| Update as of August 14, 2023:
“My Dearest” (Eps. 1-21); starring Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in, and Kim Yun-woo; genre: historical, melodrama, romance. The series is divided into two parts with ten episodes each: Part 1 premiered on August 4, 2023, while Part 2 will be released in October. “Moving” (Eps. 1-20): Disney+ original drama starring Han Hyo-joo, Ryu Seung-ryong, Zo In-sung, Cha Tae-hyun, Ryoo Seung-bum, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Go Youn-jung, and Kim Do-hoon. Based on the eponymous webtoon by Kang Full, the series is a supernatural drama that deals with three teenager high school students and their parents who discover their super powers; it premiered on August 9, 2023 with Eps. 1-7 dropped together; two new episodes will then be dropped every week. Genre: action, fantasy, supernatural, sci-fi, romance, family drama. Update as of August 2, 2023: “Revenant” (Eps. 1-12; 2023): written by Kim Eun-hee, and starring Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se and Hong Kyung; genre: mystery; thriller; horror. The drama averaged 1.980 million viewers per episode, with the lowest number of viewers at 1.767 million and the highest at 2.302 million. Kim Eun-hee wrote “Signal” (2016), “Kingdom” Season 1 and Season 2 (2019), “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” (2021), and “Jirisan” (2021). Trigger warning: This drama has numerous scenes of suicide. Update as of July 7, 2023: “Haechi” (2019; 48 half-hour episodes): starring Jung Il-woo and Go Ara; genre - historical, action; this drama traces the rise to the throne of Yi Geum aka Prince Yeoning. Update as of June 12, 2023: “Sunny” (2011; Director's Cut): multi-awarded South Korean comedy-drama film by writer-director Kang Hyeong-cheol whose credits include “Scandal Makers” (2008) and “Swing Kids” (2018). The movie’s cast is led by Shim Eun-kyung, Kang So-ra, Yoo Ho-jeong, and Jin Hee-kyung. Released in May 2011, “Sunny” was the first film of that year to sell five million tickets in South Korea, and became the second highest-grossing Korean film by the end of the year. As of 20 September 2012, it is the 13th best-selling film of all-time in South Korea. “Swing Kids” is a 2018 South Korean musical drama film written and directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol and based on the Korean musical “Roh Ki-soo.” The film stars Doh Kyung-soo, Park Hye-su, Jared Grimes, Oh Jung-se, and Kim Min-ho. Genre: historical; music; romance; tragedy. “Swing Kids” won the following awards: 55th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Director, Kang Hyeong-cheol; 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards: Best Cinematography - Lighting, Kim Ji-young and Jo Gyu-young; Best Editing, Nam Na-yeong; 39th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards: Best Soundtrack, Kim Jun-seok; 39th Golden Cinema Film Festival: Best New Actress, Park Hye-su. Update as of May 22, 2023: Besides K-dramas and movies, I’m writing spoiler-free synopses by story arcs of critically-acclaimed movies (classic and modern) from the US and other countries. The first synopsis that Ive written for this series is “Witness” (1985). Directed by Peter Weir and starring Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, and Lukas Haas, this award-winning film became a sleeper hit, grossing over $116 million worldwide. Update as of April 29, 2023: “The Glory” (2022/2023); starring Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, and Lim Ji-yeon; written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Ahn Gil-ho; the series now ranks among the top 10 all-time Non-English TV series on Netflix at #9 with 289.24 million hours watched in the first 28 days of release; genre: revenge, melodrama; murder mystery. In the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards (TV Drama Categories), “The Glory” won the following awards: Best Actress - Song Hye Kyo; Best Supporting Actress - Lim Ji Yeon; Best TV Drama. Update as of February 21, 2023: “Love, Lies” (2016 movie): set during the Japanese colonial period in Korea; the main cast is composed of Han Hyo-joo (“Dong Yi,” “W-Two Worlds,” and “Happiness,”), Chun Woo-hee (“Be Melodramatic”), and Yoo Yeon-seok (“Mr. Sunshine” and “Hospital Playlist”); for her performance, Han Hyo-joo won the “Asia Star Award” from the 2016 4th BIFF with Marie Claire Asia Star Awards; genre: historical, melodrama. Update as of January 22, 2023: “Under the Queen’s Umbrella” (2022; Eps. 1-16): ranked first in its time slot from start to finish, with four episodes reaching over three million viewers; its finale reached over four million viewers; genre: historical drama, black comedy. Update as of December 11, 2022: “Alchemy of Souls Part 2: Light and Shadow” (Eps. 1-10; started airing on December 10, 2022 and will end on January 08, 2023; some websites and blogs use the term “Season 2” instead of “Part 2”) Update as of November 29, 2022: “Anna” (Extended Version aka Director’s Cut; 2022; Eps. 1-8): written and directed by Lee Joo-young, and starring Bae Suzy in the title role; genre: psychological thriller. The drama’s cast has received nominations and awards from the APAN Star Awards, 2022: Top Excellence Award, Actress in an OTT Drama, Bae Suzy, nominated; Excellence Award, Actress in an OTT Drama, Jung Eun-chae, nominated: Best Supporting Actress, Baek Ji-won, won. |
“20th Century Girl” (2022) is a South Korean romance drama film written and directed by Bang Woo-ri in her feature film debut, starring Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo, and Roh Yoon-seo. The film depicts the friendship and freshness of first love against the backdrop of 1999.
