A lot of good Korean dramas were released last year, making K-drama fans struggle on deciding which one to watch first. If you are a K-drama fan, let us help.
15 2018 K-Dramas that are Worth Watching
15. About Time
“It’s always good to have a reminder to cherish the ones we love.” – Choi Michaela, About Time
What would you do if you had the gift to see how much time a person has left in their life? Or that you have found love but don’t have enough time for it? That’s the struggle that Choi Michaela (Lee Sung-kyung of Weight Lifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju) faces. She has a special ability to see a person’s life span and then meets a man who has the ability to stop her life-clock.
Despite a bit of age gap between the two main leads *even actor Lee Sang-yoon expressed his concern about him looking “too old” next to his co-star), there is a serious chemistry between them and I assure you you’re bound to get butterflies watching this drama. “About Time” may seem like an ordinary romantic drama, but it will leave you with good lessons in life.
14. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
With oppa Park Seo-joon as the male lead teamed with one of the world’s favorite South Korean actresses, Park Min-young; who could miss watching this? Fall in love with the couple, laugh with their colleagues while the story slowly unfolds the complicated relationship between CEO Lee and Secretary Kim.
13. Misty
‘Misty’ is not your usual melodrama, but a well-written mystery thriller show with unexpected twists, an intense plot, and vibrant characters. This drama evokes a wide range of emotions for viewers to indulge themselves in, and is one to be remembered.
The main character Go Hye Ran is portrayed well by well-recognized South Korean actress Kim Nam Joo. I actually went on girl-crushing on Nam Joo after completing this drama because she nailed it up to the last episode. Talk about women-empowerment!
12. Mr Sunshine
Set in the early 1900s, “Mr. Sunshine” is a story of man who had a traumatic life as a slave and escaped aboard a U.S. ship, eventually growing up in America. As an adult, he returns to Joseon as a US Marine Corps officer and meets a noblewoman who is apparently a member of the Righteous Army. This drama is a combination of hit dramas “Goblin: The Great and Lonely God” and “Descendants of the Sun”, so expect a great visual feast for your eyes.
The production itself is incredible as it is set in the late 1800s to the early 1900s rarely depicted in dramas. Mr. Sunshine also features breathtaking cinematography that highlights the time period, as well as exquisite costumes and sets to perfectly bring the time period to life. Starring Korea’s superstars Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri, it’s a different kind of historical drama that can suit anyone’s taste.
11. Lawless Lawyer
With a powerful cast that will keep you glued to your screen, Lawless Lawyer is one of a must-watch legal or courtroom drama. This drama has a lot of twists and turns and gives a whole new meaning to “fighting with the law”. Plus, you’ll encounter a gang of misfits that will give you a few laughs. In the most-awaited return of actor Lee Joon-Gi as a lawyer trained in an environment of gangsters, this drama was a commercial hit and became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.
10. Something in the Rain
Also known as ‘Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food’, ‘Something in the Rain’ is not your usual romantic drama. Of course we still have that boy-meets-girl storyline, but in this drama, an older woman dates a younger man. Plus, they’ve got Jung Hae In (While You Were Sleeping) in the lead, showing his acting range from cute to romantic to passionate; every noona can’t resist dating a guy like him.
9. A Korean Odyssey
Romance, fantasy, horror, action, comedy, tragedy – you will see all of this in ‘A Korean Odyssey’, the comeback drama of Lee Seung Gi after his discharge from mandatory military service. This drama has everything to offer. Aside from having Lee Seung-Gi as the male lead, you’ll be mesmerized by the pretty female lead Oh Yeon Seo, laugh out loud with veteran actor Cha Seung-won, love and hate the character of Lee Se-Young as Buja and Ah Sa-nyeo, plus an LSS with popular songs like “When I Saw You” by Bumkey and the upbeat “Let Me Out” by K-pop boyband NU’EST W. Is there any reason not to watch ‘A Korean Oddysey’?
8. Cross
After watching ‘Doctor Stranger’, a 2015 drama, I became a medical drama enthusiast. ‘Cross’ is one of the few medical thriller dramas that will keep you glued to your seat at every episode. It’s one hell of a roller coaster ride from the get go. What makes this drama more interesting is how the story touches on the issue of illegal organ transplants performed by people in power, and how powerless people struggle and sacrifice just to provide for their loved ones.
