Best K-Dramas to Watch
I started watching K-dramas in high school and haven’t stopped since then. I have compiled this list over the years, and it’s finally seeing the light of day. K-dramas were actually the way I learned Korean subconsciously before moving to Korea.
I’ve watched so many dramas over the years and these are my top recommendations for those who are interested. This is also a handy way for me to keep track of the dramas that I enjoyed.
If you’re interested in watching them, some of them are available on Netflix, while a majority of them can be found on Viki.
Another reason I really enjoy watching Korean dramas is that most of them produce their own original soundtrack (OST), which are usually amazing and I have found some songs I really enjoy listening to.
Down below, the dramas are listed in oldest to most recently released. I also included my favorite songs from each drama in case you’re curious and want to check those out. Enjoy the recommendations and let me know what you think!
My Recommendations
You’re Beautiful
Korean title: 미남이시네요
Aired: Oct. 7, 2009 (16 episodes)
Categories: romance, comedy, musical
Favorite song: Promise (약속) - Lee Hong Ki & Jung Yong Hwa
Drama Details
Mi Nyu’s twin brother recently was added to the group A.N.JELL, but an accident prevents him from joining. Mi Nyu agrees to pretend to be her brother until he is recovered. Can she keep her identity a secret until her brother gets back, or will the members discover her secret?
My Thoughts
This is one of the first dramas I watched and I loved cast and story. It was filled with just the right amount of drama, and has an OST that is divine. I think I’ve rewatched it two or three times since then.
My Love from the Star
Korean title: 별에서 온 그대
Aired: Dec. 18, 2013 (21 episodes)
Categories: romantic comedy, fantasy
Favorite song: My Destiny - Lyn
Drama Details
A top actress meets an alien that has been residing on Earth for the past 400 years. He has been unable to return to his homeland and the ensuing interactions between the two are funny, sweet, and heartbreaking.
My Thoughts
One of my all-time favorite dramas. The OST, the characters, the story, the set are all top-tier. The female lead is hilarious when she is trying to catch the attention of the male character who hasn’t cared about anyone in years.
Bride of the Century
Korean title: 백년의 신부
Aired: Feb. 22, 2014 (16 episodes)
Categories: comedy, romance, fantasy
Favorite song: What I Wanted to Say (아직 하지 못한 말) - Cho A
Drama Details
The Taeyang Group’s oldest son is set to marry heiress Jang Yi Kyung, but she vanishes. The panicked Jang family finds a look-alike to take her place. Can Na Doo Rim adapt and successfully play the part of Jang Yi Kyung?
My Thoughts
Another of my top favorites that I’ve watched multiple times. If you liked Lee Hong Ki (the male lead) in You’re Beautiful, then he succeeds again in this drama. This drama also has a great OST, especially the song I recommended above.
Let’s Eat 2
Korean title: 식샤를 합시다2
Aired: Apr. 6, 2015 (18 episodes)
Categories: food, romantic comedy
Favorite song: Delicious - Kangnam
Drama Details
The second season of Let’s Eat, Goon Dae Young meets a childhood classmate. Baek Soo Ji coincidentally lives close to him and they get to know each other over many meals together.
My Thoughts
The lead actress is one of my favorites and I was so glad to see her in this drama. Who doesn’t like a drama about good food? It always left me salivating for the food in the episodes.
Oh My Ghost
Korean title: 오 나의 귀신님
Aired: Jul. 3, 2015 (16 episodes)
Categories: romance, comedy, thriller
Favorite song: Stay - Ben
Drama Details
Bong Soon works at a restaurant while harboring a secret crush on her boss. Her secret is that she can see ghosts, and one day gets possessed by one. When she begins to act differently, her coworkers and boss start taking notice.
My Thoughts
Park Boyoung (the female lead) is probably my top favorite actress. I loved seeing the two personalities acted out when Bong Soon gets possessed; a far cry from her normal, timid personality. Another food drama that focuses more on ghosts, romance, and some mystery.
W
Korean title: 더블유
Aired: Jul. 20, 2016 (16 episodes)
Categories: fantasy, romance, comedy, thriller, action
Favorite song: Falling - Jo Hyunah
Drama Details
When Oh Yeon Joo’s father, a famous webtoon creator, goes missing, she is accidentally sucked into his webtoon while searching for him. She meets Kang Cheol, the lead character from her father’s webtoon and realizes she can only leave the webtoon depending on Kang Cheol’s emotions.