The main character “Bo-ra” is played by Kim Yoo-jung as a teenager and by Han Hyo-joo as an adult. Within three days of its release, it debuted at number 2 on Netflix’s global chart of Top 10 non-English movie category for the week of October 17 to 23, with eight million hours viewed.
A Taxi Driver” (2017) and “26 Years” (2012): movies about the 1980 Gwangju Uprising
“Assassination” (2015); starring Jun Ji-hyun aka Gianna Jun, Lee Jung-jae, and Ha Jung-woo; genre - espionage, action. In this blockbuster film, three misfits are ordered to assassinate the top general of the Japanese colonial forces and a Joseon collaborator. It’s currently the eighth-highest-grossing movie in Korean film history with over 12.7 million admissions.
“Decision to Leave” (2022 South Korean romantic mystery film produced, co-written, and directed by Park Chan-wook): This film has been selected as the South Korean entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. Park Chan-wook won the “Best Director” award at the Cannes Film Festival.
“I Can Speak” (2017): critical and commercial hit film based on a true story of comfort women; starring Na Moon-hee and Lee Je-hoon (“Signal” and “Taxi Driver”); the movie earned 23 million US dollars at the box office; among other accolades, the movie won the following: Top 10 Films of the Year, 37th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards; Best Films of the Year, 17th Director’s Cut Awards.
“Love, Lies” (2016): set during the Japanese colonial period in Korea; the main cast is composed of Han Hyo-joo (“Dong Yi,” “W-Two Worlds,” and “Happiness,”), Chun Woo-hee (“Be Melodramatic”), and Yoo Yeon-seok (“Mr. Sunshine” and “Hospital Playlist”); for her performance, Han Hyo-joo won the “Asia Star Award” from the 2016 4th BIFF with Marie Claire Asia Star Awards; genre: historical, melodrama.
“Masquerade” (2012); starring Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Han Hyo-joo. With 12.3 million tickets sold, the movie is the 9th highest-grossing South Korean film; it also swept the 49th Grand Bell Awards, winning in 15 categories, including Best Film, Director, Screenplay and Actor. (Wikipedia)
“Samjin Company English Class” (2020); starring Go Ah-sung (“Life on Mars”), Esom (“Taxi Driver”), and Park Hye-su (“Saimdang, Light’s Diary”), it won the “Best Film” award from the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards.
“Sunny” (2011; Director's Cut): multi-awarded South Korean comedy-drama film by writer-director Kang Hyeong-cheol whose credits include “Scandal Makers” (2008) and “Swing Kids” (2018). The movie’s cast is led by Shim Eun-kyung, Kang So-ra, Yoo Ho-jeong, and Jin Hee-kyung.
Released in May 2011, “Sunny” was the first film of that year to sell five million tickets in South Korea, and became the second highest-grossing Korean film by the end of the year. As of 20 September 2012, it is the 13th best-selling film of all-time in South Korea.
“Sunny” won the following awards: 48th Grand Bell Awards: Best Director, Kang Hyeong-cheol; Best Editing, Nam Na-yeong; 19th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards Grand Prize (Daesang) for Film: “Sunny”; 3rd KOFRA Film Awards: Best Director, Kang Hyeong-cheol; 4th Style Icon Awards Content of the Year: “Sunny”
The movie was nominated for the following: 48th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Film; 32nd Blue Dragon Film Awards: Best Film; Best Director; Best Screenplay; Best Art Direction; Best Music.
“Swing Kids” (2018): South Korean musical drama film written and directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol and based on the Korean musical “Roh Ki-soo.” The film stars Doh Kyung-soo, Park Hye-su, Jared Grimes, Oh Jung-se, and Kim Min-ho. Genre: historical; music; romance; tragedy.
“Swing Kids” won the following awards: 55th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Director, Kang Hyeong-cheol; 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards: Best Cinematography - Lighting, Kim Ji-young and Jo Gyu-young; Best Editing, Nam Na-yeong; 39th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards: Best Soundtrack, Kim Jun-seok; 39th Golden Cinema Film Festival: Best New Actress, Park Hye-su.
“The Last Princess” (2016); starring Son Ye-jin in her career-defining role; genre - historical, drama; the film grossed US$35.4 million in South Korea and US$40.35 million worldwide. (Wikipedia)
“The Royal Tailor” (2014); starring Han Suk-kyu, Go Soo, Park Shin-hye, and Yoo Yeon-seok; genre - historical, romance. This drama won awards in “Best Art Direction” and “Best Costume Design” from the 52nd Grand Bell Awards.
K-dramas (historical and modern):
“100 Days My Prince” (2018; Eps. 1-16); starring Do Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-hyun; genre -historical, rom-com; ranked 10th in the top 40 list of highest rated cable TV dramas.
