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. 

Naomi Necro Oct 21, 2021
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  • Itaewon Class

    1. Itaewon Class

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    10

    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. 

  • The Crowned Clown

    2. The Crowned Clown

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    10

    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. 

  • Just Between Lovers

    3. Just Between Lovers

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    10

    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. 

  • Vincenzo

    4. Vincenzo

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes

    10

    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. 

  • Mr. Queen

    5. Mr. Queen

    Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes

    10
  • Youth of May

    6. Youth of May

    Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes

    9.5
  • Fight for My Way

    7. Fight for My Way

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    9.5

    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. 

  • Goblin

    8. Goblin

    Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • The Uncanny Counter

    9. The Uncanny Counter

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    10
  • It's Okay to Not Be Okay

    10. It's Okay to Not Be Okay

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • Doom at Your Service

    11. Doom at Your Service

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    9.0
  • Because This Is My First Life

    12. Because This Is My First Life

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    9.0
  • Beyond Evil

    13. Beyond Evil

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    10
  • D.P.

    14. D.P.

    Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

    10
  • Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    15. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    9.0
  • Mr. Sunshine

    16. Mr. Sunshine

    Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes

    9.0

    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. 

  • My Country: The New Age

    17. My Country: The New Age

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    9.0

    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. 

  • My Roommate Is a Gumiho

    18. My Roommate Is a Gumiho

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    9.0

    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. 

  • Something in the Rain

    19. Something in the Rain

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    9.0

    Slow burn. Friendship turn to romance with a bit of "slice of life". 

  • The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

    20. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    9.0

    Sad. Melancholic. Gorgeous leads. Unexpected ending that floored me. 

  • Uncontrollably Fond

    21. Uncontrollably Fond

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    9.5

    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. 

  • The Red Sleeve

    22. The Red Sleeve

    Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes

    10
  • Memorist

    23. Memorist

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    10
  • Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

    24. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • Happiness

    25. Happiness

    Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes

    10
  • Bad and Crazy

    26. Bad and Crazy

    Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes

    9.5
  • The Glory

    27. The Glory

    Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    10
  • Alchemy of Souls

    28. Alchemy of Souls

    Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes

    8.0
  • Bulgasal: Immortal Souls

    29. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • Healer

    30. Healer

    Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes

    10
  • Hotel del Luna

    31. Hotel del Luna

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow

    32. Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow

    Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes

    9.5
  • My Dearest

    33. My Dearest

    Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

    10
  • One Dollar Lawyer

    34. One Dollar Lawyer

    Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes

    9.0
  • Moving

    35. Moving

    Korean Drama - 2023, 20 episodes

    10
  • Destined with You

    36. Destined with You

    Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes

    9.0

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