The perfect Okay-dramas to look at on Netflix, Viki, and past

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 in case you have — and never watched any of them but — you’re most likely questioning, What’s the hype all about?

Nicely, why don’t you attempt answering your curiosity by watching a few of the finest Okay-dramas of all time? That can assist you try 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 just a few of those, you’ll understand how a lot you’ve gotten been lacking out on.

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

Thoughts you, it was extraordinarily troublesome to select solely a handful of Okay-dramas. This isn’t an exhaustive record, however a brief one that may get you began on Korean leisure. Additionally, I extremely advocate you to look at these dramas of their authentic 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 Fortress (2018)

Solid: Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Search engine optimization-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 quite a bit on their plate.

SKY Fortress is an expensive neighborhood coveted by many however occupied by just a few 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 stepping into the highest universities. And as every household pulls all of the strings it may 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 Fortress 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 tutorial stress, psychological well being, dad and mom’ sky-high expectations, status-obsessed elites and their ways, and extra. However to counterbalance the seriousness, the drama additionally contains appreciable humor.

Legislation

Extraordinary Lawyer Woo (2022)

Eun Park-bin as Woo Young-woo looking up at the sky with the subway station sign behind her

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

Streaming platform: Netflix

When you favored 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 median human thoughts’s capability. And her excessive IQ ends in distinctive and extraordinary problem-solving abilities that beat even essentially 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 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 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 contains chucklesome scenes and candy harmless romance between the leads that may make your coronary heart flutter.

Juvenile Justice (2022)

Kim Hye-soo wears judge’s robe and sits in a big red chair in Juvenile Justice.

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 purpose to instill worry (of regulation) and realization of the implications that include the harm they trigger. Her frustration stems from her place that the lenient regulation — which emphasizes rehabilitation of juvenile offenders fairly than incarceration — is a method of escape even after they commit heinous crimes.

And because the powerful decide tackles complicated 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 obligation calls for.

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

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

Psychological

Mouse (2021)

A young police officer (Lee Seung-gi) wears his uniform, with a walkie talkie, in Mouse.

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 the complete nation in worry.

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 finds 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+ ranking for episodes 1 and a pair of, that is one present that doesn’t shrink 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)

The king in Kingdom holds his hands forward, with wounds on them. He wears royal garb.

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 fulfill 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 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 Useless 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’ll be able to bid goodbye to boredom till you full the collection.

So, free your schedule, and preserve 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 you already know it, you’ve gotten binge-watched the complete two seasons and the Netflix particular episode (Kingdom: Ashin of the North).

Motion

Vagabond (2019)

Bae Suzy wears a raincoat and holds a gun in Vagabond.

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 aircraft 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 preserve 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 automobile chases, loud explosions, and heavy gunfire. And with excessive suspense and mind-boggling plot twists, the fun is endless.

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

My Identify (2021)

Han So-Hee rests her head against a desk with lots of drawings on it in My Name.

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 powerful 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 experience is a vengeful lady whose power-packed punches and fast-spinning kicks can depart even the hardest of males writhing in ache.

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

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

Romantic comedy

Guardian: The Lonely and Nice God (2016)

Three young people sit next to each other wearing nice autumn clothing in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.

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 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 depart you hooked on this timeless masterpiece.

Crash Touchdown on You (2019)

A young woman smiles while looking towards the son, as a young man in a military uniform stands behind her in Crash Landing on You.

Solid: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Search engine optimization 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 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. 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 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)

Five doctors stand next to each other in blue scrubs with white overcoats, smiling and with arms around each other in Hospital Playlist.

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 medical doctors — additionally shut buddies since medical college — working on the Yulje Medical Centre.

What to anticipate: Have you ever 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.

In order for you 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 medical doctors.

Furthermore, you may 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 strategies and phrases and practical portrayal of hospital procedures, medical doctors’ lives, doctor-patient interactions, hospital struggles, and extra.

Dr. Romantic (2016)

A group of medical professionals look busy around a bed. In the forefront, a doctor points his gloved finger off-camera, in Doctor Romantic.

Solid: Han Suk-kyu, Yoo Yeon-seok, Search engine optimization 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 carry Grasp Kim to his knees and revoke his medical license.

Will Grasp Kim, alongside along with his squad of medical doctors 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 preserve your adrenaline pumping.

What’s extra, the refined and candy romance, the complicated relationships between the characters, and the matter-of-life-and-death selections of the medical doctors with the affected person on the operation desk are lots to fill your drama cup.

Moreover, with medical scenes shot below the supervision of an emergency medication specialist, you’ll be able to relaxation assured relating to the accuracy and practical portrayal of medical practices. And because the drama teaches the true worth of being a physician, ultimately, you’ll stroll away wishing you had been a surgeon.

Physician Stranger (2014)

A group of doctors in blue scrubs and white overcoats stand next to each other in Doctor Stranger, while blue blurs appear across the screen.

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, Track 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 collection has plentiful pressure to maintain you hooked until the top.

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