“A Business Proposal” (2022, Eps. 1-12); starring Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, and Seol In-ah; average viewership per episode - 1.744 million; genre: romantic comedy.
“A Jewel in the Palace” aka “Dae Jang Geum” (2003, Eps. 1-54); starring Lee Young-ae and Ji Jin-hee; genre - historical, medical. This drama has been broadcast in 150 countries and has earned US$103.4 million worldwide, being known as one of the primary proponents of the Korean Wave by heightening the spread of Korean culture abroad (Wikipedia).
“A Tree With Deep Roots” aka “Deep Rooted Tree” (2011, Eps. 1-24); starring Han Suk-kyu, Jang Hyuk, and Shin Se-kyung; genre - historical. The drama depicts how King Sejong created the Hangul alphabet despite fierce opposition from Confucian scholars, a secret organization, and a man seeking revenge. It won the following awards: Best Drama, 2011 SBS Drama Awards; Grand Prize, 7th Seoul International Drama Awards; and Best Screenplay (TV), 48th Baeksang Arts Awards.
“Anna” (Extended Version; 2022; Eps. 1-8): written and directed by Lee Joo-young, and starring Bae Suzy in the title role; genre: psychological thriller.
The drama’s cast has received nominations and awards from the APAN Star Awards, 2022: Top Excellence Award, Actress in an OTT Drama, Bae Suzy, nominated; Excellence Award, Actress in an OTT Drama, Jung Eun-chae, nominated: Best Supporting Actress, Baek Ji-won, won.
This drama has two versions: (1) The Coupang Play version with six episodes, and (2) the Extended Version aka Director’s Cut with eight episodes. The two versions came about because of the conflict between streaming platform Coupang Play and this drama’s writer-director. The Coupang Play version is action oriented, while the Extended Version is a slow burn, character-driven drama.
“Beyond Evil” (2021, Eps. 1-16); starring Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-goo; genre - psychological thriller; in the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, the drama won awards for Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor for Shin Ha-kyun.
“Bossam: Steal The Fate” (2021; Eps. 1-20); starring Jung Il-woo and Kwon Yuri; this drama has set a new record for the highest viewership ever achieved by any drama in MBN’s history
“Bridal Mask” aka “Gaksital” (2012, Eps. 1-28); starring Joo Won, Jin Se-yeon, and Shin Hyun-joon; a masked man leads the fight against the Japanese colonial forces. It won “Drama of the Year” from the 13th Republic of Korea National Assembly Awards and was nominated for “Best Drama” in the 20th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards.
“Chicago Typewriter” (2017, Eps. 1-16); starring Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, and Go Kyung-pyo; genre - rom-com, fantasy, historical. The drama moves between the present and 1930s Korea where three friends become involved in the independence movement.
“Chuno, The Slave Hunters” (2010, Eps. 1-24); starring Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji-ho, and Lee Da-hae; genre - historical. This drama is revolutionary because it was the first in Korea to be shot with a digital camera. It won the following awards: Best Screenplay, 46th Baeksang Arts Awards; Best Miniseries, 5th Seoul International Drama Awards; Outstanding Korean Drama Prize Category: Grand Prize (Daesang); Best Drama, 3rd Korea Drama Awards; Grand Prize (Daesang), 37th Korea Broadcasting Awards.
“Crash Landing On You” (2020, Eps. 1-16); starring Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Kim Jung-hyun, and Seo Ji-hye; genre - rom-com, action. It’s ranked 3rd in the top 40 list of highest rated cable TV dramas.
In the United States, Variety named “Crash Landing on You” one of “The Best International Shows on Netflix,” and one of the “Best International TV Series of 2020.” Time also ranked it as one of the best Korean dramas on Netflix. Elle ranked it number 1 (out of 10) on the October 2020 10 Best K-Dramas To Binge-Watch On Netflix list, and Vogue listed it as one of “Netflix: 4 Korean dramas to discover this summer.” It won the following awards: Outstanding Korean Drama, 15th Seoul International Drama Awards; Best Drama Series (Korea), Asian Academy Creative Awards; and Overseas Drama Special Award, Tokyo Drama Award 2020. (Wikipedia)
| My synopses generally have a section titled “Historical / cultural backgrounders and other information.” The discussion, resources, and links in this section provide information that will make international viewers understand and appreciate K-dramas more.
