K-Dramas: 15 Must-Watch Series
Korean television and movies are gaining more and more international attention, and Korean dramas provide a variety of entertainment for anyone looking for something worth binge-watching. The medium includes everything from sci-fi fantasy dramas to simple stories that showcase the unique struggles of everyday life. Regardless of the setting, usually a touching romance is always the focus of any K-Drama. Updated July 6, 2023: If you’re a K-Drama fan, this list has been updated with even more great shows for you to enjoy. K-Dramas are emotional roller coasters with the ability to portray human nature at its worst and best in a short amount of time. However, even if you’re looking for something more gritty, there’s K-Drama to suit your mood. Whether you’re a fan or a skeptic, here’s K-Dramas, rated.
SKY Castle
This film starts off a bit slow but progresses quickly to show the high level of despair and tension among college applicants. Sky Castle tells the stories of various families as their children strive to get into the country’s most prestigious schools (or SKYschools). Some may not relate to the fierce competition of these college applications, but they will still enjoy watching the trick and drama of this show.
Scarlet Heart Ryeo
When a modern-day woman accidentally travels back in time, she finds herself at the center of political tensions within the royal family. This Korean drama is one of the best to masterfully weave a love triangle with political battles. The stunning colors and costumes of the Joseon Dynasty give Scarlet Heart Ryeo some of the most stunning and breathtaking looks on television. K-Pop fans will also be thrilled to see IU (아이유) starring in one of his drama debuts.
While You Were Sleeping
While You Were Sleeping is a classic Christmas rom-com that many people recognize, but the similarly titled K-Drama couldn’t be more different. A girl who grew up with strange dreams can predict the future when others are in danger. When she encounters a prosecutor and a police officer with the same power, together they tackle many dangerous situations. The superpower element delivers a fun and creative storyline without distracting from a suspenseful legal drama. The kindness of the main characters and the chemistry on screen will warm viewers’ hearts.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
This Korean drama sheds light on the important but often underrated role of a secretary. Secretary Kim devoted herself tirelessly to her work. When she realized that she had been successful at work but harmed her social life, she quit. However, the man she works with has other intentions for her future. What’s wrong with Secretary Kim? loved for its witty lines and funny situations. A glimpse of the popular but overlooked secretary figure, especially in this cultural context, is also very rewarding.
Boys Over Flowers
When Boys Over Flowers was created, pre-production of TV shows was still common in Korea. This means that the show will start airing after only a few episodes have been filmed. This leads to a lot of difficulty in writing quickly, gathering enough footage, and even editing them all together. There are even stories about making episodes end when the first half begins to air live.
Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing On You is a rare series that gives viewers a glimpse of North Korea, while most Korean dramas take place in South Korea. A famous businesswoman’s paragliding trip goes wrong and she lands in North Korea. A handsome captain agrees to help her hide until she escapes the country. We love Crash Landing on You for its interstellar romance and the insight it gives to Korean, North and South culture.
Descendants of the Sun
The series has become especially popular in South Korea for its close-up look at the country’s military. Almost all young men have served in the South Korean military for a while, but no television program has yet captured the lives of special forces. Descendants of the Sun follows a special forces captain and a surgeon assigned to the same base. As they experience dangers and disasters in their new environment the two form a deep relationship unlike any other. Descendants of the Sun is loved because of the war-ridden backdrop and the great chemistry between the two main stars.
Pachinko
Based on a New York Times Bestselling novel, Pachinko tells the story of American Immigrants over four generations. The story focuses on ancestral ties and family history, with beautiful cinematography and moving performances. Pachinko is loved for its historical accuracy and palpable personal significance. The New York Times called this new drama “traditional, sentimental and inspirational” for the meaningful history and striking visuals.
Squid Game
Squid Game took the streaming world by storm in 2021 thanks to its dark and suspenseful storyline. The show revolves around a group of individuals competing in various challenges to win big cash prizes. It sounds familiar, but overcoming these challenges not only leads to disqualification of the prize, but it can also lead to death. This grim look at competition shows how desperate people can be to achieve their goals. It leaves viewers wondering about their own nature and personality and is often rated as the best TV show of 2021.
Goblin: The Great and Lonely God
Goblin (also translated as “Guardian”) shows the creativity that Korean television brings. The story revolves around an elf who, in Korean mythology, watches over and protects humans with magical powers. Basically, goblins will be immortal until they meet their human bride. After centuries of wandering the Earth, the Goblin is ready to die, but meeting the love of his life may change his mind.
Mr. Sunshine
The production company spared no expense to make Mr. Sunshine is lavish and majestic. Despite the cheerful title, Mr. Sunshine is an emotional roller coaster ride. The story is set in the early 1900s and focuses on the political battle for Korean independence. The film is complete with political intrigue, fast-paced action, love triangles, and beautiful production designs. Some historical references can be daunting for a Western audience, but fortunately a quick Google search will keep everyone up to date. The attention to detail in every aspect of this series represents some of the best K-Drama has to offer, although a serious look at Korean history isn’t a trip for the faint-hearted. heart.
Hotel del Luna
Hotel del Luna offers the perfect combination of bittersweet romance and supernatural elements, all while being set in Jang Man-wol’s astonishing hotel. For over 1000 years Man-wol, who is portrayed by the famous Korean singer IU, has walked the hallways of her very own prison, doomed to spend every second with hosting souls before watching them find their peace in the afterlife. Only when the human newbie, Koo Chan-sung, is forced to take on the position as manager at the hotel, both Chan-sung and Man-wol’s life is slowly turned upside down.
Bloodhounds
Five seconds are enough to confirm that the recently released K-drama Bloodhounds is packed with the kind of action that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand in excitement. The classic opposition of wealthy vs. poor all mainly kept grungy, dark, and sweaty. Focusing on a quest to protect innocent people, the two friends and boxers Kim Gun-woo and Hong Woo-jin take on the corrupt rich.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
The creator of the popular TV series It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Jo Yong, certainly had clear intentions in mind. The writer has created a space for people who often feel like there is no place for them. Focusing on the struggles of two brothers and offering insight into mental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder, this K-drama sheds light on the emotions that often hide behind the shadows.
20th Century Girl
What is supposed to be an investigation into Baek Hyun-jin’s life, his love for his best friend turns into an unexpected stumbling block in Na Bo-ra’s own love life. Mixed name tags and a sense of misunderstanding create drama between the four teenagers of 20th Century Girl. Set in 1999, the story takes many viewers back to their own school lives, light and color. Colors create a poetic, suitable atmosphere. The hit actress Kim Yoo-jeong conveys the script with ease while expressing various emotions, whether joy or despair. 20th Century Girl will keep you up all night, enamored with the characters and supporting your favorite couple.