r/KDRAMA Challenge List 2021

Challenge #1: A drama featuring Lee Min-Ho.

Completed On: 4th April 2021

Lee Min-Ho plays the role of a chaebol who is an illegitimate child. 

Review: A drama with all the classic clichés and tropes. I would say watch it when you don't want to use logic and just enjoy what it gives you. Watch it with your brain cells turned off and you'll definitely enjoy it for all the ridiculousness. It also stars all amazing actors and has an ensemble cast so I'm sure you're in for a treat. You can also watch it for all the eye candy. Just don't take anything too seriously. It's my guilty pleasure and I enjoy it! 

Challenge #2: A drama from r/kdramarecommends community official recommendation lists.

Completed On: 23rd June 2021

This drama was picked from the list Sci-Fi / Fantasy. 

Review: A love story between a man who can time travel and a woman who is a struggling photographer. The chemistry between the main leads was outstanding and I thoroughly enjoyed the character and relationship developments. Apart from the villain this drama had some endearing side characters and it was a delight watching them all. The soundtrack was really nice too. It takes 7 episodes to get you hooked on the drama and it's definitely not everyone's cup of tea but it's indeed an entertaining and enjoyable watch.

Challenge #3: A drama off the r/KDRAMA or r/kdramarecommends banner.

Completed On: 1st June 2021

This drama was picked from the r/kdramarecommends 2021 banner.

Review: A wholesome slice of life drama about a man in his 70s who dreams of being a ballerino and a boy in his 20s with the talent of being a ballerino. This drama focuses on how these different individuals and their journey of helping each other out achieve their dreams. It's one wholesome short drama that will make you cry buckets but also teach you many life lessons as they go through their own journeys and tackle the barriers on this journey. Definitely watch this when you want a short drama about lovely friendships and life lessons.

Challenge #4: A drama that begins with the first letter of your username.

Completed On: 27th July 2021

Username starts with 'F' (u/Fatooz)

Review: A lighthearted rom-com about four friends who are struggling to fulfill their dreams but live life at its best despite their daily struggles. Pretty much all side characters are annoying apart from the coach and the second leads' story got a little boring even though it highlights one of the real life issues with relationships but the main leads are worth watching the drama for. I loved the chemistry between all the four main actors and it actually felt like prying on their lives. Some scenes stood out with how wholesome they were while most were just hilarious. Definitely would recommend this for Park Seo-Joon and Kim Ji-Won.

Challenge #5: A drama that references a real historical event in Korea.

Completed On: 29th January 2021

This drama showcases the Japanese Occupation of Korea.

Review: Yoo Ah-In is so good at delivering every side of the character. Be it him in the past life or be it in the present life, he brings so much to the screen that you can’t help but fall for him. Just like the majority here, I too fell in love with his look from the past life, so sexy. Im Soo-Jung came across as a surprise. She was subtle but the way she expresses her emotions especially the sad ones. Go Kyung-Pyo is as always amazing in anything. Give him any role and he’ll own it. The friendship between the three main characters was wholesome and heartwarming. The bonding was so natural. Some of the side characters were annoying but some were an absolute pleasure to watch. It’s definitely a slow burn considering it’s a fantasy romance. I was more intrigued by the past life as there was more suspense and mystery in that story. Some of the cliché tropes they used in the present life was unnecessary, but it was still a fabulous drama. One thing that I really appreciate about the writing was how well they built the suspense about the past life story until the very end of the drama. That aspect keeps you hooked and makes you want to keep watching the next episodes. Also the chemistry between the main leads was outstanding! The drama has beautiful cinematography and soundtrack too. “Satellite” (OST Part 1) is stuck in my head and I can’t get rid of it! All in all this was a 9/10 for me. The -1 is only for some of the cliché tropes. It’s worth your time and emotions and you’ll feel so good after you watch this drama, it will leave you wanting for more. 

Challenge #6: A drama featuring character(s) that speak in dialect.

Completed On: 5th January 2021

This drama features characters that speak in the Busan Dialect as they live in Busan.

Review: I actually enjoyed it a lot! It’s a decent drama. One thing that worked out for me this time were the initial short episodes. I also could relate a lot with Seo In-Guk’s character. There were some moments in the drama between Yoon Jae-Yoon and Jun-Hee which really touched my heart, their bonding which grew over time was my favorite. I also really appreciated how Jun-Hee trusted Si-Won enough to share some really private things with her and Si-Won did the same. Their platonic relationship was heartwarming to watch. I also really liked the relationship between the SML and SFL. They had their own charm. The conflicts of one with themselves, the friendships, the difficulties in relationships, most importantly the aspect of how things can sometimes go haywire if you’re late in realizing your true feelings. These all were well portrayed in the drama. The things that I didn’t like were the loud parents which eventually got down in the second half, but most of the times they seemed very over the top. I also quite didn’t like Si-Won’s character especially in the first half. They definitely toned down her extremely loud character towards the second half but the first half was unbearable with her. I could do without the excessive shouting. The fangirling part really put me into a deep thought as to how difficult the lives of idols must be in Korea considering I know that these kind of obsessive fans actually exist there.

