'The Art of Sarah' is generating explosive buzz at home and abroad, sparking a global sensation immediately upon release.
All eight episodes of the series dropped simultaneously on February 13. By the next day, it had climbed to No. 1 on Netflix Korea, a position it has held for seven consecutive days through February 20. As of February 19, data from FlixPatrol showed the drama rising to No. 2 on Netflix’s Global Top TV Shows chart, once again proving the global power of K-dramas.
Its international momentum is equally striking. In its first week alone, 'The Art of Sarah' recorded 3.8 million views, ranking No. 3 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows list. The series reached No. 1 in six countries, including Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and entered the Top 10 in 38 countries worldwide.
The drama is also dominating buzz metrics. In FunDex’s integrated TV and OTT drama/non-drama rankings for the second week of February, 'The Art of Sarah' claimed No. 1 in the overall program category. In the cast rankings, lead actress Shin Hye Sun topped the list at No. 1 overall, while Lee Jun Hyuk ranked No. 7.
The mystery thriller centers on a tense showdown between Sarah Kim (Shin Hye Sun), the Asia regional head of luxury brand Budua, and Park Moo Kyung (Lee Jun Hyuk), the team leader of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Violent Crimes Unit. The story unravels layer by layer as Moo Kyung’s investigation exposes Sarah’s secretive past and her relentless desire to ascend into the ranks of true luxury - even if built on falsehoods. The series is praised for its high-intensity narrative, unpredictable twists, and gripping pacing that compels viewers to binge until the very end.
Beyond its leads, the supporting cast adds depth and weight to the drama. Park Bo Kyung plays Jung Yeo Jin, Sarah’s former best friend; Jung Da Bin appears as former Budua employee Woo Hyo Eun; Jung Jin Young takes on the role of loan shark CEO Hong Sung Shin; and Lee Yi Dam portrays leather processing expert Kim Mi Jung. Bae Jong Ok commands attention as department store chairwoman Choi Chae Woo, while Kim Jae Won plays Kang Ji Hwon, a former host bar worker turned Choi’s personal secretary.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive both domestically and internationally. Korean viewers have posted rave reviews such as, “I started episode one casually and ended up finishing the entire series,” “The writer is insane, the details are incredible,” “Time flew by,” “Twists upon twists, an acting masterclass,” and “It feels so real, which makes it even more chilling.” Global viewers have echoed the praise, calling it “impossible to look away until the very end” and “flawless in structure.”
International media outlets have also taken notice. U.S. publication Decider described the series as “a multilayered mystery about a woman who constructs a luxurious life through intricate lies and the man determined to dismantle it.” Time highlighted it as “a story of a woman who will stop at nothing to enter the upper class, sustaining suspense through to the finale.”
At the press conference, Shin Hye Sun said, “This project shows sides of me that audiences haven’t seen before. I hope my performance feels natural and that viewers simply enjoy it.” She added candidly, “I’ve actually watched 'The Art of Sarah' many times already. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but I truly love it. Each viewing reveals different layers and interpretations, which makes it enjoyable even after multiple watches.”
Lee Jun Hyuk reflected on the drama’s central theme, saying, “Through this project, I came to feel that becoming ‘real’ ultimately depends on people’s belief. That’s why I think 'The Art of Sarah' resonates with our times.” He also revealed that the intense shoot caused him physical stress, but he was drawn to the complexity of his desire-driven character. The two leads reunite for the first time in eight years since their collaboration on Stranger, showcasing a natural chemistry that has further captivated audiences.
Director Kim Jin Min described the series as “a drama about human desire - the story of those who chase desire and those who pursue them.” Emphasizing his trust in the cast, he said, “Rather than doing something special as a director, I trusted Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jun Hyuk completely. Working together only strengthened that trust.”
All eight episodes of Netflix's original series 'The Art of Sarah' are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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