Recommendations

Similar chemistry between the lead characters, love, romance, mystery, conspiracies, cunning enemies, strong male lead, strong female lead.

I must say, Reply1988 is unbeatable for sure.

But if you want similar type of dramas then Dear Mayang street is the closest one, for-

*for its having similar neighbourhood type of backbone of the drama
*similarity about high school and students/teens and their silly but important for them, topics
*love triangle
*awesome FL

Ragtag team of detectives fighting for justice. Comedy, wit, action. Every episode they tackle a case.

Both thrillers have a similar starting point in the plot, the subsequent investigation into the life of a mysterious female victim character, include aspects of manipulation and school life.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Life, Medical
Tags: Incurable Disease, Eccentric Male Lead, Euthanasia, Hardworking Male Lead, Trauma, Tragic Past, Student-Teacher Relationship, Adapted From A Novel, Hardworking Female Lead, Calm Male Lead

both are time travel and both leads are trying to save each other and sacrifice their love and theirself to save the other's life

Similarities in both BCE and LYOL
-- Female lead who has many familial responsibilities, being the only daughter of the family
-- Mother of FL puts many expectations on her and relies on her a lot, FL acts almost like a second mother to the family
-- Mother of FL tries to delegate parts of her daughter's life, like where her money goes, who she's dating, her other major decisions
-- Part of the reason FL's mother is so nosy and annoying is because she herself lost part of her childhood/youth and has lost meaning in her life besides the fact she is a mother, both moms of FL try to vicariously live through their daughters
-- FL eventually decides to start living her own life, to gain a little more freedom or independence, and FL's mother strongly objects because she wants her children to stay with her (until marriage).
-- ML plays a major role in helping FL through her independence journey, he is very supportive and caring towards FL, even though he himself comes from a background of having no family who cares for him except his grandmother (lol very crazy how in both dramas, both MLs only have their grandmothers)
-- ML and FL meet at FL's workplace, and start off on the wrong footing, both dramas showcase a haters to lovers development
-- By coincidence, FL ends up getting involved with ML's grandmother (in a good way), and that is one aspect of fate that only makes their relationship stronger
-- Both dramas have a side couple involving a lawyer + FL's sibling(s)

There are some dramas that feel more “mature” in sense of complexity and depth of thought
When process of politics or finance is involved, it becomes heavy and it requires much attention
In both cases, the acting and writing are solid that you gradually focus and pay attention to everything

Both drama feature..

+ Nice MLs
+ Rich ML - poor FL plot
+ at least one cute little kid
+ HE :)

Both of these talk about the political process of Korea, the presidency and “communism” of anyone who dared to disagree and the fight for freedom

Both are set around the same times of late 50s and early 60s
uncle samsik is more political and chief detective was more crime
But both also have solid acting and aesthetic qualities

Its like a Squid game for me because they are given challenges forcsake of the prize moneý. Theycare willing to do anything no matter lf they hurt themselves or others. It like a squid game vibe with a horrible twist. You will never know wheb it going to end as the time keeps on adding as you show you potentials good or bad.

Both 'Smile to Life' and 'Sunshine of My Life' have love triangles! The second male lead and the main guy who used to best friends in each drama have a falling out, which makes things even more complicated when they both fall for the same girl.

Both dramas have a limited set of characters and the mystery plays out within an enclosed space. The themes are somewhat similar, exploring if a monster can be created in the right circumstances. White Christmas is more introspective and less violent as opposed to Strangers from Hell. Both are an example of brilliantly directed dramas, and anyone into thriller/mystery would appreciate them.

Ryu Sun Jae's sunbae and role model is Ahn Min Hyuk.
Both male leads are the sweetest, simpiest and total loser for their ladies