Challenge #7: A drama that takes place in a location other than Seoul.

Completed On: 13th March 2021

This drama is set in "Doldam Hospital" which is located in the coutryside.

Review: This one was an awesome all-in-one drama. It had great friendships, comradeship, romance and most importantly a well written slice-of-life genre. It does justice to everything. The character development of each and every character is lovely. While you’ll get annoyed with a few villains, there are so many lovely characters and plot points that will just make you love the drama all the more. I recommend this to everyone who loved the Reply Series and Hospital Playlist.

Challenge #8: A drama that features one of the top 10 locations in 2020 on KDL.

This drama features Incheon International Airport & Seongdong Detention Center from the list.

Completed On: 2nd May 2021

Review: I loved some aspects like Hong Cha Young, Vincenzo, the whole case solving part, their outstanding chemistry, teamwork, comradeship and most importantly how badass they are. It’s a delight to watch them bring down those baddies. But on the other side, this maybe an unpopular opinion but I kept fast forwarding the scenes with all the tenants because I just couldn't get used to the OTT comedy even though they toned down them a lot. But it was an enjoyable drama and I really liked it. Loving the slow burn romance though. Hoping this drama remains outstanding until the finale.

Challenge #9: A drama that is an adaptation or a remake.

This drama was adapted from a WebToon "Twin Tops Bar" by Bae Hye-Soo. 

Completed On: 2nd May 2021

Review: Mystic Pop-Up Bar - A Hot Cup of Coffee on a Wintry Night

Challenge #10: A drama where the main story doesn't involve romance.

Completed On: 26th April 2021

Review: It’s a gripping show that keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times. You can’t miss even one detail and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable drama. Add top acting and solid plot to this along with superb writing and execution and you get a top tier drama. It’s become my favorite crime thriller. Shin Ha Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo were both amazing in their roles and even the side actors did a great job. The plot was strong throughout and the drama surprises you throughout. 

Challenge #11: A drama featuring great friendships.

Completed On: 19th April 2021

Review: It features great existing friendships between the SML and his other two friends and the ML and his boss. I love how low maintenance the ML’s friendship with his boss was and how understanding his boss was, she never thought of him as a weird person. Their platonic relationship was just beautiful to watch especially the way she supported the ML and FL. The FL’s friendship with her childhood friends and the way her childhood friend looked for her even after all the time was goals. I also loved the development of the friendships between Jennifer and the rest of the housemates. Overall it’s an extremely heartwarming and wholesome drama with characters being all so lovely and warm. The relationship between the ML and FL was absolutely goals and their chemistry was amazing. It’s a perfect drama to watch when you want to feel good.

Challenge #12: A drama with a lead actor / actress you haven't seen in a leading role before.

Completed On: 13th May 2021

First time watching Kim Hyang-Gi in anything.

Review: I absolutely loved this drama, it was so calm and soothing to watch. I genuinely liked how they dealt with the school issues and the character growth of the ML was amazing to watch. I wasn’t even disappointed with the ending because it was the perfect way to end this drama considering how they started it and how it went on. For the entirety of it I was just in love with the cinematography and I got to say that Moments by Christopher is beautiful and even if you haven’t watched the drama, you should listen to this OST. I was actually scarred by Ong Seong-Wu’s character in More than Friends but I’m so happy that I watched him again in Moment at Eighteen because his character was so beautiful and he was lovely in this drama. I would also like to see Kim Hyang-Gi in something else, so surely I’ll keep a check on her upcoming works and hope that she gets a similar work soon! I was expecting this drama to be amazing because it’s directed by the director of Beyond Evil and she didn’t disappoint. I’m also going to look forward to this director and writer’s work! It’s my favorite high school drama so far and I genuinely recommend people to watch this.

Challenge #13: A drama written by a renowned screenwriter.

Completed On: 7th May 2021

This drama is written by Park Jae-Bum known for his works The Fiery Priest and Vincenzo.

Review:  I genuinely enjoyed Chief Kim, I watched it right after Vincenzo ended. It did have similar comic elements and over-the-top-ness especially by the ML who was played by Nam Goong-Min. I loved the chemistry and bromance between Nam Goong-Min and Lee Jun-Ho. I also loved Jun-Ho’s acting, especially the annoyed and yelling scenes. It was a pretty enjoyable drama and I could relate to it for the most part because it was set in the accounting industry and that’s my profession as well. 10/10 recommend it! 

Challenge #14: A drama directed by a renowned director.