Examples: In “Crash Landing on You,” I explained, among other things, how “Arirang” (Korea’s unofficial anthem) is reflected in three of the OST tracks. “Photo of My Mind,” for example, features the chants “Arirang” in the chorus. I also explained how a famous scene in Ep. 14 was inspired by Son Ye-jin’s 2014 movie “The Pirates.” And that scene from “The Pirates“” was in turn inspired by the 1992 movie “Lethal Weapon 3” starring Mel Gibson and René Russo. In “Signal,” I explained that the criminal cases depicted in the drama were all based on actual cases that happened in Korea. In “Hotel Del Luna,” I explained, among other things, what a “ghost wedding” is (which was depicted in Ep. 5). In “True Beauty,” I discussed, among other things, that Korean beauty standards are not influenced by the West but have been favored by Korean women for hundreds of years. I also mentioned the “Escape the corset” movement which is a backlash against these beauty standards. In “Chicago Typewriter,” I pointed out and explained, among other things, the references to art (Salvador Dali’s famous painting “Persistence of Memory” in Ep. 1, for example) and how the drama’s writer used the play “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill to set up the first meeting between two of the main characters. In “Kingdom” Season 2, I explained, among other things, that in Ep. 4, the drama paid homage to the famous “girl in the red jacket” scene from Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece “Schindler’s List.” |
It received several awards, such as winning the Grand Prize in television at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards, and was named the Most Popular Show of the year by Korea Broadcasting Advertising Corporation. (Wikipedia)
“Dong Yi” (2010, Eps. 1-60); starring Han Hyo-joo, Ji Jin-hee, Lee So-yeon, and Bae Soo-bin; genre - historical. This drama was a hit across Asia and recorded the highest ratings for Korean dramas on Japanese network NHK. It also recorded solid viewership ratings in the mid-20% to 30% range in South Korea, and Han Hyo-joo won acting awards for her performance including “Daesang (Grand Prize)” at the MBC Drama Awards. (Wikipedia)
“D. P.” (2021, Eps. 1-6); genre: drama, military, trauma/bullying; it won the “Best Drama” award from the 58th Baeksang Arts Award, 2022.
“Empress Ki” (2013, Eps. 1-50); starring Ha Ji-won, Joo Jin-mo, Ji Chang-wook, and Baek Jin-hee. This drama was a domestic and overseas hit and received the Golden Bird Prize for Serial Drama at the 9th Seoul International Drama Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Encounter” aka “Boyfriend” (2018, Eps. 1-16); starring Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum; genre - melodrama, romance; ranked 21st in the top 40 list of highest ranking cable TV dramas.
“Flower of Evil” (2020, Eps. 1-16); starring Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won; genre - psychological and crime thriller. It won “Best Director (TV)” in the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards and was nominated for Best Drama (TV) and Best Screenplay (TV).
“Goblin” aka “Guardian: The Great and Lonely God” (2016, Eps. 1-16); starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, and Yoo In-na; genre - fantasy, romance, drama. As of February 2020, it is ranked 5th in the top 40 list of highest rated cable TV dramas. It won the the following awards: Best Drama, 10th Korea Drama Awards; Best Drama, 11th Korean Cable TV Awards; Best Melodrama, 5th Annual DramaFever Awards.
“Gokusen” (2002, Eps. 1-13); Japanese classroom drama-comedy about the granddaughter of a Yakuza hang leader who wants to be a schoolteacher just like her deceased parents.
“Haechi” (2019, Eps. 1-48, half-hour episodes); starring Jung Il-woo and Go Ara; genre - historical, action.
| In-depth analyses of the cinematography of some K-dramas
Too often, you will read comments in websites, blogs, or on social media that say a certain drama’s cinematography is “on point,” “excellent,” or “gorgeous.” But these comments never provide any reason or detail for praising that drama’s cinematography. In my in-depth analyses, I discussed the what-how-why of what makes a drama’s cinematography on point, gorgeous, or excellent. For example, in “Kingdom” Seasons 1 and 2, I discussed how “tracking shots” marked its cinematography. In the rom-com “Into The Ring,” I discussed how its cinematography was influenced by the award-winning movie “The Favourite” starring Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone. In “Sisyphus: The Myth,” I analyzed, among other things, how Park Shin-hye’s fight scenes were shot. Listed below are the dramas for which I wrote in-depth analyses of their visuals, cinematography, and editing: “A Business Proposal” “Alchemy of Souls” (Part 1, Eps. 1-20) “Beyond Evil” (this drama’s cinematography was nominated in the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards) “Brilliant Legacy” aka “Shining Inheritance” (award-winning directorial debut of noted PD Jin Hyuk whose credits include “City Hunter” and “Legend of the Blue Sea”) “D. P.” “Encounter” (recurring use of photography as a visual device) “Flower of Evil” “Healer” “Hotel Del Luna “Inspector Koo” “Into The Ring” aka “Memorials” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (transitions; how certain scenes were inspired by award-winning movies such as “Life of Pi” and “Parasite”) “Kingdom” Seasons 1 and 2 with ”Ashin of the North” “Life on Mars” “Mr. Sunshine” “My Liberation Notes” “My Mister” “My Name” “Pachinko” “Reply 1988” (how its cinematography was influenced by famous Hollywood director Wes Anderson) “Sisyphus: The Myth” “SKY Castle” “Start-Up” “Stranger” aka “Secret Forest” Season 1 (the meaningful or symbolic uses of doors in the drama) “Taxi Driver” “The Crowned Clown” “The King’s Affection” “The Red Sleeve” “The Tale of Nokdu” “True Beauty” “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” “Vincenzo” “When The Camellia Blooms” I posted in Reddit’s KDRAMA sub the following discussions about cinematography in K-dramas: “Cinematography: Lines, triangles, and other shapes from ‘Goblin’ and other K-dramas and movies” “Rack focus and other lessons in cinematography from Empress Ki, CLOY, Mr. Sunshine, etc.” |
“Healer” (2014–2015; Eps. 1-20): starring Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, and Yoo Ji-tae; won “Best Korean Drama – Melodrama” from the 4th Annual DramaFever Awards; written by Song Ji-na, who’s best known for writing “Eyes of Dawn” (1991) and “Sandglass” (1995), two of the most influential and highly rated Korean dramas of all time; genre: action, thriller, romance.
