Must See Dramas

You may want to run from this 133 episode daily drama, but DON'T.  STOP.  Take a second breath and stay.  It's truly worthy.  I decided to watch it because I wanted to know why it was called Ugly Alert.  After watching the entire thing in one sitting, I still have no idea why they called it that.  It's  one of the most unforgettable dramas I've ever watched.  The plot is rich.  It's jam packed with sincerity and sacrifice, redemption and honor.  to balance the bit of crazy we all expect.  It's not over the top.  The drama is very well paced.  The actors are all fantastic.  The qualities they bestowed on the leading male character were played out so well by, Lim Ju Hwan he becomes special. Very special.  

There is something  very  relatable  and endearing about this one.  The drama features  overcoming and enduring love and highlights the fight for justice and the ability to overcome when people stand together instead of divided.   After watching dramas from all nationalities these few years, The child actor, Wen Benny, remains my #1 favorite. He sparkles and shines so brightly in this drama. The rest of the children add cuteness and charm in buckets.   There are adversities, annoyances and cliches, but they aren't taken to an unreasonable extreme and what's a drama without them?  This one is an emotional roller coaster worth riding at least once. 

Watch this drama to see Ji Sung at his very best, as he single-handedly plays 7 different characters with such a high degree of skill it will leave you in awe.  To be honest, the plot will take a backseat as you watch him literally become different people before you can blink an eye.  All his characters are relevant and drive the story.  You will definitly be entertained.  The chemistry Ji Sung and Hwang Jung Eum have on screen is a proven one as well.  You just can't lose here.

Give this gripping, deeply emotional drama a viewing.  Kim Rae Won and Soo Ae's chemistry is explosive.  It's not your typical Kdrama memory loss cliche drama.  It's different.  It gets seriously real. The story is intricate and gets harsh as they deal with the traumatic life threatening decisions that must be made when going through this illness.    What's great about this one is,  souls are laid bare.  The level of acting is through the roof.   This one will  toss you around a bit, then gently land you solidly on your  feet.  You're left with a sense of peace rather than misery.  That is why it's worth at least 1 watch.  

This widely acclaimed drama is almost unanimously recommended by everyone to all drama newbies.   It's the story of an irresistible  romance between a tomboy, who dresses like a man in order to get work, and a young food  empire mogul.    It's packed with atmosphere, quirkiness, angst of first love and one of the best OST ever, to top it off. The plot is a sweet gender identity confusion story that's written with sensitivity, charm and great appeal.       Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye will grab your heart and making it do all kinds of stuff as you watch their characters struggle with their feelings.   Choi Han Gyul (Gong Yoo) french kissing an Alien is a must see.  The acting is superb.  I myself just finished watching it again for the nth time yesterday.   One watch is a must if you're a drama lover.

Whether you love Sagueks or not, you should give this drama at least 1 go round.   romance between the daughter of King Sejo and the son of Sejo's political opponent Kim Jong-seo.   Watch this so you can admire the sheer perserverance and strength love against all odds.  This drama has a sense of humour, tons of grit, a fantastic storyline and not a moment of boredom.  The perils our princess endures for her man and his love are fierce.  The lead characters are beautiful and compelling, heartbreaking and painful to watch as they endure.   To see a how two people can love each other in life, in death and then back to life again, It's worth at least 1 watch.  This drama gives life to the motto "Love conquers all!"

Watch this Saguek if you're in the mood for an entertaining drama that is so very smart and crafty and righteous.  It's not a tragic historical, which is so rare, that alone, is a reason to give it a spin!  It will give you satisfaction watching as the heavily downtrodden slowly gain strength and courage with the outstanding, sometimes outragous help of a thief!   To watch as they gain the wits to finally rise up against their oppressors, overcome them and create the foundation for a whole new world of freedom for themselves and the future, is an uplifting experience and is absolutely worth at minimum, 1 watch. Go for it!