My Thoughts
I really, really enjoyed this drama. I loved the concept of it since it isn’t a normal drama theme. There is action, romance, and mystery which makes the drama more exciting. I highly recommend watching this drama if you enjoy those themes.
Dr. Romantic
Korean title: 낭만닥터 김사부
Aired: Nov. 7, 2016 (20 episodes)
Categories: medical, romance
Favorite song: Always Okay - Shin Yong Jae
Drama Details
Kim Sa Bu is a famous doctor who previously worked at a top hospital, but has since moved to a small town. At the hospital, he and his colleagues commit to saving all those who enter.
My Thoughts
I love a good medical drama and I fell in love with the tough love that Kim Sa Bu shows to those who work with him. Throughout the show, there are patients whose lives are at stake, and Kim Sa Bu and his team work to save them before it’s too late. I loved the mixture of medicine and learning about the staff and their lives.
Legend of the Blue Sea
Korean title: 푸른 바다의 전설
Aired: Nov. 16, 2016 (20 episodes)
Categories: comedy, romance, fantasy
Favorite song: Love Story - Lyn
Drama Details
Heo Joon Jae, a scammer, becomes interested in Shim Cheong, a mermaid, after seeing an expensive jade bracelet in her possession. He teaches her how to act like a human while scheming to get the bracelet from her. Throughout the drama are also scenes from their past life and how those past memories are replaying in their current lives.
My Thoughts
Who doesn’t love a drama with Lee Minho and Jun Jihyun? They play their roles to perfection. Past lives meet their modern lives with a twist of suspense. I was hooked and couldn’t stop watching until I finished it.
Goblin
Korean title: 도깨비
Aired: Dec. 2, 2016 (16 episodes)
Categories: comedy, romance, fantasy
Favorite song: Beautiful - Crush
Drama Details
Kim Shin is a goblin who has grown tired of being immortal and is search of his bride who can remove the sword from his body and end his life. He encounters Ji Eun Tak, a high schooler, who can see the dead and who claims to be his bride.
My Thoughts
I had mixed feelings whether to include this one or not, but it was such a huge sensation during the time it aired that I couldn’t not include it. I have to say the age gap (aka having it be between a high schooler and a hundreds of year old goblin) made me hesitant and the ending left me feeling a little unsatisfied. Overall, I loved the bromance between the two male leads and the OST more than made up for my reservations over some aspects of the drama.
Voice
Korean title: 보이스
Aired: Jan. 14, 2017
Categories: thriller
Favorite song: Voice - Kim Yuna
Drama Details
A popular detective, who is filled with guilt, and a voice profiler, whose father was murdered, work together to solve crimes and find the serial killer that murdered their family members.
My Thoughts
If you’re looking for a drama without a huge romance portion, then this is it. The drama focused solely on the lives of the two main characters and the crimes they were solving. It was an interesting concept to see how voice profiling worked.
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Korean title:힘쎈여자 도봉순
Aired: Feb. 24, 2017 (16 episodes)
Categories: fantasy, thriller, action, romantic comedy
Favorite song: You are My Garden (그대란 정원) - Jung Eun Ji
Drama Details
Do Bong Soon is hired as a bodyguard to protect a top gaming CEO from an unknown threat. She protects her boss with her super strength while trying to keep it a secret from her crush. Throw in a serial killer that has begun to target her, and the action never ends.
My Thoughts
This has got to be one of my all-time favorite dramas. Action, superpowers, mystery, comedy, and romance all wrapped into one makes this drama a great watch.
Stranger
Korean title: 비밀의 숲
Aired: Jun. 10, 2017
Categories: thriller, mystery, law
Favorite song: 사랑할 것 처럼 - Kim Kook Heon
Drama Details
Hwang Si Mok is only one of few prosecutors who hasn’t taken bribes. He joins forces with Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin to weed out the corruption in the prosecutors’ office and solve a serial murder mystery.
My Thoughts
Another drama that doesn’t have romance, this is for the people who are looking for something serious. The main characters are full of charisma and it was fun to see how they would solve the murder mystery.
