“I have a list with many memorable dramas, my favorite ones, but it’s impossible to name them on one post.”
Para leer este post en español, presiona aquí.
First things first
These reviews have no spoilers.
In general terms
Nothing touches your heart like Korean dramas when it comes to series. That’s a fact. I have a list of many memorable dramas, my favorite ones, but it’s impossible to name them on one post. So here goes my Vol. 1 post with 10 of them.
It was so hard to choose my first 10! I was starting to feel stressed while choosing, so I decided to pick them Bingo style. That’s right: I wrote the names on small pieces of paper in a bowl and took 10 out.
The following dramas were premiered on different years and they have different genres, so there’s no specific order. The thing they have in common is that I love them. Of course, there are many, many more dramas that I love; I will post them for sure, 10 at a time.
If you are new in the world of K-dramas and don’t know where to start, here are some options taken from my special list:
1. Goblin
Premiere: 12/02/2016
Episodes: 16
Genre: Fantasy, romance, drama
Synopsis
King Wang Yeo, from the Goryeo Dynasty, is manipulated by his royal advisor who turns him against General Kim Shin. The general is betrayed and sentenced to death, as well as his entire family. After his death he becomes a Goblin, an immortal being who carries a heavy load for all the blood he shed in his lifetime, and also condemned to suffer the death of all the people he cares about. His only hope is to find the person destined to end his life so he can rest in peace: ‘The Goblin’s bride’.
Personal opinion
You’ve probably already heard about this drama or many people already recommended it. It’s so beautiful… To me, it’s one of the best K-dramas in history. I loved this series from beginning to end; the story is beautiful, the actors are amazing, the OST is excellent, the comedy is hilarious. Not only the relationship between Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak is outstanding, but also Kim Shin’s relationship with the Grim Reaper; a relationship destined to many ups and downs, but beautiful after all. What I loved the most: Kim Shin’s personality. It’s one of those characters you end up loving and never forget. Concerning the story, it’s very well made; you will feel a lot of emotions and the drama will stay in your heart.
2. The K2
Premiere: 09/23/2016
Episodes: 16
Genre: Action, politics, romance, drama
Synopsis
Kim Je-ha is a former elite soldier, betrayed and abandoned by his team. He manages to hide and tries to live a normal life, but circumstances force him to become the bodyguard of a powerful political family. This family keeps many secrets and Kim Je-ha gets involved in them for falling in love with the daughter of the family, a young woman who no one knew existed because she grew up in a convent in Spain.
Personal opinion
I love this series because it is filled with action and the scenes are sooooo good! I don’t know the technical words, but they could have turned the volume a bit down during the action sequences. Don’t get me wrong, to me, the score is spectacular! I have it on Spotify and listen to it a lot, but I think they could’ve balanced the sound a bit. That was the only issue for me; as for the rest, it’s awesome. Part of the drama was shot in Spain and the locations are beautiful. The action sequences are so good, the storyline is very exciting and the actors did an amazing job. I loved this drama… Now I want to watch it again!
3. The Tale of Nokdu
Premiere: 09/30/2019
Episodes: 32
Genre: Historic, romantic comedy
Synopsis
The drama takes place during the Joseon dynasty. Jeon Nok-du dresses up as a woman in order to get into a mysterious community were men presence is forbidden, searching for the truth about an attack he and his family received.
Personal opinion
This drama is divine. It made me laugh so much looking at all the trouble Nok-du got into dressed up as a woman, but also has emotional moments, unexpected turns and an exciting ending. Locations are beautiful and the actors are awesome. The drama is not too long as you may think, for having 32 episodes, because each one lasts 35 minutes. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
4. Itaewon Class
Premiere: 01/31/2020
Episodes: 16
Genre: Drama
Synopsis
Itaewon Class tells the story of ex-convict Park Sae-ro-yi, a kid whose life take an unexpected turn after being expelled from Highschool for hitting a bully, and later losing his father in a car accident. Years later, and following his father’s steps, he opens a restaurant called DanBam, in Itaewon. Along with his manager Jo Yi-seo and their staff, they fight for success, competing against a big conglomerate.
Personal opinion
This drama is excellent. The genre is not only drama, it is also very motivating. If you want to achieve something you must fight for it, be honest and take care of your team; those are some of the messages this drama gives away. I enjoyed the story a lot, the characters are very diverse and complex. The cinematography, the storyline and the soundtrack are great. I will never get tired of recommending it. I wrote a more detailed review; you can read it here.
5. Stranger
Premiere: 06/10/2017
Episodes: 16
Genre: Crime, drama, thriller
Synopsis
Hwang Si-mok is a top prosecutor who suffers from hypersensitivity to certain sound frequencies. After a corrective surgery, he loses the sense of empathy and lacks social skills. While he investigates a murder case, he meets Police Lieutenant Han Yeo-jin, who helps him with the case; but this investigation also leads to uncover a large corruption scheme between the Prosecutor’s Office and a private conglomerate.
