Favorite Dramas
A simple list of my favorite dramas. Not finalized or anything - dramas may be added, dropped or places changed whenever I feel like it.
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1. Reply 1997
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
This drama is just an all-win, on all points. It was so fresh when it came out, especially in the way the story was told throughout the whole series. The characters are very endearing, I especially like the female lead (and I like to see how she is immature - since she is a teenager - but also how she learns and matures). The whole main cast just seems like they really could be friends, and that it would be fun to actually be friends with them in high school. The love story line got rather obvious, and you kinda knew who had to get together in the end, but you were never exactly sure (like, the writers and producers could have done it obvious to trick you), but that didn't really bother me.
The main attraction for me about this drama tho is how fun it is. I just have such a fun time watching each and every episode - even the more serious ones, tackling serious illness or loss in the family for example, had funny moments that didn't take away from that seriousness and sadness. Overall, very well written, well acted and fun-to-watch show. -
2. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
It's hard to put down in words how much I love this drama.
I love the main female lead; seeing her experience love for the first time (first her one-sided crush and then when she got into her first actual relationship) touched me, as did her story line centered around how she lost the passion she once felt for her sport (and how she had to process that - and later found her way back to it).
The main male lead I also loved - his teasing, but still kind personality. His struggles to overcome his issues. And how freaking cute he was when he found the one he loved. Just... overall I found his character endearing.
And I guess that last point could be said about so many of the characters in this; they are so endearing. And foremost - they feel they could be real people.
Although the drama touch and deal with some tough subjects I still feel like it, throughout, kept it's lighthearted feel - which is generally the type of dramas that I enjoy the most, and which I tend to want to re-watch the most.
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3. Extraordinary You
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
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4. The Beauty Inside
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
A very funny show to watch with a kick-ass female lead. I've always been partial to dramas like this with some slight gender-bender tendencies, and just in general the whole 'superman' thing - where they have to hide their identities. I especially liked the relationship between the female lead and her friends - they just seemed like a friends group I would like to be a part of. The male bff of the female lead was also so enjoyable to watch, and see his story unfold (not just because he's played by Ahn Jaehyun... but that really doesn't hurt).
It was also nice to see the male lead start to get out of his shell as the drama continued on - how he started accepting himself more, and how he eventually decided to try to patch things up with his family. Although the drama did have it's more serious and darker moments I essentially see it a healing drama to watch.
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5. Thirty but Seventeen
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
I've re-watched this show several times, and I feel as if I will do so many times again. The main characters struggles are so real, and you feel real emotions watching the show - yet it still manages to have a rather 'light' and enjoyable feel. I'm guessing this has mostly to do with the characters themselves. I love the mail characters so darn much. The female lead, even though she is sad and many tragic things have happened to her, is so strong! Her willpower and positivity is catching, and she is so sweet. I love watching her 'grow up' as the drama goes on. The male lead you also see grow - by opening up to the female lead it's like his life gets re-started. He is adorable, and I had to say so out loud several times while watching it.
The nephew is probably one of my favorite characters ever. His spirit, willpower and just... positive energy makes you feel so good. I love how sweet and carrying he is - towards the female lead sure, since he fancies her, but especially how caring he is towards his uncle. You can see and feel how much he loves his uncle, how much he cares. And it's just such unselfish love. And he's funny as hell to boot. Jennifer is also a very memorable character, who just fits in in her own way.
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6. Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors
Korean Drama - 2010, 16 episodes
This is one of my most re-watched dramas, and there's not really a particular reason for it. I simply enjoy the drama. It's quite a bit heavier topics and story-wise than what I usually enjoy, but all the storylines throughout the drama are woven together in a nice way and tells a realistic story of doctors who have been at their jobs for a while.
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7. Emergency Couple
Korean Drama - 2014, 21 episodes
It took me a long time to actually start to watch this drama, even though friends had recommended it to me, and I can't explain why. However, I am so happy I eventually decided to give it a try. It is one of those dramas that I just once in a while feel like it needs a re-watch, and therefore I have seen the complete series several times.
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8. My Love from the Star
Korean Drama - 2013, 21 episodes
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9. Lovely Runner
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
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10. Shining Inheritance
Korean Drama - 2009, 28 episodes
This is the first k-drama I remember watching while it was airing in Korea, and so it holds a special place in my heart. It's probably also the drama I've rewatched the most times as well. Mostly on the list for nostalgic reasons I'd say.
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11. The Flower in Prison
Korean Drama - 2016, 51 episodes
I was very surprised that I liked this drama so much as I am not generally the biggest fan of historical dramas, especially such long ones which involves so much drama. However, I grew to really like the drama and looked forward to each week's new episodes.
What I liked the most in this drama was that it had such a strong female lead - not only is she cleaver, she is also a very skilled fighter. She makes her own decisions, and is usually the one behind the plans.
The story can at times feel rather irritating as there are so many interwoven storylines (there's no end to some characters evil-ness it seems) but it still kept me hooked.