This period drama set in 1904, locks you in with the very first frame.  No kidding.  It's so well written,  it would be a shame if you pass it over due to pre-conceived notions (whether that be about the title, the cover, the genre or the nationality).   It will surprise you with it's scope and ability to hold your interest as you follow a young man on his unique journey to greatness cooking western food in Japan!  The dramas plot is very well rounded, including not just his professional life and aspirations but a well fleshed out personal story as well.  It takes you on colorful journeys as he learns his craft, experiencing failures and successes.  There's lots of interesting traditions to be enchanted with, lots of era atmosphere, the cinematography is just fantastic.  What else can I say to convince you that this Jdrama is worth at least 1 watch?  https://watchasian.net/drama-detail/tenno-no-ryoriban

The plot plays itself out very well.  The main character  goes from being fired from her daily grind job to being the first female president of Korea . How could that not warrant a watch?   No wishy-washy females, no sugary silliness in this one!  She's not one dimensional either, you get to see all aspects of her and they don't cut her any slack.  A well written, empowering, clever, UNboring drama.  It's a fascinating thing to watch the political wheels turn with a woman in control. This one is like a wiff of coffee beans after smelling loads of RC perfume and it deserves at least 1 watch.

Ji Sung :) Hwang Jung Eum :)  = Explosive.  This one is worth more than 1 watch.

A Litre of Tears is a drama that is one of the classic standards in most drama lovers list. It's enchanting, gripping, heartbreaking and all at once inspiring!  You'll fall in love with it's charm at least once.

A drama Must Watch!  If you truly love drama.  It's not possible to keep this one out of your list.   This elegant production is a cut above the rest.  It's a story that's told intelligently, tenderly and very realistically.  You get the sense you're watching something really really special from the very start.  By the end you will be speechlessly inspired.  It's unforgettable.

This 80's period drama does such a masterful job drawing you into the time period, that if you watched it with your window-blinds closed, after awhile, you'd swear what was reflected on your screen was the reality outside and you'd reach for the knob to turn down your "TV" instead of your mouse.  The idiosyncrasies of the adults and youth of this era are written and acted out almost flawlessly.  It's an amazing drama to invest in.  I liked it best of all the Reply series.   With such a great script, it won't be hard to give it at least 1 watch.

A drama that pulls you in and doesn't let go.  Any weak spots are quickly forgotten because of the extraordinary  lead couple.  A young single mom whose husband died and left her in debt to loan sharks, suddenly finds out she has a terminal illness and no way to provide for her child's future.  Answer: A marriage contract.  It's the rich chemistry between the lead couple that makes this one so special.  It quietly permeates everything.  The scenes they have together are passionate and sometimes heart wrenching.  For some of the scenes, there are no words.  Uee, is amazing in this.  It's a heart rending subject but somehow the drama won't leave you in tears. I appreciated that.  I also appreciated that they don't mess around with you, leading you on back and forth.  It's very straight forward.  It's worth a watch.

Depending on your social/religious views this adult drama  is controversial, however, the outstanding acting, plot and production as a whole, makes it an inevitable choice for this list.  It's simply jaw dropping.  I was very impressed.  The leads were amazing, the chemistry so on point, it's a no brainer that it should be seen by serious drama viewers at least once for enjoyment or critique. 

This drama shouts about 2 very current social issues in our daily news.  Although it's disturbing, it's also very relevant.  The scenes paint very vivid pictures and aren't easily forgotten.  A bit of bracing is needed if your the easy going drama type.  Jump over to the wild side for a few and check this one out... at least once.

This is listed here because of the great acting and "push the boundaries" plot that made it so interesting.  An acting team including a young Gong Hyo Jin, Jo Jae Hyun, Kim Rae Won,  is actually reason enough for one watch, but I'll add more.  - There isn't a second in this brash, grungy,  slice of life drama that's easy.  The main story is about controversial relationships, major conflictions  and really difficult sacrifices and resolutions.  It was a bold plot for it's time and raised strong opinions.   The  A-list actors bring an immediate, everyday realness to their rolls.  There's lots to chew on and consider in this drama.  Give it at least 1 shot.  See it on Viki

Although BL category isn't a preferred one of mine,  I make exceptions when the acting and plot simply outshines.  Added for the sheer beauty and strength of the love and also for the simple way it was presented.     Don't miss  pt.3-Happy Ending. This drama is worth a watch.  Find it on Youtube.

