Dramas I Recommend to Anyone (Even the Xenophobes;))
Dramas I've seen which I have and would recommend to those who are not affiliated with Asian culture. There are other shows I love and would recommend to people, but these are ones which I find to be so solid, that I feel like I could comfortably recommend them to anyone without worry.
—There are some elements of trauma/PTSD and mental health challenges in some of these shows, but nothing I personally feel uncomfortable with as someone familiar with such challenges. Any such shows below focus more on healing than actual difficulties as far as my memories serve.
—The shows below are also not too graphic in violence which I am sensitive to.
—Some of them like "Go Ahead," "Hometown," and "Chicago Typewriter" also dive into some cultural and historical aspects in a helpful way that makes the show more interesting as a foreign viewer.
—Lastly, none of these shows have overacting (okay maybe a little in Good Manager at first...:)) and overwhelming amounts of cartoonish effects which scare new viewers away. ;)
I will continue to add more shows as I view more. Let me know if you think of other good ones I should watch!
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1. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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2. Chicago Typewriter
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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3. Good Manager
Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
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4. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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5. Hospital Playlist
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
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6. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
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7. Alchemy of Souls
Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
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8. Fight for My Way
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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9. The Uncanny Counter
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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10. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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11. Thirty but Seventeen
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
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12. Tunnel
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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13. Happiness
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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14. Go Ahead
Chinese Drama - 2020, 46 episodes
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15. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
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16. Pinocchio
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
This one has a pretty slow beginning--first 4 episodes are to set up the story. However, it is a very satisfying one with great substance which I would recommend to people who are suckers for drama.
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17. Signal
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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18. The Good Detective
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
At least this first season. It the most solid cop show I have ever seen. And I am not really into crime shows. Themes include family, love, friendship, trauma, healing, and forgiveness. I applaud this show!
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19. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes