The Penthouse: War in Life
The Penthouse: War in Life (2020) is an enjoyable series to watch, considering there are non-stop dramas and plot twists. This show has many interesting characters, for instance, Cheon Seo-jin (played by Kim So-yeon), who is a rich and fearless villainess.
The protagonists live in this luxury penthouse apartment with 100 floors, and they have secrets to hide. The story is about social climbing and revenge, with elements of crime, mystery and education. In the end, no one is entirely good, and no one is completely evil.
Beyond Evil
Beyond Evil (2021) is a dark thriller show with lots of suspense, and at times, warm moments. It is not particularly scary; in fact, it has a good mix of mystery and drama, i.e. relationships between the two lead characters.
The psychological aspect of the show is fun and interesting to watch, as well as character development. The story revolves around two policemen, Lee Dong-shik (played by Shin Ha-kyun) and Han Ju-won (played by Yeo Jin-goo), who are willing to go all out to uncover the identity of a series killer.
The Heirs
The Heirs (2013), aka The Inheritors, is one of the most popular Korean dramas of all time. It is a coming-of-age drama that involves family, friendship, love, and social hierarchy. The main characters are two high-school students with completely different backgrounds, Kim Tan (played by Lee Min-ho) and Cha Eun-sang (played by Park Shin-hye).
Other memorable characters are Choi Young-do (played by Kim Woo-bin) and Yoo Rachel (played by Kim Ji-won). If you’re looking for dramas that stir up emotions, this is the one that you can watch again and again. And it has great soundtracks.
Flower of Evil
Flower of Evil (2020), starring Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won, is an intense and gripping suspense thriller about a man trying to hide his dark past from his wife who is a detective. The plot is well-crafted and the main characters are actually very likable. This is definitely a drama worth checking out.
Our Blues
Our Blues (2022) is such a joy to watch, not only because it has a great cast, but also because it has pretty much everything, subtlety, realism, simplicity and depth.
It is a show that’s easy to miss out, but finding out later that it’s way better than expected. The story is beautifully written, paced and acted. It should not be missed out by drama lovers.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020) is another great series with a unique, brilliant and heart-warming story. It focuses on an antisocial children’s book author, Ko Moon-young (played by Seo Yea-ji), a caregiver of a psychiatric ward, Moon Gang-tae (played by Kim Soo-hyun), and his autistic brother, moon sang-tae (played by Oh Jung-se). This show is a favourite of many.
Squid Game
Squid Game (2021) has managed to become a global phenomenon due to its unique concept, pure barbarism and dystopian elements. The series centres around a deadly contest where 456 players, who are all in financial difficulties, compete in a series of children’s games for a chance at winning a life-changing cash prize.
You Are Beautiful
Starring Park Shin-hye, Jang Keun-suk, Lee Hong-gi and Jung Yong-hwa, You Are Beautiful (2009) is a cute and light-hearted romantic comedy about a girl having to disguise herself as a boy in a popular boy band. This show is definitely for those who like music and K-pop idols.
The Legend Of The Blue Sea
The Legend Of The Blue Sea (2016), starring Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun, is a fantasy romance about a mermaid from the Joseon era who ends up in present-day Seoul, and a con-artist who is somehow related to her past. This story is funny, adorable and delightful; it is highly recommended to anyone who loves romance.
Mask Girls
Mask Girls (2023) is a more recent TV drama with elements such as black comedy, crime and thriller. It is about an inferior office worker who transforms herself at night and becomes a well sought-after live streamer with a mask concealing her identity. This show reveals the cruelty of life, and at times it is quite compelling and thought-provoking.
Pinocchio
Pinocchio (2014), starring Park Shin-hye and Lee Jong-suk, is another interesting show to watch in the list; the lead characters are a woman who can’t lie without hiccupping due to Pinocchio Syndrome, and a man who seeks revenge for his family. These two come across in life and have a great chemistry with each other.
My Love from the Star
My Love from the Star (2013), aka You Who Came from the Stars, is a fantasy romantic comedy starring Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun. The story is about an alien who has been living on Earth for centuries and one day meets a woman he will never forget. This drama has garnered tremendous success both domestically and internationally. It is definitely a must-watch if romantic comedy is what you’re looking for.
