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Crafting fresh, unique content and captivating scripts are always key factors in the success of many Korean films. Let's take a look back at the finest Korean movies that have made a splash in recent years with Mytour!
1. Hospital Playlist
Hospital Playlist stands as one of the finest and most anticipated Korean dramas of 2021, drawing inspiration from the medical field. It not only revolves around the busy daily lives of doctors but also portrays rich emotional scenes about friendship, a hint of romance, and the strong bond among colleagues.
Image: Hospital Playlist
The series features 5 main characters including 4 guys Ik Jun, Jung Won, Jun Wan, Seok Hyung, and the lady Song Hwa. During a university talent show, they all sneak out and fate brings them together.
Their friendship begins from that encounter, and all 5 of them weave a beautiful youth together during their years in college. 10 years later, the group of friends graduates and becomes skilled doctors, with destiny reuniting them once again as they all work together in the same hospital.
Hospital Playlist is a complete emotional journey from the humor in the dialogues of the 5 friends to the profound empathy behind the human stories. If you need a 'remedy' to soothe your soul right now, the meaningful messages that Hospital Playlist brings promise not to disappoint you!
2. Mr. Queen
Mr. Queen stands out as one of the best Korean dramas in early 2021, a remake based on the novel 'Go Princess Go' and the Chinese drama of the same name aired in 2015. Surpassing expectations, Mr. Queen immediately attracted a large audience with its intriguing plot and stunning character designs. Moreover, upon its release, a plethora of humorous scene stills and quotes from the series flooded social media, sparking a meme frenzy.
Image: Mr. Queen
In the modern world, Jang Bong Hwan, a renowned chef at the Blue House, creates exquisite dishes for the President of South Korea. However, Bong Hwan's life takes an unexpected turn after a high-rise poolside accident. His soul is transported back to the Joseon era, swapping bodies with Lady Kim So Yong, who is destined to become the Queen Consort of King Cheol Jong.
The comedic situations ensue when Bong Hwan finds himself living in a woman's body. Over time, it seems that Bong Hwan has completely transformed into a different Kim So Yong. With a stronger personality, able to take control of her own destiny, Kim So Yong dares to face challenges alongside King Cheol Jong, confronting the adversities and eliminating the nefarious forces within the court.
3. The Master's Sun
The Master's Sun is perhaps one of the best South Korean dramas in the fantasy, horror genre that you shouldn't miss. Each episode of the series promises not to disappoint you with its blend of humor and thought-provoking stories about love, family, and humanity in society.
Image: The Master's Sun
Ju Jung Won - the director of a massive shopping center, known for his grumpy and calculative nature in personal relationships. He's often referred to as the 'Master' due to his authoritarian demeanor. Despite projecting power and strength, Jung Won harbors a deep trauma from the death of his high school girlfriend in a kidnapping incident, which also caused him to lose his ability to read.
One stormy night, Jung Won encounters Tae Gong Sil - a quirky girl with the ability to see ghosts after an accident. Ghosts constantly seek Gong Sil's help, disrupting her life entirely. Once a bright and talented student, Gong Sil now struggles to find stable employment and suffers from chronic insomnia.
Gong Sil starts following Jung Won after discovering that touching him makes the ghosts disappear. Initially skeptical, Jung Won sees Gong Sil as a nuisance. However, the accuracy of Gong Sil's descriptions gradually convinces him of her abilities. As they face increasingly complex supernatural phenomena together, their bond deepens.
The series offers a fresh perspective on the parallel world of spirits, where ghosts are not always terrifying, and living humans can be deceitful and manipulative, deserving punishment.
4. Penthouse
Since the late months of 2020, Penthouse has been one of the best Korean dramas, sparking frenzy and becoming the talk of the town among K-drama enthusiasts worldwide. The series revolves around conflicts and sinister schemes lurking beneath the surface of high society relationships. It has attracted a massive fanbase due to its drama-filled storyline, leading viewers from one surprise to another.
Image: Penthouse
The first season of the series kicks off with the tragic death of the swapped daughter of the character Shim Soo Ryeon, setting off unresolved mysteries. Throughout its two seasons, the show gradually unveils horrifying secrets hidden beneath the glamorous facade of high society, revealing crimes rooted in greed with each gripping episode.
The characters in the series possess intricate inner portraits. They are willing to gamble everything, resorting to any means in love, even with family members, to satisfy their dark desires. Penthouse is indeed a drama feast that explores various issues such as infidelity, school violence, harassment, and the greed for fame, exploiting them to the fullest.
If you're in search of a mind-bending series and want to immerse yourself in an endless sea of drama, Penthouse is an ideal choice.
5. Crash Landing On You
Crash Landing On You has become one of the best Korean dramas focusing on military themes, premiering its first episode in December 2020.
Image: Crash Landing On You
The storyline revolves around the love story of Yoon Seri - a modern, beautiful, and wealthy woman and Ri Jung Hyuk - a captain of the North Korean army. During a paragliding trip to experience a new product of her company, Seri encounters a tornado and accidentally crosses the border into North Korea.
This extraordinary accident leads her to encounter her 'destined love' - the soldier Ri Jung Hyuk. Their love story, across two vastly different worlds, blossoms despite cultural, geographical, and of course, numerous challenges and obstacles.
Crash Landing On You has become the latest Korean drama to hold the highest TVN ratings record after its final episode aired in early 2021. The series captivates viewers not only with deeply romantic moments and highly entertaining humorous situations but also with its fresh and daring script. The cross-border love story between the North Korean soldier and the beautiful South Korean woman delivers meaningful messages, symbolizing a great desire for peace and national reconciliation.
