What to Watch When You're a Korean Drama Newbie

What got me hooked into kdramas were the sweet, slow building love stories with loads of chemistry and cute moments. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is exactly that.  Bonuses: the male lead isn't a jerk, the female friendships contain swag, and you'll learn pick up lines that you definitely can use in real life.... maybe.  - u/pvtshame

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is the gentlest introduction — the most heartwarming kdrama I’ve seen. Because the characters are so vivid, and their situations so relatable, it was easy for me to cozy up to this story of figuring out who you’re supposed to fall in love with — after taking a wrong turn. It also has that focus on an issue that I love about kdramas — in this case, eating and body image for young women in weightlifting and gymnastics. I appreciate the effort, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo mostly avoids the eating/body image fails I’ve seen in other kdramas. If you like stories about friendship, love, family, and picking yourself up after falling down, this is an appealing welcome.  - u/amnesiafakedating

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo - If you love watching rom-coms then this is great for starters. It's not too cheesy nor too cliché. It's cute but at the same time very calm and comfy. The chemistry between the main leads and the entire cast is so good, you'll feel very connected to it instantly.  - u/Fatooz

Still 17 will perfectly acclimatize the first-timer for all KDrama tropes like childhood trauma, childhood connection, love Δ, distant ML, kinetic FL, amnesia(?), cool side characters and a million coincidences. - u/RayInRed

Romance Is a Bonus Book has the complex, rewarding romantic relationships and workplace depth that made me a kdrama fan. I really love the way it spells out the conventions and practices of the Korean professional world — the better to question them. And I’m a book lover, so I’m into all the literary stuff and creativity in the independent publishing house. And the characters having deep conversations.

I also like the gentle male lead for a beginner. I’m not knocking cold, hostile rich guys - I rewatch some of their dramas, to be honest. But when I remember how distressed some of those tsundere dudes got me when I started out with kdrama, I’m relieved that more male leads like this one have come along. I also was really touched by the female lead’s gentle resiliency. Also, I adore heavily predetermined One True Pairings but I think for someone new to Hallyu romances, it might be easier that the leads’ connection feels like a choice. They have other options, they’ve had past relationships, and now, there’s an opening for them to be together. - u/amnesiafakedating

When I think about starting kdramas over again, I might start with something that requires less understanding of Korean society, like Descendants of the Sun. It seems a little less Korea-specific, with its lush, faraway country setting. I can’t see too many head scratching moments about traveling to an unnamed land, watching workout addicts jogging in their fatigues minus shirts, and following two appealing love lines. There’s stuff going on besides love — the drama has adventure, personal and professional conflict, catastrophe, and medical emergencies. And the locations are beauteous.  - u/amnesiafakedating

Descendants of the Sun - This one seems similar to CLOY just because of the soldiers part but it's actually not similar. It has comedy, romance and action too but it's more of a drama where something or the other is happening continuously. Another drama with many popular actors, written by a popular writer. It also has everything that makes it to a newbie list, plus it's not too great or not too bad, so it's good for the beginning. - u/Fatooz

I would suggest easing in with something vaguely familiar, like Because This is My First Life. It has engaging characters, and touches on some of the aspects of Korean life that Koreans find hard to deal with - financial pressures, interfering parents, parental pressures, the way women are treated in the workplace.  - u/Englishk-dramafan

Suspicious Partner - which is vaguely Hitchcockian in its mix of thriller and romance, and an introduction to just how beautiful Korean actors (male and female) are. - u/Englishk-dramafan

I Hear Your Voice is my pick for the best entry-level makjang-inflected classic, because its Park Hye Ryun screenplay serves up the whole enchilada. Try saying this without taking a breath: amnesia, telepathy, forced cohabitation, impersonation, tsundere noona, long lost child, prison, high school mystery, office comedy, love triangle, stalking, murder, loss, kidnapping, courtroom rivalry, revenge, redemption, and a trip to Seoul’s COEX Aquarium!

