Fav Kdramas (with reviews)
In order of my favs :)) I also included some of my commentary on why I love these.
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1. The Good Bad Mother
Korean Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
The way the last episode had me bawling.... I've never had a kdrama bring me so much joy and non stop tears before. 10/10 ... If I had the opportunity to forget and rewatch this drama, I would. It was a hell of a ride but a good one. A big issue for me and kdramas are their pacing, but this one does it just right. I was engaged throughout every minute of every episode. Gonna miss this cast and drama so much :((
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2. Boyhood
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Well damn... I didn't expect this drama to go in the direction it did. I literally went through the five stages of grief while watching LOL. Overall the drama has a very heartwarming feel to it which is what made me love it, and it balanced out the more serious scenes/episodes which emotionally were tough to watch. I think the representation of bullying is more accurate than other dramas, and honestly after watching I'm more inspired & determined to not let anyone test me *exhale*. I've been pretty uninspired/unmotivated lately so definitely after watching this I have the mindset to push myself and do the best I can. It's ok to fail, but you just have to trust yourself and the process, and not give up even if it feels like the world is against you.
**I've seen this drama got renewed for a second season and 3 things I want to mention.**
First is I'm curious how the second season might play out as the ending of the first feels as though it's complete and nothing needs to be added. And second, I'm curious if they'll explore how Gyeongtae has changed since the end, like does he change at all? Does he still attend the same school, or did he leave out of embarrassment ? Third I hope we are able to get more background about him in the next season. His mom says "It's my fault, I didn't raise him right" in I think ep 5/6 so I think it's interesting to explore that aspect. Overall I'm excited and can't wait for the new season !
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3. Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
Wow.. is all I can say about this drama right now. I would've never imagined myself to binge a 20 ep drama with this kind of plot, but here we are. There wasn't a moment that felt boring, I actually enjoyed it since the story flowed really well. Second to last ep was definitely the most emotional, and I cried... alot.. but the last ep really made me happy that everything worked for everyone, especially Jang Geu-rae & Mr. Oh. Might think about rewatching this in the future because it's honestly worth it. Also THAT POST CREDIT SCENE AT THE END... literally had me going "WOW" outloud. The full circle moment was crazy and I'm glad they included it at the end. Wish it had a season 2 cause it would've been so entertaining... but I'll be ok.. *cries*
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4. Beyond Evil
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
So I’m writing this right after watching, and I honestly don’t know what to do with my life now LOL. The first 9 eps were pretty slow. I felt a little confused and wasn’t sure if this lived up to the hype. BUTTTT … in ep 10 that all changed. I would say in my personal opinion this is my favorite episode (along with ep 15 & 16), because it’s the moment everything starts to click and start to make sense. It’s also one of the “OH SHIT” eps. I honestly was like deceived like a good 10 times this whole show.. and maybe… cried a bit… The cinematography and OST literal *chefs kiss*. I felt like I was watching one long movie. Because I didn’t connect with the first 9 eps on first watch, I def want to rewatch to catch things that might have been foreshadowed. I think that when I rewatch my rating might change from 4.5 to 5, but we’ll see. I feel like on first watch you kind of feel like Ju-won because you’re like wtf is wrong with everyone and all these damn secrets, but on second watch I might have a perspective of Dong-sik, who is like “you have no idea what you’re in for”. I’m def gonna miss these characters. I wish we could get a season 2 in a way but again, the story is complete and it doesn’t really need one. Gonna listen to the OST now… Oh and one more thing .. NETFLIX YOU CAN FUCK OFF FOR TAKING THE SHOW OFF!! but thanks for making me watch it faster :)))
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5. Weak Hero Class 1
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
This drama is a really good one ! We pretty much always see kdramas about bullying where our main character doesn't stand up for themselves. This one does the complete opposite and brings us some great action scenes. The last episode I believe really showcases Park Ji-hoon's acting. I felt his emotions down to my core. Definitely have to rewatch this drama again before season 2 comes out :))
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6. The Devil Judge
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Wow.. I'm literally speechless rn. This drama is really a work of art. From its plot to its OST to its cinematography to its acting, it's all so great. I probably had the same thoughts as other people picking up this drama, that it had it's moments where you're like ... "ok so what's going on". I'll say this, ep 9 on is where everything literally pops off and gets soooo good. Everything before then is kinda backstory, and time to get you emotionally attached to characters, but it's very important SO DONT JUST SKIP AROUND LOL. Originally watched this for Jinyoung, but ended up loving all the actors. Definitely have to check their dramas out especially the actor who played Kang Yo-Han (don't come at me... I know he's probably well known but I haven't seen him in anything except this.) The ending was great, justice was served bitch. While it doesn't necessarily need a season 2... I NEED and WANT one :)). Ok done for now 9/10!
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7. Strangers from Hell
Korean Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
Wowzers... when I tell you that this drama had me on the edge of my seat every ep. I just finished the drama at the time of writing... and not only do I feel empty and deceived... I'm literally speechless. Like I really don't know what to say. I'm someone who doesn't really get grossed out when watching dramas with gory themes, but this one.... yea literal goosebumps every ep. I felt so disturbed and like I was losing my mind no lie. Def worth the binge watch ! (take a mental health break from time to time while watching LOL)
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8. Triangle
Korean Drama - 2014, 26 episodes
Welp.. I'm crying LOL. So I watched this for Jaejoong and his acting literally 10/10. I don't normally watch dramas over like 16 eps because they become dull and I lose interest, but not with this drama. I was actually engaged for every ep cause the plot was so interesting. Definitely a bingeable drama. I can't wait to see Jaejoong's other dramas because he is SOOO GOODD. Anywaysss, I'm gonna recover from this crying/post-drama depression *peace*.
{ SPOILERRRRR }
So the ending really had me balling LOL. I really hated Yang Ha/Dong Woo because he was literally being a prick the whole time. But I really wanted a moment at the end where all the brothers smiled and could take down Chairman Yoon together. I felt really empty at the end in a way. Dong Chul gets to be the CEO of the casino but because he lost so much in the process I kept thinking to myself.. "damn should I be happy or sad rn". *cries* At first I wasn't a fan of Junghee's character but she grew on me cause she really brought the best out of Dong Chul. But in all seriousness... I should've expected a depressing ending from a drama like this :(((((
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9. Vigilante
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
So yea... I'm pretty sure we will get a season 2 (which we def need!!) when Nam Joo Hyuk comes back from the military (which is this year yasssssss) Binged in 2 days. Loved the pacing had me hooked the whole time. Not a lot to really say but I pretty much loved it.
{ SPOILERRRRR }
Idk what to really think about Seowook likeeeee.... I really wish he wouldn't have died *cries* and I think he really shouldn't have been framed but I guess that makes him go out like an OG. We'll see how season 2 plays out. (I know there's a webtoon but I don't read those.)
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10. Run On
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Okkkk so, first I want to start off with saying that this drama was really wholesome and I was hooked from ep one. Siwan flirting I stg killed me AHHH like I literally melted. This drama really exceeded with it's cinematography at parts, especially during the movie imagining scenes, and ep 14 & 16. I'm referring specifically to the running/finish line scene with Seongyeom and Mijoo (end of ep 14) where their past selves (at their lowest) are at the finish line. LIKE OMGG the symbolism. Nothing but goosebumps. And with the scene (towards the end of ep 16) where the painting is between Danah and Yeonghwa at the museum. Literally got chills. I thought the ending honestly was gonna be a sad ending (and that's cause I clearly have drama ptsd from watching too many tragic dramas *cries*), but it wasn't which I was really happy about. I would say tho for the ending I wish that there wasn't a montage, I wish maybe there was another ep to explore everyone's ending (that's just me tho). I loved how all the characters were united together in the movie theatre, and how the credits of the movie transitioned well into the real drama credits. Really good drama and a great binge !
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11. He Is Psychometric
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
So I love Jinyoung so he's the main reason I ended up watching this. This drama had me hooked and took me 3 days to watch it (watched over Thanksgiving break 2023). I hope Jinyoung got a damn award for that acting.. if not the system is RIGGED. Kinda predicted the ending but the drama had me second guessing myself the whole time. In all I loved it, Jinyoung's acting is def what sets it together. Was a little disappointed by the ending because it was a little weak. Idk if they'll end up having a season 2 (doesn't really need one but it would be nice to continue the story).
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12. High School Return of a Gangster
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
Pretty solid drama. I watched the eps every week and it was very enjoyable. I know some people were boycotting this because it’s based on a BL webtoon and the drama took that aspect out, but honestly I don’t mind and it still had an interesting and bingeable storyline. I will say that this drama was very short which makes me kinda sad cause it was so heartwarming :(((( and I looked forward to watching it. They released 2 eps each week which made the drama move even faster. (Idk if they should’ve rolled it out like that since it was only 8 eps .. but again it was bingeable.) Part of me wants a season 2 but the story honesty is finished (unless the webtoon continues, idk I don’t read). Yoon Chan Young didn’t disappoint and as a matter of fact all the actors did pretty great in this drama. Gonna miss it … tears were indeed ashed *cries*
{ SPOILERRRRR }
I will admit that I was shocked when Yi Heon didn’t want his body despite everything Deuk Pal did for him. That was honestly sad but at least Yi Heon can be at peace and Deuk Pal can go to school and bring positivity to those around Yi Heon.
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13. Navillera
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
{ SPOILERRRRR }
So... my grandma actually has Alzheimer's (in the beginning stages).. so yea this drama struck a chord with me. This drama is very heartwarming and a little bit sad. When I started it at first I didn't like it but around the 5th episode it grew on me and I was able to binge it in like 2 days. The story is really inspiring. I would actually recommend this to those that feel they are lost in what they want to pursue and need a little encouragement .
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14. Sweet Home
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
[WRITTEN MAY 2023] I think it's a crime we are still waiting for season 2 after that cliffhanger on my fav character (I think he's alive.. I'll hold on to this hope since I don't read webtoons *cries*), but anyway this drama was not bad! I pushed it off for so long because of reviews about the CGI, but it really wasn't that distracting, at least for me. The zombie thing is so overdone these days but this one wasn't one that had characters that really pissed me off.. ok maybe one, but that's it LOL
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15. Summer Strike
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Even though this drama had a serious plot in a way it felt comforting? and relaxing. I’m currently sick and decided it was time to start watching this drama, and I … binged it in 2 days.. Holy moly. :O Siwan... that man never disappoints, his acting is amazing. Petition to bring back long haired Siwan AHHHHHH
Oh and P.S. a little spoiler, but I would’ve liked to at least get a damn kiss at the end between Yeoreum and Daebeom but it’s ok *cries* I’ll live…
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16. Manhole
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
(watched... will add review soon !)
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17. All of Us Are Dead
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
I really enjoyed season 1 of this drama, but there were some bumps that made me rate it a 7.5. That ending ... let's just say I'm hoping someone is alive, because if not... your girl is not gonna watch anymore lol. It's on this list because I really love Yoon Chan young and his performance in this drama. He really needs to be in more dramas tbh
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18. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
(still watching so.. no review yet... but it's good that's why it's here)
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19. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
(still watching so.. no review yet... but it's good that's why it's here)