A small insight into the world of Korea's "Broadway"  stage play world.  I love the whole concept of the plot and the way  they used its platform to addresses high racial conflicts in tradition heavy Korea.   It highlights the cutthroat business aspect of the field and shows the beginning struggle to enter a more openly unbiased era in the country.  They touched on the very real struggles of the minorities that live there.   I was impressed that they made an attempt to show what the relationships between visible minority and native Korean children at daily play in the average school yard might look like.  It was definitely close to what went on in my own primary school yard where visible minorities also stood out drastically.   The talent of the lead child star  and all the other groups in this drama is just fantastic.  I'm positive they used real stage stars in this drama, you can't miss the stylized training.  An verage under dog story given such a  unique spin, it's absolutely worth at least 1 watch.

KRW in a nice Uni-days story.   It has atmosphere,  more atmosphere  and it's also  full of atmosphere.  In fact it vaguely brings to mind  70's  film, The Way We Were with Redford & Streisand.   The OST is very on point.  When you watch dramas and hear of young people going off to study abroad,  this gives a glimpse of what that might be like for them.  It then goes beyond International school life, back to Korea and into the full, turbulent careers of each of our leads, entangling all three of them  again in a connected web of corruption, personal relationships and professional rivalry.   It has a smooth pace and manages to strike enough of a  balance between  business and romance to maintain a  "that could be me" relatability  for the average viewer.   This drama pulls off an authentic, natural feel with story, acting and production.  Put aside some lazy time and give it that one watch.

This plot is not for everyone, but for people  willing to see a little deeper into the drama, understanding and recognizing the realities of life and how imperfect we are, this one will hit the spot.  In the middle of marital stresses, one of the most exquisite portrayals of love unfolds before your eyes.   Never have I seen such heat generated from the pouring of a glass of wine (fantastic acting skills and a great Director).  For that one mid-air scene alone, this drama is worth a watch.   However, there's  much more on offer.   The various issues that can lead to the breakdown of a family unit is on full display here.   It's a riveting story of life and death and hard choices. The drama has quiet, calm ambience that's like a cushion for the very turbulent, and passionate story.   The whole thing feels true to reality.   The cinematography is excellent.  Everything was lit to produce vivid yet soft colors in every shot.  The locations are  breath taking.   Romance lovers, don't pass up giving this controversial drama  a watch.

Great action. A-Maz-ing Romance. Sizzling hot chemistry.  Nuff said.  This drama is one  with mature actors and it's one I'll never stop re-watching.  A mob boss romance.  I can't put a number on how many times I've watched it.  For some reason  it just hits all my buttons so I don't tire of it.   A young-er Lee Seo Jin stars in this gang boss plot with the most annoying hair ebber. The urge for sissors to snip is real but I LOVE it anyway! Of all the dramas he's done, including Marriage Contract, this was the one that made me a permanent fan.    It's not a perfect drama but it just all comes together and ends up being  so great, so throwback, so era, so moodie, so LOVE.

Unfortunately when Dramafever folded so did this drama. It's no longer playing online at any of the drama sites.  You will find lots of Vids on youtube but no full episodes anywhere.  Because I'd fallen into such a hole with this one, I bought it off Amazon so I could continue the mini obsession I had with it to completion.   I only watch it when that certain mood strikes now, not that often. Oldie but goodie.

A paranormal romance that is very very good.   It's written well and it's thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable.

A light, funny and cute Romcom.  A perfect way to spend some hours.  The re-watch value on this is great.

Very enjoyable from beginning to end.  This is a story about a very lively, take charge virgin ghost who wants to have a go at "It" just once before she walks into the light forever. She feels the best way to do this, is to take over the body of our lead female, who happens to be a serious introvert and the newest kitchen assistant  in the male leads restaurant.   This Ghost has her eyes lazered on our lead male and she's not playin about going for it!

Kudos to Park Bo Young, who plays two characters and brings out both personality types so clearly.  A real pro at work for sure.  It would seem like an odd pairing with her male lead, but man does it ever work.

It's best to accept the female leads initial introverted character right off the bat, knowing that there will be excellent character growth in the future, otherwise, for some (not me) she'll get on the nerves a smidge.  At no point did I find her annoying though, just saying.  It was the virgin ghost (Kim Seul Gi) that push my button a bit.  I became a fan of Kim Seul Gi because of this drama.   With this drama, you'll go all in.  There's a little romance, a little mystery, something for foodies and a whole lot of fun.

What the heck is an Awl?  A small piercing tool.

