The very best Okay-dramas to observe on Netflix, Viki, and past

If you’re a savvy leisure fanatic, it’s not possible to haven’t heard of one of many many Korean drama which have blown up over the previous couple of years. And in case you have — and never watched any of them but — you’re most likely questioning, What’s the hype all about?

Properly, why don’t you strive answering your curiosity by watching a few of the finest Okay-dramas of all time? That can assist you do this, right here’s an inventory of the most effective Okay-dramas from each style that may flip you from a Okay-drama beginner to a Okay-drama tremendous fan. And I guarantee you, after watching a number of of those, you’ll notice how a lot you may have been lacking out on.

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

Thoughts you, it was extraordinarily troublesome to choose solely a handful of Okay-dramas. This isn’t an exhaustive checklist, however a brief one that may get you began on Korean leisure. Additionally, I extremely suggest you to observe these dramas of their unique language (with subtitles in your most popular language) to not miss out on the nuances that give the true really feel of the collection.

Satire

SKY Fortress (2018)

Picture: Netflix

Solid: Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Website positioning-hyung

Streaming platforms: Netflix, Viki

From elevating their kids to be prime performers to making sure their husbands stay distinguished barons, the respected moms of SKY Fortress have loads on their plate.

SKY Fortress is an opulent neighborhood coveted by many however occupied by a number 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 entering into the highest universities. And as every household pulls all of the strings it might probably 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 Fortress is a masterpiece satire with a fancy plot and a deft steadiness 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 techniques, and extra. However to counterbalance the seriousness, the drama additionally consists of appreciable humor.

Legislation

Extraordinary Lawyer Woo (2022)

Picture: Netflix

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

Streaming platform: Netflix

Should you appreciated Freddie Highmore in The Good Physician, you’ll like Park Eun-bin in Extraordinary Lawyer Woo too.

One of the crucial talked-about dramas of 2022, Extraordinary Lawyer 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 leads to 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 towards her struggles with interpersonal relationships, which seeps into her love {and professional} life.

What to anticipate: Extraordinary Lawyer Woo is a superbly crafted authorized drama targeted on the portrayal of autism and the challenges within the lifetime of an autistic individual.

What’s in it for authorized drama lovers? From piling instances to fierce courtroom fights, Extraordinary Lawyer Woo has all of it. With a targeted method 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.

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

Juvenile Justice (2022)

Picture: Swann Studio/Netflix

Solid: 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 concern (of regulation) and realization of the results that include the harm they trigger. Her frustration stems from her place that the lenient regulation — which emphasizes rehabilitation of juvenile offenders slightly than incarceration — is a method of escape even once they commit heinous crimes.

And because the robust decide tackles complicated 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: Impressed by actual juvenile crime tales and portraying actual regulation, Juvenile Justice is a darkish and critical courtroom Okay-drama that goes deep into the extremely delicate matter of juvenile crimes and regulation.

Whereas the drama takes artistic license for dramatic impact, a few of the instances portrayed truly occurred in actual life. And grappling these complicated instances is a tricky feminine lead, whose fierce eyes and strong efficiency alone are sufficient to provide you goosebumps.

Psychological

Mouse (2021)

Picture: Viki

Solid: 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 entire 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. However 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: Impressed by the true incident of the Elementary College Homicide case in Incheon, South Korea, in 2017, this psychological drama thrives on the exploration of psychopathic behaviors.

And with a 19+ ranking 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 may need to skip this one.

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

Zombie thriller

Kingdom (2019)

Picture: Netflix

Solid: 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 on the land, and the younger prince should shoulder the burden of the unsure destiny of his kingdom to guard it from his personal individuals who have changed into 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, hanging 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 possibly can bid goodbye to boredom till you full the collection.

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

Motion

Vagabond (2019)

Picture: Netflix

Solid: 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 sophisticated conspiracy.

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

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

However to steadiness the seriousness, the drama has ample lighthearted and humorous scenes that give comedian aid among the many rising rigidity.

My Identify (2021)

Photograph: Min Jeehee/Netflix

Solid: 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 good friend 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 demise, 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 journey is a vengeful lady 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 an incredible OST.

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

Romantic comedy

Guardian: The Lonely and Nice God (2016)

Picture: Hwa&Dam Footage

Solid: 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 sudden plot twists, and the heart-wrenching moments will certainly go away you hooked on this timeless masterpiece.

Crash Touchdown on You (2019)

Picture: Netflix

Solid: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Website positioning 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 nations? 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 protect 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 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 strain of accelerating life-threatening danger of Yoon Se-ri being found by North Korean officers, brew.

Medical

Hospital Playlist (2020)

Picture: Netflix

Solid: 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 mates since medical faculty — working on the Yulje Medical Centre.

What to anticipate: Have you ever ever skilled that cozy feeling once 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.

If you’d like a break from typical Okay-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 typical Okay-drama tropes doesn’t imply it’s monotonous and devoid of leisure. It is a lighthearted collection 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 will get a sneak peek into the lives of docs at elite hospitals, because the collection has quite a few scenes the place actual docs nod on the accuracy of medical strategies and phrases and real looking portrayal of hospital procedures, docs’ lives, doctor-patient interactions, hospital struggles, and extra.

Dr. Romantic (2016)

Picture: Netflix

Solid: Han Suk-kyu, Yoo Yeon-seok, Website positioning 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 demise. 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 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 together with his squad of docs and medical workers from the tiny Doldam Hospital, win towards the highly effective Do Yoon-wan?

What to anticipate: From lifesaving chest compressions to nerve-wracking complicated 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 complicated 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 below the supervision of an emergency medication specialist, you possibly can relaxation assured relating to 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

Solid: 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 together 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 collection 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 collection a lighthearted atmosphere.