This drama also showcases a father – son/daughter relationship. That’s why you need to prepare some tissues because you’ll definitely get moved. Kudos to lead actor Go Kyung-pyo who gave justice to his role as doctor Kang In-Kyu, seeking revenge for his father’s death who happened to be involved in an illegal organ transplant.
7. My ID is Gangnam Beauty
If you are looking for a coming-of-age romantic drama with a lot of familiar campus aesthetics you can definitely relate to, watch ‘My ID is Gangnam Beauty’. Based on a webtoon, a girl who had plastic surgery after being bullied because of her looks has to deal with people judging her when she enters a university.
This series is one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history. Well, you can’t blame the show. It will get you addicted to its story and twists. Plus, there are kilig feels from male lead Cha Eun-woo of Astro – definitely not a waste of time.
6. Miss Hammurabi
An emotionally uplifting court drama albeit with sad and bitter reality-biting life lessons, ‘Miss Hammurabi’ is one of a kind. Intelligently written by a real-life judge (yes, he is not a professional screenwriter) with a nice blend of energy from the cast, the series deals with different civil cases emphasizing on the changing goodness of people who have been affected by the evolving societal perspectives of what’s right or wrong.
Starring Go Ara and Sung Dong-il who both starred in ‘Reply 1994′ and ‘Hwarang: The Poet Warriors’ together, and idol actor L in his first lead role, here are some takeaway quotes from the drama:
“Human dignity stems from our ability to take responsibility of our actions. But what do you call a society that abandons the powerless?”
“Sometimes the reality is worse than a horror movie.”
5. Devilish Charm
This is a romantic comedy with a unique plot that’s definitely one for the books. The drama is a strange story of a doctor who suffers from “Cinderella Memory Disorder” where the memories of the previous day disappear at 12 o’clock and then reset, and eventually falls in love with a washed up actress. This drama will enchant you, thanks to its entertaining story, adorable romance, humor, and plot. This drama stars Choi Jin Hyuk and Song Ha Yoon. ‘Devilish Joy’ is a cute and easy watch.
4. Life
A healthy drama with heart-stopping moments starring our favorite grim reaper from the hit drama ‘Goblin’, Lee Dong Wook. ‘Life’ is another medical drama. It tells the story of people working in a hospital who want to protect, save, and defend the things they passionately believe to be right.
3. Grand Prince
‘Grand Prince’ follows the love-hate relationship between two princes and their complicated battle for the throne, as well as for the woman they both love. There has been a bit of a drought for period dramas until ‘Grand Prince’ came along. I am a big fan of sageuk or period dramas myself, and ‘Grand Prince’ made a great impact on me. It has romance, action, angst, and thrills coming together beautifully. And with the script, the pacing from start to end, the wonderful cast, the direction, the soundtrack, and the screenplay; ‘Grand Prince’ is one hell of a grand drama.
2. The Miracle We Met
Another feel-good drama that will have you watching five episodes in a day, ‘The Miracle We Met’ is a story of two men with the same name and birthday who die in a horrible car accident on the same day at the same time. To make things complicated, the two switched bodies, making Song Hyun Chul A, played by Kim Myung-min, the head of two families agonizing over his two different wives.
The cast puts up a splendid performance in this, especially Kim Myung-min. Every viewer will be able to relate to this drama, as well. Injected with a bit of romance, fantasy and comedy, everything in this series is almost perfect. Not to mention the cutie deity Ato is played by EXO’s Kai; he will definitely give you “kilig” moments.
1. Are You Human, Too?
If I could give you one reason to watch this drama, it would be Seo Kang Joon, the biggest perpetrator of second-lead syndrome. ‘Are You Human, Too?’ is Kang-joon’s first ever lead role but man, he did a very good job. ‘Are you Human, Too?’ is about a chaebol (heir) who falls into a coma and meets his robot version invented by his scientist mother. While the human Nam Shin is in a coma due to an accident, his AI counterpart (Nam Shin III) has to take his place and fulfill his duties as the third generation heir of a wealthy family. In the human world, he meets his bodyguard Kang Soo-bong played by Gong Seung-yeon (Introvert Boss), a former MMA fighter who had to quit due to an injury.
This drama made me cry and laugh because of the perfect chemistry of the two lead actors. The supporting cast members also gave justice to their roles. Each character in this drama has their own spotlight as the story progresses, basically.
(ALSO READ: 30 K-Dramas that Will Make You Super Kilig)
Have you seen all of the K-dramas listed above yet? Which one was your favorite?