Personal opinion
This is one of my favorite genres. I really enjoy police thrillers and this one is excellent. The lack of empathy on Hwang Si-mok’s part, helps him solve crimes with objectivity, but also gets him into trouble. However, he is very clear about what his job is, comply the law. You will enjoy this thriller; it has many unexpected turns. The series did so well, that a second season was released and it’s now streaming on Netflix.
6. The King 2 Hearts
Premiere: 03/21/2012
Episodes: 20
Genre: Action, romance, drama
Synopsis
Set in an alternate reality, modern-day South Korea is governed by a constitutional monarchy descended from the Joseon dynasty. Lee Jae-ha is a handsome, yet materialistic crown prince who doesn’t care about politics and feels total reluctance to being the second in line to the throne. Lee Jae-kang, the current king tricks him into joining a joint military collaboration with North Korea, with intention to help him “grow up”. There he meets Kim Hang-ah, a North Korean Special Forces Officer, who is also the daughter of a high ranking North Korean military Officer. They both meet during military training, but also during a crucial time to stablish friendly relations between both Koreas.
Personal opinion
This drama is so good! The tension between both countries, the relationship between both characters and the development of events, will keep you at the edge of your sit. Many things happen; the antagonist is a very despicable man and will not rest until he destroys the royal family and also South Korea’s international relations. The evolution of Lee Jae-ha’s strength of character through the drama is amazing. I really recommend you to watch this.
7. Legend of the Blue Sea
Premiere: 11/16/2016
Episodes: 20
Genre: Fantasy, romantic comedy
Synopsis
The drama is about the love story between a mermaid called Shim Cheong and Heo Joon-jae, a clever con-artist. The plot is about reincarnation, destiny and unrequited love. Their story is told parallelly with the story of their previous life, during the Joseon dynasty.
Personal opinion
This story is beautifully told… In their previous life, Shim Cheong and Heo Joon-hae met and fell in love. In present time, their paths meet again. We see both stories and I loved that. Cinematography is excellent, locations are beautiful, the characters are awesome. I love Shim Cheong. Heo Joon-jae and his two con-friends are hilarious, it was funny to see them together. It is a very exciting and beautiful love story.
8. Signal
Premiere: 01/22/2016
Episodes: 16
Genre: Thriller, drama, fantasy
Synopsis
A mysterious walkie-talkie allows a detective from the past to communicate with a criminal profiler in the present. With the power to predict events, both unite, not only to solve crimes but to avoid them from happening. However, an unsolved serial killer case is closer to them than they think.
Personal opinion
I love this genre and that’s what inspired me to watch this drama, which turned out to be one of my favorites. The story is well developed, it kept me at the edge of my sit the whole time. A great thriller you can’t miss.
9. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Premiere: 02/24/2017
Episodes: 16
Genre: Drama, comedy, fantasy, romance, suspense
Synopsis
Do Bong Soon is not a common woman. Her strength is hereditary and passed along only to the women in their family. But all she really wants is to be a delicate woman and be loved by the man she loves. Her super strength is discovered by an eccentric millionaire and video-games creator who hires her as his bodyguard. Meanwhile, her neighborhood is threatened by a psychopath who is kidnapping women and Do Bong Soon gets involved.
Personal opinion
I love this drama! It has lots of comedy and you have no idea how hard I laughed with many characters and their craziness! But it’s not just comedy, it has a very dark side, which is about the psychopath and that’s the sinister part of this drama, and also very well made because you really freak out and makes you think about those dangerous people who exist in real life, and that is not fiction. The love story is beautiful, you’ll love it!
10. Black
Premiere: 10/14/2017
Episodes: 18
Genre: Romance, fantasy, thriller
Synopsis
Black tells the story of a Grim Reaper forced to find a fugitive partner in our world. In the process, he discovers the truth about a series of murders that happened 20 years ago. By investigating the case, he compromises his mission to guide the death to the afterlife. Things complicate even more, when he falls in love with a mortal, which leads him to break the rules about getting involved with humans.
Personal opinion
This thriller is awesome. Imagine a combination between the supernatural with thriller and romance. That combo is my weakness. I really liked the story, it’s very intriguing, it keeps you hooked, and the actors are excellent. I’m sure you will enjoy this drama if you love this genre.
So, tell me, have you seen any of these dramas? Which one was your favorite? I’d love to know your opinion! If you want to recommend me one, that would be awesome!
Soon I will pick another 10 papers from my bowl and post about more of my favorite K-dramas of all-time.
Xoxo,
MJ
Other reviews on my Blog:
Mi terapia es escribir. Me desahogo escribiendo sobre la vida, mis aficiones, aprendizajes, bienestar, historias, libros y recetas. También me hace feliz conectarme contigo.