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Korean television dramas have long been known for their predictable yet uniquely captivating storytelling. From love stories between individuals of different social status to complex love triangles, parental opposition, and cancer patients, Korean dramas offer a special allure. Have you watched all the series on this list yet?
Boys Over Flowers (2009) – Meteor Garden
Meteor Garden has become a part of the youth of many Vietnamese. Even now, as adults, we still reminisce about it.
Boys Over Flowers is a South Korean television series produced based on the manga of the same name by Yoko Kamio. The story kicks off with four high-handed students at Shinhwa High School dubbing themselves as the F4. They are revered by fellow students for their handsome looks and wealth.
Jan-di, a girl from humble origins, earns a scholarship to attend Shinhwa High School. From her early days at school, Jan-di finds herself in clashes with Jun-pyo (the leader of F4) and immediately steals his heart. Their relationship later faces many ups and downs, including parental opposition, class differences, a love triangle, and even a car accident. All these factors contribute to an extremely dramatic South Korean television series.
Crash Landing on You (2019-2020) – Landing in Your Arms
Yoon Se-ri is the heiress of a conglomerate in South Korea. One day, while paragliding, she encounters a storm that forces her to land urgently in North Korea. There, she meets a high-ranking North Korean officer named Jung-hyuk. Instead of seeing her as an intruder, he decides to protect her from dangers and find a way to send her back. The cultural differences and sensitive political situation between South Korea and North Korea undoubtedly pose challenges for the two. Despite numerous trials, their relationship blossoms.
3. Dae Jang Geum (2003) – The Tale of Jang Geum
If you're a fan of historical dramas, you definitely can't miss The Tale of Jang Geum, the story of an orphaned kitchen maid who later becomes the first female physician to the king. Based on a true story, Jang-geum, the first female physician of the Joseon dynasty, elevated her value through intelligence and advanced culinary skills. She aided the king during times when he suffered from various illnesses.
4. Flower of Evil (2020) – The Sinister Bloom
Flower of Evil is an intense crime drama about a man named Baek Hee Sung, who appears to be the perfect husband and father. However, beneath his facade lies dark secrets. The situation becomes complicated when detective Cha Ji Won – Hee Sung's wife – is tasked with uncovering her husband's true identity. It's a harrowing struggle between love and justice.
5. Mr. Queen (2020) – The Royal Exchange
If you're a fan of fantasy body-swapping genres, Mr. Queen is definitely a worthwhile choice. The series follows Jang Bong Hwan, a rising male chef who cooks for top politicians in South Korea. In a dire situation, he falls into the water and loses consciousness. Upon awakening, Bong Hwan finds himself in the body of Queen Kim So Yong, in the Joseon era. Hilarious and unexpected situations ensue thereafter.
6. Strong Girl Bong-Soon (2017) – The Mighty Maiden
The story revolves around a girl with extraordinary strength named Bong-Soon. She inherits this power from the women in her family. Bong-Soon is only allowed to use her strength for good purposes, as if she uses it selfishly, the power will vanish forever. Bong-Soon's quiet life changes when she meets the CEO of a gaming company and is hired as his bodyguard. Aside from the romantic storyline with the CEO, Bong-Soon also gets involved in a local crime case. As a result, she must balance personal life and becoming a superhero.
7. Oh My Ghost (2016) – Adorable Ghost
The main character is Bong-Sun, who is shy and easily intimidated, often bullied in her job as a sous chef. Her love for cooking leads her to Chef Kang Sun Woo, but she only admires him secretly. Additionally, Bong-sun has the special ability to see ghosts, frequently encountering the spirit of Soon Ae. Soon Ae has the opposite personality of Bong-Sun – witty, noisy, and outgoing. Soon Ae doesn't hesitate to possess Bong-sun's body to seduce the head chef.
8. Save Me (2017) – Cry for Help
Save Me brings something entirely new, diverging sharply from the typical K-drama plot. The story revolves around Sang Mi, who is in trouble as her family is entangled in a mysterious cult with bizarre rituals. In despair, Sang Mi reaches out to a group of four rebellious boys she just met for help. The ensuing developments entail a battle between the sinister cult and the four young men willing to go to extremes to save their friend.
9. Abyss (2019) – The Mysterious Stone
What if a deceased person could come back to life in a completely different body? That's the power of the magical stone called 'Abyss'. Cha Min is the heir to a leading South Korean cosmetics company, always insecure about his unattractive appearance. He uses the power of Abyss to transform himself into a handsome young man. Furthermore, Cha Min also resurrects Go Se Yeon, a deceased prosecutor. They join forces to uncover the cause of Se Yeon's death.
10. You’re Beautiful (2009) – Handsome Lady
Mi-nyeo and Mi-nam are fraternal twins, one male, one female. Both grew up in an orphanage, but Mi-nam wants to become a famous singer to find their mother, while Mi-nyeo desires to become a nun. When Mi-nam secures his position in the A.N.JELL music group, he gets injured and has to go to the USA for treatment. Mi-nyeo is now asked to disguise herself as her brother to take his place in the music group. This leads to complications for both Mi-nyeo and the A.N.JELL band.
