The best K-dramas to watch on Netflix, Viki, and beyond

If you’re a savvy leisure fanatic, it’s unimaginable to haven’t heard of one of many many Korean drama which have blown up over the previous couple of years. And when you have — and not watched any of them but — you’re most likely questioning, What is the hype all about?

Well, why don’t you attempt answering your curiosity by watching a few of the best K-dramas of all time? To aid you do this, right here’s an inventory of the best K-dramas from each style that may flip you from a Ok-drama beginner to a Ok-drama tremendous fan. And I guarantee you, after watching a couple of of those, you’ll notice how a lot you’ve gotten been lacking out on.

These exhibits are positive to hold you hooked with their dynamic storylines, excellent mix of number of components, creative cinematography, tuneful OSTs, and splendid performances that deliver these dramas to life.

Mind you, it was extraordinarily tough to choose solely a handful of K-dramas. This just isn’t an exhaustive checklist, however a brief one that may get you began on Korean leisure. Also, I extremely suggest you to watch these dramas of their unique language (with subtitles in your most well-liked language) to not miss out on the nuances that give the true really feel of the collection.

Satire

SKY Castle (2018)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Seo-hyung

Streaming platforms: Netflix, Viki

From elevating their kids to be prime performers to making certain their husbands stay distinguished barons, the respected moms of SKY Castle have rather a lot on their plate.

SKY Castle is an opulent neighborhood coveted by many however occupied by a couple of influential high-flyers. The occupants are status-obsessed elites who see their kids as trophies who will shine in society and uphold their household status by moving into the highest universities. And as every household pulls all of the strings it could possibly to retain its excessive social place, the drama exhibits the extremes upper-class dad and mom can go to, even when it comes at the price of destroying others’ lives.

What to anticipate: SKY Castle is a masterpiece satire with a fancy plot and a deft stability of thriller and comedy.

The present tackles many prevalent and delicate points like educational stress, psychological well being, dad and mom’ sky-high expectations, status-obsessed elites and their ways, and extra. But to counterbalance the seriousness, the drama additionally contains appreciable humor.

Law

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Kang Ki-young

Streaming platform: Netflix

If you preferred Freddie Highmore in The Good Doctor, you’ll like Park Eun-bin in Extraordinary Attorney Woo too.

One of probably the most talked-about dramas of 2022, Extraordinary Attorney Woo follows the story of a genius autistic lawyer, Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin). Be it legal guidelines or minute particulars of on a regular basis life, her photographic reminiscence expands beyond that of a median human thoughts’s capability. And her excessive IQ leads to distinctive and extraordinary problem-solving abilities that beat even probably the most celebrated legal professionals/prosecutors within the courtroom, regardless of her being a rookie.

But her ingenuity comes up in opposition to her struggles with interpersonal relationships, which seeps into her love and skilled life.

What to anticipate: Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a fantastically crafted authorized drama targeted on the portrayal of autism and the challenges within the lifetime of an autistic particular person.

What’s in it for authorized drama lovers? From piling instances to fierce courtroom fights, Extraordinary Attorney Woo has all of it. With a targeted strategy to legal guidelines and legalities, and Woo obsessing over her love of regulation, you’ll stroll away studying a factor or two about Korean regulation.

Moreover, to hold issues lighthearted, the present contains chucklesome scenes and candy harmless romance between the leads that can make your coronary heart flutter.

Juvenile Justice (2022)

Image: Swann Studio/Netflix

Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Mu-yeol, Lee Sung-min, Lee Jung-eun

Streaming platform: Netflix

Juvenile Justice is the story of Shim Eun-seok (Kim Hye-soo), an elite juvenile choose, who holds the adamant perception that younger offenders’ punishment ought to befit the crimes they commit so as to instill concern (of regulation) and realization of the implications that include the injury they trigger. Her frustration stems from her place that the lenient regulation — which emphasizes rehabilitation of juvenile offenders slightly than incarceration — is a way of escape even after they commit heinous crimes.

And because the powerful choose tackles advanced juvenile crime instances, she faces opposition to her unyielding cruel stance, together with the problem of balancing her detestation of younger offenders whereas holding the beliefs of rehabilitation-focused juvenile justice and punishment that her responsibility calls for.

What to anticipate: Inspired by actual juvenile crime tales and portraying actual regulation, Juvenile Justice is a darkish and critical courtroom Ok-drama that goes deep into the extremely delicate subject of juvenile crimes and regulation.

While the drama takes inventive license for dramatic impact, a few of the instances portrayed truly occurred in actual life. And grappling these advanced instances is a troublesome feminine lead, whose fierce eyes and stable efficiency alone are sufficient to provide you with goosebumps.

Psychological

Mouse (2021)

Image: Viki

Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Lee Hee-joon, Park Ju-hyun, Kyung Soo-jin

Streaming platform: Viki

When a psychopath serial killer “hunts” within the streets of South Korea, a collection of ruthless, blood-chilling murders ensues and places your complete nation in concern.

