Are you looking to start watching K-dramas? There’s always somewhere to start. As someone who watched her first ever K-drama in 2021 and has faced her fair share of k-drama slumps, here are a few that really piqued my interest and could rewatch a million times.
True beauty
A K-drama that I have rewatched time after time—which was also the first one I ever came across—is True Beauty. This K-drama is based on Ju-kyung, a high schooler who, growing up, was pushed aside as the “ugly duckling,” constantly fighting to fit in and be accepted, but was often neglected because of her looks. In this 16-episode show, we see the transition she goes through, from being someone who is pushed aside to being seen as a goddess at her new school overnight. In the midst of this, she quickly grabs attention and, without trying, finds her heart being chased by two different boys. If you want a K-drama that gets a good laugh out of you, has a strong message of self-acceptance, and has two difficult sides to choose from, this one’s for you.
my demon
My Demon is another show that instantly grabbed my attention. Despite its longer episodes, I finished it in just one week—it was that hard to put down. If I wasn’t constantly thinking about what would happen next, I was counting down the hours until I could watch another episode. The story centers on Do Do-hee, a wealthy heiress, and Jeong Gu-won, a 100-year-old demon. After an unusual encounter, the two are forced to rely on one another, leading to a marriage of convenience that keeps them both on edge. Over time, their relationship begins to shift. Filled with angst, yearning, and enemies-to-lovers tension, this drama truly checks every box.
king the land
If you’re looking for a slow-burn workplace romance, King the Land is a must-watch. It follows Goo Won, a hotel heir who despises fake smiles, and Cheon Sa-rang, a cheerful employee trained to maintain “service smiles” for professionalism. Their differing views on happiness and authenticity initially clash, but gradually evolve into a complicated romance, especially as their relationship challenges the boundaries between employer and employee. This drama will have you cheering when they finally confess, and the male lead has serious golden retriever energy.
snowdrop
Looking for something less centered on romance? Snowdrop is a gripping thriller that will keep you saying, “just one more episode.” It tells the story of Jisoo, a South Korean university student, and Jung Hae-in, a North Korean spy. After meeting during a group outing and experiencing love at first sight, their lives take a dramatic turn when Jisoo discovers a wounded man hiding in her dorm, only to realize it’s him. As she hides him, unaware of his true identity, the story unfolds into a tense narrative filled with forbidden love, a historical backdrop, a hostage crisis, and shocking plot twists.
dynamite kiss
Another standout is a romantic comedy centered on Go Da-rim, an unemployed woman who travels to Jeju Island and meets Gong Ji-hyeok. In a spur-of-the-moment situation, she claims they’re dating, forcing them into a fake relationship during the trip. After they part ways, fate brings them back together months later, as boss and employee. What follows is a shift from strangers to lovers to enemies when the truth about their past resurfaces. As Go Da-rim struggles to keep her identity hidden for the sake of her job, her boss is determined to make her pay for “fooling” him. If you are seeking a drama filled with funny banter, yearning, and a workplace romance, pick this one up.
These just five of the many shows I’ve watched over the years since I’ve gone back to K-dramas, but these are also the ones I’ve rewatched on several occasions because of how good they are. As someone who has always struggled to stick to a show and often stops midway, K-dramas have slowly become the only shows I watch nowadays, and I hope these recommendations can spark your interest in diving into the world of K-dramas. Oh, and grab your tissues, because one or more of these will leave you in tears, but you’ll have to watch to find out.
Happy binge-watching!