Although the Korean entertainment industry has only recently garnered full Western attention, Korean dramas aren't given as much attention as Kpop is. If you ever find yourself bored or curious about what dramas or movies to watch--you should try watching a Korean drama. Since there are countless Korean dramas that are very well made (character-wise, plot-wise, and filming-wise), I will include 10 must-watch dramas from the past two years.
1. Suspicious Partner
Suspicious Partner is a drama that revolves around four characters, specifically the two main characters who end up falling for each other. Noh Ji Wook is a prosecutor who has a story behind why and how we chose that career path. However, he stumbles upon a case against an intern at his firm who he (at first) shares a love-hate relationship with.
Things get awry as relationships are strained because of particular cases nonetheless, the drama leaves the audience confused and eager as episodes progress. If you're all about romance, drama, and mystery--give this one a shot!
2. While You Were Sleeping
After "Goblin," most k-drama lovers were left shaken and distressed that no other drama would ever reach the level of sophistication, great acting, and extremely unique plotline as did Goblin. However, "While You Were Sleeping" proved otherwise.
Although this is another drama where the main male lead is a prosecutor, this character is completely different from Suspicious Partner's Noh Ji Wook. He meets Hong-Joo, who can foresee deaths. They work together to alter destiny and solve cases, eventually leading up to the mystery behind Hong Joo's recurring dream of her own death.
3. Just Between Lovers
Just Between Lovers is by far one of the most relatable and realistic dramas I have ever watched. Every character in the drama suffers from their own pain and troubles. Although one may be a rich architect, the drama slowly unveils his greatest wounds and tragedies.
Overall, it focuses on two broken people who have suffered the loss of someone important along with their hopes and dreams. It is when they come across each other years after the tragedy, that their hopes and hearts reawaken and decide to give life another chance.
4. The Great Seducer
Currently airing on Mondays and Tuesdays on MBC, The Great Seducer (Tempted) is loosely adapted from Pierre Choderlos de Lacios' Les Liaisons dangeruses. Every character is struggling through their lives. Three best friends who recently graduated from high school decide to partake in the dangerous game of love and seduction.
The main male lead takes on the challenge to win Tae Hee's heart however, he starts to fall in love with her which causes tension between him and his childhood best friend (who's also in love with him).
5. A Korean Odyssey (Hwayugi)
Although I only recently started this drama, Hwayugi's experienced and honest actors help convey an amalgam of vileness and drama very well. It focuses on two characters (Son O-Gong and King Wooma), who search for truthfulness in a world full of evil.
6. Mother
Unlike other dramas where a mother is distanced from her child because someone kidnapped them, this one focuses on quite the opposite. A young girl is abused by her mother and treated horribly enough to catch a kindhearted teacher's attention.
After understanding the young girl's situation and knowing that her life would continue with her being ill-treated by her biological mother, her teacher decides to give her a better life. It's an interesting drama since we get to see a different perspective and situation.
7. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
If you're looking for a cute, lighthearted and easy drama that won't bring you on an emotional rollercoaster--this is the one! It's full of romance, comedy, fun-loving characters, and inspiration.
The female lead, just like us, goes through relatable phases such as having unrequited love, lack of motivation to do anything, and minor friendship/relationship issues. I'd recommend this one as a REQUIRED Spring drama! A lot of life lessons and encouraging words!
8. Prison Playbook
"Prison Playbook" is unlike no other drama. A famous baseball pitcher lands himself behind the bars after he saves his sister from a sexual assault, just days before joining the Boston Red Sox. He struggles to learn how to survive in this new environment.
