In 2017 when I was in between jobs I had a few months of break which is when I first came across Asian dramas online and I was hooked. I started binge-watching them like there was no tomorrow. I got so addicted that I couldn't stop and I ended up watching about 50 dramas in a few months. Even after I got back to work I continued watching as many dramas as I could whenever I had time. While scrounging through the internet for good dramas I also came across a lot of not-so-good ones that I either had to drop after a few episodes or halfway through because they were just not doing it for me. Now that I have watched more than 100 dramas I know that there are as many bad ones as there are good ones. A TV drama is something that needs to make you feel and bring out your emotions. A good drama will make you feel everything the characters are feeling, make you forget all your worries, and distract you for at least the few hours that you are watching it. With that in mind, I cherry-picked some dramas that I really enjoyed watching even though I do not speak or understand the languages and had to watch with subtitles.
K-dramas are Korean dramas that have become popular during the 2020 covid lockdown. If you haven't already caught the K-drama bug during the initial lockdown and are still planning to begin watching then here are some recommendations that IMO are a really good place to start for beginners. While there are a lot of other really good Korean dramas, this list was curated with the intention of recommending dramas that cover most genres (romance, family, comedy, melodrama, mystery, fantasy, youth, etc.) and can be easily watched by an international audience.
It's Okay to Not be Okay
MyDramaList Rating: 8.9
IMDB Rating: 8.6
My thoughts:
This drama is a unique and touching drama that deals with mental health issues and trauma in a sensitive and creative way. The drama follows the lives of three main characters: a children’s book writer with antisocial personality disorder, a psych ward caretaker who has suppressed his emotions, and his autistic older brother who loves fairy tales. The drama shows how they heal each other’s wounds and find love and happiness.
The drama has beautiful cinematography and a soundtrack that enhance the mood and atmosphere of the story. The drama also has a stellar cast that delivers outstanding performances, especially Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, and Oh Jung-se who portray the complex and layered characters with nuance and charm. The drama also incorporates elements of fantasy and comedy that make it more enjoyable and memorable.
The drama has received critical acclaim and popularity both domestically and internationally and has been nominated for several awards for its acting, writing, directing, and production. The drama has also been praised for its positive representation of mental health issues and its message of hope and acceptance.
Overall, it is a moving story that will make you laugh, cry, and think. When I think "K-drama" this drama is the first to come to my mind. I was so blown away by everything in this drama when I first saw it. I seriously had a hangover after I finished watching it. Not many dramas later came close to matching this drama. All I can say is, just watch it.
Crash Landing on You
MyDramaList Rating: 9.0
IMDB Rating: 8.7
My thoughts:
This drama is a romantic comedy about a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and meets a North Korean army officer who helps her hide and eventually falls in love with her. It stars Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, and Kim Jung-hyun.
The chemistry between the leads was off the charts and now we know why since they have been married. The supporting characters, the cinematography, and the soundtrack of the drama were also quite engaging and entertaining. The cultural differences and similarities between South Korea and North Korea were depicted pretty well. The actors portrayed their characters really well and the story had some good plot twists and conflicts. It was interesting to learn more about the history and politics of the Korean peninsula through a fictional story. Some people may think that it is unrealistic or too idealistic, but others may enjoy the fantasy and humor of the story. I thought it was very entertaining and heartwarming.
Flower of Evil
MyDramaList Rating: 9.1
IMDB Rating: 8.6
My thoughts:
This drama is a crime thriller drama that revolves around a man who hides his true identity and past from his wife, a detective who is investigating a series of murders. The drama explores the themes of love, trust, deception, and redemption through the complex relationship between the main couple and their families.
The drama has a captivating plot that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. The suspense is well-balanced with the romance and the emotional moments that show the depth of the characters and their struggles. The drama also has a strong cast that delivers excellent performances, especially Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won who portray the conflicted and passionate leads with great chemistry.
The drama has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike and has won several awards for its acting, directing, writing, and music. The drama has also gained popularity internationally, as it is available on various streaming platforms with multi-language subtitles.
Overall, it is a gripping story that will make you question your own perceptions of good and evil, and will leave you with a lasting impression.
Descendants of the Sun
MyDramaList Rating: 8.6
IMDB Rating: 8.2
My thoughts:
Descendants of the Sun is a medical drama and a melodrama about a special forces captain and a surgeon who fall in love while working in a war-torn country. It stars Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, and Kim Ji-won. It is one of the most popular and successful dramas in Korea and abroad, winning many awards and breaking ratings records.
It is a well-made drama with a good balance of romance, comedy, action, and suspense. The Song-Song couple has really good chemistry that is so believable and why not since they were a couple in real life as well. The second leads had really good chemistry too and all the actors including the supporting cast were quite entertaining. The themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism in the drama were quite gripping and enjoyable to watch.
Hotel del Luna
MyDramaList Rating: 8.6
IMDB Rating: 8.1
My thoughts:
Hotel del Luna is a 2019 Korean drama that tells the story of a mysterious hotel that only serves ghosts and its owner who has been cursed for over a thousand years. The drama stars IU as Jang Man Wol, the beautiful and charismatic owner of the hotel, and Yeo Jin Goo as Gu Chan Sung, the human manager who gets entangled with her fate.
The drama is a mix of fantasy, romance, comedy, and horror. It has stunning visuals, captivating OSTs, and impressive CGI effects. The plot is intriguing and unpredictable, with each episode revealing more about the hotel’s secrets and the characters’ pasts. The drama also explores themes such as life, death, forgiveness, and redemption.
The main attraction of the drama is the chemistry between IU and Yeo Jin Goo. They have a bickering but sweet relationship that evolves from mutual distrust to genuine love. IU delivers a stellar performance as Jang Man Wol, who is both fierce and vulnerable, while Yeo Jin Goo portrays Gu Chan Sung’s sincerity and courage with ease. The supporting cast is also memorable, especially the hotel staff and the guests who have their own stories to tell.
The ending was a little ambiguous but overall, Hotel del Luna is a unique and enjoyable drama that will make you laugh, cry and think.
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
MyDramaList Rating: 8.7
IMDB Rating: 8.2
My thoughts:
This drama is a mix of crime, fantasy, thriller, action, and romantic comedy genres. It stars Park Bo Young as Do Bong Soon, a woman with superhuman strength who works as a bodyguard for Ahn Min Hyuk, played by Park Hyung Sik, the CEO of a gaming company. Ji Soo plays In Guk Doo, a police officer and Bong Soon’s childhood friend.
The drama follows Bong Soon’s journey as she tries to balance her love life, her career aspirations, and her responsibility to use her powers for good. She also gets involved in solving a series of kidnapping cases that happen in her neighborhood. Along the way, she develops feelings for Min Hyuk, who is also attracted to her strength and personality.
I really enjoyed this drama because it had a lot of humor, romance, and action. The chemistry between Park Bo Young and Park Hyung Sik was amazing and they had many cute and funny moments together. Park Bo Young did a great job portraying Bong Soon’s character, who is strong but also sweet and clumsy. Park Hyung Sik was charming and charismatic as Min Hyuk, who is playful but also caring and supportive. Ji Soo was also good as Guk Doo, who is loyal and righteous but also oblivious to Bong Soon’s feelings.
The drama also had some interesting side characters, such as Bong Soon’s family, Min Hyuk’s employees and friends, the kidnapper and his victims, and the gangsters who often get beaten up by Bong Soon. The plot was engaging and had some twists and turns that kept me hooked. The drama also had some messages about feminism, justice, and friendship.
Overall it was a fun and entertaining watch that made me laugh, cry and swoon. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies with a touch of fantasy and action.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty
MyDramaList Rating: 7.9
IMDB Rating: 7.3
My thoughts:
My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a 2018 Korean drama based on a hit webtoon of the same name. It tells the story of Kang Mi Rae (Im Soo Hyang), a girl who was bullied for her looks and decided to get plastic surgery before entering college. However, she soon realizes that her new appearance does not guarantee happiness or acceptance, as she faces new challenges and prejudices from her peers. She meets Do Kyung Suk (Cha Eun Woo), a handsome and popular boy who knew her since middle school and sees her for who she really is. Together, they overcome their insecurities and learn to love themselves and each other.
The drama tackles the sensitive and relevant issues of beauty standards, self-esteem, and social pressure in a realistic and relatable way. The characters are well-developed and have their own struggles and growth arcs. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable and their romance is sweet and satisfying. The supporting cast also adds humor and depth to the story, as they deal with their own relationships and conflicts.
The drama also features a catchy soundtrack, beautiful cinematography, and impressive acting from the cast. Im Soo Hyang delivers a convincing performance as Mi Rae, portraying her vulnerability and strength with nuance and emotion. Cha Eun Woo shines as Kyung Suk, showing his charisma and warmth as well as his hidden pain and anger.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a drama that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters as they discover their true beauty and happiness. It is a drama that will inspire you to be yourself and love yourself for who you are. It is a heartwarming story of self-love and romance that you should not miss. This is one show where you should ignore the low ratings and just watch it, trust me, you'll like it.
