A Baker's Dozen of favorites, as of August 2023
I originally made this a list of 10 in July 2021 and, revisiting it now, had to update. I still love the original list, but there are so many good shows, it's hard to limit myself to 10! These aren't really in any particular order, despite the star ratings. They're all different, so it's hard to say which I really like the most. I'd have to watch each one at least twice to decide for sure, because my opinion can change over time. I HAVE watched eight of these more than once though.
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1. Chicago Typewriter
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
watched twice, will probably watch again. Yoo Ah In is just so so so good! My favorite Korean actor for sure. I feel like he's the Christian Bale of Korea.
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2. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Have watched 3 times. I even got my sister to watch, and she loved it too.
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3. Goong
Korean Drama - 2006, 24 episodes
I think I've watched this 4 or 5 times now. It's so sweet and funny and touching, even though a little frustrating that the characters made so many mistakes in their relationships. Then I realized, that's how it is when you're that young. Pretty realistic in that way.
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4. Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
What a great ensemble cast, and great story. David Kim of DKDK TV said this is a fairly true depiction of what work life is really like in Korea.
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5. W
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Such a great idea, about fiction being like an alternate universe. I liked it even better the second time I watched. It completely held my sister's attention too.
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6. Navillera
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Everything about this was perfect. Will definitely watch this again.
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7. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
I loved the whole idea of how the characters have a business that sends people off on their last journey. They way they introduce themselves to the deceased's spirit before they start cleaning is just such a wholesome and respectful and touching thought. I absolutely love it.
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8. Love O2O
Chinese Drama - 2016, 30 episodes
I unexpectedly found that a coworker had watched this show too and had exactly the same feelings I did about it -- that it's kind of so gentle and sweet it almost makes your teeth hurt, but I couldn't help loving it anyway. My daughter who hates to watch subtitles even lasted to the end of this one.
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9. When a Snail Falls in Love
Chinese Drama - 2016, 21 episodes
The story and the fabulous chemistry between the actors just blew me away. I've watched this 3 times and will probably watch again.
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10. The Good Detective
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Great cast chemistry, touching and gripping story, and my police officer brother LOVED it! It's the first k-drama he ever watched, and now he's making his new wife watch it with him, lol.
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11. Taxi Driver
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Season 2 is right up there too, but I can't give Taxi Driver two spots. I have new respect for Lee Je Hoon after this show. He's so versatile and picks great roles.
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12. Squid Game
Korean Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
The cast, the social commentary, the mystery, the suspense! What a show! A little on the gruesome side but worth it for the story.
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13. Under the Queen's Umbrella
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
A sweet, sweet show about a mother's love for her children. The queen was strong and canny, but kind and caring. Beautiful.