama titles (as fictional as they may be) that depict these affluent folks. Check them out below:

Here are 10 K-Dramas that feature Chaebols:

Boys Over Flowers (2009)

Watch on: Viki, iQiyi, and weTV

Gu Jun-pyo rules the ultra-exclusive Shinhwa High School as the leader of the "F4". A clique composed of popular kids, no one dares get in the F4's way—that is, until Geum Jan-di steps in and calls out their bad boy behavior. They continually butt heads in the hallways, but the commoner's daughter manages to charm her way into not one, but two of the quartet's hearts.

Starring: Koo Hye Sun, Lee Min Ho, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Joon

The Heirs (2013)

Watch on: Viki and weTV

In another tale of opposites attract, Jeguk Group heir Kim Tan develops feelings for Cha Eun-sang, the daughter of her family's house helper. His former best friend Choi Young-do pokes fun at his little crush, but unexpectedly starts to fall for Eun-sang too. Kim is then left with the difficult choice of pursuing either the family business or love.

Starring: Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin

Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (2017)

Watch on: Netflix, Viki, Viu, and iQiyi

Coming from a lineage of women born with superhuman strength, Do Bong-soon finds a job as a bodyguard for gaming company CEO Ahn Min-hyuk. As a kidnapper causes havoc in their district, Min-hyuk helps Bong-soon control her abilities for good and eventually forms a bond with her.

Starring: Park Bo Young, Ji Soo, Park Hyung Sik

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

Watch on: Netflix, Viki, and Viu

After working for Yumyung Group head Lee Young-joon for nine years, Kim Mi-so suddenly files for resignation. Not wanting to lose his loyal secretary, Young-joon does everything he can to keep her at her post. After Mi-so opens up about her childhood, the two soon discover how intertwined their lives actually are.

Starring: Park Seo Joon, Park Min Young

Crash Landing On You (2019)

Watch on: Netflix

After a paragliding ride goes haywire, Queen's Group heiress Yoon Se-ri finds herself in the treacherous fields of North Korea. There, she meets army officer Ri Jeong-hyeok, who, despite the risks, decides to protect her from harm. Even with their different backgrounds, the two begin a relationship as star-crossed lovers.

Starring: Hyun Bin, Son Ye Jin

Dali and the Cocky Prince (2021)

Watch on: Viki and Viu

In a case of mistaken identity, art researcher Kim Dali runs into Dondon F&B director and restauranter Jin Moo-hak while overseas. Back home in Korea, it turns out that Moo-hak is a big investor in the museum that Dali inherits from her father. Instead of collecting debts, Moo-hak seeks to help Dali bring back the glory of the run-down arts space. 

Starring: Kim Min Jae, Park Gyu Young, Kwon Yul, Hwang Hee, Yeonwoo

Business Proposal (2022)

Watch on: Netflix

In an effort to escape his grandfather's plans of arranged marriage, Go Food CEO Kang Tae-moo hires his employee Shin Ha-ri to be his fake fiance. As genuine feelings arise, Ha-ri grows insecure about their vastly different lifestyles, while Tae-moo struggles to fully heal from unresolved traumas.

Starring: Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Sejeong, Kim Min Kyu, Seol In Ah

Reborn Rich (2023)

Watch on: Viu

Yoon Hyun-woo has sworn utmost loyalty to the family behind the Soonyang Group. Though, in a scheme to cover up tax evasion allegations, he's murdered by the very people he worked for. However, he then finds himself reincarnated as Jin Do-jun, the youngest grandson and eventual heir of the same conglomerate. He then hatches a plan to take down the company from the inside out.

Starring: Song Joong Ki, Shin Hyun Been

King the Land (2023)

Watch on: Netflix

Gu Won is thrown into an intense inheritance war for the The King Group, a company known for its luxury hotels. He gets assigned to oversee operations at one of their properties, which was being led by the optimistic Cheon Sa-rang. As they work together, the hotelier's perpetual smile effectively thaws Gu Won's icy facade. 

Starring: Lee Jun Ho, YoonA

See You in My 19th Life (2023)

Watch on: Netflix

Ban Ji-eum is stuck in an endless cycle of repeating her life through reincarnation. After a sudden accident, she seeks to find a boy who caught her eye in her 18th iteration. He turns out to be Moon Seo-ha, the executive director of MI Hotel and her boss.

Starring: Shin Hye Sun, Ahn Bo Hyun

Hey, Spotters! Check us out on Viber to join our Community and subscribe to our Chatbot.