I am not a Robot
MyDramaList Rating: 8.4
IMDB Rating: 8.0
My thoughts:
I am Not a Robot is a romantic comedy sci-fi drama that tells the story of a lonely and allergic man who falls in love with a woman pretending to be a robot. Kim Min-kyu (Yoo Seung-ho) is the chairman of KM Financial, but he lives in isolation due to his severe allergy to human contact. He suffers from rashes and breathing difficulties whenever he touches another person. Jo Ji-ah (Chae Soo-bin) is an aspiring inventor who creates gadgets and devices for various purposes. She is also the ex-girlfriend of Hong Baek-gyun (Um Ki-joon), a genius professor who leads the Santa Maria team, a secret project that develops an advanced humanoid robot called Aji 3.
When Min-kyu decides to sell the Santa Maria team to a foreign investor, Baek-gyun tries to persuade him to keep it by sending him Aji 3 as a demonstration. However, Aji 3 malfunctions, and Baek-gyun asks Ji-ah to pose as the robot, since she looks exactly like it. Ji-ah agrees, hoping to earn some money and get back her heart-shaped lamps that Baek-gyun used as Aji 3’s eyes. She moves in with Min-kyu and pretends to be his personal assistant robot while being remotely controlled by the Santa Maria team and thus follows a hilarious and heartwarming story that explores the themes of love, friendship, and humanity.
The chemistry between Yoo Seung-ho and Chae Soo-bin is adorable and believable, and they deliver excellent performances as their characters grow and change throughout the story. Um Ki-joon and Kang Ki-young also add some humor and suspense in the supporting roles. The drama also features some cute and funny scenes involving Aji 3 and the Santa Maria team, as well as some touching moments between Min-kyu and Ji-ah. The drama has a good balance of comedy, romance, and drama, and it will make you laugh, cry, and smile.
If you are looking for a sweet and entertaining drama that will make you feel good, I recommend you to watch I am Not a Robot. It is a refreshing and unique story that will capture your attention and your heart.
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
MyDramaList Rating: 8.5
IMDB Rating: 8.1
My thoughts:
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a romantic comedy-drama that tells the story of a narcissistic vice-president and his loyal secretary who have worked together for nine years. Lee Young Joon (Park Seo Joon) is the vice president of Yumyung Group, a major corporation. He is handsome, smart, and rich, but also arrogant and self-centered. He thinks he is perfect and everyone else is beneath him. Kim Mi So (Park Min Young) is his secretary who has been with him since he started his career. She is beautiful, capable, and patient, but also tired of catering to his every whim. She decides to quit her job and pursue her own dreams.
However, Young Joon is shocked by Mi So’s resignation and tries to stop her from leaving him. He realizes that he has feelings for her and that he can’t live without her. He proposes to her as a way of keeping her by his side, but she rejects him. He then tries to woo her with his charms and sincerity, while also competing with his older brother, Lee Sung Yeon (Lee Tae Hwan), who is a famous author and Mi So’s first love. Mi So gradually falls for Young Joon as well, but she also discovers a hidden connection between them that goes back to their childhood.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a hilarious and heartwarming drama that will make you smile and swoon. The chemistry between Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young is undeniable and adorable, as they portray their characters’ bickering and romance throughout the story. The supporting cast also adds some humor and fun to the drama.
The drama is based on the novel of the same name by Jung Kyung Yoon, which was also adapted into a webtoon by Kim Young Mi. If you are looking for a drama that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love, I recommend you to watch What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. It is a sweet and charming story that will brighten up your day.
Reply 1988
MyDramaList Rating: 9.1
IMDB Rating: 9.2
My thoughts:
Reply 1988 is a family comedy-drama that takes you back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, through the lives of five childhood friends and their families living in the same neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong, Seoul. Sung Deok Sun (Lee Hye Ri) is a middle child who struggles with her studies and her crushes. Kim Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol) is a soccer fan who has a sarcastic personality but a soft heart. Sung Sun Woo (Go Kyung Pyo) is a model student who takes care of his widowed mother and his sister. Choi Taek (Park Bo Gum) is a genius baduk player who is shy and innocent. Ryu Dong Ryong (Lee Dong Hwi) is a funny and smart guy who knows a lot about life and girls.
