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Hey there, K-drama lovers! Your go-to gal here, ready to sprinkle some of that must-watch magic into your life with my personal list of K-dramas that are too good to miss.
Now, to truly savor every moment like a pro, don’t forget my tried-and-true watching hacks: cozy up with your favorite snacks, keep a box of tissues handy (trust me), and let yourself fully dive into the rollercoaster of emotions.
Ready to get lost in a world of unforgettable stories and characters? Let’s get this K-drama party started!
Bookmark or print this list so you have it handy. Scroll down to get started.
“Crash Landing on You” is a wild ride. Imagine this: Yoon Se-ri, played by Son Ye-jin, is paragliding in South Korea. Oops! A tornado hits. Now she’s in North Korea. Talk about a wrong turn, right? Enter Ri Jeong-hyeok, Hyun Bin’s character. He’s a handsome North Korean officer. They meet. Sparks fly. It’s complicated.
This isn’t just a romance. It’s a cross-border love story with laughs, tears, and heart-stopping moments. Premiered on December 14, 2019, it quickly became a hit. Why? It’s funny, touching, and beautifully shot. Plus, the chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin? Off the charts.
You can catch this rollercoaster of emotions on Netflix. Trust me, it’s worth binge-watching. Even if you’re not into K-dramas, this one might change your mind. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a love story like no other.
“While You Were Sleeping” is not your typical bedtime story. It’s more like if your dreams decided to spill the tea on the future, and you’re like, “Wait, hold up!” Enter Suzy Bae, our dream-weaving heroine Nam Hong-joo, who’s got this unsettling gift of premonitory dreams. Alongside her is Lee Jong-suk, aka Jung Jae-chan, the rookie prosecutor who’s as noble as he is clueless about the chaos he’s about to dive into. Together, they’re the dynamic duo you didn’t know you needed, battling fate with a side of flirtation.
Kicked off on September 27, 2017, this show is a smorgasbord of suspense, romance, and a sprinkle of legal drama, making it a binge-worthy buffet on Netflix.
“While You Were Sleeping” is the perfect blend of heart-racing and heartwarming moments that’ll have you questioning your own dreams. Pillow, check. Snacks, check. Let the dreamy adventure begin!
So, imagine mixing up your ex’s wedding invitation with a total stranger’s drama. Welcome to “Another Miss Oh,” where Eric Mun’s Park Do-kyung gets his wires (and lives) hilariously crossed with not one, but two Oh Hae-youngs. Played by Seo Hyun-jin (the regular Oh Hae-young) and Jeon Hye-bin (the not-so-regular Oh Hae-young), this rom-com with a twist of fate (and a dash of psychic visions) premiered on May 2, 2016.
It’s like the universe’s way of saying, “Gotcha!” with every episode. From mistaken identities to heart-fluttering reconciliations, it’s a rollercoaster of “Oops, my bad!” moments.
Find yourself diving into this delightful mess on Netflix, where misunderstandings are the main course, served with a side of laughter. Trust me, it’s the kind of mix-up that makes you grateful your biggest problem is finding the remote.
Park Seo-joon, as the narcissistic vice chairman Lee Young-joon, and Park Min-young, as the ever-so-efficient secretary Kim Mi-so, give us the office romance of the century in “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.” First aired on June 6, 2018, this rom-com masterpiece takes “work wife” to a whole new level.
Young-joon’s ego is as big as the company’s profits, and Mi-so’s patience is the real MVP. When Mi-so decides to resign, Young-joon’s world turns upside down, leading to a series of hilariously desperate attempts to keep her. It’s a mix of ego clashes, mistaken identities, and, oh, a sprinkle of childhood trauma—because what’s a K-drama without a twist?
Catch their quirky love unfold on Viki, where laughs are guaranteed, and so is swooning. Honestly, it’s a crash course in “How to Fall for Your Boss 101.”
“Mr. Sunshine” throws us back to the Hanseong era, featuring Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi, a U.S. Marine Corps officer with swagger and a complicated past, and Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-shin, an aristocrat’s granddaughter moonlighting as a sniper. Sparks fly and history unfolds in this epic romance-action-drama, which premiered on July 7, 2018. It’s like someone tossed a history book into a blender with a love story and sprinkled in some gunpowder for kicks.
