Korean Drama, popularly referred to asK-drama, has gained much popularity during recent years that Netflix has decided toinvest $2.5 billion in the creation of “Korean series, films, and unscripted shows over the next four years”. This in itself proves how much this specific category has grasped the attention of worldwide viewers. If you are still wondering whether you should jump on this bandwagon and enjoy the ride, we are here to motivate you further.
What makes K-dramas so fascinating is the way in which they attempt to appeal to all kinds of viewers. While there is a misconception that this particular genre is filled with cheesy rom-coms, the truth is that K-dramas have so much to offer. In fact, some of the shows can be quite dark and grotesque. Either way, k-dramas definitely know how to put on brilliant binge-worthy shows that have a lasting impact on the viewers. If you plan on starting your K-drama journey, here’s a list that will assist you.
Starting with a show that has a combination of different genres,Healerfollows the story of a talented “night courier”, Seo Jung-hu, famously known as “Healer” (Ji Chang-wook) whose life takes a complete twist when he is given an odd task of protecting a girl named Chae Young-shin (Park Min-young) by a popular reporter, Kim Mun-ho (Yoo Ji-tae).
Unbeknownst to Jung-ho, this task ends up changing his whole course of life and life goals. As the show progresses, we are shown how the trio is linked to a 1992 case. From mystery, crime, and action to romance,Healeris a show with many layers, in turn, catering to a large audience.
19Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joois a show for the hopeless romantics. This is a coming-of-age drama that focuses on Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-Kyung) who is determined to focus on her weightlifting dreams. As she attends a sports university, we see Bok-joo trying to get hold of her own emotions while she figures herself out.
No matter how tough she tries to come off as, she ends up developing a one-sided love for her childhood friend, Jung Joon-hyung’s (Nam Joo-hyuk) brother, Jung Jae-yi (Lee Jae-yoon). However, what happens is the two friends end up falling for each other. The story is a beautiful rom-com that touches your heart and makes you think about your own perspectives on love and identity.
Related:Will 2023 be the Year of the Korean Drama?
18My Girlfriend is a Gumiho
This show is a combination of romance and fantasy and is specifically created for those who need a good cry and for those who love to indulge in otherworldly romances. By taking inspiration from the infamous myth of the nine-tailed fox, the story focuses on the budding relationship between Gu Mi-ho (Shin Min-a), a nine-tailed fox released by Cha Dae-woong (Lee Seung-gi).
The former is eager to become a human, while the latter is scared of this nine-tailed fox. They eventually fall for each other, and what follows is their struggle in trying to keep Gu Mi-ho alive. The finale is a massive tear-jerker as it is filled with many plot twists.
17Taxi Driver
If you are looking for a more revenge-based TV show, thenTaxi Driveris an ideal option. Under the name “rainbow taxi”, a secret organization is focused on serving revenge for those who have been unfairly treated by society. The reason behind this is the lack of justice provided by the legal system and the police forces.
Taxi Driverheavily focuses on corruption in society as the show comprises several stories. With Lee Je-hoon taking over the lead role of Kim Do-gi, we are shown how he is trying to make amends with his past as he could not seek justice for his mother by taking revenge on her murderer.
16Vincenzo
The perfect match for the fans of Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Godfather. With inspiration from mafias and the crime world, the show is not your ordinary K-drama due toits Italian influence. The key difference between the infamousThe Godfathertrilogy andVincenzois that the latter focuses on the consigliere, in turn, reminding you ofThe Godfather’s Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall). With this refreshing twist,Vincenzofocuses on Vincenzo Cassano / Park Joo-hyung (Song Joong-ki) as he tries to recover some fortunes while escaping from the Don’s (who adopted him) son, who is trying to kill him.
15Reply 1988
tvN’sReplyinstallments take a unique approach in bringing three sets of series, each focusing on different groups of friends as the show moves back and forth from the past to the “present”, revealing the friends' ultimate fates and how they have developed over time. Out of the three,Reply 1988has the highest ratingsand is considered the best.
The show takes us back to the 1980s (as suggested by the title) and focuses mainly on Sung Deok-sun (Lee Hye-ri) as she tries to figure out her dreams and goals while entangling with her male best friends. The mystery of whom Deok-sun ultimately marries is one key form of suspension. However, the show’s focus on economic issues, family bonds, friendships, identity crisis, and the toll of academic pressure makes it quite relatable and timeless.
14The Doctors
Diverting the attention to anyone who is pursuing or is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, we recommendThe Doctors. Yes, the story does include its romantic element, but it is still able to grab the attention of anyone who is looking for motivation. By focusing on the two protagonists, Yoo Hye-jung (Park Shin-hye) and Hong Ji-hong (Kim Rae-won), the show portrays how each faces different challenges in succeeding as a doctor.
Yoo Hye-jung’s character is quite inspiring, as she starts off as a school rebel who finds it hard to trust people. Ultimately, due to Ji-hong’s influence, she ends up becoming a successful neurosurgeon. Even if the two separate following some rumors spread about their relationship, they end up crossing paths again.
13The Heirs / Inheritors
By now, you might have already heard of the infamous Korean heart throb, Lee Min-ho.The Heirs, also known asInheritors, is one reason why Min-ho became so popular. The series follows a group of extremely wealthy and privileged high schoolers, with Min-ho taking the lead role of Kim Tan.
From forbidden love to competition and the burden of taking over the family empire, this show is filled with drama, which is also what makes you so invested in it. Also, the addition of :“frenemies” and rivalries as well as the fight for love intensifies the already brewing drama pot.
12The Glory
A recent addition to Netflix’s list of must-watch K-dramas,The Gloryhas a brilliant cast and is alsobased on true stories of bullying. With Song Hye-kyo taking over the role of the protagonist, Moon Dong-eun, the show focuses on how she was inhumanely bullied during her high school days by Park Yeon-jin (Lim Ji-yeon) and her friends and her journey of finally getting revenge.
The Gloryis definitely not for the weak-hearted, as the scenes of bullying can be quite grotesque. Moreover, the show does not shy away from revealing the corrupt nature of the rich and how big of an issue bullying is in South Korea.
11SKY Castle
This K-drama heavily reflects on Korean society by specifically focusing on the class system and academic pressure.SKY Castlerevolves around a group of mothers from an extremely wealthy area in Seoul, South Korea. The way in which they would do anything to ensure the success of their families is enhanced and their constant attempts at making their children top students is not only scary but also quite absurd.
The series' emphasis on the corrupt nature of the rich and their limitless greed can be linked to the South Korean class disparity. Moreover, the pressure on children is not a new theme, as it is a prevalent issue in Asian society.
