Contrary to popular belief, Korean dramas (or k-dramas) are not all sappy romantic affairs. TV shows in South Korea are rich with entertaining content spanning different genres. If you lowkey want to get into the craze but don’t know where to start, here is a quick list of the best k-dramas on Netflix.
Genre: Drama
What It’s About: This is a show that revolves around the incomparable duo of revenge and friendship. Good-willed Park Sae-ro-yi opens a bar-restaurant in Itaewon with his outcast friends and tries to make it successful. Only problem? He’s trying to compete with the CEO and son of a huge restaurant group whom he has a lot of history with. By history, we mean they were the reason why he was thrown in prison when he was younger. Yikes.
Why Watch It: The characters, oh my god! In real life, Itaewon is actually one of the most colorful neighborhoods in South Korea. The show gives this justice by writing diverse characters whom we don’t usually see in k-dramas. For starters, some of the main characters in the series feature Hyeon-yi, a transwoman chef, and Kim To-ni, a part-timer from Guinea. I guarantee that you’re going to fall in love with the story of each character in this ensemble of social outcasts. Because of this very reason, this is perhaps one of the best k-dramas on Netflix, period.
Genre: Political Drama
What It’s About: An action and political drama, The K2 revolves around ex-soldier Kim Je-ha, who was framed for the murder of his lover. He then becomes a bodyguard for a family tied up in politics to exact revenge on the real murderer. In particular, he keeps an eye on the illegitimate daughter, Go An-na, and naturally, romance ensues. However, Go An-na’s stepmother will do whatever it takes to be the First Lady even if it comes at the cost of the main characters’ happiness.
Why Watch It: While the love story here gives us butterflies in our stomach, it plays second fiddle to a bigger plot about political ambition and deceit. Even with its share of soapy moments, The K2 is able to share with us some insight into how Korean politics operates. It also has a fair amount of action scenes which makes it one of the best Netflix k-dramas to watch for those who can’t help but roll their eyes at cheesy, romantic scenes. But also kinda like them.
Genre: Romantic Drama
What It’s About: A woman in her thirties, Jin-ah, falls in love with her best friend’s twentysomething younger brother, Joon-hee. Given their age gap and the complexity of the whole situation (it’s her best friend’s younger brother!), a lot of drama ensues among their circle of families and friends. And in between all that crazy melodrama, there is an arc that deals with sexual harassment in Jin-ah’s workplace and how she and her friends deal with it.
Why Watch It: While this is a show that older audiences will appreciate more, zoomers will also be able to learn a lot from this show if they really take it in. It serves some hot commentary on certain societal expectations when it comes to a lot of things… like relationships. For example, the “taboos” of dating someone way younger and marrying someone from a family with a good background are tackled in this romantic drama. Also, the harshly realistic subplot about women having to go along with men’s sexual advances in the workplace is eye-opening, especially for someone who has just graduated from college. Even if you won’t agree with the characters’ choices at times, you know that it is how someone in the real world would react.
Some of my friends and I found it to be slow at times, but the pacing will be something you appreciate when you look back at it. If you want something character-driven with an atmospheric setting and soundtrack, this is the show for you!
Genre: Coming of Age
What It’s About: This understated k-drama follows eighteen year-old loner Choi Joon-woo as he moves to another school where he meets Yoo Soo-Bin and Ma Whi-Young. Together, the three of them experience just how difficult life can be. They all try to find their sense of independence and self, as they confront their own respective demons that hold them back.
Why Watch It: As I wrote down the summary for this show, I realize just how generic Moment of Eighteen may seem. While it does sound like just another coming of age, it’s one of those things that you just have to watch to understand. Unlike its Western teen drama counterparts, the show is able to capture how a teenager actually talks and feels. If you’re a bit older than the rest of the other Gen Z’ers like me, then this show will hit you with a big wave of nostalgia. From the presentation and the soundtrack, you’ll be transported back to the time when you were just discovering the world and standing up for yourself.
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
What It’s About: As punishment for her actions when she was still alive, strong and moody Jang Man-wol becomes the owner of Hotel del Luna, whose visitors are exclusively ghosts. You heard that right! She hires a manager, Koo Chan-sung, to handle the hotel’s affairs. And of course, romance ensues. But unfortunately, time is running out for them as Man-wol becomes a better person because of Chan-sung.
Why Watch It: Aside from the huge production value? The quirky and stunning world that the show has built out is a blast to watch unfold. While every episode has a Monster of the Week plot, the 60+ minute episodes aren’t a chore at all. And we can thank the intense chemistry between the leads for that! Every scene that teases their romance is 😍😍😍. The supporting cast also possesses tremendous charm that adds to the good vibes you’ll have watching this.
More than that, the show is easily one of the best k-dramas on Netflix for zoomers because of its relatability. As most of us are in a transitional stage in our lives, its themes of moving on and dealing with baggage are very much appreciated.
Genre: Drama Comedy
What It’s About: This favorite hidden gem of mine revolves around five girls who live together in a boarding house, Belle Epoque. We follow their lives as they confront their own traumatic experiences and skeletons in the closets. And when we say skeletons, we could either mean literally or figuratively. You’ll have to find that out for yourself.
Why Watch It: It is one of the best k-dramas on Netflix I have watched, or the best one, period. I was shocked when I first watched this show because I thought it was just going to be another romantic comedy. Little did I know that it would delve deep into relevant issues like violence against women, PTSD, and abuse in the workplace. The first season had a lot of wisdom to offer, and despite some unrealistic moments, it’s hard not to see yourself in one of the main characters. I also love seeing the friendship between the main characters grow — they fight, make up, fight some more, and then comfort each other… like sisters.
Genre: Coming of Age
What It’s About: Yet another “boarding house” dramedy, we follow a group of college students who go through some of the most pivotal events in their lives together. For the entirety of the series , there is also a “who’s the husband” mystery that involves quirky protagonist, Sung Na-jung.
Why Watch It: If you’re in the mood to celebrate the friendships you have made in college, then you should check this out. The main romance storyline is kinda meh, but it is more than made up for with relatable characters and life lessons you’ll pick up along the way. It may also be interesting for anyone who is interested in South Korean culture, because this show is packed with true-to-life settings, references, and events that happened in the 90s.
This may be the second installment of the Reply trilogy, but I think that it’s the first one everyone should watch. Look, I’ve watched the other ones too. But in my opinion, even if Reply 1994 is the weakest one out of them, it’s the best introduction to the series. While all three of them generally follow a similar story, Reply 1994 is the only one able to stick the landing in displaying the unbreakable bond among friends.
And that’s my personal list of the best k-dramas on Netflix which I think zoomers will enjoy. I’m no k-drama expert, so I’m sure I missed out on a lot more. Feel free to comment on my lack of taste, and your own personal recommendations. Happy watching!
If you’re not into k-dramas, then maybe you’ll enjoy the Spanish teen drama, Elite instead. See why you should watch it here. Don’t miss out on future TV show recommendations by signing up for our newsletter!
Featured Image: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
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