Hallyu styles have streamlined, and I’m not sorry about that, but what makes me like I Hear Your Voice for a beginner drama is the way its parts work together. This drama gave me thrills plus actual writing quality. But you must love intensity, laughter, and tears, and a big romance garnished with the finest, most exquisite cheese. - u/amnesiafakedating

The first kdrama should have a makjang, trope-filled plot to cleanse our hollywood palate.  Heirs  has all the tropes plus some.

Heirs is written as a self-deprecating,  self-critical humorous take on all the things that we love or hate about kdramas. It doesn't hold any pretentious claims of self- awareness,  yet manages to highlight its meta moments surreptitiously,  not wanting to be taken as intelligent, astute, or god-forbid, anything near to being sweet or cute. - u/links253

The Heirs - Yes yes yes, this HAS to be there on your list if you're a newbie. This drama acts like a KDrama Tropes 101 book as it has ALL of the KDrama clichés and tropes. You ask for chaebol drama, you'll get it here. You ask for rich guy poor girl, you'll get it here. You ask for second lead syndrome, you'll get it here. There's everything you need to know in this drama as a beginning to your KDrama journey. It also features some really popular actors like Lee Min-Ho, Park Shin-Hye, Kim Woo-Bin, Krystal, Kim Ji-Won, Kang Ha-Neul, Park Hyung-Sik and many more. - u/Fatooz

For newbies, I strongly recommend “Cinderella and Four Knights”! It’s a sweet, light-hearted drama; the story and the characters draw you in from minute one. It’s the first kdrama I watched, I’ve recommended it to anyone who wants to try kdramas and, so far, everyone has loved it! It may have many cliches and some ridiculous situations, but that’s a part of its charm.  - u/tired-of-trying

I can’t remember what my first kdrama was, but I got my best friend addicted with Strong Woman Bong Soo.  This is a quirky drama that hits all the tropes while making you laugh.  There is something for everyone and the main Chaebol love interest has the most amazing expressions.  He makes you feel as if you are falling in love along with him.  Just remember it is a rom-com with some drama, not a drama with some romance and humor - u/dcvbookfan

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon - Does not have an extremely complicated story line, and the plot gives you a little bith of everything (romance, comedy, fantasy, crime, thriller, fluff). The acting and casting is impeccable and i will NEVER stop talking about minmin and bong bong uwu they're so cute. Amazing use of the OST. each person has a specific song that relates to them. and can we talk about how catchy the OSTs are? Never gets draggy, there are new stories unfolding every five minutes. Satisfying ending and an easy watch overall. - u/jooim

Coffee Prince - For a newbie I would highly rec this one. It's old school rom-com but one of the most famous of the drama. It came out 2007-ish I think, but was one of the first kdramas I watched (the 2nd actually) and is still one of my all time favorites. Gender-bender girl dresses as a boy in order to get a job she desperately needs as the bread-winner of her family. Enter spoiled rich chaebol who likes to play around and sparks fly. Super cute, and one of my favorite OTP's in any kdrama. - u/Wanna-be-your-puppy

My personal favourite that I still watch up until this day is Coffee Prince. What I like is that the FL is not very feminine and looks very convincing as a guy. The plot is also quite interesting, both lead couple and second couple has their own story. The whole OST of the drama is awesome too, mostly indie songs.  - u/fernie66

One of the things that drew me to kdramas was that they are just so imaginative and well done. And Chicago Typewriter, is one of the best. I caught my breath watching foot chases, flinched at gun battles, laughed at the physical humor and witty dialogue, and teared up over the sad, beautiful love story. I was fascinated by the powerful depiction of the Japanese colonial rule of Korea.

Kdramas hooked me so hard because the cultural myths around karma and reincarnation are my belief system, rather than the myths of the West. I can’t get enough of the idea that we’re the creation of everything we do, and are responsible for what happens around us. And that we have a choice — to take responsibility, or to blindly replay bad actions. You’ll hear the phrase “take responsibility” a lot in kdramas, and Chicago Typewriter elegantly illuminates its meaning. I can think of no better welcome to kdrama than this rich story of karma, Korean style. - u/anmesiafakedating

I love fantasy romance, and Goblin: The Great and Lonely God is one example of how well Hallyu pulls this genre off. It may be for you if you like magical, sexy, caring, protective older men.