The drama depicts the friendship, love, and dreams of the young people as they grow up together, facing various challenges and changes in their society and culture. It also shows the warm and humorous interactions among their parents, siblings, and neighbors, who share their joys and sorrows as a community. The drama is filled with nostalgia, humor, and emotion, as well as references to the pop culture, music, fashion, and events of that era.
Reply 1988 is the third installment of tvN’s Reply series, following Reply 1997 and Reply 1994, but the stories and characters are not related. The drama features a talented cast of actors who all had some magical chemistry on screen.
If you are looking for a drama that will make you laugh, cry, and reminisce about your youth, I recommend you to watch Reply 1988. It is a realistic and heartwarming story that will touch your heart and make you feel like part of the family.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
MyDramaList Rating: 9.0
IMDB Rating: 8.7
My thoughts:
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a Korean drama that stars Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, a genius lawyer with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and Kang Tae-oh as Lee Joon-ho, a kind-hearted prosecutor who falls in love with her. The drama follows their romance and their cases as they work at Teasan Law Firm, a small but passionate law firm that takes on various social issues.
The drama has received positive reviews from critics and viewers, who praised the acting, the portrayal of autism, the comedy, the chemistry, and the social issues raised by the story. It has also won two awards and received two nominations for its cast and production.
The drama is not only a romantic comedy, but also a legal drama that showcases the challenges and triumphs of lawyers who fight for justice and truth. The cases that Young-woo and Joon-ho handle range from environmental pollution, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and wrongful conviction, to corporate corruption. The drama also explores the ethical dilemmas and moral conflicts that lawyers face in their profession.
But what makes this drama stand out is the portrayal of ASD and how it affects Young-woo’s life and relationships. Young-woo is a brilliant lawyer who graduated at the top of her class from the prestigious Seoul National University for both college and law school due to her high IQ of 164, impressive memory, and creative thought process. However, she also struggles with social interactions, emotional expressions, sensory overload, and rigid routines. She often faces discrimination, misunderstanding, and prejudice from others who do not understand her condition or appreciate her talents.
The drama does not shy away from showing the difficulties and hardships that Young-woo faces as a woman with ASD in a competitive and judgmental society. However, it also shows how she overcomes them with the help of her supportive father, her loyal colleagues, her adorable niece, and her loving boyfriend. The drama depicts Young-woo’s growth as a person and a lawyer who learns to trust herself and others, to express her feelings and opinions, to adapt to changes and challenges, and to embrace her uniqueness and strengths.
The drama also highlights the importance of acceptance, empathy, and kindness towards people with ASD and other disabilities. It shows how Young-woo’s friends and family try to understand her perspective and needs, respect her boundaries and preferences, appreciate her abilities and contributions, and celebrate her achievements and happiness. It also shows how Young-woo tries to understand others’ feelings and situations, respect their choices and values, appreciate their support and care, and celebrate their friendship and love.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a drama that will make you feel extraordinary emotions. It will make you laugh at the witty dialogues and funny situations. It will make you cry at the touching scenes and heartfelt messages. It will make you cheer at the thrilling cases and satisfying outcomes. It will make you think about the social issues and moral questions. It will make you learn about ASD and other disabilities. It will make you appreciate your own strengths and weaknesses. It will make you love yourself and others more.
Alchemy of Souls
MyDramaList Rating: 9.1
IMDB Rating: 8.8
My thoughts:
Alchemy of Souls is a fantasy romance period drama written by the Hong sisters and starring Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Youn-jung, and Hwang Min-hyun.
The drama is about the love and growth of young mages as they overcome their twisted fates due to a forbidden magic spell known as the “alchemy of souls”, which allows souls to switch bodies. It follows the story of an elite assassin named Naksu, whose soul is accidentally trapped inside the weak body of Mu Deok—Jang Uk’s servant from a powerful and noble mage family in the country. The young master of the Jang Family, Jang Uk, holds a dark secret about his scandalous birth.
The drama has a complex plot that involves political intrigue, family secrets, revenge, and destiny. It also has a lot of action scenes, special effects, and stunning costumes. The actors deliver impressive performances and have great chemistry with each other. The drama explores themes such as identity, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.
Alchemy of Souls is a well-written and well-produced drama that keeps the viewers hooked with its twists and turns. It has a balance of humor, romance, and suspense that makes it enjoyable to watch.
