My most most fave shows :)

Korean dramas with superb acting, solid plotlines and most importantly got me emotionally invested.   

Some of these shows are here primarily because they tried something different which though may not have worked in full but nonetheless made the watching experience interesting

elpis Mar 19, 2024
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  • Nobody Knows

    1. Nobody Knows

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    10

    I thought it was a crime thriller, but this turned out to be a moving study of human relationships, the power of love/caring and healing

  • The Interest of Love

    2. The Interest of Love

    Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes

    10

    Incredible acting, and wonderful directing/editing make this a great watch. It includes some incisive social observations re:SK society understanding of which is needed to appreciate the show imo

  • When the Weather Is Fine

    3. When the Weather Is Fine

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    9.5

    A calm vibe, a lovely set of characters plus soothing backdrop. I loved Eun Soeb's character so much.  Lovely acting by both leads. My only complaint was that Hye Won's healing journey was completely skipped over. 

  • Secret

    4. Secret

    Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes

    8.5

    Angsty all the way through. Loved Hwang Je Eum's acting in this. The romance's beginning is iffy but my joy comes from watching the FL's slow discover of the betrayal and her gathering determination to fight back.

  • City Hall

    5. City Hall

    Korean Drama - 2009, 20 episodes

    9.0

    The first 5 episodes are more cringe than I can manage usually, but Im glad I persisted. Mi Rae' fight to becoming the Mayor was somewhat realistic yet with enough drama-touches (easy resolution etc) to make it interesting. The romance , the chemistry and the kisses are my fave foreever. Jo Guk has a solid character arc  and is more than just FL's support.

  • My Mister

    6. My Mister

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    9.5

    For me personally, more than the main pair's struggles, the brothers and the actor's arc resonated the most. But insanely good acting by Lee Sun Kyun

  • Should We Kiss First?

    7. Should We Kiss First?

    Korean Drama - 2018, 40 episodes

    9.5

    Again, cringe comedy in first few episodes but the romance and the pain of the lead pair in this show made me ache. I loved the flashbacks at the end of the show that slowly unfurl the background giving us more insights into what's going on.

  • Children of Nobody

    8. Children of Nobody

    Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes

    9.5

    Very sensitive portrayal of child abuse. The FL struggling  to deal with a loss as well as a bad marriage makes you feel for her. As usual Kim Sun Ah knocks it out of the park

  • Stranger

    9. Stranger

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    9.5

    Intellectual crime thriller. Cho Seung Woo is incredible here. The delicately platonic relationship between him and FL is the highlight of the show.

  • Miss Korea

    10. Miss Korea

    Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes

    9.0

    Utterly charmed me with its story of achieving dreams despite obstacles. I loved Lee Mi Sook's character so very much

  • Lie After Lie

    11. Lie After Lie

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    9.5

    A banging makjang with a romance that is never in your face but will give all the feels.

  • The King of Pigs

    12. The King of Pigs

    Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes

    9.5

    Brutal and unsparing, this revenge thriller will hold you to the edge of your seats.  Its vivid portrayal of the effect of bullying will remain with you

  • V.I.P

    13. V.I.P

    Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes

    9.5

    A deep dive in to how infidelity can destroy a marriage. Jang Nara's superb acting gives us a peek into the mental state of wife who is shocked that her "devoted" husband is actually cheating on her.  

  • My Father Is Strange

    14. My Father Is Strange

    Korean Drama - 2017, 52 episodes

    9.5

    I liked some arcs very much while skipped through others. Hye Young is one reason alone for this show to be on this list. Other is Lee Joon.

  • Que Sera, Sera

    15. Que Sera, Sera

    Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes

    9.0

    Flawed, grey characters make this show an uncomfortable yet mesmerizing watch.

  • Money Game

    16. Money Game

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    9.5

    Despite its heavy subject, the acting and the unexpected chemistry of Eugene and Lee Hye Joon make this show rivetting

  • Money Flower

    17. Money Flower

    Korean Drama - 2017, 24 episodes

    9.5

    Despite having all makjang features, this show is subdued. The set up is long, nearly 10 episodes, but the pay off is amazing. The romance arc was awful in my opinion, but Jang Hyuk and Lee Mi Sook made it more than worthwhile.

  • Time Between Dog and Wolf

    18. Time Between Dog and Wolf

    Korean Drama - 2007, 16 episodes

    9.0
  • The Vineyard Man

    19. The Vineyard Man

    Korean Drama - 2006, 16 episodes

    9.0

    A cute city girl falling for rugged country guy romcom. Loved the relaxed, peaceful vibe as much as the slow burn romance.

  • The Promise

    20. The Promise

    Korean Drama - 2016, 102 episodes

    9.0

    A full on makjang. Very satisfying revenge. Amazing performance by Lee Yu RI.

  • Evasive Inquiry Agency

    21. Evasive Inquiry Agency

    Korean Drama - 2007, 16 episodes

    9.5

    The unique plot of this show is what made it so very watchable. I enjoy discovering more about SK's history.

  • Durian's Affair

    22. Durian's Affair

    Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes

    9.5

    A very very interesting time travel makjang.

  • When It's at Night

    23. When It's at Night

    Korean Drama - 2008, 17 episodes

    8.0
  • Designated Survivor: 60 Days

    24. Designated Survivor: 60 Days

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    9.5
  • Kairos

    25. Kairos

    Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes

    9.0

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