Even though the two sets of romantic leads have centuries of history, making Goblin pretty weighty, what I remember most about it is how much I laughed at the Goblin and his verbal sparring partner — his accidental roommate, a man who serves as a Grim Reaper, guiding the souls of the newly dead.

Goblin has something else that I adore in kdrama — lots of upscale eye candy. His house looks like Architectural Digest. His winter coats are legion. And he can teleport, so there are lovely location shoots in magical-looking Québec. - u/amnesiafakedating

Goblin - This drama is one of the must watches as a newbie. The bromance, the writing, the direction, the cinematography, the soundtrack and the acting is great. It's one of the classics and your list is incomplete without watching this drama. - u/Fatooz

Chocolate - starts to bring in the tropes: the screechy aunts, the pushy parents, the coincidences of childhood vs adult encounters worthy of Dickens, the piggyback, etc, while set within the reasonably familiar environments of hospital and hospice. Oh and some amazing Korean food, way way way more than ramen. - u/Englishk-dramafan

Ex-concert pianist Hye Won sold out long ago to the chaebols she regularly beats at mahjong. But her luxurious life and her lapdog-to-the-rich managerial position at a prestigious musical institute are put at risk when she encounters uncorrupted musical genius in the person of a younger man.

Secret Love Affair exemplifies the production genius and bitter social critique that I deeply admire. I’m not usually into watching resourceful people make bad decisions, nor into melodrama, but this show blew me away. - u/amnesiafakedating

I never got tired of the unique psychology of Stranger / Secret Forest’s unusual detective, nor of his work friendship with a resourceful woman lieutenant. Every country has corruption, but this Korean depiction of the evil acts of the powerful drew me in with its approach, both subtle and hard-hitting  - u/amnesiafakedating

If you like historical dramas, The Crowned Clown is a good starting point.  Many historical (sageuk) dramas have 50+episodes, but this one has the same length as most dramas these days, 16.  The ML did an awesome job playing two characters, the political intrigue is pretty straightforward, romance sweet, locations and costumes are gorgeous.  It is a pity though, that although the music is beautiful, it's mostly western classical music.  - u/LcLou02

If you like Historical dramas with a fun premise, try Sungkyunkwan Scandal (20 episodes).  Back in the days when women were not allowed to study, a young woman posing as a man passes the entrance exam to Sungkyunkwan (school/university).  Honestly though, how anyone could mistake this gorgeous woman for a man has to have his eyes checked.  Will she get caught? Many of the main leads are now A-list actors who you will see in many other dramas. - u/LcLou02

I made it through Six Flying Dragons on my curiosity about sageuks, my love for two of the leads, and because it was so frigging good. I have to admit that if it were my first kdrama, I might never have watched another one - my jones for happy endings is that strong. But I dig swordplay, if not medieval cruelty. Having read the first three books of Game of Thrones, I’d call it GoT without the magic, because systemic sociopolitical oppression and a tyrant origin story are horrifying enough that you don’t need winter. And I know there are a lot of folks who adore rock-and-hard-place tales, pageantry, and conspiracy. I’d bet on it being a good first drama for folks who like to watch on the dark side. So I can offer a recommendation even though — maybe because — it’s not my genre.

