Netflix's 'Spooky in Love' debuts at No. 2 globally, becomes one of Summer's biggest Korean drama hits

24 Jul 2026, 20:38 by K-Soul · allkpop

tvN's weekend series 'Spooky in Love,' currently airing this summer, is winning over audiences not only in South Korea but around the world. Shortly after its premiere, the series began generating strong word of mouth, quickly climbing in ratings, online buzz, and global streaming rankings.

Premiering on July 18, 'Spooky in Love' is an occult romance mystery that follows Cheon Yeo Ri, a wealthy heiress who can see ghosts, and Ma Kang Wook, a passionate prosecutor, as they investigate a string of mysterious crimes together. Blending romance, mystery, and supernatural elements, the series has been praised for its refreshing genre mix. At the same time, its chilling yet heartwarming atmosphere has made it a perfect fit for the summer season.

The drama has shown impressive momentum from the start. After attracting attention with its premiere, Episode 2 recorded 5.3% nationwide viewership among paid platforms, according to Nielsen Korea, marking an increase of roughly 2 percentage points from the first episode. It also ranked No. 1 among cable and general programming channels in its time slot both nationwide and in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Online buzz has been equally strong. According to Good Data Corporation's TV drama buzz rankings released on July 23, Spooky in Love ranked No. 2 overall. Lead actors Park Eun Bin and Yang Se Jong also both landed in the Top 10 most buzzworthy drama actors. Despite having aired only a handful of episodes, both the series and its stars are already drawing significant attention, leading many to expect its popularity to continue rising.

Its international performance has been even more impressive. According to streaming analytics site FlixPatrol, 'Spooky in Love' ranked No. 2 globally in Netflix's TV category. The drama also reached No. 1 in eight countries and regions, including Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Honduras, highlighting its explosive popularity across Latin America. Its strong debut has fueled expectations that it could enjoy a lengthy run on the global charts.

One of the drama's biggest strengths is its originality. Rather than being a straightforward romance or crime investigation series, it centers on solving cases using testimony from ghosts, naturally weaving together mystery, comedy, occult themes, and romance. The recurring encounters between the two leads at locations where victims are buried further add intrigue to the story.

The drama also distinguishes itself by portraying ghosts not merely as frightening figures but as crucial sources of clues that help solve crimes. As each case explores the tragic stories of spirits alongside the desires of the living, the series delivers not only suspense but also meaningful social commentary.

Director Lee Min Soo has been praised for balancing eerie supernatural scenes with heartfelt emotional storytelling. While ghost sequences maximize tension, the evolving relationship between the two protagonists provides warmth and romance, maintaining a satisfying balance between genres. The cinematography, color palette, and sound design have also been highlighted for enhancing the drama's immersive atmosphere.

The cast's performances have been another key factor behind the show's success. Park Eun Bin delivers a nuanced portrayal of Cheon Yeo Ri, a woman who chooses loneliness to protect others. She convincingly captures both the isolation and warmth of a character who has spent her life separated from society because of her ability to see ghosts.

Yang Se Jong also brings depth to Ma Kang Wook, a justice-driven prosecutor who gradually changes after meeting Cheon Yeo Ri. His convincing portrayal of the character's emotional growth has added further appeal to the series. Viewers have particularly enjoyed the pair's playful bickering as they solve cases together and the slow development of their relationship.

Park Eun Bin has previously demonstrated her versatility through hit dramas including 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' and 'Castaway Diva.' With Spooky in Love, she takes on her first full-fledged occult romance, showcasing a new side of her acting. Yang Se Jong, known for dramas such as 'Temperature of Love,' 'My Country: The New Age,' and 'Doona!,' is likewise building what could become another signature role.

As Korean content continues to perform strongly in the global market, Spooky in Love is emerging as a potential new K-drama success story. Korean series that combine genre storytelling with romance have consistently performed well on Netflix in recent years, and Spooky in Love appears poised to continue that trend.

Most notably, the drama has seen simultaneous growth in television ratings, online buzz, and global streaming rankings since its premiere, further strengthening expectations for its long-term success. With word of mouth continuing to spread, many believe its audience will expand even further as the series reaches its midpoint.

Episode 3 of 'Spooky in Love' will air on July 25 at 9:10 PM KST, as viewers eagerly await the next supernatural case that Cheon Yeo Ri and Ma Kang Wook must solve together—and the next chapter in their evolving relationship.

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