Are you perhaps one of those who believe that Korean dramas are strictly for the die hard romantics? Well, let me change that for you. Here are my top 10 recommendations and rest assured there’s something for everyone!
Buckle up to meet your favourite k- drama, but beware as it might become impossible to stop talking about it with your friends – p.s, you might get sucked into a binge-watching rabbit hole.
1. My Name
IMDb 7.8/10
Released in 2021, starring Han So-Hee, Park Hee-soon and Ahn Bo-hyun, My Name is a drama series revolving around the themes of revenge, love and betrayal. It focuses on the life of Yoon Ji Woo, who watches her loved ones mercilessly being taken away from her, to being left with the feeling of emptiness, she sets out on a path of revenge.
This crime thriller series takes us through a dark and twisted road of vengeance. It will keep you at the edge of your seats with not a single moment of respite.
This drama series is a quick watch with a comfortable 8 episodes, perfect for those who are looking for something new and exciting to watch but in a time crunch.
2. The Trunk
IMDb 7.0/10
Released in 2024, starring Gong Yoo, Seo Hyun-jin, The Trunk is a Korean mystery, melodrama series that follows the life of a couple and their strange one year marriage contract with an added plot of a mysterious murder in a trunk.
This series will keep you hopeful for fresh beginnings and takes us deeper into the nuances of every relationship, it portrays the emotions of every character extremely well. The chemistry between the couples shows us a bond and affection that never feels forced.
Another quick watch with just 8 episodes under our belt, perfect for those who love a good complex relationship with a mystery hanging in the back of their minds.
3. Misaeng : Incomplete life
IMDb 8.5/10
Released in 2014, starring Im Si-wan,Lee Sung-min, Kang So-ra, Kang Ha-nuel, Byun Yo-han, Kim Dae-myung and so many well known actors, this drama takes us on an adventure and can be relatable for every person in this room who has asked themselves ‘what am I doing with my life’ at least once in their lives. This is a workplace drama that follows Jang Geu-ree, a former Baduk player thrown into the corporate world where he has to spend every day keeping up with his colleagues in a competitive office environment.
This drama makes us want to root for every character’s success in whichever path they end up choosing in their lives, you’ll find yourself laughing and cheering for a person and then end up crying with them on their hardships. This also happens to be the first Korean drama to shoot in a location in Jordan, it has a little bit for everyone.
At a comfortable 20 episodes, this is perfect for those who have experienced the feeling of being lost or a lack of purpose as this drama will leave you with a feeling of encouragement and motivation to tackle whatever life throws at you.
4. Mask Girl
IMDb 7.3/10
Released in 2023, starring Lee Han-byeol, this is a dark, offbeat and suspenseful thriller drama filled with horrors and misfortunes. This drama follows the life of Kim Mo-mi, an insecure office worker by day and a masked internet celebrity by night, who ends up in a web of lies and falls victim to endless tragedies. This drama shows the dark reality of bullying and the impact it has on a young woman’s life which leaves her seeking for love with a murderous intent.
At a solid 7 episodes, this drama is perfect for those who love finding hidden messages behind the plot, leaving you to form your own judgments between what is right and what is not.
5. My Liberation Notes
IMDb 8.2/10
Released in 2022, starring Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Suk-ku, and Lee El, this is a slow paced, slice of life melodrama following the lives of 3 siblings that are fed up with their day to day monotonous lifestyle. It mainly focuses on Yeom Mi Jung’s life and takes us through it where she feels neither happy nor sad, just hopeless but determined to break free from her humdrum life.
This drama demonstrates how it’s never too late to find love or purpose in our lives, motivating us to seek new experiences and cherish the tiniest of things that make us feel alive.
At 16 episodes, this drama will speak to you. It will give you a glimpse into the character’s diary and make you feel like you’re listening to a friend.
Skipped the list?
Guys! I personally believe that finding new exciting things to watch can alter brain chemistry! It’s the equivalent to finding a pirate’s treasure! Okay.. maybe a little exaggeration on my part but think of it as a list that’s being passed as a secret note in a classroom to a friend from a friend and go give it a try!
Now in case you need further convincing to try these recommendations, every single series is highly rated on IMDb with the ratings conveniently mentioned, as someone who refuses to stick to one genre, this list is like Budae Jjigae (korean army stew) its a mix of everything delicious and more.
Insider tips!
Next time someone talks about mainstream series, you can show off by talking about these hidden gems! p.s these also happen to be some of my personal favs.
Written by – Rimpa Ash
About the author –
Hello hello! Two things I love the most? Putting pen to paper and sharing little bits about Korea, from its culture to food and everything in between. Here’s both of them combined for you by me, simply a guide for your next exploration, be it for a new k drama or a new kimchi recipe.I hope my words make you tingle with excitement and push you to try that next new thing. Just a cozy corner on the internet where we explore fascinating things together.