The Beginner’s Guide To Watching Addictive Korean Dramas

Because we’re so done with saas-bahu dramas!

a list of super-hit Korean dramas

We all know what the basic plot of most Pakistani dramas is. Either it revolves around married life or there is always one character who is the subject of ridicule, which in most cases is a woman.

A lot of us are bored of those tired old tropes. They offer nothing new, and to be frank, it puts us to sleep. What’s a person to do when they got time to kill?

All this being said, why not switch over to something that covers various genres and is also extensive in terms of themes and story-line? Korean dramas are exactly what the doctor ordered. And if you always wanted to try them out (but were not sure of where to start) this lil guide has got you covered.

We have made a list of Korean dramas that will fill up your palate with so many different, yet interesting plots. From romance to fantasy, action, thriller and even medical, you name it and it’s there. Plus the OSTs are on a completely different level.

Oh, and did we mention how addictive it is? You will find yourself falling down the rabbit hole like Alice and explore a whole new world of fiction.

Shall we begin?

Descendants of the Sun

This 2016 military based drama is still the most talked about topic among K-entertainment fanatics. It’s cute, it’s romantic and there are many scenes where you will find yourself sobbing only because the characters are too cute.

Starring Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, Jin Goo and Kim Ji Won in lead roles.

 

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the cutest of them all? Song Joong Ki.

The drama revolves around two South Korean soldiers who are passionate about their work and make the most of every moment. They are buddies for life and always manage to have some fun and drama. And in between this drama, enter our gorgeous doctors.

Descendants of the Sun is like a roller coaster ride where you get to experience the genres of drama, action, military and romance.



Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

Another hit from 2016, this fantasy drama tells the story of a goblin (as the title suggests) who died a tragic death as a young soldier. He now possesses immortality, but is tired of living a life where everyone around him dies. As he searches for his bride (the only person who can end his immortal life), he meets a young energetic girl.

Goblin is all about romance, tragedy and supernatural elements.

Starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na in lead roles.

There is some historical background as well where we are introduced to his sister. We also get to see the handsome Grim Reaper whose only job is to tease our old Goblin. There are a lot (I repeat, A LOT) of comedy sequences between the two and we love how they are always in a tussle with each other.




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Healer

This action packed drama serial is all about conspiracies and the thrilling adventures of the ‘best night courier in town’ who goes by the name of Healer. He is a one-of-a-kind hero who chose to disconnect from society, but falls head over heels for a woman who draws him out of his hibernation.

Starring Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young.

Healer is indeed one of the best shows of 2014 which is still celebrated today. It’s an epic tale of two lovers who find out about their tragic pasts once they get to know each other and with every passing episode we are bound to ask ‘will they end up getting together?’ You will get to experience comedy, action, thriller and romance all at once and we can guarantee that you will absolutely love this masterpiece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwbwmYi0nlo

This is how we all felt after the finale.

W – Two Worlds

W is another popular fantasy-romance drama from 2016 which centers on the clash between two worlds, the real world and the webtoon (digital comic) world. The story starts with the author of a popular webtoon called ‘W‘ going missing. His daughter, our female lead, starts looking for clues in his room and that’s when the parallel worlds collide.

Starring Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo.

While searching for his father, she finds herself caught up in the world of webtoons. Next thing she knows, she is on the rooftop of a hotel next to a man bathed in blood. As a doctor, she does everything in her power to save him and rushes to call for help. But, after a few minutes she is back into the real world, where she finds out that a new episode of W has gone up. And the episode describes exactly what happened when she was on the rooftop.



How will the story unfold? The suspense will keep you hooked to this drama and you will eventually fall for our male lead.

Imagine meeting your fictional crush. That’s exactly how it’s going to be.

Uncontrollably Fond

If you are into romance and melodramas, this 2016 drama will melt your heart. Uncontrollably Fond is all about tapping into those memories of lost and depressing love that people don’t want to look back in their lives. Our leads met each other when they were students, but circumstances drifted them apart and they were left heartbroken.

Starring Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy.

The two reunite as adults but this time as a popular celebrity (male lead) and a documentary director (female lead) who is struggling to make ends meet. This drama is not the typical ‘happy-ever-after’ kind of romance, instead it delves to the most shameful, most regretful and most painful things anyone can do because of love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM7A6MW_fno

Where to Watch Korean Dramas?

KissAsian, Dramanice and NewAsianTV are some of the resources for watching these dramas. Some of these are also available on Netflix, so you can binge watch them in no time.

We’ll come back again with another exciting list of K-dramas soon. Have any suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below.


