Goblin To Squid Game: 10 K-Dramas Everyone Should Watch At Least Once
There's no shortage of Korean dramas across a variety of genres. The endless options sometimes make it hard to decide what to watch. Whether you're a seasoned K-drama enthusiast or a newcomer exploring the genre, some shows have truly left a mark. So if you are free this weekend or catching up with a friend at home, this list is perfect for your K-drama binge.
Mr. Queen
Mr. Queen has to be Shin Hye-sun's best K-drama of all time. Based on the Chinese web series Go Princess Go, this period drama follows a chef who travels back to the Joseon era and finds himself waking up in Queen Cheorin's body. Mr. Queen has everything from heartfelt romance, comedy and action.
Crash Landing On You
This romantic comedy follows Yoon Se-ri, a successful South Korean businesswoman who is swept off course by a tornado while paragliding and crash-lands in North Korea. There, she is discovered by Ri Jeong-hyeok, a captain in the Korean People's Army, who decides to hide her and help her return home. What follows is a heartwarming story of love.
Descendants Of The Sun
This series tells a story of lovers who are drawn apart from each other due to the circumstances they find themselves in. Starring Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki, this drama attained wide acclaim for its emotional depth and chemistry between the lead characters.
The Glory
The Glory follows Song Hye-kyo's character, Moon Dong-eun, as she sets out on a gripping journey of revenge after enduring brutal bullying in high school. Each scene is packed with intensity, showcasing Dong-eun's unwavering resolve to bring her tormentors to justice.
Queen Of Tears
Queen of Tears perfectly explores the nuances of a married couple going through a rough patch. The drama delves into the themes of love, loss, redemption, and the complexities of family dynamics and social hierarchy. It uses contrasting colour palettes to represent the emotional state of the characters, emphasising the depth of the story.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
This slice-of-life K-drama follows a big-city dentist who moves to a seaside village where she meets a handyman intent on helping his neighbours. The series explores their evolving relationship against the backdrop of a small-town community. This drama resonated with audiences globally and became one of the most-watched K-dramas on Netflix.
Goblin
Starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, this drama balances fantasy, romance, and comedy. Goblin tells the story of an immortal goblin cursed to live forever until he finds a human bride who can end his eternal life by removing a sword from his chest.
Fight For My Way
Fight For My Way beautifully explores the classic friends-to-lovers trope, following a former taekwondo champion and a spirited receptionist as they chase their dreams while navigating life's many hurdles. With a perfect blend of humour and heart, this K-drama takes viewers on the inspiring and emotional journey of Dong-man and Ae-ra's love story.
Weak Hero
A fan-favourite K-drama, Weak Hero follows a young studious man who refuses to back down from the bullies in his class and uses his intelligence to fight against them. From the fight scenes to heartwarming friendships, every little element in the show has been executed perfectly.
Squid Game
This thrilling K-drama has become a global sensation over the years. The drama revolves around a secret contest where 456 players risk their lives to play a series of deadly games for the chance to win a $39.86 million cash prize. This action-packed drama is undoubtedly one of the most relevant shows of our time.
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