8 K-dramas with jaw-dropping cinematography
Above 'My Mister' (Photo: IMDB)
Starring: Lee Sun-kyun, IU
Bleak but beautiful, My Mister uses its dim lighting like an emotional thermometer. The greyness isn't just a vibe. Rather, it's a visual expression of burnout, loneliness and resilience. Industrial alleys, cramped homes and office cubicles are shot with the same care as a glossy K-pop video. Yet somehow, it all feels poetic. 3. 'Goblin / Guardian: The Lonely and Great God' (2016)
Above 'Goblin' (Photo: IMDB)
Starring: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun
You know a show has cinematographic chops when a scarf flying through the air becomes iconic. Goblin leans into romance-fantasy visuals with cathedral lighting, slow-mo snowfalls and surreal transitions. There's always a gust of wind at just the right time, and every flashback looks like it's been colour-graded for maximum heartbreak. 4. 'Pachinko' (2022)
Above 'Pachinko' (Photo: IMDB)
Starring: Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-ho, Youn Yuh-jung
Technically an Apple TV+ production, but with a Korean soul, Pachinko is lush and layered. It was shot in Japan, Korea and the US, and absolutely stunning in every frame. Thanks to cinematographers Florian Hoffmeister and Ante Cheng, each timeline has its own colour language, with pastel memories and saturated heartbreaks. This is a visual epic that earns every sweeping camera movement. 5. 'Squid Game' (2021)
Above 'Squid Game' (Photo: Netflix)
Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo
Weird, wild and washed in candy colours, Squid Game uses surreal set design and visual contrast to perfection. Neon pink stairs, creepy giant dolls and sterile white dormitories create an atmosphere that's part fever dream, part social commentary. It's not just stylised—it's psychological warfare in aesthetic form. Lee Hyung-deok was responsible for its eerie, child-like surrealism in the first season, while Kim Ji-yong took over for Season 2. 6. 'Arthdal Chronicles' (2019)
Above 'Arthdal Chronicles' (Photo: IMDB)
Starring: Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won, Jang Dong-gun
Arthdal Chronicles stands out for its ambitious world-building and high production values. The series boasts stunning cinematography that captures the mythical land of Arth with sweeping landscapes and meticulously designed sets. The visual storytelling enhances the epic narrative, immersing viewers in a richly imagined ancient civilisation.
See more: 10 most expensive Korean dramas to make 7. 'Flower of Evil' (2020)
Above 'Flower of Evil' (Photo: VIU)
Starring: Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-won
Flower of Evil employs a cinematic approach that elevates its suspenseful and emotional narrative. The series utilises thoughtful framing and lighting to accentuate the psychological tension between characters. The director's intention to highlight hidden contrasts is evident in the impactful visual compositions throughout the show. There's something about the cinematography that makes it even more of a must-watch. 8. 'Move to Heaven' (2021)
Above 'Move to Heaven' (Photo: IMDB)
Starring: Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang
Move to Heaven is lauded for its poignant storytelling complemented by exquisite cinematography. The series features beautifully composed shots that underscore the emotional depth of each episode. The visual aesthetics contribute to the show's heartfelt exploration of life, death and the memories left behind.
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Don't miss: 9 romantic K-dramas where the male lead fell in love first—and fell the hardest Choi Woo-shik Above Sweet and introspective in 'Our Beloved Summer' (Photo: SBS) Above Giving major ick in 'Fight for My Way' (Photo: KBS) Green flag: Our Beloved Summer Red flag: Fight for My Way Choi Woo-shik's role as the duplicitous Park Moo-bin in Fight for My Way is enough to give anyone the ick—he's pushy, disregards boundaries and, as it turns out, is already engaged to someone else while pursuing Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won). Meanwhile, in Our Beloved Summer , he plays the endearing and introspective Choi Ung, a talented and passionate illustrator who cares deeply for the people he loves, and whose unwavering affection for Kook Yeon-su (Kim Da-mi) made him a fan-favourite green flag K-drama character. Lee Dong-wook Above Sweet and misunderstood in 'Goblin' (Photo: tvN) Above A manipulative serial killer in 'Strangers from Hell' (Photo: IMDb) Green flag: Goblin Red flag: Strangers from Hell After making fans fall in love with him in Goblin as the sweet and misunderstood Grim Reaper—whose undying love for Sunny (Yoon In-na) had everyone swooning—Lee Dong-wook took a dark turn in Strangers from Hell . As the psychotic serial killer Seo Moon-jo, he doesn't just terrorise Yoon Jong-woo (Im Si-wan), he infiltrates his psyche, determined to mould him into a killer in his own image.
