Released September 17, 2021, Squid Game, a Korean survival thriller took the world by storm. Making its way to #1 on Netflix’s most watched list in 90 countries, it became Netflix’s biggest original series. Despite being around for more than half a century, the South Korean TV and film industry have become more mainstream over the past two decades. Over these past few years, they have gained popularity in the West, and it’s not hard to see why. A few reasons include:
- A smaller number of episodes, making them easy to binge
- Content for a variety of audiences. Meaning, there is less explicit content, allowing a multitude of individuals to enjoy them
- High production quality
- Meaningful, well-written storylines, helping the viewer emotionally connect to the characters
- The universal themes, societal issues and struggles that are addressed throughout the episodes
Therefore, there are a multitude of reasons that have contributed to the growing love for K-dramas in mainstream media today. Over the past year, I have watched a variety of K-dramas myself and would like to share my favorites with all of you!
1. Crash Landing On You
Yoon Se-Ri, an heiress to a South Korean multi-industry company has a paragliding accident as a result of strong winds. Upon gaining consciousness, she discovers she has landed within North Korea and has no way of contacting anyone. It is here that she meets Ri Jeong-Hyeok, a Korean army officer. Despite political issues and the dangerous consequences, he hides her and attempts to send her back home. Throughout the show, we watch the two grow closer together while their stories become entwined in more ways than one. A strong female lead, an ill-fated love story and a mystery, this show is one of the best I have ever watched.
2. It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
The world of Moon Kang-Tae, a worker in the psychiatric ward changes when he meets a popular children’s book writer. Ko Moon-Young has an antisocial disorder, causing her to seem rude and arrogant. While fate may be against them, the two slowly fall for each other. Featuring a strong female lead and an emotional story, this K-drama deals with mental health in a truly beautiful way.
3. Vincenzo
After adoption, Park Joo-Hyeong moves to Italy. Now, he is an Italian lawyer and consigliere for the Mafia who also goes by the name Vincenzo. However, due to a dispute between different Mafia groups, he returns to South Korea. While there, he meets a multitude of people, including a lawyer by the name of Hong Cha-Young. Progressively, Vincenzo’s motives change, leading him to join the battle against Babel group, a multi-industry company.
4. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
An idealistic dentist from Seoul opens up her own clinic in the seaside village of Gongjin. Throughout the show, we meet the quirky residents of the village, including Hong Du-Sik. Known as Chief Hong by the residents, he is a happy-go-lucky male whose personality clashes with our female lead’s. Eventually, the two grow closer together while the rest of Gongjin’s residents struggle with issues within their own lives. Love triangles, emotional back stories and humor, this feel-good rom-com has everything viewers are looking for!
5. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
This show features Kim Bok-Joo, a female weightlifter who aspires to lift on a college campus. Hanging out with her two weightlifting friends and helping her dad with his restaurant outside of classes, she lives a relatively normal life. However, upon meeting Jung Joon-Hyung, a friend from elementary school, things change. She begins to fall for Jung Joon-Hyung’s brother, a charismatic doctor. However, in the process, she begins to rethink her dreams and doubt her passion for weightlifting. This K-drama features great characters and a heart-warming coming of age story that makes it a must-watch!
That’s it! These were my top 5 binge-worthy K-dramas. I truly hope that these shows find a special place in your heart and that you love them as much as I did. As always, feel free to share your thoughts on these shows in the comments!
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