Mad Dog
Korean title: 매드독
Aired: Oct. 11, 2017 (16 episodes)
Categories: action, thriller, mystery
Favorite song: What I Want - Niihwa
Drama Details
Choi Kang Woo loses his wife and son tragically in an airplane crash. When he realizes that it might not have been an accident, he forms a team to find out the truth and bring those to justice.
My Thoughts
I mainly started watching this drama because I love Woo Do Hwan, and it was definitely worth it. The beginning was so sad, but I loved seeing Choi Kang Woo rally and fight to discover the truth.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
Korean title: 김비서가 왜 그럴까?
Aired: Jun. 6, 2018 (16 episodes)
Categories: romantic comedy
Favorite song: It’s You - Jeong Se Woon
Drama Details
Kim Mi So worked for her boss for nine years, and informed him that she will quit. He can’t quite believe that she would want to quit without having a solid reason and is determined to make her stay. Will he succeed in his schemes to get her to continue as his secretary?
My Thoughts
The main characters’ chemistry is so good and had me laughing at their interactions. If you’re into fashion, you will look forward to seeing the outfits that the main characters wear.
Thirty but Seventeen
Korean title: 서른이지만 열일곱입니다
Aired: Jul. 23, 2018 (32 episodes)
Categories: music, mystery, comedy, romance
Favorite song: Just Stay - Hyorin
Drama Details
Woo Seo Ri was 17 when she was in a car crash and has woken up and realized she is now 30. She becomes involved with Gong Woo Jin, who suffered trauma 13 years ago, and they begin to overcome their obstacles together.
My Thoughts
It was hilarious to see Woo Seo Ri and her reactions to everything around her. It really made me think what it would be like to wake up years later and try to adapt.
Let’s Eat 3
Korean title: 식샤를 합시다3
Aired: Jul. 16, 2018 (14 episodes)
Categories: food, romantic comedy
Favorite song: Same Memory - Kassy
Drama Details
Goo Dae Young returns in this third season to heal his pain. He reconnects with his college classmate, Lee Ji Woo. They bond over food and relive their past.
My Thoughts
Another food drama? I could never say no to more food. It had me drooling over all the delicious cuisine they featured in this installation. I was glad to see another drama with Goo Dae Young and see his interactions with his classmate.
Touch Your Heart
Korean title: 진심이 닿다
Aired: Feb. 6, 2019 (16 episodes)
Categories: romantic comedy
Favorite song: What if Love - Wendy
Drama Details
Oh Yoon Seo is a famous actress who has been criticized for her bad acting. She wants to star in a lawyer drama, but has no knowledge in the field. She starts working as a secretary for lawyer Kwon Jung Rok to gain experience.
My Thoughts
If you loved this pair in Goblin, then this is a welcome return. At first, Oh Yoon Seo comes off as superficial but, throughout the drama, you uncover more of her thoughts and feelings. I can’t get over how good their chemistry is together.
Her Private Life
Korean title: 그년의 사생활
Aired: Apr. 10, 2019 (16 episodes)
Categories: romantic comedy
Favorite song: Floating (둥둥) - Hong Dae Gwang
Drama Details
Sung Deok Mi is an art gallery curator with a huge secret. She is a ginormous fan of Cha Si An. She has successfully kept it hidden from everyone, until Ryan Gold finds out. What makes it worse is that he is her new boss at the art gallery.
My Thoughts
For someone who isn’t an intense fan of Kpop, this was an interesting perspective into the life of a Kpop fan. I also liked learning more about working in an art gallery and what that entailed.
Abyss
Korean title: 어비스
Aired: May 6, 2019 (16 episodes)
Categories: mystery, comedy, romance, fantasy
Favorite song: Into the Abyss - Suran, Coogie
Drama Details
Two friends get into an accident and pass away but are revived with a mysterious marble. However, instead of their appearances that they are used to, they come back in new bodies. Cha Min was unattractive but has revived as a handsome man, and Go Se Yeon was beautiful but has come back normal looking.
My Thoughts
Besides the fact that Park Bo Young (main actress) isn’t average looking, this drama was fun to watch. There is some mystery mixed into their lives which makes it a bit more exciting than just any other drama.