“Hospital Playlist” Season 1 (2020): The series is the ninth highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history. It won the “Best Drama” award from the 2020 Brand of the Year Awards. It was nominated for “Drama of the Year” in the APAN Star Awards and for “Best Screenplay” in the 2020 Baeksang Arts Awards. It was written by Lee Woo-jung and directed by Shin Won-ho; they worked together in the “Reply” series.
“Hotel Del Luna” (2019, Eps. 1-16); starring Lee Ji-eun aka IU and Yeo Jin-goo. It was the most viewed tvN drama in 2019 and is ranked 14th in the top 40 list of highest rated cable TV dramas.
“I Hear Your Voice” (2014, Eps. 1-18); starring Lee Bo-young and Lee Jong-suk; genre - legal drama, romance, fantasy. It was nominated for Best Drama in the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. Lead actress Lee Bo-young won the following awards for her performance: Top Excellence Award, Actress, APAN Star Awards; Grand Prize (Daesang), SBS Drama Awards; Actress of the Year (selected by directors), SBS Drama Awards; and Best Actress, 50th Baeksang Arts Awards.
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (2020, Eps. 1-16); starring Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, Oh Jung-se, and Park Gyu-young; written by Jo Yong and directed by Park Shin-woo (who also directed “Encounter”).
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” was the most popular show of 2020 on Netflix in South Korea in its romance genre. It was the most popular Korean drama series on Netflix in Taiwan, and the "most enduring Korean drama" in Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, being in Netflix’s top 10 list for more than 100 days. The series was also one of the most popular Korean drama of 2020 on Netflix in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan and South Africa.
The New York Times named “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” one of “The Best International Shows of 2020.” At the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, it received eight nominations with two wins.
Joan MacDonald of Forbes called it “the most visually appealing drama of 2020” and said, “Not only are the actors beautiful, but the drama’s graphics, cinematography and costumes are also gorgeous.”
“Into The Ring” aka “Memorials” (2020, Eps. 1-16); starring Nana and Park Sung-hoon; genre - rom-com, political. In the 2020 KBS Drama Awards, lead actor Park Sung-hoon won the “Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries,” while lead actress Nana won the “Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries.”
“IRIS” (2009, Eps. 1-20); starring Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee; genre - espionage, action). The series was a critical and commercial success, with an average viewership of over 30% in addition to ranking as the top program consistently every week after its debut. The series also took home many of the highest honors at the 2009 KBS Drama Awards, including the Daesang Award for Lee Byung-hun. It also won the “Best Drama” award from the 46th Baeksang Arts Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Jejoongwon” (2010, Eps. 1-36); starring Park Yong-woo, Han Hye-jin, and Yeon Jung-hoon; genre - historical, medical. The drama is a fictionalized account of the founding of Korea’s first hospital of Western medicine by American medical missionaries and their Korean students.
“Jumong” (2006, Eps. 1-81); starring Song Il-gook and Han Hye-jin; genre - historical, romance, action. It won the Grand Prize (Daesang) from Baeksang Arts Awards and the Best Drama award from the Korea Drama Awards.
“Kingdom” Season 1 and Season 2 with “Kingdom: Ashin of the North”; starring Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na for Seasons 1 and 2, and Jun Ji-hyun for “Kingdom: Ashin of the North.”
“Life on Mars” (2018, 16 episodes); Korean remake of 2006–07 British series of the same name; it won the “Best Adaptation of an Existing Format” award from the Asian Academy Creative Awards; genre: police procedural, crime, science fiction.
“Little Women” (2022; 12 episodes): starring Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, and Park Ji-hu; written by Chung Seo-kyung, whose credits include “Mother,” “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance,” and “The Handmaiden”; directed by Kim Hee-won, whose credits include “The Crowned Clown” and “Vincenzo”; genre: mystery, family drama.
“Little Women” ranked first in its time slot from start to finish, averaging 1.8 million viewership per episode, with Ep. 12 (Finale) garnering 2.618 million viewers.
“Lovers of the Red Sky” (Eps. 1-16); starring Kim Yoo-jung, Ahn Hyo-seop, Gong Myung and Kwak Si-yang. It is directed by Jang Tae-yoo (“My Love From Another Star”) and written by Ha Eun. Adapted from the novel of the same name written by Jung Eun-gwol, the series is a fantasy romance historical drama about the only female painter in fictional era Dan dynasty, who was briefly recorded in the historical records. Genre - historical, romance, fantasy.