6. Embrace Your Flaws
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay stands out as one of the best Korean dramas produced by Studio Dragon, the powerhouse behind hit films like Hotel Del Luna and Crash Landing On You.
Image: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay follows the tumultuous romance between nurse Moon Gang Tae and famous children's book author Ko Moon Young. The male lead, Moon Kang Tae, is a kind-hearted man whose life revolves around caring for his autistic older brother. Kang Tae hardly has time for himself or relationships outside of his family. As for Ko Moon Young, she is a talented writer but struggles with antisocial personality disorder. Moon Young has a quirky personality and enjoys collecting sharp objects, sometimes even stealing them if she desires. Nothing can deter her from pursuing her own interests and desires.
The contrast in lifestyles and personalities has made Kang Tae and Moon Young like two poles of a magnet. It's their shared past full of pain that gradually leads to empathy between them. This forms the basis of a love story that's a bit wild but incredibly sweet and happy.
7. Vincenzo
Vincenzo is the latest South Korean drama currently leading the TV series charts on Netflix. It tells the story of the journey of an orphaned boy, Park Joo Hyung, after being adopted by an Italian family. Many years later, the once 8-year-old boy is now a member of a notorious Mafia gang. Park Joo Hyung, now known as Vincenzo Cassano, operates undercover in the Mafia world disguised as an Italian lawyer.
Photo: Vincenzo
Vincenzo becomes a trusted advisor and the right-hand man of Don Fabio, who adopted the orphaned child years ago. After Fabio's death, his biological son Paolo seeks to eliminate Vincenzo out of jealousy. Vincenzo flees to Seoul, South Korea, to survive and embark on a journey to seek justice for a corrupt underground society, seeking redemption.
In South Korea, Vincenzo coincidentally meets and befriends Hong Cha Young, a beautiful and sharp-witted lawyer. After her father's death, Cha Young uncovers the dark secrets of Babel, a conglomerate she serves as a defense attorney. Cha Young quietly withdraws and joins forces with Vincenzo to oppose Babel, their common enemy at the time.
If you're looking for a refreshing new genre of film, then Vincenzo is one of the best South Korean dramas worth giving a try!
8. Goblin
Goblin stands as a television masterpiece from the Land of the Morning Calm, hitting screens in late 2016 and making a huge impact. The show not only succeeded in the Korean market but also resonated across Asia from its early episodes.
Image: Goblin
Goblin is a mythological tale spanning from ancient times to the present day. Kim Shin, a benevolent goblin, carries the mission of protecting souls. For centuries, Kim Shin has been searching for his 'goblin bride,' as only that special soul can pull the magic sword lodged in him from the past. With the magic sword, Kim Shin became an immortal goblin, so finding the 'goblin bride' means the moment he returns to dust.
In the modern era, he saved a girl named Ji Eun Tak when she was still in her mother's womb. As she grew up, Eun Tak possessed the unique ability to see souls. Will their fateful encounter lead to a happy ending? Is Eun Tak the 'goblin bride' he has been seeking all along, and will they write a love story with a fulfilling conclusion?
In the realm of fantasy and imagination, Goblin's storyline is constructed with incredibly logical elements. Thanks to its innovative script and numerous human stories, Goblin has become the highest-rated Korean drama of the past decade.
9. Hotel Del Luna
Hotel Del Luna stands out as one of the best Korean dramas aired in 2019, featuring the adorable singer IU and actor Yeo Jin Goo.
Image: Hotel Del Luna
Del Luna Hotel boasts an old, quirky appearance but is situated in the heart of Seoul city. Unlike other hotels in the city, Del Luna operates as a resting place for souls after they depart from their physical bodies and embark on their journey to the afterlife. At Del Luna, souls are served with great care and can fulfill their final wishes before officially leaving the earthly realm.
Additionally, audiences witness a beautiful romance between Jang Man Wol – the director of the 'Moonlight Hotel' and Goo Jan Sung, the 99th lifetime manager who is the only living person working at the hotel. Goo Jan Sung is also the only one who can assist Man Wol in her journey to find herself again and absolve the sins she committed 1000 years ago.
Hotel Del Luna is constructed with a mysterious pattern combined with emotional psychology, successfully attracting a large audience due to its unique perspective and theme. Undoubtedly, Hotel Del Luna is a must-watch drama that you shouldn't miss out on!
10. It's Ok, It's That Love
It's Okay, It's That Love tells the story of two individuals with intertwined fates, the famous novelist Jang Jae Yeol and the psychiatrist Ji Hae Soo. In a chance encounter, they become entangled in each other's lives, becoming each other's remedy, softening the lingering pains from childhood.
Image: It's Okay, It's That Love
Each of us, before growing up, has experienced at least a few times the unpleasant things in the past. Some have risen strong, while others have chosen to surrender to fate. It's Okay, It's That Love serves as a portrayal of the lives of people carrying wounds, who have once given up, who have let go, but ultimately refuse to surrender to fate. It's Okay, It's That Love brings valuable human values and meaningful messages, motivating us to stand up stronger after every fall.
Furthermore, the film not only realistically depicts the romantic relationship of modern young people but also reflects the psychological issues of individuals in society. It's Okay, It's That's Love is the best Korean drama that provides a very authentic life experience.
Discover the list of the best Korean movies that Mytour introduces, promising to bring you a cinematic experience with a plethora of emotions. Romance, surprises, and certainly enough to make Korean film enthusiasts shed more than a few tears!
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