Almost 6 years ago, I discovered my first K-drama: Boys over Flowers, thanks to a comment I read on a Youtube music video. Out of curiosity, I decided to give it a try. The cliche story of a rich boy falling for a poor girl was just what I was in the mood to watch. This K-drama has every single K-drama trope you can possibly think of. Also, let’s not forget about the questionable fashion sense, nonetheless, it will always have a special place in my heart since it was the first drama that led me to the world of K-dramas!
Here is a list of my favorite K-dramas I’ve watched over the years that I would recommend to friends, in no particular order!
It’s already 4 A.M.?!
ME while watching k-drama
1. Mouse (2021)
Dark, twisted, utterly fascinating, mind-bending concept. Hands down one of the best thriller dramas I’ve ever seen. The story revolves around the question, “What if we could identify psychopaths in advance?”. Two police officers are on the hunt to find the serial killer that has stirred the nation. Each episode had me at the edge of my seat. Everything wraps up nicely by the end. Also, can we talk about how great of an actor Lee Seung Gi is? They call him the triple threat because he can act, sing, and host! I can’t wait to see him in future projects. Comment below your thoughts if you’ve seen this one. IMDb: 8.7
Disclaimer: Not for the faint-hearted!
2. Goblin (2016)
Watched this one for Gong-Yoo (Actor from Train to Busan & Squid Game) and ended up staying for Lee Dong-Wook. This fantasy romance drama is about a goblin who seeks to find a human bride who can help him end his cursed immortal life. The bromance in this one is just perfect and so funny. The side story between the second leads was more entertaining than the main characters in my opinion. Nevertheless, I still loved Goblin and it is still worth the watch for its beautiful cinematography, awesome cast, and possibly the best OST! IMDb: 8.6
3. Weightlifting Fairy Kim-Bok Joo (2016)
This drama is like a warm hug after a long day. Don’t judge the title too much, this sweet coming of age story about love, friendship, and youth was everything I needed back when I was in college. The story follows a group of college athletes and their journey through the joy, pain, and everything in between of being young, building dreams, and falling in love for the first time. The main character’s relationship is SO cute. Watch this one if you are looking for a lighthearted comedy romance. IMDb: 8.4
4. Flower of Evil (2020)
A cat and mouse game between a suspected serial killer hiding his past, and his wife, who happens to be a detective. If you love twists and turns as much as I do, then this drama is for you. Each episode leaves you wanting more and feeling all kinda emotions. Lee Joon Gi can really act with his eyes and I don’t think there is another actor who could have played this role as well as him. Watch this one for the most unpredictable twists and amazing thriller/suspense storyline. IMDb: 8.7
5. Signal (2016)
Another crime thriller on the list, with a supernatural twist. Clearly, I love this genre. Two detectives from the past (1989) and the present (2015) communicate via walkie-talkie to crack down on unsolved cold cases. Well-written, well-acted, overall solid plot with a unique take on the time travel theme. Fun fact: This drama was inspired by real life criminal incidents in Korea, including the Hwaseong serial murders! Don’t miss this one if you are a true crime thriller fan! Watch it here. IMDb: 8.6
6. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
It’s been years, and I am still not over this one, a truly heart-wrenching drama! Typically I would never watch anything historical, but the plot caught my attention. Hae-Soo ends up traveling back in time to the Goryeo dynasty, where she tries to survive the era and ends up falling in love with the ruthless 4th Prince Wang, rewriting history. If you are in the mood to wrap yourself up in a blanket and watch something that will make you cry, but fill your heart up at the same time, look no further. This k-drama is one of my all time FAVORITES and I really hope they make a season 2! The amazing cast and OST are a bonus! IMDb: 8.7
7. Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)
Ji Sung’s acting alone makes this one worth a watch. Hope he got the best actor award that year, because this guy did a phenomenal job acting out seven different personalities! The story revolves around a psychiatric doctor and a son of a wealthy family who suffers from multiple personality disorder. The first episode was kinda confusing for me, but once you get past that then it is so good. Never a dull moment in this refreshing storyline. I fell in love with each of the seven personalities by the end. IMDb: 8.4
8. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)
I’ll admit, this drama can get a bit silly sometimes with the gangsters and stuff, but it’s so fun to watch and a stress reliever after a long day. There is a tiny and adorable girl with superhuman strength who gets hired by a rich handsome CEO to be his bodyguard. There is also a side of murder/kidnapping story. The male lead in my opinion ranks as one of the sweetest in K-dramaland. Give this one a watch for a fun time and a wholesome ending. IMDb: 8.2
9. Crash Landing on You (2019)
This drama has just the right amount of comedy, romance, and thrill. When South Korean entrepreneur, Yoon Se-ri gets caught in an accident while paragliding she lands up in North Korean territory where a North Korean army officer guarding the border helps her hide and secretly takes her back to South Korea. I loved the light-hearted way they portrayed life in North Korea. Each character was well done from the loyal soldier comrades to the funny and cute ahjummas. Plus, The chemistry between the main leads is 10/10! IMDb: 8.7
10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
The story begins on a simple note about a city girl setting up her dental clinic in the beautiful seaside village of Gongjin where she meets the neighborhood’s favorite handyman who is opposite of her in every way. This has to be the best relaxing, feel-good, and healing drama of 2021. The main leads and the supporting cast acted so naturally. What I loved were the life lessons that were gently incorporated throughout the series, without it feeling forced. If you are stressed, watch this drama. If you are doing great, watch this drama. It is so comforting. Watch it here. IMDb: 8.7
Below are some more dramas I also enjoyed very much!
Extraordinary You (2019): K-dramas know how to do romance right, and this one does not disappoint. The storyline is unique with plenty of heart fluttering moments. Imagine finding out that you are a character in a comic book, but not even the main character, just a supporting character! After discovering she’s an extra in a comic book, Dan Oh decides to change her fate! This show is bright, fun, and an easy watch with so many cute scenes. There’s some suspense running throughout the drama as well! IMDb: 7.9
Because this is my First Life (2017): A slice of life drama, that has no extra fluffy romance most K-dramas have. It is raw and realistic. In order to save money, Se hee and Ji-Ho enter into a marriage contract of two years where they both agree to the terms of just being tenant and landlord with no feelings involved. This one explores relationship issues in modern society, treatment of women in the workplace, as well as society expectations from a man and woman in a marriage. There are many cute, funny, and thought-provoking moments in this slow-burn story. IMDb: 8.1
Age of Youth/Hello, my Twenties! (2016): I absolutely loved this one for its refreshing and realistic plot! The story follows 5 girls in their 20s rooming together. We get to learn about each of their personalities and backgrounds. Despite being different in many ways, each one felt so relatable and by the end, I just wanted to give them all a hug. They touched on various topics like toxic relationships, depression, and friendships. My favorite scenes were when the girls were all together supporting and caring for each other in their struggles. There is also a season 2, which I heard was just as good! IMDb: 8.3
My Love From Another Star (2016): This was the second K-drama I watched, and since it’s been a while I don’t remember much, but I do remember enjoying it. Do Min-Joon, an alien that comes to earth 400 years ago is finally able to go back to his planet in 3 months, but when he meets famous actress Cheong Song Gi, things take a different turn. These plots may sound crazy, but seriously K-dramas somehow make it work. This show will have you laughing, crying, and screaming at the screen all at the same time. Fun Fact: The two lead actors are Korea’s highest paid celebrities. IMDb: 8.2