To sort out these crimes, rookie police officer Jeong Ba-reum (Lee Seung-gi) and Detective Ko Moo-chi (Lee Hee-joon) pledge to rid the nation of the killer. But as Jeong Ba-reum comes nearer to catching the felony and unfurling the thriller, he reveals appalling truths that flip his life the wrong way up.

What to anticipate: Inspired by the true incident of the Elementary School Murder case in Incheon, South Korea, in 2017, this psychological drama thrives on the exploration of psychopathic behaviors.

And with a 19+ score for episodes 1 and 2, that is one present that doesn’t draw back from brutal murders, psychological torment and twists, and heart-wrenching crises. So, if that’s not your cup of tea, you may want to skip this one.

Also, be ready to be blown away by mind-boggling plot twists that can hit you want thunderbolt.

Zombie thriller

Kingdom (2019)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doo-na, Ryu Seung-ryong, Kim Hye-jun, Kim Sang-ho, Kim Sung-kyu, Heo Joon-ho, Jeon Seok-ho

Streaming Platform: Netflix

When his father’s mysterious sickness is intentionally saved a secret from him, Joseon Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) ventures out to meet the doctor who final handled his father, the king.

But the go to reveals a lethal plague is taking up the land, and the younger prince should shoulder the burden of the unsure destiny of his kingdom to shield it from his personal individuals who have become zombies.

What to anticipate: Any Walking Dead followers right here? Here is a watch-worthy drama for you.

Kingdom is a historic zombie thriller positive to grip your consideration with its intricately woven plot, placing visuals, sick swordplay, beautiful historic costumes, highly effective characters, and, in fact, zombies with a ravenous urge for food for human flesh.

And with power-drunk politicians planning nefarious schemes to retain their dominance over the dominion amidst the zombie mayhem, you’ll be able to bid goodbye to boredom till you full the collection.

So, free your schedule, and hold a bottle and some snacks with you. Because when you sit down to watch this drama, you may be unable to resist clicking on the “Next Episode” button. And earlier than you understand it, you’ve gotten binge-watched your complete two seasons and the Netflix particular episode (Kingdom: Ashin of the North).

Action

Vagabond (2019)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Bae Suzy, Shin Sung-rok

Streaming platform: Netflix

When Cha Dal-geon (Lee Seung-gi) loses his beloved orphaned nephew in a aircraft crash, the struggling stuntman prizes just one factor: reality.

But when the officers’ temporary explanations and unwillingness to additional discover the matter don’t fulfill him, he unofficially investigates the incident with the assistance of intelligence agent Go Hae-ri (Bae Suzy). And as he begins to uncover the thriller, his search unveils an enormous and advanced conspiracy.

What to anticipate: From high-scale conspiracies to secret murders, Vagabond is one action-packed bomb that can hold you on the sting of your seat.

Starring Bae Suzy and virtuoso of versatility Lee Seung-gi as predominant leads, the drama is loaded with fast-paced motion, messy automobile chases, loud explosions, and heavy gunfire. And with excessive suspense and mind-boggling plot twists, the fun is endless.

But to stability the seriousness, the drama has ample lighthearted and humorous scenes that give comedian reduction among the many rising pressure.

My Name (2021)

Photo: Min Jeehee/Netflix

Cast: Han So-hee, Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Hee-soon

Streaming platform: Netflix

When her father is shot proper on her doorstep, vengeance-driven Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) vows to catch the assassin, making it her sole mission in life.

Our powerful feminine lead seeks out Choi Mu-jin (Park Hee-soon) — her father’s best good friend and chief of an organized drug ring — and seals her loyalty to him by becoming a member of the identical underworld net her father was part of.

And as she tries to uncover the thriller behind her father’s dying, she discovers that her complete life was a lie.

What to anticipate: This action-packed thriller will take you into the world of drug cartels and darkish realities. And driving this thrill experience is a vengeful girl whose power-packed punches and fast-spinning kicks can go away even the hardest of males writhing in ache.

Also anticipate police chases, shocking reveals, soulful performances, and an incredible OST.

Fun reality: Han So-hee did her personal stunts within the drama, certainly one of many explanation why this collection is a must-watch.

Romantic comedy

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

Image: Hwa&Dam Pictures

Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, Yook Sung-jae

Streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Viki, Voot, MX Player

Cursed with immortality, 940-year-old Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) is a lonely goblin who has watched his family members die as he lives his immortal life as punishment for the troopers he killed in struggle. He awaits his prophesied goblin bride, who will pull out the sword from his chest and set him free from his curse.

Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) is a highschool pupil who sees ghosts and is prophesied to be the goblin’s bride. She is a part-timer at a restaurant owned by Sunny (Yoo In-na). Sunny falls in love with a grim reaper (Lee Dong-wook), who can be the goblin’s housemate.

The lives of those people intertwine, and with out the characters themselves realizing, they’re part of the larger play already determined by destiny.

What to anticipate: From budding tender romance to side-splitting comedy to alluring fantasy with a historic twist, this drama has all of it. If that isn’t sufficient, the bittersweet bromance of the goblin and the grim reaper, the sudden plot twists, and the heart-wrenching moments will certainly go away you hooked on this timeless masterpiece.

Crash Landing on You (2019)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun

Streaming platform: Netflix

What occurs when a famend South Korean CEO and a celebrated North Korean captain fall in love regardless of belonging to the enemy international locations? You get a drama like Crash Landing on You.

Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), a profitable businesswoman with a cheerful character, crash-lands in North Korea. There she meets emotionally reserved Ri (Hyun Bin) and different North Korean officers who protect her from the authorities and assist her escape. But throughout her keep within the enemy nation, she falls in love with Ri. Will Yoon Se-ri return to her dwelling unhurt? Or will she select her love over her nation?

What to anticipate: A love story with a fast-paced plot and humorous scenes generously sprinkled all through the collection.

This dynamic drama takes you on a romantic journey whereas maintaining you on the fringe of your seat as love between the 2 characters, and concurrently the stress of accelerating life-threatening threat of Yoon Se-ri being found by North Korean officers, brew.

Medical

Hospital Playlist (2020)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, Jeon Mi-do

Streaming platform: Netflix

Hospital Playlist is a slice-of-life drama depicting the on a regular basis lives of 5 medical doctors — additionally shut buddies since medical faculty — working on the Yulje Medical Centre.

What to anticipate: Have you ever skilled that cozy feeling once you drink scorching chocolate on a chilly winter morning whereas sitting within the heat embrace of the solar?

That’s how watching Hospital Playlist made me really feel.

If you need a break from standard Ok-drama tropes like a hero with a traumatic/sophisticated previous, a depraved villain, soiled hospital politics, a revenge-driven plot, and an advanced love triangle, then that is your drama.

But simply because Hospital Playlist diverges from standard Ok-drama tropes doesn’t imply it’s monotonous and devoid of leisure. This is a lighthearted collection with a handful of significant and emotional moments and plentiful hilarious scenes. It is a enjoyable watch not just for the common viewers however even for medical doctors.

Moreover, you will get a sneak peek into the lives of medical doctors at elite hospitals, because the collection has quite a few scenes the place actual medical doctors nod on the accuracy of medical methods and phrases and real looking portrayal of hospital procedures, medical doctors’ lives, doctor-patient interactions, hospital struggles, and extra.

Dr. Romantic (2016)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Han Suk-kyu, Yoo Yeon-seok, Seo Hyun-jin

Streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Viki

Nicknamed “Hand of God,” Master Kim is an exceptionally expert surgeon at an obscure and humble hospital named Doldam who can save even these on the brink of dying. His solely ardour in life is treating anybody sick, be it a felony or a magnate.

Kim’s arch-enemy is Do Yoon-wan (Choi Jin-ho) — the Director of Geosan University Hospital (which additionally owns Doldam) — who places income earlier than sufferers. And due to this conflict in beliefs, Yoon-wan leaves no stone unturned to deliver Master Kim to his knees and revoke his medical license.

Will Master Kim, alongside along with his squad of medical doctors and medical employees from the tiny Doldam Hospital, win in opposition to the highly effective Do Yoon-wan?

What to anticipate: From lifesaving chest compressions to nerve-wracking advanced surgical procedures, this medical drama is brimming with dramatic hospital scenes that hold your adrenaline pumping.

What’s extra, the delicate and candy romance, the advanced relationships between the characters, and the matter-of-life-and-death choices of the medical doctors with the affected person on the operation desk are a lot to fill your drama cup.

Furthermore, with medical scenes shot below the supervision of an emergency medication specialist, you’ll be able to relaxation assured relating to the accuracy and real looking portrayal of medical practices. And because the drama teaches the true worth of being a physician, in the long run, you’ll stroll away wishing you have been a surgeon.

Doctor Stranger (2014)

Image: Netflix

Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Kang So-ra, Park Hae-jin, Jin Se-yeon

Streaming platforms: Netflix, Viki

Park Hoon (Lee Jong-suk), a genius North Korean cardiothoracic surgeon, is determined to get out of North Korea. He and his girlfriend, Song Jae-hee (Jin Se-yeon), plan an escape from the nation. But Park Hoon solely manages to flee alone, leaving his love behind.

The genius defector begins working at Myungwoo University Hospital, one of many largest in South Korea, whereas planning to reunite along with his love. But with out realizing it, he turns into part of the larger political play alongside Jae-hee.

What to anticipate: Doctor Stranger is a multi-genre medical drama that blends espionage, romance, comedy, tragedy, and suspense. From brewing conspiracies to nerve-wracking surgical procedures to life-threatening encounters, this collection has plentiful pressure to hold you hooked until the tip.

Moreover, Park Hoon’s quirky character and the affectionate love between the leads give this medical collection a lighthearted atmosphere.