Completed On: 21st May 2021

This drama is directed by Kim Won-Suk who is renowned for his works like Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Misaeng: Incomplete Life, Signal, My Mister and Arthdal Chronicles

Review: My Mister - A Drama That Perfectly Depicts "All Relationships Are Precious" And Second Chances

Challenge #15: A drama by a writer or director whose works you haven't watched.

Completed On: 13th June, 2021

First time watching the work of Lee Kang (screenwriter).

Review: A Short & Lovely Drama Depicting One of the Most Important Events in Korean History Aptly

Challenge #16: A long-format drama (at least 50 hours).

Completed On: 6th August 2021

Review: Considering this was my first ever long-format drama, it was an easy watch. I was invested in all the main characters and rooted for all of them. I loved how there were subtle surprises and the chemistry between all the main characters was amazing. If I have to pick one story that I genuinely enjoyed then it would be the "Sadon" couple, they were the cutest! Would definitely recommend it for people who want to try watching a long drama for the first time.

Challenge #17: A short-format drama (under 10 hours).

Completed On: 6th April 2021

Review: This is a decent drama which will give you good laughs. The FL and SML are great at expressing their emotions while the ML's acting was stale and below subpar. The drama also references some iconic dramas. It is an easy watch since it's short and is entertaining but if you don't watch this you won't be missing out on much. 

Challenge #18: A drama in a genre outside of your comfort zone.

Completed On: 27th June 2021

This drama falls under the genre of makjang which is outside of my comfort zone.

Review:  I watched this for C#18: a drama in a genre outside of your comfort zone. I’m assuming this drama had the makjang or daily soap tag on it on MDL and I’m not a fan of Makjang and infidelity dramas. This drama had both of those elements so I’ll count it for this challenge. It was lighter on the makjang side thankfully so I loved it. I LOVED the WOMEN of this drama and it did so many things nicely and maturely. So I’ll give it an 8/10, it was enjoyable for the most part. 

Challenge #19: A drama with a rating less than 7.5 or with less than 5000 viewers on MDL.

Completed On: 20th February 2021

The drama is currently rated 7.2 on MDL.

Review: This is an anthology series in which IU plays a different character in every episode. Personally I couldn't get too invested in the series apart from the fact that the acting was great. I couldn't understand most character motivations and I wished for the episodes to be longer rather than just 20 mins. Anyhow, it was a good one time watch and I was able to appreciate IU more. Would recommend this to people who want to watch something out of the box.

Challenge #20: A drama featuring a profession or lifestyle different from your own.

Completed On: 12th July 2021

This drama depicts the profession of prosecutors and taxi drivers.

Review: A Surprisingly Wholesome Crime Action Thriller

Challenge #21: A Baeksang award winning drama.

Completed On: 9th January 2021

This drama won the Best Drama award in 2020.

Review: Drama about a team "Dreams" that has consecutively been in the last spot for three years and a new manager that has been appointed with a successful record of bringing teams from the last spot to the first spot. There were many internal conflicts which were dealt with nicely one by one in every episode. The acting was top notch and I enjoyed watching all the characters. It was an endearing drama at many points and I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy watching sports related dramas.

Challenge #22: A pre-2010 drama.

Completed On: 4th August 2021

This drama came out in 2005.

Review: I had not imagined that I will actually end up liking this drama so much. It was one amazing pre-2010 drama. I just really loved the FL, she was so bold, straightforward and quirky. Her dynamics with the ML was really nice and enjoyable. The SFL was annoying but apart from that this drama is filled with laughter and will definitely make you love it like crazy!

Challenge #23: A drama you have been putting off watching.

Completed On: 27th June 2021

Been putting this drama off watching as I didn't get interested by reading the plot synopsis and was not a big fan of Kim Hye-Yoon.

Review:  I kept putting this off because I wasn’t a big fan of either Kim Hye-Yoon or Ro-Woon, but I decided to watch this for Lee Jae-Wook because I loved him in DDSSLLS. Anyhow, the first half was really nice but the second half was pretty boring and draggy. It also got very repetitive in the second half. I loved Kim Hye-Yoon though, she was super cute as Eun Dan-Oh! So I’m going to keep a lookout on her next works, but overall the drama was ok. I’ll give this a 7/10. 

Challenge #24: A re-watch of a drama you have previously watched.

Completed On: 11th April 2021

Review: An Honest Review on The King: Eternal Monarch

Challenge #25: A drama that is not Korean.

Completed On: 7th June 2021

This is a Chinese Drama.

Review: A cute lighthearted rom-com about two childhood lovers that were separated due to circumstances and they meet after many years. I was in the mood for watching a fluffy rom-com so this was perfect for that mood. It was a good balance of cute and matured. I loved the chemistry between the main leads and though the plot was clichéd the lighthearted aspect and the romance made it an easy watch. Definitely recommend it if you're in the mood for a rom-com that is not Korean.