For a long time, the entertainment industry has been preoccupied with Hollywood and western music. The Asian industry was all about movies of martial arts while others were barely getting attention.
Things have now changed steadily with the rise of South Korean and Japanese pop culture. Kdramas, or Korean dramas, have been really popular for the last decade. People have been fascinated by a variety of shows of various genres.
People relate to the stories because they are relatable to aspects of their own lives. Characters make you laugh, cry, blush, and sometimes get angry. They can give you second-hand embarrassment too.
Fantasy, crime, action, suspense, horror, thriller, rom-com, sci-fi, historical, supernatural, variety show, and what not! Here are some G.O.A.T. shows that you can add to your watching list and connect with the ups and downs of the characters.
List of Kdramas
The K2
This Kdrama is story revolves around a former mercenary named “K2,” who suddenly becomes a fugitive when he is falsely accused of murdering his girlfriend while on duty in Iraq. He comes back to Korea to avenge the death of his dead girlfriend. All characters are dynamic and complex.
Although the protagonist here is Ji Chang Wook, Song Yoon Ah’s complex yet incredible performance as an evil character has gained the spotlight. She is everyone’s favourite villain. The plot is well written. A lot of grey areas and action in the show is chef’s kiss. Totally recommended.
Watch it here.
Welcome to Waikiki
This one of the extremely humorous kdramas depicts a single story of various hardships and dreams coexisting. The characterization of actors is iconic, and the audience adores all of the iconic characters.
This story is about a group of three friends who own the guesthouse “Waikiki” in Itaewon but aspire to be a movie director, an actor, and a screenwriter. Welcome to Waikiki is basically the Korean version of “3 men and a baby” meets “friends.” For fans of the comedy genre, this is a must-see piece of gold.
Watch it here.
The Veil
This has everything! action, thriller, suspense, crime, and mystery altogether. Nam Goong Min’s acting and back story will keep you engaged and enraged. him as a NIS agent trying and risking everything to find the truth about the deaths of his colleagues.
This “not your regular crime” plot is the most mysterious element of the series and will make you keep thinking till the end. Definitely a 10/10 in this action genre of Kdramas.
Watch it here.
Are You Human Too?
Are you a fan of robot fantasy novels? This sci-fi rom-com kdrama will make you a binge-watcher. This drama is about a robot made from the exact reference of a human, made by a grieving mother to cope with the loss of her son, who’s far away from her.
This story is special as it shows the best parts of humanity and emotions. Seo Kang Jun has played both the role of the boy and the doppelganger robot so charmingly that it makes viewers perceive them as different entities. The characters and OST bring the story to life.
Watch it here.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
This 2016 K-drama requires little introduction. It’s already one of the favourites of the K-drama viewing community. Gong Yoo as an immortal goblin and Lee Dong Wook as the grim reaper have the best chemistry and bromance.
Great actors, a strong storyline, amazing soundtracks, and touches of comedic relief—look no further than Goblin. If you’re a fan of well-written romance stories with a twist, this drama is a must-watch.
Watch it here.
The Penthouse: War in Life
This phenomenal kdrama depicts the dark sides of human nature regardless of background and demonstrates that the series contains too much suspense and twisting plots, that it creates a never-ending saga, includes toxicity, and that the story line is too good in every season(1,2 & 3). People who can handle toxicity and hatred will love the series.
The characters all pursue their own goals and are well developed. This makes the plot very dramatic. It is therefore highly recommended. Some mature topics may be upsetting to sensitive individuals. This is not a kdrama for die-hard romantic Kdramas genre fans.
Watch it here.
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
“What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” is a much-loved 2018 kdramas based on the novel by Jung Kyung Yoon and the following web comic by Kim Young Mi. With endless romantic and comedic moments to enjoy, you’ll find yourself hooked on the story.
This is a palate-cleansing drama, plain and simple. The main couple is adorable from the first episode, and the cuteness only increases. Definitely made for reaching your watchlist.
Watch it here.
W
“W” is a 2016 South Korean drama series directed by Jung Dae Yoon. The plot revolves around a love story between a character from a novel who comes alive in the real world and a doctor from the real world who can travel into the novel’s world. This drama was total madness—so beautiful but also sad at the same time, it makes you feel all the emotions the characters went through.
The concept and plot are original and unique, and the actors have great chemistry. It holds a perfect blend of humour, action, suspense/mystery, drama, and love. For any of you considering it, this drama is truly and highly recommendable.
Watch it here.
Beautiful Gong Shim
A funny storyline about a girl living her whole life ignored by her parents because of her prettier, spoiled, selfish, lying, scheming sister. Enter the two male leads, who genuinely like the female lead for her inner beauty in spite of her drab, ugly duckling exterior.
WARNING!!! You’ll laugh so hard you’ll get a stomachache, and your hysterical, tears running down your cheeks ugly laughing will startle the poor, unassuming people around you. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Watch it here.
Reply 1988
This show makes us look at the typical days of the life of the middle class in the late 1980s. Five childhood friends, who all live in the same Ssangmundong neighbourhood of Seoul, lean on each other to survive their challenging teen years and set a path for their futures. What can I say? An absolute masterpiece! The bond between the characters is truly beautiful.
The casting, directing, acting, and writing are so well done that you want to live in this fictional world with these characters. This drama just gives you a warm feeling like no other, it will make you miss the friends you never had.
It will teach you about life, friendship, and love. The comedy is sheer gold, and the cast really feels like they enjoyed themselves. It will make you fall in love with every character, and you will want to be a part of this amazing family. A must-see for young people.
Watch it here.
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