Healer
MyDramaList Rating: 8.8
IMDB Rating: 8.5
My thoughts:
This drama is an action thriller romance about a night courier with the codename Healer who gets involved in a conspiracy while trying to uncover the truth behind a decades-old incident involving a group of friends who ran an illegal pro-democracy broadcasting station. He meets and falls in love with a reporter who is connected to his past. It stars Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, and Yoo Ji-tae and it is hands down one of the best dramas of Ji Chang-wook and Park Min-young.
The drama is a fast-paced and suspenseful drama with a well-written plot and characters. The chemistry and romance between the leads and the action scenes are quite entertaining. The theme of justice, friendship, and love in the drama will keep you binge-watching to know what happens next.
W
MyDramaList Rating: 8.5
IMDB Rating: 8.0
My thoughts:
W is a 2016 Korean drama that revolves around the concept of parallel worlds. It tells the story of Oh Yeon Joo (Han Hyo Joo), a cardiothoracic surgeon who gets pulled into the world of a webtoon called W, created by her father. There, she meets Kang Chul (Lee Jong Suk), the handsome and rich protagonist of the webtoon who is being hunted by a mysterious killer. She soon realizes that she has a special connection to Kang Chul and his world, and that her actions have consequences on both realities.
The drama is a roller coaster ride of suspense, action, romance, and comedy. The plot is fast-paced and unpredictable, keeping the viewers hooked and curious about what will happen next. The drama also explores the themes of fate, free will, identity, and creativity in a clever and intriguing way. The characters are well-written and have their own personalities and motivations. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable and their romance is sweet and passionate.
The drama also boasts of stunning visuals, catchy soundtracks, and excellent acting from the cast. Lee Jong Suk delivers a charismatic performance as Kang Chul, showing his intelligence, courage, vulnerability, and love with every expression and gesture. Han Hyo Joo shines as Oh Yeon Joo, portraying her innocence, bravery, curiosity, and loyalty with charm and grace. Kim Eui Sung impresses as Oh Sung Moo, the creator of W who has a complex relationship with his creation.
W is a drama that will make you gasp, laugh, cry, and swoon for the characters as they navigate their way through two worlds. It is a drama that will challenge your mind and touch your heart. It is a thrilling drama that you should not miss.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
MyDramaList Rating: 8.7
IMDB Rating: 8.6
My thoughts:
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical fantasy drama that tells the story of a 21st-century woman who travels back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. Go Ha Jin (Lee Ji Eun) is a modern-day woman who suffers from a broken heart and a near-death experience. She is transported to the year 941, during the reign of King Taejo (Jo Min Ki), the founder of Goryeo. She wakes up in the body of Hae Soo, a 16-year-old girl who is related to the royal family. She gets involved in the palace politics and the power struggle among the princes, especially the 4th Prince Wang So (Lee Joon Gi) and the 8th Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha Neul).
Wang So is a scarred and feared prince who is shunned by his father and his brothers. He wears a mask to hide his face and is known as the “wolf-dog”. He meets Hae Soo, who is the only one who treats him kindly and sees beyond his appearance. He falls in love with her and becomes determined to claim the throne and protect her. Wang Wook is a gentle and warm-hearted prince who is married to Hae Soo’s cousin, Lady Hae (Park Si Eun). He develops feelings for Hae Soo, but he hesitates to pursue them because of his loyalty to his wife and his family.
The drama depicts the love triangle between Hae Soo, Wang So, and Wang Wook, as well as the fate of the other princes and their relationships with each other. The drama is based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua, which was also adapted into a Chinese drama in 2011. The drama features a star-studded cast, including Lee Joon Gi, Lee Ji Eun, Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Baekhyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Ji Soo, and Seohyun.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a captivating and tragic drama that will make you feel a roller coaster of emotions. The chemistry between Lee Joon Gi and Lee Ji Eun is intense and heartbreaking, as they portray their characters’ love and sacrifice throughout the story. The supporting cast also delivers excellent performances as their characters face various challenges and changes in their lives. The drama also showcases the beautiful scenery and costumes of the Goryeo era, as well as the impressive soundtrack that enhances the mood and atmosphere of the scenes.
If you are looking for a historical drama that will make you cry, laugh, and swoon, I recommend you to watch Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. It is a gripping and epic story that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Dr. Romantic
MyDramaList Rating: 8.7
IMDB Rating: 8.3
My thoughts:
Dr. Romantic is a Korean drama that follows the lives and careers of doctors who work at a small and humble hospital called Doldam, under the guidance of a genius surgeon named Kim Sa Bu, also known as Dr. Romantic. The drama stars Han Suk Kyu as Kim Sa Bu, and different actors and actresses as his students and colleagues in each season.
