The rise of BTS and the Kpop industry in the US has made a drastic effect on many people. Expanding music taste was the basis of what Kpop has accomplished. However, so has the need for Kdrama. The increased consumption of Korean and east asian based media has caused an increase in the available selection for consumers. As well, the success of Squid Game and Parasite has furthered the exposure to reach the majority, and rightfully so. The impeccable production of each kdrama and the complex plot all within a typical 16-20 episodes. Kdramas have rightfully become a popular genre and thus Netflix has added a vast variety of available Kdramas.
To start off with and here are some of my favourites, on Netflix or other streaming services:
1.Vincenzo
Vincenzo is an enticing thriller Kdrama that focuses on a consigliere for an Italian mafia family. Vincenzo Cassano, returns to South Korea to retrieve gold hidden under a building complex that is awaiting being seized by a larger company by the name of Bale that seeks to use the area. Vincenzo, for his pursuit of the goal aims to fight Babel and secure the land before he can retrieve the gold that’s hidden under.
The kdrama is thrilling and funny, a perfect mix of character establishments and a good hefty plot to keep you intrigued. Without spoiling too much, I can say that it was intriguing to see Vincenzo’s character interact with others and fight the other company in a court platform all while using his past as a Mafia to counter the corrupt Babel. A shocking ending leaves the character of Vincenzo to come full circle. It was incredibly satisfying to watch and accompanied with the humorous cast, it made the kdrama my favourite.
2.Hometown Cha Cha Cha
City slicker Hye-Jin opens a dental clinic in Gongjin and sparks flying when she meets resident favourite handyman Hong Du-Sik . The story is a classic of two opposites clashing at first while Hye-Jin adjusts to the small town life and all its repercussions. Du-Sik works a variety of odd jobs while insisting on only earning the minimum wage. Du-sik believes she is capable of letting her hair down and stopping to smell the roses on occasion. The other Gongjin residents are also thrown into the mix; they’re wry, yet welcoming of Hye-Jin, and the show devotes its first episodes to how they warm up to each other.
The chemistry between the two leads was to die for. Du-sik brings a comfort and ease to her life and Hye-Jin is the type of support that he’s never had. The character development portrayed for their characters is impeccable to witness and and it doesn’t hurt that the setting is absolutely beautiful. It’s the perfect summer show, relaxing and funny and a romance that is so comfortable to witness.
3.Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Kim Bok-Joo is a promising female weightlifter at the collegiate level. Her father owns a small chicken restaurant, and her uncle aspires to be an actor. She has a strong sense of justice and a bright personality. Kim Bok-Joo and her female weightlifting team friends aren’t popular with the guys, and they don’t have boyfriends. The weightlifting team and the rhythmic gymnastics team are also at odds. Meanwhile, Jung Joon-Hyung is a collegiate swimmer who has been disqualified numerous times for false starts. He is 21 years old and has an outgoing personality. His uncle and aunt, as well as his cousin Jung Jae-Yi, raised him. The two main leads meet for the first time on campus and realize that they’d known each other back when they were kids. They navigate through the strains of being athletes with big goals and their own personal ambitions to enjoy normal lives.
If I were to give any Kdrama a kudos for nailing down the chemistry it would be this one. The two main leads are incredibly fun and loving and go through supporting each other through each others lives, all while harbouring a friends to lovers trope. It’s fun loving and light hearted to witness two ambitious college kids navigate their lives and troubles in such an optimistic manner. Definitely a must watch.
4.Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Bong-Soon was endowed with superhuman strength at birth. Her strength is inherited and only passed down to the women in her family. Her ambition is to create a video game in which she is the main character. One day, Bong-Soon comes to the aid of a bus driver who is being assaulted by a thug. Soon after, a swarm of thugs attacks Bong-Soon, but she easily dispatches them. During this time, Min-Hyuk (arrives at the scene where Bong-Soon is beating up the thugs. Min-Hyuk is the CEO of Ainsoft, a video game company. He recently received anonymous threats and was even followed by an unknown individual. Min-Hyuk believes Bong-incredible Soon’s strength would make her an excellent bodyguard. He not only offers Bong-Soon a high salary, but also the opportunity to work in the planning department of his gaming company if she performs well. Meanwhile, crimes against women are committed in Bong-neighborhood. Soon’s Detective Kook-Doo (Ji Soo) is also a resident of the same area. They’ve known each other since they were children. Bong-Soon is madly in love with him as well, but he already has a girlfriend. Kook-Doo attempts to solve the mystery, and Bong-Soon and Min-Hyuk are drawn in.
The characters navigate around the threat of crime with the kidnappings going on and Bong Soon aims to get put onto the team to create video games at Minhyuk’s company. Both, slightly exasperated with each other aim to help each other out while dealing with family troubles and a love triangle. The editing in the show gives it a very comical aspect that contends with the harsh witnessing of the crimes. The incredible Kdrama is a roundabout favourite among many beginners.
5.The Devil Judge
Kang Yo Han is the “Devil Judge,” the chief justice of the land’s highest court. His word is the law in a dystopian South Korea of the future, but his courtroom is also a television studio, and the court has become the ultimate TV reality show, with viewers invited to participate in a live, self-styled “people’s court.” Greed and corruption appear to be exposed for all to see here, and punishments are meted out accordingly. The public is divided over whether Kang Yo Han is a true popular hero or a malicious force sowing the seeds of chaos in his court.
Jung Sun Ah, on the other hand, is a stern, clever, and ambitious lady with a desire for power. She has a savage rivalry with Kang Yo Han and has worked her way up from poverty to become the director of a corporate social responsibility foundation. She wields a great deal of authority behind the scenes, maintaining tight ties with politicians and corporate leaders alike, and is hellbent on promoting her own vision of the future. She’s also on the hunt for the “Devil Judge” himself, hoping to learn more about her foe’s deepest secrets.
The drama follows two powerful and deceptive characters through times of manipulation and uncertain fates. The concepts of found family and manipulation and power struggles are dealt with aptly all while keeping watchers on the edge of their seats.
All of these and plenty more are a great way to start your journey to the world of new and improved content. Enjoy!