With battles, betrayals, and a boatload of period costumes that will make you wish corsets and top hats were still in, it’s history with a twist. The drama is a visual feast set against the backdrop of the Joseon period’s twilight years, offering a blend of personal tales and historical upheavals.
Gear up for a binge-watch session of “Mr. Sunshine” on Netflix, where patriotism meets passion. Just maybe keep a tissue box handy, okay?
“Descendants Of The Sun” is the romance-action-drama cocktail you didn’t know you needed. Picture this: Song Joong-ki, as the swoon-worthy Captain Yoo Shi-jin, meets Song Hye-kyo, the fierce Dr. Kang Mo-yeon, and sparks fly faster than bullets on a battlefield. Premiered on February 24, 2016, this drama takes “opposites attract” to a whole new level, combining sweet romance with edge-of-your-seat action.
Set against the backdrop of disaster zones and military action, it’s like “Grey’s Anatomy” met “Mission Impossible” and they decided to have a Korean baby. Watch the chemistry, comedy, and chaos unfold on Netflix.
Whether you’re in it for the love story, the adrenaline-pumping action, or just to see Song Joong-ki in uniform, “Descendants Of The Sun” delivers. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to watch that?
“Reply 1988” is a trip down memory lane with enough nostalgia to make you wish you had grown up in a South Korean neighborhood in the late ’80s. Starring Park Bo-gum as Choi Taek and Hyeri as Sung Deok-sun, this slice-of-life series, which premiered on November 6, 2015, mixes friendship, family, and the sweet pang of first love.
It’s not just a drama. It’s a cozy blanket of warm feelings with a side of laughs. Imagine living with your BFFs right next door, sharing every life twist and turn, and yes, fighting over the remote because that’s real love. Genre? It’s a heartwarming comedy-drama that makes you go, “Aww,” more times than you’d publicly admit.
Stream it on Netflix, and let’s just say, good luck trying not to get emotionally attached to every single character. Spoiler: It’s impossible.
In “Goblin,” where Gong Yoo plays an immortal being with housekeeping issues and Lee Dong-wook is a grim reaper with an identity crisis, things get real… and really funny. Launched into our living rooms on December 2, 2016, this fantasy romance spins a tale that’s as heart-tugging as it is side-splitting.
Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), our broody yet dashing goblin, crosses paths with Ji Eun-tak (played by the radiant Kim Go-eun), a high schooler who claims to be his bride. Meanwhile, Lee Dong-wook, as the amnesiac Grim Reaper, navigates earthly life with a deadpan humor that’s to die for. They’re a squad you can’t help but root for, through their supernatural shenanigans and emotional whirlwinds.
Dive into their immortal melodrama on Netflix, where love lives forever and so does the laughter. Trust me, it’s the perfect blend of eerie and endearing.
Alright, so “Itaewon Class” is not your typical rom-com where everything’s as sweet as a cinnamon roll. Launched into the K-drama universe on January 31, 2020, this show stars Park Seo-joon as Park Sae-ro-yi, a guy with a vendetta and a killer haircut, and Kim Da-mi as Jo Yi-seo, a social media savant with an IQ that’s off the charts.
Together, they’re on a mission to turn a pokey little bar in Itaewon into a veritable empire, battling snooty chaebols and making us root for the underdog. This drama’s got it all: revenge, love, and food that’ll have you drooling. Plus, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions where you’ll laugh, cry, and maybe even learn a thing or two about business.
Hop on over to Netflix to join the class of Itaewon, where dreams are served spicy, just like its signature dishes.
Dive into “The World of the Married,” where the drama’s so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Premiered on March 27, 2020, this show stars Kim Hee-ae as Ji Sun-woo, a doctor who seems to have it all, and Park Hae-joon as Lee Tae-oh, her husband, who’s about to turn her perfect world upside down. Let’s just say, if you thought your love life was complicated, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Genre? It’s a spicy mix of romance, betrayal, and a dash of thriller for taste. This rollercoaster of emotions is waiting for you on Netflix.
So, if you’re in the mood to see how the other half (doesn’t) live, with more plot twists than a pretzel factory, then “The World of the Married” is your next binge-fest. Just maybe lock up your own significant other first, you know, just in case.
“Hotel Del Luna” isn’t your typical hotel. It’s Airbnb for ghosts, with service that’s literally to die for. Starring IU as the glamorous yet cursed hotelier, Jang Man-wol, and Yeo Jin-goo as the ever-so-logical hotel manager, Goo Chan-sung, this show blends fantasy, romance, and a touch of comedy into one unforgettable stay.
Premiered on July 13, 2019, it’s where you check in for the plot but stay for the fashion. Forget about “The Shining”. This hotel’s spooky vibes are served with a side of heartfelt lessons and tear-jerking moments.
Catch this ghostly getaway on Netflix, where the only thing scarier than the spirits is how quickly you’ll binge through it. So, grab your popcorn and maybe a comfort blanket – “Hotel Del Luna” is the perfect blend of eerie, amusing, and awww.
Diving into the world of law with a twist, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a quirky, heart-tugging ride. Meet Woo Young-woo, played by the talented Park Eun-bin. She’s not your average attorney. Oh no. She’s got autism, a sky-high IQ, and a love for whales that could rival any marine biologist. Then there’s Lee Jun-ho, the ever-charming Kang Tae-oh, who’s there to add just the right amount of spice and everything nice.
This show isn’t just a legal drama. It’s a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and whale facts you never knew you needed. Premiered on June 29, 2022, it’s the K-drama that took Netflix by storm.
So, if you’re up for courtroom battles with a side of whale trivia and a sprinkle of romance, you know where to click. Extraordinary Attorney Woo, where law meets heart in the most delightful way.
Oh, “My Beloved Summer,” you heart-fluttering rollercoaster of feels! Picture this: Choi Woo-shik, aka the boy-next-door you wish lived next door, plays Choi Woong. Then there’s Kim Da-mi, the queen of cool, stepping into the shoes of Gook Yeon-soo.
These two? High school sweethearts turned “it’s complicated.” We’re talking romance with a capital R, sprinkled with laughs that’ll have you snorting your tea.
This gem landed on our screens December 6, 2021, making winter a tad warmer. Netflix decided to be our bestie by streaming it. So, if you’ve ever wondered if first loves ever truly fade or just hang around like that catchy song you can’t shake, dive into “My Beloved Summer.” It’s like your favorite comfort food, but for your soul. And yes, it’s as addictive as that sounds.
“Start-Up” is where dreams hustle and heartstrings tangle! Meet Nam Joo-hyuk, playing Nam Do-san, the tech whiz you’d gladly share your Wi-Fi password with. Then there’s Suzy Bae, our go-getter Seo Dal-mi, who’s basically the poster girl for #Goals. Together, they’re navigating the wild ride of South Korea’s Silicon Valley. Think less boring tech talk, more heart-pounding, “will they, won’t they” moments.
Premiered on October 17, 2020, this show turned the fall into a season of feels. And where to catch this rollercoaster of love and ambition? Netflix, your trusty source for sleepless nights. “Start-Up” is the perfect blend of inspiration and that warm, fuzzy feeling.
So, if you’ve ever dreamt of launching your own thing or just crave a good love story, this K-drama is your next binge-watch. Trust me, your heart will thank you.
“Hospital Playlist” is like “Friends” but in a hospital. And with more surgeries. Launched into the K-drama universe on March 12, 2020, it stars Jo Jung-suk as Lee Ik-jun and Yoo Yeon-seok as Ahn Jung-won. These two, along with their gang, juggle life, love, and liver transplants.
Genre? A dramedy with a heartbeat. Picture this: Doctors who are also a band. Yes, a band. Because nothing says “stress relief” like performing surgery by day and rock ballads by night. It’s a story of friendship thicker than the medical textbooks they once crammed. And the drama? As juicy as a hospital cafeteria lunch. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll Google medical terms.
Streaming on Netflix, it’s your prescription for a drama dose that’s just what the doctor ordered. Warning: Side effects may include binge-watching and a sudden appreciation for scrubs.