Side note - it actually helps to read up so you know who the historical characters are. Because every Korean watching knows, and knowing adds immeasurably to the suspense. - u/amnesiafakedating

Kingdom is probably the most accessible show. A medieval setting with zombies and fight for the throne that actually has a satisfying end currently.  - u/RayInRed

Multiple Seasons

I think Vagabond is most westernized KDrama with spy and globe-trotting backdrop with cool action scenes and good enough plot. - u/RayInRed

Voice - Good when you had enough soft, sweet stories. Good to see other face of korean society and not a sweet one that you usually watch (as far as dramas have at least some grain of truth). Great when you are scared of western, sadistic movies. The way  scenes were cut and assembled means that you will see gripping story but you will not be kept awake for the next several months. It is crime/police/investigation thriller based on real cases made into emebellished fictionalizied  stories. Criticism of society similar to stranger, every two episodes we get a new story and there is a big one underneath. It is story and character driven - well balanced.  - u/MenthaAquatica 

Multiple Seasons

Doctor Prisoner - mix of Stranger and Voice/Defendant. This drama mixes action, darkness and danger with masterful plan of revenge, without squashing the action. It is not simple "shoot them" story. Duel between enemies, main character making the best of the situation he is in. It is unique, becouse cerebral musings are mixed with tanglible danger (usually we get "character is too smart to be in real danger" with this type of stories). Prison, professional themes. - u/MenthaAquatica

Priest - psychological, supernatural, action. Exorcists and medical doctor. There are stories about supernatural powers among kdramas, but this one is probably the most intense and darkest. Definitely the most introspective and with stronger focus on psychology. Constant danger. For western watcher - it is interesting to see Korean take on catholic themes.   - u/MenthaAquatica

Crash Landing on You - I think this drama anyways hold record of getting so many people into KDramas in 2020. It's also perfect for a newbie. It has most of the tropes and clichés that KDramas usually have, four popular main actors and just the perfect bit of romance, comedy and slice of life. Definitely recommended for newbies. - u/Fatooz

Crash Landing On You - I'm pretty sure i would suggest CLOY for every starter. I mean, its a really fascinating drama and it had all the elements to make any person want more Kdramas. There is romance, absolutely loved the premise,the actors are top notch(added to the fact they are actually dating), the supporting cast and the beautiful OSTs and cinematography. Its an amazing drama for any starter and everyone who i have suggested CLOY as a starter just wanted more kdramas - u/aarvvv

It's Okay, That's Love -  This was my second drama and I loved the household and other side characters - introduced me to some actors that you see quite often. You get the forced living together situation, adults who actually talk to each other to solve problems. Catchy OST. Good all-around Rom-Com.  - u/LcLou02

Flower of Evil - If you've previously liked watching crime thrillers then this is the perfect drama to get into KDramas. It has a good mix of crime, thriller and romance. The acting, direction and writing are perfect to get you hooked from the very first episode. It's a good start for sure!  - u/Fatooz

Happiness - If you've previously watched apocalyptic series on Netflix then this one is just the right drama to watch to kick start your KDrama journey. It does the apocalypse/zombie part very nicely without overdoing it. The acting and chemistry between the main leads is great, would highly recommend this for pretty much all of its elements, be it the jump scare, the suspense or the twists and turns.  - u/Fatooz

Healer - Looking for a crime romance action? Then this is the perfect drama for any newbie. It has action, romance and crime and the story building is pretty great. One of the classics that should make it to every KDrama fans list. It has a good cast, with great chemistry between all of them. It's also one of the ML's best works so far.  - u/Fatooz

Hospital Playlist - This drama should definitely make it to every newbie's list. It's a slice of life drama about the different patients that each of these five friends meet and how they solve certain issues of their daily lives yet manage to meet and have fun. It's extremely wholesome and written and directed by a very famous and well known duo.  - u/Fatooz

multiple seasons

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - One of my personal favorites, it was my first ever historical drama and I would recommend this for the others too. The first half is pretty chill while the second half is extremely tragic. But it's a good watch as your first historical drama as it has an ensemble cast most of which are well known actors, the soundtrack is great and it's not too heavy for a historical drama.  - u/Fatooz

My Mister - Definitely a drama that is perfect for a newbie. It's a slice of life drama which is a bit dark but the characters and relationships are so well written. They're all imperfect people but at the same time it's about second chances and this drama depicts that perfectly. The acting, writing, direction, everything is so beautiful, you'll eventually fall in love with KDramas as a whole.  - u/Fatooz