Popular Dramas in South Korea!

With its incredibly amazing entertainment industry, South Korea is a country that has marked its stamp in the arena of dramas. In recent years, Korean dramas, now referred to as K-dramas, have seen an explosive rise in their popularity as millions worldwide keep track of every episode that gets released. Be it heart-throbbing thrillers, romantic comedies, historical epics, or high-potency melodramas-South Korea has it all. Let's look into some of the most popular and iconic dramas from South Korea that have captured the hearts of viewers around the world.

1. Crash Landing on You

Arguably one of the most loved K-dramas to date, Crash Landing on You, is a 2019 romantic comedy-drama series that tells the story of Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean chaebol heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea while trying out new equipment. There, she encounters North Korean soldier Ri Jeong-hyuk, who ends up helping her hide from the authorities and find a way back home. The chemistry between leads Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin is off the charts, and the story's heartwarming mix of humor, drama, and political tension made it a massive hit. It succeeded not only in South Korea but also worldwide, as the whole world started appreciating the acting, storyline, and breathtaking visuals.

2. Squid Game

If you haven't heard of Squid Game, you've probably been living under a rock. Released in 2021, this survival drama became a global phenomenon. The premise is simple, yet chilling: 456 players, all struggling financially, are invited to participate in a series of children's games with a deadly twist. Whoever wins walks away with a large cash prize, but the losers are eliminated in brutal fashion. The psychological depth of the characters, the eerie atmosphere, and the powerful social commentary on class inequality made Squid Game one of the most-watched Netflix series of all time. With its complex characters and shocking plot twists, it’s no surprise that Squid Game took the world by storm.

3. Vincenzo

If you’re a fan of crime, action, and dark humor, Vincenzo is a must-watch. The story follows the life of Vincenzo Cassano, an Italian-Korean mafia consigliere played by Song Joong-ki, who comes back to South Korea after his mafia family was killed and soon finds himself in the middle of a fight against a corrupt conglomerate with revenge in his mind. What works for Vincenzo is its amalgamation of genres: action, drama, and comedy. The sharp wit of the lead characters, especially Song Joong-ki’s portrayal of Vincenzo, delivers an engaging and often hilarious story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its well-crafted characters and compelling plot, Vincenzo became a massive hit both domestically and internationally.

4. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

Goblin is one of the most iconic K-dramas of all time, and for good reason. This 2016 fantasy drama tells the story of Kim Shin, a 900-year-old goblin who is cursed to live forever unless he finds his "bride," who will help him end his immortality. Romance, fantasy, and deep philosophical themes come together in this emotional roller coaster of a show. The chemistry between lead actors Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun is palpable, and their performances leave a lasting impression. The show also features stunning cinematography and an unforgettable soundtrack that perfectly complements the emotional depth of the story. Goblin became a massive hit and is still widely regarded as a modern classic in Korean television.

5. My ID is Gangnam Beauty

For those who enjoy a good drama that tackles societal issues, My ID is Gangnam Beauty is an excellent choice. This 2018 series follows the life of a young girl, Kang Mi-rae, who undergoes plastic surgery in order to conform to societal notions of beauty. Later, she joins university and feels insecure about her self-worth, or how others look upon her based on her appearance. The drama sends an impactful message related to beauty, self-esteem, and the stresses from society. It also provides an honest look at the difficulties of navigating life while dealing with societal expectations. My ID is Gangnam Beauty is relatable, thought-provoking, and a hit with audiences who appreciate dramas with a social message.

6. Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class is a story of redemption, resilience, and revenge. It was released in 2020 and follows the story of Park Sae-roy, who opens a bar in the trendy neighborhood of Itaewon after his father gets killed in an accident caused by a wealthy businessman. Despite facing many hindrances, Sae-roy is determined to take down the company that ruined his life, driving the narrative. The drama fills in many powerful performances, especially the lead actor Park Seo-joon. The show also sends out important social messages regarding discrimination, inequality, and fighting for one's dreams. Itaewon Class became a huge hit and inspired audiences in the pursuit of justice and self-growth.

7. Descendants of the Sun

Another mega-hit that swept the globe aired in 2016-Descendants of the Sun. The drama leads of a love story between Captain Yoo Si-jin from the South Korean Army and Doctor Kang Mo-yeon, who is also working in a military hospital. Their romance would, therefore, develop over actions and life-threatening mission circumstances. The drama's blend of romance, action, and melodrama, plus the amazing chemistry between leads Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, made Descendants of the Sun an instant classic. It also gained a huge international fanbase and still stands as one of the most popular K-dramas of all time.

8. The Heirs

For fans of romantic melodramas, The Heirs is a must-watch. This 2013 drama revolves around the story of a group of wealthy high school students, focusing on Kim Tan, the heir to a major conglomerate, and Cha Eun-sang, a poor girl who gets entangled in their lives. The Heirs is full of love triangles, misunderstandings, and family secrets, hence exciting to watch. The series stars Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye, whose sizzling chemistry brought their tumultuous romance to life. The Heirs captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and relatable themes of love, ambition, and personal growth.