Extra-Ordinary You
Korean title: 어쩌다 발견한 하루
Aired: Oct. 2, 2019 (32 episodes)
Categories: fantasy, romance, comedy
Favorite song: 한 번도 하지 못한 이야기 - Sondia
Drama Details
Eun Dan Oh is a high schooler with a weak heart. She is diagnosed to die before her adult years. After some curious events she realizes she’s actually a character in a cartoon! Even worse, she finds out that she is a side character. Determined to change her fate, she fights to become the main character of the story.
My Thoughts
I thought this drama was such an entertaining concept. Who doesn’t want to be the main character of their story? Not related, but I loved the main actress’ unique voice.
Crash Landing on You
Korean title: 사랑의 불시착
Aired: Dec. 14, 2019 (16 episodes)
Categories: romantic comedy
Favorite song: Here I am Again (다시 난, 여기) - Baek Ye Rin
Drama Details
After a freak accident, heiress Yoon Se Ri ends up in North Korea. She runs into North Korean officer Ri Jung Hyuk who agrees to help her get back to South Korea.
My Thoughts
Although it is not accurately portrayed, it was interesting to see life in North Korea. The interactions between the main leads was endearing and I enjoyed the other North Korean soldiers’ interactions and the provided comic relief.
Dr. Romantic 2
Korean title: 낭만닥터 김사부2
Aired: Jan. 6, 2020 (16 episodes)
Categories: medical, romance
Favorite song: My Love (너를 사랑하고 있어) - Baekhyun
Drama Details
Dr. Romantic is back with another season. This time Kim Sa Bu has returned with some new colleagues. New issues have arisen, including issues with his wrist and trying to train former students.
My Thoughts
Just when I was needing some more medical dramas in my life, this was released. I loved all the actors and their growth and development as doctors. Also interesting to learn more about medical cases and how the doctors work together to solve issues.
Flower of Evil
Korean title: 악의 꽃
Aired: Jul. 29, 2020 (16 episodes)
Categories: suspense
Favorite song: Feel You - Shin Yong Jae
Drama Details
Cha Ji Won is a homicide detective who begins to investigate serial murders from 15 years ago. Her husband is acting strangely. Is her husband somehow related to the murders?
My Thoughts
I loved this drama so much. I enjoyed the conflicts in the family when Cha Ji Won wants to firmly believe her husband but she starts to doubt him. Some dark murders and themes happen, but the crime team is there to try to solve everything.
The Uncanny Counter
Korean title: 경이로운 소문
Aired: Nov. 28, 2020 (16 episodes)
Categories: fantasy, mystery, thriller
Favorite song: Meet Again - Kim Sejeong
Drama Details
Demon hunters, aka Counters, pose as restaurant workers while they work to get rid of evil spirits who are threatening humans. So Moon is the newly recruited Counter who has much to learn on how to fight the spirits.
My Thoughts
An action-packed fantasy with strong, charismatic characters. They fight to the best of their abilities and strengthen their teamwork to achieve their goal. It was indeed an intense but heartwarming drama.
True Beauty
Korean title: 여신강림
Aired: Dec. 9, 2020 (16 episodes)
Categories: romantic comedy
Favorite song: I’m in the Mood for Dancing - Yuju
Drama Details
Im Ju Gyeong has recently moved to a new high school after being bullied at her previous school. She is determined to create a new identity for herself and becomes a “goddess” after learning how to apply makeup. Problem is, Lee Suho has discovered her secret. Will he agree to keep her secret, and can she fit in at her new school?
My Thoughts
I actually was reading the webtoon when I found out that it was being turned into a drama. Of course, I had to watch the drama. Although there are differences in the story, I loved the drama a lot. It reminded me of high school and how issues can feel like the end of the world in high school. A fun, mostly lighthearted, drama to watch.
Mr. Queen
Korean title: 철인왕후
Aired: Dec. 12, 2020 (20 episodes)
Categories: historical, romantic comedy, fantasy, body swap
Favorite song: Here I Am - Jo Hyun Ah
Drama Details
Jang Bong Hwan is a chef who finds himself sucked into the past and into the body of Queen Kim So Yong. While he is trying to get used to his new body, he also has to deal with court politics and the secrets that the King (Kim So Yong’s husband) is harboring.