The first season aired in 2016 and 2017, and featured Yoo Yeon Seok as Kang Dong Joo and Seo Hyun Jin as Yoon Seo Jung, two young doctors who have traumatic pasts and struggle with their personal and professional issues. They meet Kim Sa Bu at Doldam Hospital, where they learn to overcome their fears and flaws, and develop their skills and values as doctors. They also fall in love with each other, despite their complicated history and circumstances.
The second season aired in 2020 and featured Ahn Hyo Seop as Seo Woo Jin and Lee Sung Kyung as Cha Eun Jae, two new doctors who join Doldam Hospital after being scouted by Kim Sa Bu. Seo Woo Jin is a cynical and cold-hearted doctor who does not trust anyone, while Cha Eun Jae is a brilliant but timid doctor who suffers from panic attacks during surgeries. They both have to face their own challenges and conflicts, as well as deal with their growing feelings for each other.
The drama is a mix of medical, melodrama, and romance genres. It has a realistic and detailed portrayal of various medical cases and procedures, as well as the ethical and emotional dilemmas that doctors face. It also has a strong focus on the characters’ growth and relationships, both romantic and platonic. The drama also explores themes such as life, death, justice, loyalty, and friendship.
The drama received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, for its engaging plot, impressive acting, meaningful messages, and touching moments. The drama also achieved high ratings, especially for the first season. The drama also won several awards and nominations for its cast and crew.
Overall, Dr. Romantic is a well-made and enjoyable drama that will appeal to fans of medical and romance genres. It is a heartwarming and inspiring story that shows the passion and dedication of doctors who work in difficult conditions for the sake of their patients.
Under the Queens Umbrella
MyDramaList Rating: 9.0
IMDB Rating: 8.5
My thoughts:
Under the Queen’s Umbrella is a historical comedy-drama starring Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook, and Choi Won-young.
The drama is about a spirited queen who tries to rein in her rowdy sons in order to make one of them the next king of Joseon, while her competitors vie to snatch the throne. She is a prickly, sensitive, and hot-tempered queen who is also a dedicated mother. She faces various challenges and obstacles as she tries to protect her family and her country.
The drama has a lot of humor, heart, and charm. It also has some political intrigue, family secrets, and romance. The actors are all excellent and portray their characters with depth and nuance. The drama explores themes such as motherhood, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella is a delightful and refreshing drama that makes me laugh and cry. It has a balance of comedy and drama that makes it engaging and fun to watch.
Twenty Five, Twenty One
MyDramaList Rating: 8.8
IMDB Rating: 8.6
My thoughts:
Twenty Five, Twenty One is a romance coming-of-age drama starring Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Tae-ri, Kim Ji-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Lee Joo-myung.
The drama depicts the romantic lives of five characters spanning from the year 1998 to 2021. It focuses on the story of Na Hee-do, a teen fencer who pursues big ambitions, and Baek Yi-jin, a hardworking young man who seeks to rebuild his life after his family goes bankrupt due to the IMF crisis. It also shows how their lives are intertwined with Ko Yu-rim, a fencing rival and idol of Hee-do, Moon Ji-woong, a popular classmate and friend of Hee-do, and Ji Seung-wan, a class president and radio host who raises awareness on the problems of the youth.
The drama has a captivating plot that combines romance and nostalgia. It also has realistic and relatable characters, who face various challenges and grow through their experiences. The actors are all talented and portray their characters with depth and nuance. The drama explores themes such as dreams, passion, friendship, and love.
Twenty Five Twenty One is a heartwarming and inspiring drama that makes me reflect on my own life and choices. It has a balance of humor and emotion that makes it engaging and fun to watch. The ending was not something a lot of people (including me) liked but I guess they had to do it that way to make it more dramatic and emotional. In spite of the ending, I will recommend everyone to watch this drama.
Suspicious Partner
MyDramaList Rating: 8.3
IMDB Rating: 7.8
My thoughts:
Suspicious Partner is a 2017 Korean drama that revolves around a prosecutor trainee who becomes a murder suspect and a prosecutor who tries to clear her name and falls in love with her. The drama stars Ji Chang Wook as Noh Ji Wook and Nam Ji Hyun as Eun Bong Hee, as well as Choi Tae Joon and Kwon Na Ra as their respective love rivals.
The drama is a blend of romance, comedy, thriller, and law genres. It has a catchy OST, good chemistry between the leads, and some humorous moments. The plot is also interesting and unpredictable, with a serial killer who has a connection to the main characters and a mystery that spans several years. Overall, Suspicious Partner is a good drama that will appeal to fans of romance or thriller genres.