“Because It’s My First Life” – a title that screams “relatable,” right? Picture Lee Min-ki, playing our clueless yet adorable homebody, Nam Se-hee. Then there’s Jung So-min, aka Yoon Ji-ho, the hopeless romantic with a twist. She’s broke. He’s got a house but no warmth. They decide, “Hey, let’s live together!” Sounds like the beginning of every parents’ nightmare, but trust me, it’s the start of something beautiful.
Launched into our lives on October 9, 2017, this show turned mundane into magic. Where to binge this masterpiece? Good ol’ Netflix has your back. This isn’t just a love story. It’s a “how the heck do I adult” story with a side of sweet, sweet romance.
If you’ve ever wondered about the fine line between a housemate and a soulmate, “Because It’s My First Life” is your hilariously heartwarming answer.
“Mr. Queen” is the hilarious time-travel ride you didn’t know you needed. Imagine this: Shin Hye-sun, who’s absolutely nailing it as a modern-day chef’s soul trapped in a Queen’s body from the Joseon era. Then there’s Kim Jung-hyun, playing King Cheoljong, who’s got more layers than a royal kimchi jar. This duo turns the historical drama genre on its head, with belly laughs and eye rolls in the grand halls of a palace.
Launched into our lives on December 12, 2020, it’s the perfect blend of history, comedy, and a bit of romance to spice things up. Where to catch this wild ride? Netflix’s got you covered.
“Mr. Queen” is your go-to for a cheeky peek into history with a twist so big, it’ll have you questioning everything you know about time travel. Buckle up—oops, I mean, just dive right in!
“Clean With Passion For Now” is the quirky love story you never saw coming. Here’s the scoop: Yoon Kyun-sang steps into the ultra-neat shoes of Jang Sun-gyul, a cleaning company CEO who hates dirt more than spoilers. Enter Kim Yoo-jung, portraying Gil Oh-sol, a job seeker who treats cleaning like a mystery best left unsolved. When these two collide, it’s a comedic clash of clean vs. chaos.
Premiered on November 26, 2018, this show turns the mop into a magic wand for romance. Looking for where this delightful mess unfolds? Now you can binge-watch this sparkling drama on Netflix.
“Clean With Passion For Now” is your go-to for laughs, love, and a life lesson on why sometimes, a little dirt doesn’t hurt. So, grab your favorite snack (just maybe not the messy ones) and dive in. No cleaning required!
“Hi Bye, Mama!” is the tear-jerking, heart-melting drama that’ll have you hugging your pillow tight, then throwing it in laughter. Kim Tae-hee, our ghostly mama Cha Yu-ri, is on a mission to win back her life (and family), while Lee Kyu-hyung plays her bewildered hubby, Jo Kang-hwa, who’s caught between moving on and holding on.
First aired on February 22, 2020, this show takes “family drama” to a whole new, supernatural level. Netflix decided we all needed a good cry (and laugh), so it’s streaming there. Packed with emotions, “Hi Bye, Mama!” is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded – you have no idea what turn you’ll take next, but it’s thrilling.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about second chances from beyond the grave, this is your go-to binge. Grab your tissues and maybe a snack – it’s going to be a bumpy, but oh-so-worth-it ride.
“Kingdom” flips the script on your average zombie apocalypse and sets it during the Joseon dynasty, where the undead are rocking hanboks, craving royal blood, and running like Olympic sprinters. Ju Ji-hoon, our fearless Crown Prince Lee Chang, is on a mission not just to claim his throne but to save his kingdom from a flesh-eating nightmare. Bae Doona, as the quick-witted nurse Seo-bi, holds the key to the mystery behind this outbreak.
Premiered on January 25, 2019, this show takes “royal intrigue” and flips it on its head, adding a dash of “run for your life” for good measure. Netflix, in its infinite wisdom, decided this was the perfect combination of thrill and chills for its lineup.
“Kingdom” is like if your history book got bitten by a zombie and suddenly sprang to life – it’s unexpectedly gripping, and you can’t help but watch. So, if you’re into sword fights, power struggles, and, well, zombies, grab your popcorn. This isn’t your grandma’s period drama.
“Mystic Pop-Up Bar” is the K-drama equivalent of your favorite late-night snack spot, but with a side of supernatural counseling. Hwang Jung-eum serves up sass and solace as Wol-joo, the bar owner with a heart of gold and a mission to settle the emotional debts of 100,000 souls. Yook Sung-jae, playing the innocent, wide-eyed Han Kang-bae, has the unique ability to make people spill their deepest secrets with just a touch.
