My Top 10 Korean Dramas

My Top 10 Korean Dramas

Picture Credit: Republic of Korea

This list is VERY biased. I tend to like very formulaic Romcoms, historical dramas, and dramas with very unique plots. 

1. Six Flying Dragons

This epic historical drama follows Kim Sejong’s father, King Taejong, also known as Yi Bang-Won from his time as a child to becoming king of Chosun. What sets this drama apart is how it experetly covers the changes Yi Bang-Won goes through from the innocent, upright child to the ruthless, cunning king, and is done in such a way that you cheer him on. I wouldn’t call him a villain, but some might. It is amazing how this drama is able to make the viewers sympathize and understand what other dramas would consider the villain. This drama is all about depth, so please give it a try.

2. Snow Queen

This is sad. This drama is incredibly sad, but that’s what makes it special. It really tugs at your heartstrings despite some pretty typical and obvious Kdrama moments that you know were put in to try to make you cry. However, that is what makes the happy moments shine even brighter. The story follows a brilliant mathematician, now a boxer, Han Tae-Woong, and his tragic love story with Bo-Ra. If you can stand the sadness, this is a must see.

3. Jumong

Jumong is probably one of the most famous historical dramas and it really made historical dramas somewhat popular again. Jumong was the founder of the Korean kingdom, Koguryeo, which was powerful enough to conquer land in Manchuria and forced the collapse of multiple Chinese dynasties. The story covers his life, although it is mostly surrounded in myth, from his time as a prince of a foreign kingdom to his exile and rise to power to the founding of Koguryeo. It is the standard for all historical dramas and many historical dramas follow the model established by Jumong. 

4. Reply 1994

Want to know what Korean daily life was in 1994, but with a comical flair and romance abound? That is Reply 1994. It follows the lives of six university boarding students in Seoul navigating their young lives. This kdrama is filled with comedy keeping it light hearted despite some of the serious moments that occurred in South Korea during the 1990s. This is great for people to get a snapshot on Korea’s pop culture in the 90s, daily life, and some of the uniqueness in Korean humor. 

5. Gentlemen’s Dignity

This is Korea’s version of Sexy in the City, but males. That’s all you need to know, plus it has a LOT of Korean celebrity cameos. If you like Sex in the City this is for you, or if you just like to see a lot of Korean celebs. 

6. Accidental Couple/That Fool

Very typical Romcom featuring a movie star and an ordinary postman, who get together as a fake couple due to crazy circumstances. However, as the drama progresses, they fall in love. As I said, a very typical Romcom, but it is heartwarming. If you want a straight forward drama that will make you happy by its innocence, then watch this.

7. Goblin

This is one of the most famous kdramas from 2017. Who hasn’t seen Gong-Yoo? It is about a goblin, there isn’t a good English translation, also can be referred to as a guardian. Anyway, it’s about a goblin who is immortal unless he meets the goblin wife, who can end his everlasting suffering and can die in peace. It follows the goblin and the goblin wife and their relationship while they also have to defend against the malicious forces that killed the goblin initially when he was a mortal. While it’s romantic drama, it has humor. I feel like most Kdramas include humor regardless. If you like elements of higher beings, Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-Wook, or a solid and unique plot, watch this. 

8. Queen Seon Deok

This historical drama is very highly liked, competing with Jumong as the best historical drama. Of course I believe Six Flying Dragons is, but I’m the minority. Anyway, it follows the first queen with power in the Shilla Kingdom. It follows her path from being an exiled orphan to a princess with little power to becoming Queen of Shilla. It follows a very similar script to Jumong overall. If you like historical dramas, or a strong female protagonist, this is a good watch.

9. Dream High

This is a light hearted, music heavy drama about a high school for musically gifted students to train to be musicians and kpop stars later in life. JYP plays a role, so you know the music is on point. Plus, I haven’t seen a drama with so much Kpop power including Bae Suzy, IU, and Ok Taec-yeon. It is centered on the struggles young adolescences go through, just with a musical angle to it. It is a good starting kdrama because the struggles are something anyone can related to, and the music is top quality. 

10. Descendants of the Sun

Was there any other drama more famous than Descendants of the Sun in 2016? It’s got the star power through Song Hye-Kyo and Song Joong-Ki, who had perfect chemistry. It’s not surprising that they are married now. It’s got action, but tender romance, and some humor to go with it. It’s centered on the on and off romance between a special operations soldier and a doctor and the journey they go through that cements their love. This is worth seeing if only because of the chemistry Song Hye-Kyo and Song Joong-Ki have, but the story is solid. How else could it be so popular in Korea in 2016?  The music is great too if you are into that.