If you decide to watch this as an experiencer instead of just a watcher, you will absolutely enjoy it.  It speaks to everyone who has ever worked a job and was mistreated in some way by the higher ups.  It's just a very worthy watch.  The acting is great, the production value is great and so is the script.  I didn't find this drama boring in any way.   Watch this on Dramacool.

Jealousy and revenge drama?  This is it in spades.  The mains end up together, C-drama history style :)

Love at first sight that just can't, for the love of heaven, go right.

This one is meant to get your blood pressure going  and your teeth grinding a little.

I dropped it one star with the second watch, because I'm no longer the starry eyed newbie I was at the time I first saw it.  I struck that star, for the writers not giving the heroine enough backbone and gluing her mouth shut, when it was so obviously time for her to open it and talk, leading to far too many unnecessarily frustrating scenes.    

All that said, It's one of those dramas that pull you in and keep you until the end.  If you're in the mood for a little venting, give it a go.

A drama lovers standard, classic, must-see, etc. etc....

Also called: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (TMOPB)

I loved this drama and I have, like most, seen it multiple times.  Yes, it lives up to it's hype.  Yes, it's a must-watch, especially for Newbies and  historical C-drama lovers.  HOWEVER, after watching the story of  Bai Qians niece Bai Feng Jiu and Dong Hua [who both have a secondary storyline in Eternal Love] Pillow Book has topped Eternal Love for me.  Anyway I digress.  Back to ET.

Chemistry is fantastic, acting is phenomenal, production is excellent, cinametography is beautiful.  It would still be my #1 of my top 4 historical Cdramas except, Pillow Book came out and topped it for me in every way.   Eternal Love is not to be missed if you're a true drama lover.  It's goodnes spans the genres and nationalities.  BUT, after you watch it, jump straight into Pillow Book.  It's not a continuation or a part II, it's the seperate story of 2 of the charachters you'll invest in as you watch TMOPB.

Watch on VIKI or Dramacool or Dramanice etc..

More to watch:

Pillow Book (Eternal Love of Dream), Love and Destiny, The Journey of Flower

I'm not the biggest fan of Japanese dramas (but I don't overlook them), that's why when I find any that's outstanding, I list them.  Dr. X is the BOSS. "snap-snap-snap!"  This medical drama is definitely worthy of a watch.  This is/was a very popular drama.  There's no comical J- acting (which I hate), and it's done really well. If you're a medical drama buff, she should definitely be included.  

Standard, must watch, drama classic!  Be attentive when you watch this one.  It's pretty deep.

Chemistry= Fire, Story= Awesome, Humour= On point. 

This is a medical drama, an excellent one that deals with psychosis.  It really packs the feels.  It will affect your heart for sure, but you need to pay attention, it's a cerebral kind of thing.  If nothing else, you gotta watch for the two main leads.  Gong Hyo Jin is just tops and tops and tops and Jo In Sung gives a stunning performance.  

EXCELLENT 2010 historical with main leads that don't look or act like 12-year-olds!  for Saguek lovers, this is a must see.  You can't leave Dong Yi off your list.  Beautiful ending. 

Watch it here

https://watchasian.cc/drama-detail/dong-yi-drama  

if the link is expired just search for Dramacool

Lee Dong Wook and those lips! lol.

Chemistry - is great!  The synopsis is on point and it a great drama worthy of any list.  Slows a little but that won't matter.  It's Wooky after all!

This is a very good and interesting older drama.  It all about big business and all the twisted crap that goes along with it.  There's romance and backstabbing, front-stabbing (lol), burying alive, you name it, it's in this.   There are a lot of these old BB dramas out there, but this one stands out for me because it kept me interested all the way to the end.  The acting is also great.  I've watched quite of few of these older dramas that I haven't listed but this one, I'm listing because, well.. I really liked it.

Just Absolutely LOVE this beautiful drama so packed with ambiance and feels.  For the romantics like me its simply perfection.  Just like Chocolate and Something in the rain and Romance is a Bonus Book.
One Spring Night is a beautifully done drama. Jung Hae In loves these types of slow burn, slice of life roles, but of all of them, this one is my favorite.  10/10 for me anyway.  The ambience is fantastic, The production is tops.  Acting is tops. Chemistry is off the charts.

Chance meeting of a soulmate and the overcoming of every obstacle existing around each individual, then the beautiful but realistic coming together to create a family.  PERFECTion.