Top Shows to Watch If You're New to KDRAMAS
A collection of my all-time favorites after delving headfirst into the KDRAMA universe at the start of COVID in 2020.
not in a particular order and with several genres to select from.
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1. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
A "slice of life" drama that focuses on Park Saeroyi's journey for a better life, for revenge, and for a piece of existence that he can call his. I found myself completely smitten and invested in what happened to Park Saeroyi and his close group of friends. I rooted for them, cried for them, laughed with them, and held my breath throughout the poignant moments and catalysts of their lives. Will always be one of my absolute top favorite shows, ever.
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2. The Crowned Clown
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Yeo Jin-Goo at his finest. He is so convincing in his dual roles, you could easily mistake him for 2 separate actors. Loved this series.
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3. Just Between Lovers
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
HOLY ANGST. I could eat their delicious tears.
Lee Jun Ho is AMAZING in his first lead role. I had no idea he was an idol actor until after I looked him up. You believe every single moment of his screen time and root for him as a character.
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4. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
Hysterical. Heartbreaking. Beautiful. From the acting to the cinematography, to the OST - this show is so cleanly executed. I had so much fun watching the chemistry between everyone in this series.
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5. Mr. Queen
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
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6. Youth of May
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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7. Fight for My Way
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I didn't expect to love this series so much. I really love Park Seo Joon (especially after watching him in Itaewon class), but I was very pleasantly surprised by the strong storyline, strong cast, and even great supporting leads. I was very invested in the show, from start to finish.
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8. Goblin
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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9. The Uncanny Counter
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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10. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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11. Doom at Your Service
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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12. Because This Is My First Life
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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13. Beyond Evil
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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14. D.P.
Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
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15. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
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16. Mr. Sunshine
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Slow pace. Take's its time. Romance but zero skinship(which frustrated me but I understood given the age gap and the focus of the series). Really well done.
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17. My Country: The New Age
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This was my very first KDRAMA I watched when I first fell into watching foreign shows during COVID. TBH, I was drawn after seeing Woo Do Hwan in the trailer on Netflix. He's literally one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen, lmao. The show proved to be excellent and very well done.
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18. My Roommate Is a Gumiho
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Some of the hottest, most unexpected chemistry between the two leads. The kiss scenes are *chef's kiss* and I loved the fantasy element of the series.
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19. Something in the Rain
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Slow burn. Friendship turn to romance with a bit of "slice of life".
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20. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Sad. Melancholic. Gorgeous leads. Unexpected ending that floored me.
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21. Uncontrollably Fond
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
I *loved* this series. First time watching Kim Woo Bin and I'm obsessed. Suzy was pretty good in it too. ANGST. Romance. ANGST. Did I say ANGST? Definitely a heartbreaking drama that deals with terminal illness and the different stages of grief a young person goes through when they know they're dying young. Really loved this show.
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22. The Red Sleeve
Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes
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23. Memorist
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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24. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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25. Happiness
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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26. Bad and Crazy
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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27. The Glory
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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28. Alchemy of Souls
Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
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29. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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30. Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
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31. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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32. Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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33. My Dearest
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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34. One Dollar Lawyer
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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35. Moving
Korean Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
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36. Destined with You
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes