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 few years. And when you’ve got — and never watched any of them but — you’re in all probability questioning, What’s the hype all about?

Nicely, why don’t you strive answering your curiosity by watching among the finest Ok-dramas of all time? That can assist you do this, right here’s an inventory of one of the best Ok-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 will have been lacking out on.

These exhibits are certain to maintain you hooked with their dynamic storylines, good mix of number of parts, creative cinematography, tuneful OSTs, and splendid performances that deliver these dramas to life.

Thoughts you, it was extraordinarily tough to select solely a handful of Ok-dramas. This isn’t an exhaustive record, however a brief one that may get you began on Korean leisure. Additionally, I extremely suggest you to look at 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 sequence.

Satire

SKY Fort (2018)

Picture: Netflix

Forged: Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Search engine marketing-hyung

Streaming platforms: Netflix, Viki

From elevating their youngsters to be prime performers to making sure their husbands stay distinguished barons, the respected moms of SKY Fort have quite a bit on their plate.

SKY Fort 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 youngsters as trophies who will shine in society and uphold their household status by entering into the highest universities. And as every household pulls all of the strings it may well to retain its excessive social place, the drama exhibits the extremes upper-class mother and father can go to, even when it comes at the price of destroying others’ lives.

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

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

Legislation

Extraordinary Legal professional Woo (2022)

Picture: Netflix

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

Streaming platform: Netflix

In case you preferred Freddie Highmore in The Good Physician, you’ll like Park Eun-bin in Extraordinary Legal professional Woo too.

Some of the talked-about dramas of 2022, Extraordinary Legal professional Woo follows the story of a genius autistic lawyer, Woo Younger-woo (Park Eun-bin). Be it legal guidelines or minute particulars of on a regular basis life, her photographic reminiscence expands past that of a mean human thoughts’s capability. And her excessive IQ ends in distinctive and extraordinary problem-solving expertise that beat even probably the most celebrated legal professionals/prosecutors within the courtroom, regardless of her being a rookie.

However her ingenuity comes up in opposition to her struggles with interpersonal relationships, which seeps into her love {and professional} life.

What to anticipate: Extraordinary Legal professional 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 circumstances to fierce courtroom fights, Extraordinary Legal professional Woo has all of it. With a targeted strategy to legal guidelines and legalities, and Woo obsessing over her love of legislation, you’ll stroll away studying a factor or two about Korean legislation.

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

Juvenile Justice (2022)

Picture: Swann Studio/Netflix

Forged: 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 decide, who holds the adamant perception that younger offenders’ punishment ought to befit the crimes they commit with a view to instill worry (of legislation) and realization of the results that include the harm they trigger. Her frustration stems from her place that the lenient legislation — which emphasizes rehabilitation of juvenile offenders slightly than incarceration — is a way of escape even once they commit heinous crimes.

And because the robust decide tackles advanced juvenile crime circumstances, 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: Impressed by actual juvenile crime tales and portraying actual legislation, Juvenile Justice is a darkish and severe courtroom Ok-drama that goes deep into the extremely delicate subject of juvenile crimes and legislation.

Whereas the drama takes artistic license for dramatic impact, among the circumstances portrayed really occurred in actual life. And grappling these advanced circumstances is a troublesome feminine lead, whose fierce eyes and strong efficiency alone are sufficient to offer you goosebumps.

Psychological

Mouse (2021)

Picture: Viki

Forged: 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 sequence of ruthless, blood-chilling murders ensues and places your entire nation in worry.

To deal with 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. However as Jeong Ba-reum comes nearer to catching the prison and unfurling the thriller, he reveals appalling truths that flip his life the other way up.

What to anticipate: Impressed by the true incident of the Elementary Faculty Homicide 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 a pair of, 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 would possibly wish to skip this one.

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

Zombie thriller

Kingdom (2019)

Picture: Netflix

Forged: 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 satisfy the doctor who final handled his father, the king.

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

What to anticipate: Any Strolling Lifeless followers right here? Here’s a watch-worthy drama for you.

Kingdom is a historic zombie thriller certain to grip your consideration with its intricately woven plot, putting visuals, sick swordplay, gorgeous historic costumes, highly effective characters, and, after all, 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 possibly can bid goodbye to boredom till you full the sequence.

So, free your schedule, and maintain a bottle and a few snacks with you. As a result of when you sit down to look at this drama, you can be unable to withstand clicking on the “Subsequent Episode” button. And earlier than it, you will have binge-watched your entire two seasons and the Netflix particular episode (Kingdom: Ashin of the North).

Motion

Vagabond (2019)

Picture: Netflix

Forged: 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 airplane crash, the struggling stuntman prizes just one factor: reality.

However when the officers’ transient 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 unlimited and complicated conspiracy.

What to anticipate: From high-scale conspiracies to secret murders, Vagabond is one action-packed bomb that can maintain 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 joys is unending.

However to stability the seriousness, the drama has ample lighthearted and humorous scenes that give comedian reduction among the many growing rigidity.

My Title (2021)

Picture: Min Jeehee/Netflix

Forged: 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 robust feminine lead seeks out Choi Mu-jin (Park Hee-soon) — her father’s finest pal and chief of an organized drug ring — and seals her loyalty to him by becoming a member of the identical underworld internet her father was part of.

And as she tries to uncover the thriller behind her father’s dying, she discovers that her entire 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.

Additionally count on police chases, stunning reveals, soulful performances, and a tremendous OST.

Enjoyable reality: Han So-hee did her personal stunts within the drama, one among many explanation why this sequence is a must-watch.

Romantic comedy

Guardian: The Lonely and Nice God (2016)

Picture: Hwa&Dam Footage

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

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

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 conflict. 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 also 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 surprising plot twists, and the heart-wrenching moments will certainly go away you hooked on this timeless masterpiece.

Crash Touchdown on You (2019)

Picture: Netflix

Forged: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Search engine marketing 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 Touchdown on You.

Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), a profitable businesswoman with a cheerful persona, crash-lands in North Korea. There she meets emotionally reserved Ri (Hyun Bin) and different North Korean officers who defend her from the authorities and assist her escape. However throughout her keep within the enemy nation, she falls in love with Ri. Will Yoon Se-ri return to her house 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 sequence.

This dynamic drama takes you on a romantic journey whereas conserving 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)

Picture: Netflix

Forged: 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 docs — additionally shut associates since medical college — working on the Yulje Medical Centre.

What to anticipate: Have you ever ever skilled that cozy feeling while you drink sizzling 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.

In order for you 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 a sophisticated love triangle, then that is your drama.

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

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

Dr. Romantic (2016)

Picture: Netflix

Forged: Han Suk-kyu, Yoo Yeon-seok, Search engine marketing Hyun-jin

Streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Viki

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

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

Will Grasp Kim, alongside along with his squad of docs 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 maintain your adrenaline pumping.

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

Moreover, with medical scenes shot beneath the supervision of an emergency drugs specialist, you possibly can relaxation assured concerning the accuracy and real looking portrayal of medical practices. And because the drama teaches the true worth of being a health care provider, ultimately, you’ll stroll away wishing you had been a surgeon.

Physician Stranger (2014)

Picture: Netflix

Forged: 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, Music Jae-hee (Jin Se-yeon), plan an escape from the nation. However Park Hoon solely manages to flee alone, leaving his love behind.

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

What to anticipate: Physician 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 sequence has plentiful rigidity to maintain you hooked until the tip.

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