Moon Embracing the Sun
MyDramaList Rating: 8.4
IMDB Rating: 8.1
My thoughts:
Moon Embracing the Sun is a historical romance fantasy drama starring Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ga-in, Jung Il-woo and Kim Min-seo.
The drama is based on a novel by Jung Eun-gwol and tells the story of a poignant love story between a fictional king of the Joseon Dynasty and a female shaman who was his first love but was believed to be dead due to a conspiracy. It also depicts the conflicts and conspiracy of vying political powers in the palace.
The drama has a captivating plot that combines historical, romance, and fantasy elements. It also has beautiful cinematography, costumes, and music. The actors are all talented and have great chemistry with each other. The drama explores themes such as fate, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.
Moon Embracing the Sun is a classic and memorable drama that touches my heart and makes me cry. It has a balance of sadness and happiness that makes it realistic and emotional.
The Red Sleeve
MyDramaList Rating: 8.8
IMDB Rating: 8.5
My thoughts:
The Red Sleeve is a historical romance drama starring Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young, and Kang Hoon. The drama is based on a novel by Kang Mi-kang and tells the true love story of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon dynasty, and his royal concubine Sung Ui-bin. It also depicts the challenges and hardships they face as they try to reform the law and protect their country.
The drama has a captivating plot that combines historical, romantic, and melodrama elements. It also has beautiful cinematography, costumes, and music. The actors are all talented and portray their characters with depth and nuance. The drama explores themes such as fate, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.
The Red Sleeve is a touching and inspiring drama that makes me admire the courage and wisdom of the main couple. It has a balance of sadness and happiness that makes it realistic and emotional. You will cry when you are watching this drama.
Love in the Moonlight
MyDramaList Rating: 8.2
IMDB Rating: 7.8
My thoughts:
Love in the Moonlight is a 2016 Korean drama based on a web novel of the same name. It tells the story of Hong Ra On (Kim Yoo Jung), a young woman who disguises herself as a man and gives dating advice to men. One day, she gets involved with Crown Prince Lee Yeong (Park Bo Gum), who is looking for his true love. She soon becomes his eunuch and gets entangled in the palace politics and intrigues. She also discovers that she has a mysterious connection to Lee Yeong’s past.
The drama is a delightful mix of historical, comedy, romance, and drama genres. The plot is engaging and unpredictable, keeping the viewers hooked and curious about what will happen next. The drama also explores the themes of identity, loyalty, friendship, and justice in a captivating way. The characters are lovable and memorable, each with their own personality and charm. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable and their romance is sweet and adorable.
The drama also boasts of beautiful costumes, scenery, soundtracks, and acting from the cast. Park Bo Gum delivers a charming performance as Lee Yeong, showing his intelligence, humor, charisma, and love with every expression and gesture. Kim Yoo Jung shines as Ra On, portraying her innocence, bravery, wit, and loyalty with charm and grace.
Love in the Moonlight is a drama that will make you smile, laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters as they discover their true love and destiny. It is a drama that will warm your heart and brighten your day.
Goblin
MyDramaList Rating: 8.8
IMDB Rating: 8.6
My thoughts:
Goblin is a 2016 Korean drama based on a popular webtoon of the same name. It follows the story of Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), a cursed immortal being who is looking for his bride who can end his lonely existence. He meets Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun), a cheerful high school student who can see ghosts and claims to be his destined bride. Along the way, they encounter a grim reaper (Lee Dong Wook) who suffers from amnesia and falls in love with Sunny (Yoo In Na), a chicken shop owner who is connected to Kim Shin’s past. Together, they face the consequences of their fates and choices.
The drama is a masterpiece of storytelling, blending romance, fantasy, comedy, and tragedy in a captivating way. The characters are complex and layered, each with their own backstory and personality. While the age gap can make some people frown, I think the chemistry between the leads is undeniable and their romance is portrayed in such a heartwarming and heartbreaking way that you will just have to ignore everything else. The supporting cast also adds humor and emotion to the story, as they form an unlikely friendship and family.
The drama also boasts of stunning cinematography, beautiful soundtracks, and superb acting from the cast. Gong Yoo delivers a powerful performance as Kim Shin, showing his charisma, sorrow, anger, and love with every expression and gesture. Kim Go Eun shines as Ji Eun Tak, portraying her innocence, optimism, courage, and loyalty with charm and grace. Lee Dong Wook impresses as the grim reaper, showing his comedic timing, coldness, warmth, and regret with skill and subtlety. Yoo In Na is lovely as Sunny, showing her sassiness, sweetness, sadness, and strength with elegance and flair.