“Misaeng: Incomplete Life” (2014, Eps. 1-20); starring Im Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, Kang So-ra, Kang Ha-neul, and Byun Yo-han; genre - office drama, slice of life. It is ranked 35th in the top 40 list of highest rated cable TV dramas. It won the following awards: Grand Prize (Daesang), 9th Cable TV Broadcasting Awards; Best Miniseries, 10th Seoul International Drama Awards; Best Drama, 8th Korea Drama Awards; and Best Content Award, Drama, tvN10 Awards.
“Moonlight Drawn by Clouds” aka “Love in the Moonlight” (2016, Eps. 1-16); starring Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung; genre - historical, coming-of-age, rom-com. It won the following awards: Platinum Remi Award, 50th Annual WorldFest Houston; and Top Excellence Award for a Hallyu Drama, 12th Seoul International Drama Awards.
“Moving” (Eps. 1-20, ongoing): Disney+ original drama starring Han Hyo-joo, Ryu Seung-ryong, Zo In-sung, Cha Tae-hyun, Ryoo Seung-bum, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Go Youn-jung, and Kim Do-hoon; based on the eponymous webtoon by Kang Full, the series is a supernatural drama that deals with three teenager high school students and their parents who discover their super powers; it premiered on August 9, 2023 with Eps. 1-7 dropped together; two new episodes will then be dropped every week.
Genre: action, fantasy, supernatural, sci-fi, romance, family drama.
“Mr. Queen” (2020, Eps. 1-20); starring Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun; genre - historical, rom-com, fantasy, body swap. This drama is the 7th highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history, with the last episode reaching a nationwide rating of 17.371% and garnering more than 4 million in viewership. It also set a record for tvN by achieving the 5th highest rating in the network’s history. (Wikipedia)
“My Dearest” (Eps. 1-20, ongoing); historical drama starring Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in, and Kim Yun-woo; genre: historical, melodrama, romance.
The series is divided into two parts with ten episodes each: Part 1 premiered on August 4, 2023, while Part 2 will be released in October.
“My Mister” aka “My Ajusshi” (2018, Eps. 1-16); starring Lee Sun-kyun and Lee Ji-eun aka IU. This drama won the following awards: “Best Drama” and “Best Screenplay” from the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards; “Grand Prize (Drama)” from 2nd The Seoul Awards; “Writer Award (Drama Division)” from the 31st Korean Broadcasting Writers’ Awards; “Best Production Director,” “Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries,” “Best Supporting Actor,” and “Best New Actor” from the 6th APAN Star Awards.
“My Name” (2021; Eps. 1-8); starring Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, and Ahn Bo-hyun; genre - action, crime, noir, thriller; as of October 17, 2021, ranked 4th in Netflix’s top ten dramas worldwide.
“Our Blues” (2022; Eps. 1-20): starring Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Lee Jung-eun, Uhm Jung-hwa, Han Ji-min, and Kim Woo-bin; written by Noh Hee-kyung, whose credits include “The Most Beautiful Goodbye in the World” (1996), winner of Grand Prize for TV (”Daesang”) and Best TV Drama at the 1997 Baeksang Arts Awards; directed by Kim Kyu-tae, whose credits include “That Winter, the Wind Blows” (2013), “It’s Okay, That’s Love” (2014) and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016); this drama is the eleventh highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history.
“Pachinko” (2022; Eps. 1-8); directed by Kogonada and Justin Chon and starring Lee Min-ho, Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Min-ha and Jin Ha; it won “Best International Production” from the AAFCA (African-American Film Critics Association) TV Awards.
Note: “Pachinko” is an American production and thus can only be very loosely considered as a K-drama; please read “Why ‘Pachinko’ is not a K-drama” (CNN Philippines). But I recommend it to you because it complements dramas and movies that depict the Japanese colonial period in Korea such as “Mr. Sunshine,” “Bridal Mask” aka “Gaksital,” “Chicago Typewriter,” “Assassination,” and “The Last Princess.”
“Queen In-Hyun’s Man” aka “Queen and I” (2012, Eps. 1-16): starring Ji Hyun-woo and Yoo In-na; genre - romance, fantasy, historical, time-travel.
“Queen Seondeok” (2009, Eps. 1-62); starring Lee Yo-won, Go Hyun-jung, Uhm Tae-woong, Kim Nam-gil, and Park Ye-jin; genre - historical, romance. The viewership ratings for the show topped TV charts almost every week during its run, peaking at 46.7 percent. It swept the 2009 MBC Drama Awards; actress Go Hyun-jung’s performance and subsequent grand prize win received near-universal acclaim. It also won the “Best Series Drama” award from the 5th Seoul International Drama Awards.(Wikipedia)
“Rebel: Thief Who Stole People” (2017, 30 episodes); starring Yoon Kyun-sang, Chae Soo-bin, Kim Ji-seok, and Lee Ha-nui; genre - historical, romance, action. It won “Drama of the Year” in the 36th MBC Drama Awards.
“Reply 1988” (2016, Eps. 1-20); starring Lee Hye-ri, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-pyo, Ryu Jun-yeol, and Lee Dong-hwi; genre - slice of life, romance). It received both critical and audience acclaim with its finale episode recording an 18.8% nationwide audience share, making it the 4th highest rated drama in Korean cable television history. It won the following awards: “Grand Prize (Daesang), Drama” and “Best Content Award, Drama” in the tvN10 Awards. It was also nominated for Best Drama in the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards and Best Miniseries in the 11th Seoul International Drama Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Revenant” (Eps. 1-12; 2023): written by Kim Eun-hee, and starring Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se and Hong Kyung; genre: mystery; thriller; horror.
