‘Kiss Is Okay!’ Climbs to Netflix No.1 Non-English Series with Its Dynamite Kiss Romance
SBS’s hit drama ‘Kiss Is Okay’ has surged in popularity thanks to Jang Ki-yong and Ahn Eun-jin’s explosive ‘Dynamite Kiss,’ pushing ratings upward and propelling the series to No.1 on Netflix’s non-English global chart.
Jang Ki-yong stars as strategy team leader Gong Ji-hyuk, while Ahn Eun-jin plays Ko Darim, a woman who disguises herself as a married mother due to personal circumstances. Their accidental ‘first kiss’ sparks the high-tension dynamic that defines the show. Episode 8 achieved a 7.1% Seoul rating with peaks at 8.5% and a 2.41% score in the key 20–49 demo, topping all weekday dramas and Thursday programs. Internationally, the series climbed Netflix’s non-English global chart from No.3 to No.2 and finally No.1 in its third week, resonating strongly across Asia and the Americas.
The drama leans into familiar rom-com tropes—hidden identities, a cold-but-kind boss, serendipitous encounters—but writers Ha Yoon-ah and Tae Kyung-min elevate them with early-2000s nostalgia and modern pacing. The bold decision to begin the series with a ‘Dynamite Kiss’ sets an immediate high-energy tone, amplified by rhythmic direction from Kim Jae-hyun and Kim Hyun-woo. Supporting actors Kim Moo-joon and Woo Da-bi add further charm. With Ji-hyuk now aware of Darim’s true circumstances, the story enters a pivotal emotional shift that may drive its next ratings peak.
- Reached No.1 on Netflix’s non-English global chart in week three.
- Episode 8 set new personal records with peaks at 8.5%.
- The ‘Dynamite Kiss’ became a central driver of social buzz worldwide.
## 【KStarLoud Insight】 ‘Kiss Is Okay’ demonstrates how even a mid-budget romance can achieve worldwide popularity when powered by strong character chemistry, fast pacing and universal emotional appeal. Netflix’s global platform accelerates word-of-mouth, while the established international fanbase for Korean dramas provides fertile ground. The key question now is whether the series can maintain momentum in its second half and extend its influence through cast promotions, brand opportunities and secondary licensing, defining its long-term footprint in the K-romance genre.