Goblin is a drama that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon for the characters as they discover their true love and destiny. It is a drama that will touch your soul and linger in your memory. It is a magical tale of love and loss that you should not miss.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
MyDramaList Rating: 8.8
IMDB Rating: 8.3
My thoughts:
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a sports romantic comedy-drama that follows the lives and dreams of a group of college athletes. Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung) is a weightlifter who has a strong and cheerful personality, but also a soft spot for romance. She has a crush on Jung Jae Yi (Lee Jae Yoon), a handsome doctor who treats her for her weight loss program. Jung Joon Hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk) is a swimmer who suffers from trauma and anxiety due to his past. He is also Bok Joo’s childhood friend and later becomes her boyfriend. He supports her in her weightlifting career and helps her overcome her insecurities.
The drama depicts the struggles and joys of young athletes as they pursue their passions and love. It also shows the friendship and rivalry among them, as well as their family and personal issues. The drama is based on the life of Olympic gold medalist Jang Mi Ran, who also makes a cameo appearance in the show.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a heartwarming and funny drama that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. The chemistry between Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk is undeniable and realistic, as they portray their characters’ growth and change throughout the story. The supporting cast also adds some humor and charm to the drama. While I didn't quite understand how a weightlifter can have such a slim and non-muscular physique the actress was really good at bringing out the emotions and feelings of a female weightlifting athlete that will just make you sympathize with her and ignore the fact that her figure was not entirely suitable for a weightlifting person.
If you are looking for a light-hearted and inspiring drama that will make you feel good, I recommend you to watch Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. It is a sweet and uplifting story that will motivate you to chase your dreams and find your happiness.
Boys over Flowers
MyDramaList Rating: 7.6
IMDB Rating: 7.8
My thoughts:
Boys Over Flowers is a 2009 Korean drama based on the Japanese manga of the same name by Yoko Kamio. It tells the story of Geum Jan Di (Ku Hye Sun), a poor girl who gets a scholarship to attend Shinhwa High School, an elite school for the rich and famous. There, she meets the F4, a group of four handsome and powerful boys who rule the school: Gu Jun Pyo (Lee Min Ho), the leader and heir of Shinhwa Group; Yoon Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong), the grandson of a former president and a musician; So Yi Jung (Kim Bum), a skilled potter and a playboy; and Song Woo Bin (Kim Joon), the son of a mafia boss and a businessman. Jan Di clashes with Jun Pyo, who bullies her and makes her life miserable. However, she also catches his attention and he gradually falls in love with her. Jan Di also develops feelings for Ji Hoo, who is kind and supportive of her. As Jan Di navigates her way through the complicated relationships and challenges of high society, she learns to stand up for herself and find her true happiness.
The drama is a classic Cinderella story with a twist. The plot is full of romance, comedy, drama, and angst. The drama also explores the themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and social class in a compelling way. The characters are iconic and memorable, each with their own charm and flaws. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable and their romance is sweet and passionate.
The drama also has beautiful costumes, scenery, soundtracks, and acting from the cast. Lee Min Ho delivers a charismatic performance as Jun Pyo, showing his arrogance, humor, vulnerability, and love with every expression and gesture. Ku Hye Sun shines as Jan Di, portraying her innocence, bravery, wit, and loyalty with charm and grace. Kim Hyun Joong impresses as Ji Hoo, showing his calmness, warmth, sadness, and love with skill and subtlety. Kim Bum is charming as Yi Jung, showing his playfulness, talent, bitterness, and love with elegance and flair. Kim Joon is cool as Woo Bin, showing his loyalty, humor, intelligence, and love with style and charisma.
Boys Over Flowers is a drama that will make you smile, laugh, cry, and swoon for the characters as they discover their true love and destiny. It is a drama that will make you nostalgic and hooked on the Korean wave.
Many of the K-dramas in this list are already quite famous and most viewed by K-drama lovers all over the world. You can watch these dramas on Netflix, RakutenViki, Youtube, AsianCrush, and Kocowa. Depending on where you live, I think you will be able to find these dramas on either one or more of the mentioned streaming services. Have you already seen these dramas? What is your opinion? Do you think they are beginner friendly? Please do comment and let me know.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for dropping by! Let me know what you think about this post or my blog. I'd love to hear from you.