my all time fave kdramas
these are shows that i highly recommend everyone to give a chance! they're certainly ones i would watch again!
*none of these are in any particular order. and i probably will add more when i can think of one.
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1. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
i absolutely love this show!!!! only con is the blatant disrespect to south asian hindu cultures. as an indian myself, it was just weird since those scenes have nothing to do with the story or characters. honestly, idk how or why it was added. you can skip those scenes (you'll know it when you get to it) and it won't take away from anything and you can still enjoy the show!
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2. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
if you want a cute simple love story with none of the excess drama, then this show is for you..... it's a really nice coming-of-age story and every character adds something special.
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3. Because This Is My First Life
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
i think it's a great reflection of how people view romantic relationships in their late 20s and 30s. personally, i loved the chemistry between all of the characters and many of the scenarios felt pretty realistic. yes, it's a drama, but it doesn't really exaggerate anything but keeps things entertaining. it's very underrated so please give it a watch!
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4. Business Proposal
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
i first saw this when it came out and a second time for my korean class and it was equally just as entertaining! the chemistry between the 4 main leads was impeccable and it's just overall a really good show!
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5. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
tbh i was hoping that they would not change one of the characters completely for there to be a happy ending for them since the two leads are pretty hard-headed. but actually, they tweaked them both just a little to be more open-minded to each other. it makes sense when you watch it but it's just a cute show away from the busy and hectic city life. the characters are all actually worth watching.
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6. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
yeah many people complain that the episodes got a little repetitive in the middle, but the world they created in this show was still beautiful. IU's over-the-top outfits with her no-nonsense attitude is to die for. plus, the chemistry is adorable to. it's fantasy done right.
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7. My Mister
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
IU killed this with her acting. and Lee Sun-Kyun (R.I.P.) played his role with utmost grace. it's one of the more emotional shows but there are quips of laughter and happier moments. it really is one of the best kdramas to exist till date and i highly recommend to anyone who wants a change of pace from your rom-coms.
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8. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
it's the perfect revenge story. usually when you watch revenge plots, the main characters are steps ahead of the villain in inexplicable ways and you kind of just have to accept it as it is. this show does not have that. some things may not make sense to you if you aren't familiar with modern-day korean culture, especially in Itaeweon, but it's not that difficult to figure out. it's well-driven plot with an extremely satisfying ending.
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9. What Happens to My Family?
Korean Drama - 2014, 53 episodes
yes it's 50 episodes and it seems dragged out sometimes. but as someone who grew up watching hindi serials, this show was nothing in comparison. it's an emotional rollercoaster and you will probably shed a tear or two. but i promise it's worth it. just keep holding on till the very end and you'll know what i mean.
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10. Twinkling Watermelon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
another emotional rollercoaster!!! it's such a sweet show that'll make you feel everything from joy, outrage, sorrow, guilt, celebration, and more! the characters are all lovable and you're going to be so confused (on purpose) with new information that'll be thrown at you. but all questions will be answered.
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11. Yumi's Cells
Korean Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
i would add the second season too but i feel like that becomes too repetitive. i finally got to watch the show because of my korean class, and it actually contains a lot of useful everyday korean words and expressions that you sometimes don't get in other shows. also, the cells and feelings of romance are too cute to ignore. it's a pretty relatable show in terms of romantic relationships and the cells add another dimension to understanding the characters more. it's a really interesting concept so check it out!
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12. Bring It On, Ghost
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes