4 Best K-Dramas to start your obsession- Beginner’s Guide

Dear Sweet Friends

Where shall I begin? The first step is admittance: I am obsessed with Korean dramas, but healthily, of course. So, now that I’ve admitted this, let’s talk K-dramas. Yes, I know how late to the party I am. But one of the rules I like to live by is” it’s not what time you show up to the party, it’s the fact that you still got there. So yes, as of 3 years ago, I had no idea these shows existed, but I’m glad to say at least I arrived at the party. And now, here I am writing about K-Dramas to start your obsession.

Now, how and why did I become such a fan. Well, let’s start from the beginning. My first introduction to Korean dramas was during the beginning of the pandemic and the lockdowns, a time of many new emotions, experiences, and introductions. Of course, many of us may remember the obsession with baking bread, and who can forget the fiasco that was the Tiger King. However, for me, it was K-dramas, and I would be amiss not to point out how grateful I am to have been one of the fortunate people that had these moments to be exposed to something new and enjoyable during such a difficult time.

How it all started?

My fandom all started with a historical K-drama series on Netflix recommended by a friend. So one late afternoon, I sat on my couch with my laptop, switched on the show, and began. Two episodes later, I thought, “what is this.” Truthfully, I was bored and I wasn’t sure why my friend enjoyed these shows.

Time passed, and I accepted it as a fail and didn’t even give it a second thought. But in passing, I told my friend that I did not enjoy it. Her persistence convinced me to try again, which is when she recommended “Crash Landing On You.” And this was it, the show that officially locked me in, and I haven’t looked back since.

Since that first introduction, I have watched many K-dramas, probably nowhere near the amount as my friends or other fans, but recently I started to contemplate what is it about these shows that constantly calls me back.

What is so special about K-Dramas?

Love is in the air

On the surface, I know the romance premise plays a large part in my enjoyment. Since I am a fan of Hallmark channel movies (we may have to talk about that another time), watching these shows isn’t too far of a stretch. Yet it is their way of telling these romance stories that initially drew me in. The deliberate choice to slowly develop each romantic relationship was pleasant to watch. Many American romance dramas tend to be more fast-paced, but K- dramas successfully know how to portray the slow burn and keep you engaged in the characters’ stories.

Another aspect I appreciated was the focus on the complexities of developing a relationship while often limiting the focus on the physical aspect of the relationship, a contrast to much of American television. Instead, the focus was on how the challenges of two individual lives can affect the ability to create a healthy relationship.

But is romance enough?

After some time, as you can imagine, a romance story is a romance story; the ending is always apparent regardless of the storyline. However, I realized it had to be more than just the romance premise that kept me hooked. As I continued from one series to the next, I would write or screenshot quotes I liked or found inspiring or rewind when a quote truly resonated with me. And this is when I realized I truly appreciated the life lessons beautifully woven throughout the shows. It was no longer just about the romantic relationship for me.

Instead, I enjoyed the storytelling of each character. These shows successfully captured both the beauty and the darkness of life. They often tackle complex topics such as how traumas from your past affect your present, the challenges of all types of relationships from love and familial to friendship, career struggles, and mental health. And even though these topics don’t necessarily always scream joy, these shows were able to emphasize lessons that one can learn from life, even the complex parts. In the same instance, providing hope that we each can heal, move forward, and lead a life of joy.

So, for this reason, I continue to watch these shows. I know it will bring laughter, smiles, anger, shock, and frustration, and you may even shed a few tears but isn’t this the reality of life. And when a style of storytelling can capture the complexities of life and all the emotions and feelings that come with it, then that’s the type of television I will stick with until it no longer provides this. But as I am sure my fellow K-drama fans would probably agree,  I think it will be some time before this happens.

K-Drama’s to start your obsession

You have come to the right place, for those who have never watched a K-drama series but came across this blog post. I hope I have convinced you to try your first K-drama series. To help you choose, below are four series that I adore. This list comprises shows with unique plots, so I hope you find one that resonates with you. These shows encompass great storylines, memorable characters, excellent on-screen chemistry, and inspiring life lessons.

Crash Landing On You– Original Air Dec 2019- February 2020

A South Korean Heiress, Yun Se- Ri, ends up in North Korea after a paragliding accident and has to find her way back to South Korea with the help of an army officer Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok. This show takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions set on the backdrop of a unique and least probable situation. Following several exciting character storylines and their developments,  you will not only be in a state of suspense, but you will unexpectedly be laughing a lot along the way. This show started it all for me, and I hope it will be the same for you.

Its Okay Not to Be Okay– Original Air Netflix June 20 – August 9, 2020

This story follows two brothers Moon Gang-tae and his older brother, Moon Sang-tae, who navigates life after losing their mother. Gang-tae becomes the sole provider to his older brother Sang-tae, who has autism. Often moving from location to location, Gang-tae will work at psychiatric hospitals as a caretaker. In a chance encounter at one of these hospitals, he crosses paths with Sang-tae’s favorite children’s author Ko Mun-Yeong who has an antisocial personality disorder. This series follows these three characters and whether they can move forward regardless of their circumstances.

This show was one of the few that I almost gave up on when I first began watching, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Of course, no one show can ideally encompass all aspects of mental health, personality disorders, or neurodivergence. However, this show did a great job of bringing to light some important aspects of mental health for those who may not understand and help to start a discourse around at times difficult topics.

Vincenzo Original Air Date February 20 – May 2, 2021

Vincenzo Cassano, an Italian lawyer who was adopted as a child and is now the consigliere of the Italian mafia, and returns to S. Korea to retrieve the hidden gold of his late boss. Instead, he crosses paths with a human rights lawyer Hong Yu-chan, whose goal is social justice. He then unexpectedly becomes intertwined in the lives of Yu-chan’s daughter Hong Cha-young, and a group of tenants trying to obtain justice.

This show was a surprise for me, veering from the K-dramas I usually watch. But the combination of drama, action, and dark humor kept me glued to the edge of my seat. In addition, the unique set of quirky characters and their interactions was refreshing and enjoyable. So if you are looking for something less romantic and edgier but able to somehow make you laugh, this is the show for you.

Navillera Original Air Date March 22 –April 27, 2021

The storyline follows a 70-year-old retired mailman, Sim Deok-chul, who dreamt of becoming a ballet dancer, and 23-year-old Lee Chae-rok, an aspiring professional ballet dancer. Deok-chul does the unexpected and aims to finally become a ballet dancer with the reluctant help of Chae-rok. Another K-drama that verged from the typical romantic plotline. This K-drama was an excellent portrayal of genuine stories revolving around family, friends, traumas, and old and new dreams with a plot twist. If you are looking for a show to tug at the heartstrings and shed a few sad and happy tears, this is the show for you.

There is an endless list of K-Dramas and many other great shows, but I hope this will be an exciting start for those new to this world.

Have a wonderful day!

Sweet Lyfe Daily

Comment below your favorite K- Drama that you recommend watching