My Thoughts
This drama went through a lot while airing, because viewers were unhappy with some of the historical inaccuracies. However, I thought it was a fun and entertaining show. The actors did such a great job portraying their characters. It was fun seeing how Jang Bong Hwan adapted to being back in time.
Vincenzo
Korean title: 빈센조
Aired: Feb. 20, 2021 (20 episodes)
Categories: dark comedy
Favorite song: I’m Always by Your Side - John Park
Drama Details
Vincenzo Cassano is a consigliere for the Italian Mafia but has fled back to Korea when factions are at war. While there, he joins lawyer Hong Cha Young in fighting a big company.
My Thoughts
The drama has some dark themes, since it does have to do with the mafia, but it also has so many comedic moments. It was great seeing some serious moments lightened with some great humor.
Doom at Your Service
Korean title: 어느 날 우리집 현관으로 멸망이 들어왔다
Aired: May 10, 2021 (16 episodes)
Categories: comedy, romance, drama, fantasy
Favorite song: Breaking Down - Ailee
Drama Details
When Tak Dong Kyung is diagnosed with brain cancer, she wishes the world would be doomed. Doom (Myeol Mang) appears and says he will fulfill her wish if she enters into a contract with him.
My Thoughts
Although I got a little lost with the plot (I’m still not sure I totally understood everything), I love the main actors so much that I still added this onto my favorite dramas list. They had such great chemistry and it was cool to see how they portrayed the fantasy world and everything to do with Doom.
My Roommate is a Gumiho
Korean title: 간 떨어지는 동거
Aired: May 26, 2021 (16 episodes)
fantasy, romantic comedy
Favorite song: Nothing Left to Say - Kassy
Drama Details
Woo Yeong is a gumiho who collects human energy in a bead to become human. After Lee Dam accidentally swallows Woo Yeong’s bead, they become housemates to solve the issue of getting the bead out of her.
My Thoughts
The actors did such an amazing job and had great chemistry together. Who wouldn’t love the incidents that happen along the way while they try to keep Woo Yeong’s identity secret?
You are My Spring
Korean title: 너는 나의 봄
Aired: Jul. 5, 2021 (16 episodes)
Categories: thriller, mystery, romance
Favorite song: Falling Flower - Yang Da Il
Drama Details
Kang Da Jung, a hotel manager, and Joo Young Do, a psychiatrist, both have traumatic childhoods. They start to heal together while also solving a murder that is closer to home than they realize.
My Thoughts
At first, I thought this drama would be more of a daily life show, but it slowly gained momentum and there were some surprising things that happened. The main characters had lots of past trauma but started to heal when they confided in each other, which I really enjoyed.
Inspector Koo
Korean title: 구경이
Aired: Oct. 30, 2021 (12 episodes)
Categories: action, thriller, mystery, comedy
Favorite song: Up - Hajin
Drama Details
Koo Kyung Yi is an investigator who likes to solve cold cases for the thrill of the chase. A college student who is a serial killer starts a cat-and-mouse game with her for the fun of it.
My Thoughts
A much shorter drama that has lots of action. I loved the main characters for their uniqueness and the mysteries that unfold.
Let Me Be Your Knight
Korean title: 너의 밤이 되어줄게
Aired: Nov. 7, 2021 (12 episodes)
Categories: music, comedy, romance
Favorite song: Beautiful Breakup - Luna
Drama Details
In Yoon Joo gets scammed and to avoid the loan sharks she poses as her twin sister as a doctor for the leader of boyband, Luna. She works as a live-in doctor while trying to conceal her identity from the singers.
My Thoughts
This drama produced songs sung by all the members of Luna as the OST, which is super cool. The songs are all amazing, so I suggest checking them all out. The little interactions in between the members and In Yoon Joo are so cute.
Our Beloved Summer
Korean title: 그해 우리는
Aired: Dec. 6, 2021 (16 episodes)
Categories: comedy, romance, youth
Favorite song: 집, Why - Janet Suhh
Drama Details
Choi Woong and Kook Yeon Soo, while in high school, were filled in a viral high school documentary. Years later, the ex-lovers are asked to do a follow-up documentary. Can they resolve their misunderstandings and grow together?