Together, they’re a dynamic duo serving up drinks and life lessons in equal measure. This whimsical concoction of comedy, fantasy, and a dash of drama premiered on May 20, 2020, and has been soothing souls on Netflix ever since.
“Mystic Pop-Up Bar” offers a quirky, heartwarming look into life’s troubles, proving that sometimes, the best therapy comes with a side of soju. So, if you’re in need of a laugh, a cry, or a drink, this is your spot.
“Twenty Five Twenty One” – where time travel is just a metaphor for growing up and chasing dreams. This K-drama grabs you by the hand and whisks you back to the turn of the millennium, where flip phones were cool and love letters were a thing. Enter Kim Tae-ri, our fearless heroine Na Hee-do, an aspiring fencer with more energy than a high school pep rally. Then there’s Nam Joo-hyuk, who plays Baek Yi-jin, the guy who’s got the ‘broke but brilliant’ trope nailed down.
Their journey from 1998 to 2001 is a nostalgia-packed ride, with enough ups and downs to keep your emotions on a constant roller coaster.
First aired on February 12, 2022, Netflix decided we all needed a throwback to simpler times. So, if you’re in for a trip down memory lane with a side of sweet romance and life lessons, “Twenty Five Twenty One” is your ticket.
“IRIS” is the K-drama equivalent of that friend who’s always dragging you into their drama, but you can’t help loving the chaos. Lee Byung-hun, a.k.a. the James Bond of South Korea, plays Kim Hyun-jun, an elite spy who can dodge bullets but not his feelings. Then there’s Kim Tae-hee, the fierce and fabulous Choi Seung-hee, who’s both his colleague and love interest, making workplace romance look like child’s play.
Launched into the espionage arena on October 14, 2009, this show has more twists than a bag of pretzels. Looking for where to catch this thrilling rollercoaster? Dive into the world of Netflix, where “IRIS” awaits to recruit you into its ranks of devoted fans.
It’s a blend of action, romance, and suspense that’s so gripping, you’ll forget to breathe. So, grab your popcorn and prepare for a binge that’s as addictive as it is action-packed.
“Vagabond,” aka the show that takes “turbulence” to a whole new level, straps you in for a wild ride from the get-go. Lee Seung-gi, our ruggedly charming stuntman Cha Dal-gun, turns into a one-man army after a tragic plane crash that hits too close to home. Suzy Bae, playing the role of Go Hae-ri, is the secret agent who’s as deadly as she is dedicated, but with a soft side that sneaks up on you like those hidden fees on a budget flight. Together, they’re diving headfirst into a conspiracy that’s as twisted as a pretzel.
First aired on September 20, 2019, it’s Netflix’s gift to those of us who love our action with a side of heart-stopping moments and jaw-dropping revelations.
“Vagabond” is essentially a shot of adrenaline, served with a side of intrigue and a sprinkle of romance. Fasten your seatbelts, folks. This is one bumpy, heart-racing journey you won’t want to miss.
“My Country: The New Age” throws you back to the tumultuous end of the Goryeo period, but with more eye candy and less history homework. Yang Se-jong plays Seo Hwi, a warrior with the strength of a bear and the loyalty of a golden retriever. Woo Do-hwan, as Nam Sun-ho, is his BFF turned frenemy, serving up betrayal with a side of smolder. Their bromance is the kind that could make a soap opera jealous.
Premiered on October 4, 2019, this epic saga is Netflix’s way of saying, “Who needs a time machine when you’ve got Wi-Fi?” It’s a whirlwind of sword fights, power struggles, and the kind of political intrigue that makes your office drama look like child’s play.
“My Country: The New Age” is perfect for those nights when you crave a dash of history with your action-packed drama. Swords, friendship, betrayal – oh my! This show has it all.
There you have it, my fabulous K-drama crew! Dive into these gems with my watching hacks to truly savor every moment.
Remember, whether you’re laughing, crying, or swooning, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a K-drama.
Feel free to share this list and spread the K-drama love.
Happy watching! 😊
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