The drama averaged 1.980 million viewers per episode, with the lowest number of viewers at 1.767 million and the highest at 2.302 million.
Kim Eun-hee wrote “Signal” (2016), “Kingdom” Season 1 and Season 2 (2019), “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” (2021), and “Jirisan” (2021).
Trigger warning: This drama has numerous scenes of suicide.
“River Where The Moon Rises” (2021, Eps. 1-20); starring Kim So-hyun, Na In-woo, Lee Ji-hoon, and Choi Yu-hwa; genre - historical, romance, action. The drama ma was submitted for the 2021 International Emmy Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Saimdang, Light’s Diary” starring Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon; genre - historical, fantasy, romance; this drama is based on Shin Saimdang, the most known woman in Korean history.
“Shining Inheritance” aka “Brilliant Legacy” (2009, Eps. 1-28); starring Han Hyo-joo, Lee Seung-gi, Bae Soo-bin, and Moon Chae-won; genre - romance. It was among the top-rated Korean dramas of the year, maintaining its number one spot in the viewership ratings chart for 20 consecutive weeks and reaching a peak rating of 47.1% for its last episode. It won the following awards: Best Serial Drama from 37th Korea Broadcasting Awards; Foreign TV Series Special Award from the 17th Shanghai Television Festival Magnolia Awards; and the Platinum Remi Award from the 44th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. (Wikipedia)
“Signal” (2016, Eps. 1-16); starring Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong; genre - police procedural, fantasy). The series received widespread acclaim from audience and critics alike for its story and performances. It is also the 11th highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history with a peak audience viewership of 12.54%. It won the following awards: “Best Drama,” 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards; and “Best Content Award,” Drama, tvN10 Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Sisyphus: The Myth” (2021, Eps. 1-16); starring Cho Seung-woo and Park Shin-hye; genre - sci-fi, romance.
“SKY Castle” (2018, Eps. 1-20); starring Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, and Kim Seo-hyung; genre - satire, dark comedy, family, mystery. This drama is the 2nd highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history; it received positive reviews from critics and won multiple awards, including four at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Squid Game” (2021; 9 episodes); this drama is Netflix’s most-watched series, becoming the top-viewed program in 94 countries and attracting more than 142 million member households and amassing 1.65 billion viewing hours during its first four weeks from launch, surpassing “Bridgerton” for the title of most watched show.
“Start-Up” (2020, Eps.1-16); starring Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Seon-ho, and Kang Han-na; genre - drama, romance. This drama was included in the Forbes’ list of “The 13 Best Korean Dramas of 2020.”
“Stranger” aka “Secret Forest” Season 1 (2017, Eps. 1-16); starring Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona; genre - crime, drama, thriller. This drama was featured on New York Times list of Best TV Shows of 2017, and won several awards including the Grand Prize for television at the Baeksang Arts Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Taxi Driver” (2021; 16 episodes); starring Lee Je-hoon, Esom, and Kim Eui-sung; the drama won the “Outstanding Hallyu Drama Award” from the 2021 Seoul International Drama Awards.
“The Crowned Clown” (2019, Eps. 1-16); starring Yeo Jin-goo, Kim Sang-kyung, and Lee Se-young; genre - historical, romance, melodrama; ranked 18th in the top 40 list of highest ranking cable TV dramas.
“The Flower in Prison” (2016, Eps. 1-51); starring Jin Se-yeon, Go Soo, and Kim Mi-sook. More than 30 of its episodes had 20%-plus viewership, and it won the “Outstanding Korean Drama” award from the 11th Seoul International Drama Awards.
“The Glory” (2022/2023); starring Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, and Lim Ji-yeon; written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Ahn Gil-ho; the series now ranks among the top 10 all-time Non-English TV series on Netflix at #9 with 289.24 million hours watched in the first 28 days of release; genre: revenge, melodrama; murder mystery.
In the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards (TV Drama Categories), “The Glory” won the following awards: Best Actress - Song Hye Kyo; Best Supporting Actress - Lim Ji Yeon; Best TV Drama.
“The Iron Empress” aka “Empress Chun Chu” (2009, Eps. 1-78); starring Chae Shi-ra; genre - historical, romance, war/action.
“The Joseon Gunman” (2014, Eps. 1-22); starring Lee Joon-gi, Nam Sang-mi, and Jeon Hye-bin; genre - historical, action, drama, romance. This drama won the “Gold Remi for TV Miniseries” award from the 48th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival and the “Outstanding Korean Drama” from the 10th Seoul International Drama Awards.
“The K2” (2016, Eps. 1-16); starring Ji Chang-wook, Im Yoon-ah, and Song Yoon-ah; genre - action, melodrama, politics.
“The King of Pigs” (2022; Eps. 1-12): web series starring Kim Dong-wook, Kim Sung-kyu, and Chae Jung-an; written by Tak Jae-young and directed by Kim Dae-jin; based on the award-winning 2011 adult animated psychological drama thriller film “The King of Pigs” written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho; genre: drama, mystery, thriller; rating: R18+
“The King’s Affection” (2021; 20 episodes); starring Park Eun-bin and Rowoon; genre: historical, romance, fiction, comedy; selected as “Excellent Broadcast Content” by the Korea Creative Content Agency and by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
“The King’s Doctor” aka “Horse Doctor” (2012, 50 episodes); starring Cho Seung-woo and Lee Yo-won; genre - historical, medical, romance; blockbuster hit in Korea and Asia.
“The Moon That Embraces The Sun” (2012, Eps. 1-20); starring Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ga-in, Jung Il-woo, and Kim Min-seo; genre - historical, romance, fantasy. The series reached a peak rating of 42.2%. It won the Best Drama and Best Actor awards in the television category at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards; it also won multiple awards at 2012 MBC Drama Awards, including Drama of the Year.
“The Princess’s Man” (2011, Eps. 1-24); starring Park Si-hoo and Moon Chae-won; genre - romance, historical, action. This drama won the “Golden Bird Prize for Series Drama” from the Seoul International Drama Awards and the “Television Drama - Bronze World Medal” from the New York TV Festival.
“The Red Sleeve” (2021; Eps. 1-17); starring Lee Jun-ho and Lee Se-young; genre: romance, historical drama; nine of its episodes ranked 2nd in its time slot.
In the MBC Drama Awards, “The Red Sleeve” and its cast won the following awards: Drama of the Year; Best Writer Award; Best New Actor, Kang Hoon; Best Supporting Actress, Jang Hye-jin; Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries, Lee Jun-ho; and Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries, Lee Se-young.
“The Tale of Nokdu” (2019, Eps. 1-2 to 31-32, half-hour episodes); starring Jang Dong-yoon and Kim So-hyun; genre - historical, rom-com. Both lead actors won acting awards from the 2019 KBS Drama Award. This drama was among the ten most talked about Korean dramas among the 104 primetime dramas aired during 2019; further, it captured the heart of the Generation Z in South Korea and was well-received from online viewers. (Wikipedia)
“The World of the Married” (2020, Eps. 1-16); starring Kim Hee-ae, Park Hae-joon, and Han So-hee; genre - melodrama, romance, family, thriller. This drama is the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history. From the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, it won the “Best Director” award, with Kim Hee-ae winning the “Best Actress” award.
“True Beauty” (2020, Eps. 1-16); starring Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, and Park Yoo-na; genre - high school rom-com, slice of life, coming-of-age.
“Twenty-Five Twenty-One” (2022; Eps. 1-16); starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk; currently ranked as the 20th highest rated Korean drama of all time on cable TV; K-pop superstars such as BTS’ Jungkook and Blackpink’s Lisa have recommended this drama to their fans. For her portrayal of main character Na Hee-doo, Kim Tae-ri won the “Best Actress” award from the 2022 Baeksang Arts Awards.
Caution: Despite this drama’s popularity, its ending has become so divisive among its viewers. This drama’s genres are romance and coming of age. If you focus only on the romance aspect of this drama, you will be disappointed with the ending. But if you focus equally on the coming of age aspect of this drama, you will be satisfied and happy with the ending; you will understand why K-pop superstars have recommended this drama to their fans.
“Under the Queen’s Umbrella” (2022; Eps. 1-16): ranked first in its time slot from start to finish, with four episodes reaching over three million viewers; its finale reached over four million viewers; genre: historical drama, black comedy.
“Vincenzo” (2021; 20 episodes); starring Song Joong-ki and Jeon Yeo-been; genre: crime-drama, dark comedy; it’s currently the 10th highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history; it won Best Drama awards from the Seoul International Drama Awards, the 14th Tokyo Drama Awards, and the 26th Asian Television Awards.
“W - Two Worlds” (2016, Eps. 1- 16); starring Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo; genre - fantasy, rom-com, thriller, action. This drama won “Outstanding Korean Drama” from the Seoul International Drama Awards and the “Special Jury Award” from the 50th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival.
“When the Camellia Blooms” (2019, Eps. 1-40, half-hour episodes; starring Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Ha-neul; genre - rom-com, crime thriller. This drama is the second highest rated drama of 2019. It won multiple awards, including the prestigious Grand Prize for Television at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards; it also won “Best TV Drama from the 47th Korea Broadcasting Awards and “Top Excellence Award for Korean Drama” from the 15th Seoul International Drama Awards. (Wikipedia)
“Yi San” aka “Lee San, Wind of the Palace” (2007, Eps. 1-77); starring Lee Seo-jin and Han Ji-min; genre - historical, romance; this drama’s lead actors won acting awards, while its writer won “Best Writer” from the 2007 MBC Drama Awards; it also won “Best Director (TV)” from the 2008 Baeksang Arts Awards.
Note: I’m part of the Reddit subs KDRAMA and Kdramarecommends where my user name is “plainenglish2.” Posted below are some of my discussions that have been awarded by the sub mods.
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