My Thoughts
As someone who is working right now, I really related to this drama since it was all about showing the small things in life and how we hold onto some things and how we continue to grow and learn from our experiences.
Ghost Doctor
Korean title: 고스트 닥터
Aired: Jan. 3, 2022 (16 episodes)
Categories: comedy, medical, supernatural, fantasy
Favorite song: All I have is My Heart - K.Will
Drama Details
Cha Young Min is a genius doctor who is only focused on fame and money. One day he is involved in an accident that puts him in a coma. He begins possessing Seung Tak, who is kind but terrible at anything to do with surgeries.
My Thoughts
Rain (Cha Young Min) is finally back with another drama! I loved the combination of medical drama with ghosts. It was so heartwarming to see the relationships between the characters develop and how Cha Young Min gradually grows more empathetic.
Business Proposal
Korean title: 사내 맞선
Aired: Feb. 28, 2022 (12 episodes)
Categories: comedy, romance
Favorite song: You are Mine - Victon
Drama Details
Shin Ha Ri does her best friend a favor by going on a blind date that her dad set her up on. When she arrives, she realizes that it is none other than her boss! She tries to reject him, but he persists. Can she keep her identity as an employee a secret from him?
My Thoughts
This drama does a perfect job of doing all the romance tropes in a hilarious way. It wasn’t overly cheesy, which was great. It reminded me a little of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.
Military Prosecutor Doberman
Korean title: 군검사 도베르만
Aired: Feb. 28, 2022 (16 episodes)
Categories: action, military, mystery, law
Favorite song: Doberman - Ha Hyun Woo
Drama Details
Do Bae Man works as a military prosecutor only for the fame and the money. Cha Woo In is hired as another military prosecutor, but is revealed to be doing it for revenge. They join forces when it is revealed that they have something in common in their pasts.
My Thoughts
I’ve watched some military dramas before, but never as a military prosecutor one. It was interesting to view this side of the military. I loved the action and teamwork that evolves around the main character.s
Tomorrow
Korean title: 내일
Aired: April 1, 2022 (16 episodes)
Categories: action, thriller, fantasy
Favorite song: My Loneliness Calls You - Suran
Drama Details
Choi Joon Woong goes into a coma, and is recruited by grim reapers when he “wakes up”. He joins the crisis management team that prevents suicides.
My Thoughts
This was such a unique story. I love love love the main female character and how she manages the team and deals with the suicide victims. Each episode is a different story. It was sad but eye-opening to hear about each person’s story.
Again My Life
Korean title: 어게인 마이 라이프
Aired: April 8, 2022 (16 episodes)
Categories: mystery, law, fantasy
Favorite song: Shadow - Hanhae, KISSXS
Drama Details
Kim Hee Woo is a prosecutor who is investigating a possibly corrupt politician when he is murdered. He is miraculously resurrected, but back to when he was in high school. He studies and prepares all over again to fight the unknown murderer.
My Thoughts
Kim Hee Woo having to persevere and study all over again to defeat his unknown opponent was a very cool subject. I love how determined he was and it also showed how all his relationships in his life helped him along the way.
Alchemy of Souls
Korean title: 환혼
Aired: Jun. 18, 2022 (20 episodes)
Categories: action, romance, historical, fantasy
Favorite song: Aching - Kassy
Drama Details
The alchemy of souls is a forbidden magic that allows one to switch bodies. Naksu, an assasin, performs this magic when people attempt to murder her. She has become Mudeok, the servant of Jang Uk. He figures out who she is and wants her to train him while he holds her secret over her head.
My Thoughts
This pair was so perfect! The magic, comedy, romance, and action were such a great combination. There will be a second season coming out this winter!
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Korean title: 이상한 변호사 우
Aired: Jun. 29, 2022 (16 episodes)
Categories: law, romance, life
Favorite song: Beyond My Dreams - Sunwoojunga
Drama Details
Woo Yeong Woo is the first lawyer on the Autism spectrum to be hired in Korea. She faces prejudice, tough cases, and tough clients.
My Thoughts
This was such an amazing show! I loved her character and the sweet interactions she had with her colleagues, family, and friends. It was also cool to learn more about whales, which are her obsession. The crew did an amazing job on the graphics as well.