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Comments

  1. Interesting article related to some of the Kdramas ? I’ve only watch Descendants of the Sun, which is my favorite. The others seem pretty cool too. I also think of Kdrama actors and actresses as well as Kpop stars so adorable ? I’m the only Kpop, Kdrama and Kfilm lover at home. My family members, especially, my younger brother gives me a weird and annoyed look, whenever I talk to him regarding South Korean entertainment contents. He thinks I’m crazy ?

    • Tell me about it. We’ve all received such reactions from non k-poppers at some point. Hwaiting!

  2. I have already watched the above dramas and I am looking forward to the upcoming Korean dramas of 2020

  3. Hey Munaza,
    Good to hear that more and more people are into accepting the fact that they are addicted to Kdrama. There is alot that I love about Kdrama but top three are: The story has so much of the labyrinths in it and each one of the stories get a complete end. Second, the element of minimal and hardly any nudity content is really remarkable. Third and the most outstanding is the fact that all female leads and supporting cast are self dependent, strong and self sufficient who are not at all any damsel in distress woman.
    More people should start watching Kdramas.
    P. S: BLACK, MR SUNSHINE, STRONG GIRL BONG SOO. The Guardians, the doctors, and tunnel would I recommend you to watch.

    • I completely agree with you on all the points that you’ve mentioned. And I’ve already watched your recommended dramas, lol. Mr. Sunshine is one of my favorites actually.

  4. You forgot to mention sky castle and memories of Alhambra, most exciting dramas of 2019 in my opinion!!!

  5. Great initiative! 😀
    Our society seriously needs to move on from our mainstream Pakistani dramas. They don’t only make you sleepy, they also give you waking nightmares and further ruin our flawed thinking with their weird and messed up plots.
    Suggestions for your list for first time kdrama watchers: Weightlifting fairy Kim bok joo, Hotel del luna, Dr. Romantic, Secret Garden, While you were sleeping, Fighting for your way.
    Pighting!! 😀

    • Hey! thanks for the recommendation. And thank you for cheering for us. Pighting to you too. hearteu!

  6. Kdramas are seriously engaging and keeps one guessing. They are literally very addictive. Have been a constant fan of such dramas. Amazing plot twists ??. Storytelling ??

  7. I have only watched descendents of the sun and I loved it .Now this I am planning to watch more kdramas.

  8. I also love kdramas and I watch a lot kdramas. My favorite kdrama is “A poem a day” it’s a medical drama.

  9. I’ve watched all you mentioned above and all are my fav except Goblin. I recommend you to add Memories of the Alhambra, Hotel del luna and specialy “A Korean Odyssey” to this list too.

  10. My all time favorite is goblin. And currently I am watching love with flaws and game towards zero . Both of these have unique plot

  11. I have watched graceful family recently totally worth a watch and also strong women do bang soo and while you were sleeping….Make a list for chinese dramas as well like love 020,flipped,sweet dreams, well intended love…

  12. Hi
    You should totally watch Choclate.It is not a typical romcom,it is quite different but it is worth your time.

  13. Quite a lot of them
    Scarlet heart ryeo , legend of the blue sea, Chicago typewriter , a korean odyssey , extraordinary you, city Hunter , the k2, I’m not a robot, Angel’s last mission , just between lovers, he is psychometric
    All are worth watching ??

  14. Hi im kdrama lover i have watched all dramas u mentioned but u didnt mention heirs. Heirs and the legend and the blue sea are best dramas and worth watching.im a big fan of lee min ho..his all dramas are best and im waiting his upcoming drama the king the enternal monarch..

  15. I have watched all of the recommended dramas already and 100 more from korean dramas, they are just awesome ❤❤❤

  16. Also watch legend of the blue sea, oh my venus, laughter in waikiki, devilish joy, love alarm and extraordinary you in korean.
    Also watch love me if you dare and when a snail falls in love in chinese series, u will surely love it… ?

  17. I’ve been watching kdrama for 3years. I enjoy them more than anything else. These dramas are on high level. I also want to recommend more k dramas to new audience,
    1- I can hear you, ( about a boy who can hear thoughts inside mind)
    2- Are you human too, (it’s about a robot)
    3- My love from another star ( it’s about an alien and innocent actress)
    4- Legend of the blue sea (its about a mermaid)
    If you love fantasy you will definitely love watching them.
    One more thing, if you start watching, keep it in mind to fully charge your mobile full and wifi availability. Because once started you can’t stop watching these dramas.
    Have a good day

  18. If anyone wants a good comedy kdrama with no romance then I’ll recommend Chief Kim. It is, imo, the most underrated kdrama and also my favorite because the lead actor absolutely nailed the role!

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