My Favourite Korean Dramas
These dramas have three-dimensional emotional and relatable characters onscreen who were able to convey their motivations, actions, and emotions in such a way that I really couldn't stop myself from seeing them as not being fictional but as real people with real problems.
Many had plots and characters that made the drama as if it were a documentary. They were able to justify their purpose on the kdrama landscape as they often told touching stories that were fairly unknown to me and sometimes gave insight into knowledge about Korean society, culture, mythology, and functioning.
One thing that they all had in common was the depiction of various human traits that are universal to every culture around the world. The acting in these are top-notch and deeply touched me. Many of them are a critical mirror to the existing human institutions. It would not be wrong to say that these dramas are the best dramas that I have ever watched and their existence is the sole reason that I am and will always be a massive Hallyu fan.
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1. 18 Again
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I became a massive fan of Lee Do Hyun after this. The focus on family relationships makes this extraordinary. I liked Roh Jeong Eui as she looked very cute throughout the drama. Also, I discovered Ryeoun through this which makes it even more special to me. The feels and emotions in this drama are very difficult to top by anything else.
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2. Twinkling Watermelon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
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3. My Mister
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Objectively the greatest platonic romance showcased on Korean Television. I never thought KDramas were capable of showing such a deep and nuanced relationship. IU gained massive respect as an actress for me after this. A Masterpiece in every aspect.
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4. Just Between Lovers
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
The leads Lee Jun Ho & Won Jin Ah are still my favourite couple of all time. The way trauma was depicted in this drama changed me as a person. I have watched this multiple times and every watch gave me fresh perspective on life. People could say the pacing is slow but everyone must watch this show at least once in their life. Also the OSTs are incredible.
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5. Signal
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Best Thriller to come out of Korea in my opinion. The plot is one of the best I have ever seen for which the credit must be given to the writer Kim Eun Hee. The cast was incredible but I discovered Lee Je Hoon through this which makes it more special.
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6. Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
My second KDrama and the chemistry between Ji Chang Wook & Park Min Young set a very high bar for future couples in kdramas. The action and plot were very good along with the OST. Also, it's one of the few that justifies its 20-episode run and doesn't drag at all.
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7. Goblin
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Goblin is rightly criticized for the portrayed age gap but that's the only negative otherwise it's the best fantasy drama that has come out of Korea and is rightly hailed as a cult classic. The OSTs are one of the finest I have seen and the spectacular bromance between our Goblin & Grim Reaper played by Gong Yoo & Lee Dong Wook respectively makes the show even more entertaining. The weight of immortality and the poetic romance are the highlight of the show.
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8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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9. Be Melodramatic
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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10. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
My very first sageuk (Historical Korean Drama). This drama boosts a wide cast of people out of which nearly everyone is an accomplished star now making it very special as you could find many rookie actors here who made it big later on. Even the plot is very unexpected and has the largest number of main cast deaths I have ever seen in a Kdrama. Also, I started simping for IU since this drama, and years later I am still simp for her. I lose any objectivity whenever I see her on screen, deserving of being hailed as a princess. I discovered Lee Joon Gi through this and the OSTs were also incredible.
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11. Miss Hammurabi
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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12. School 2013
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
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13. Dr. Romantic
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
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14. While You Were Sleeping
Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes
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15. Pinocchio
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
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16. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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17. Eulachacha Waikiki
Korean Drama - 2018, 20 episodes
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18. The Producers
Korean Drama - 2015, 12 episodes
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19. Moving
Korean Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
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20. Flower of Evil
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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21. Lovely Runner
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
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22. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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23. Kill Me, Heal Me
Korean Drama - 2015, 20 episodes
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24. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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25. Weak Hero Class 1
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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26. Extracurricular
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
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27. W
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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28. Kingdom
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes