'Squid Game' ranks No. 72 among NYT's best dramas of the 21st century; 'Beef' at No. 71, No. 1 to be revealed on the 25th

A bloody sport exposing capitalism's true face proves a global masterpiece

The power of Korean screen content has once again made its mark on a list of the 'best dramas of the 21st century' selected by the influential U.S. outlet 'The New York Times' (NYT). 'Squid Game', which drove the global phenomenon surrounding K-content, landed at No. 72, while 'Beef', created by Korean American filmmakers and actors, took No. 71 in a pair of major achievements.

The NYT on the 22nd released the first installment of its ranking of the best dramas of the 21st century, covering Nos. 61 through 100, based on an in-depth vote of 500 people worldwide, including actors, industry figures and top executives at online video services (OTT platforms).

Jeremy Engle, the NYT's television editor, praised the sharp insight of Netflix's 'Squid Game', ranked No. 72, saying, "The message of this extremely violent Korean thriller is clear: Capitalism is a bloody sport that annihilates humanity." He added, "Its blood-soaked, dazzling aesthetic paradoxically delivers immense pleasure."

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan also named the series one of the best works of the 21st century, adding to its prestige. The series, which debuted in 2021, became the first non-English-language drama to win Emmy Awards for directing and lead actor. With the recent release of Season 3, it brought its sweeping saga to a close.

A Bong Joon Ho-style thriller returns, with 'Beef' one step ahead

The Netflix original 'Beef' (BEEF), directed by Lee Sung-jin, achieved the significant feat of ranking No. 71, one spot ahead of 'Squid Game'.

Wesley Morris, an NYT critic covering popular culture, lavished praise on the show's story of a minor road-rage incident spiraling toward catastrophe. "It ruthlessly pares down its sprawling plot and races toward a dark and desperate realm reminiscent of a Bong Joon Ho masterpiece," he wrote. He also said, "Beneath it lies a sharp, chilling discontent with the 'American Dream'."

'Beef' swept eight awards at the 'Emmys' in 2024, including outstanding series and lead acting honors for both its male and female stars, capturing both popular appeal and artistic excellence.

Meanwhile, 'The New York Times' is rolling out its ranking of the world's best drama series that aired since 2000 and plans to unveil the highly anticipated No. 1 title on the 25th.