Entertainment

K-dramas: Where to Start? A Beginner's Guide to the Best K-dramas

By Anandi Makhija

Updated - May 9, 20247 min read

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The Korean wave is sweeping the globe, and it's not just about K-pop. Korean dramas, or K-dramas, are also gaining a huge following, thanks to their catchy tunes, steamy love scenes, and over-the-top plots. If you're not already a fan, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon. There are K-dramas for everyone, from historical romances to sci-fi thrillers. And thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Viki, you can easily find them all. So what are you waiting for? Start streaming today and see what all the fuss is about.

Here are a few OG K-dramas to get you started:

 

1. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Ever wondered what would happen if Ariel from The Little Mermaid gave up her voice to become a con artist? Well, wonder no more! In The Legend of the Blue Sea, a mermaid named Shim Cheong travels to modern-day Seoul to find her one true love, a con-man named Heo Joon Jae. But things don't go quite as planned, and Shim Cheong soon finds herself caught up in a world of crime and slapstick. Will she be able to find her true love and learn to live in the human world? Or will she be forced to return to the sea?

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

2. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2016)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

The self-absorbed CEO finally noticed the mousy secretary who had been dutifully taking his calls and fetching his coffee for nine long years. He swept her off her feet with his charm and lavish gifts, and soon they were an item. But their relationship was doomed from the start. The CEO was only interested in her as a trophy, and the secretary was soon tired of being treated like an afterthought. After a few months, they went their separate ways, and the CEO was left to ponder the meaning of true love.

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

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3. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Ever wanted to live forever? Well, too bad, because the Goblin did, and it was boring. He's been stuck on this mortal coil for centuries, watching everyone he loves die. But then he meets his bride, a spunky high schooler who can see ghosts. Together, they'll try to break the curse and finally get some peace. Along the way, they'll also make friends with a grumpy reaper who's not as grumpy as he seems. So if you're looking for a drama that's equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, then Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is the one for you!

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

4. Descendants of the Sun (2016)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Descendants of the Sun is the story of a hottie soldier and a smart doctor who can't stop shooting each other (with glances, not guns). They're from different worlds, but they're destined to be together. Along the way, they'll face earthquakes, epidemics, and other crazy obstacles. But no matter what life throws at them, they'll always have each other's backs. This show is full of action, romance, and bromance. And the soundtrack is fire.

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

5. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

This K-drama is a tear-jerker of epic proportions, so be sure to bring your tissues. A 25-year-old woman gets transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty and finds herself caught up in a web of palace politics, sibling rivalry, and forbidden love. There are laughs along the way, but this is one drama that will leave you sobbing into your pillow. 

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

6. Hotel del Luna (2019)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Hotel del Luna is a strange and unusual place, catering to ghosts exclusively. It's like a regular hotel, but with a few key differences: the guests are all dead, and the staff is made up of ghosts, goblins, and other supernatural creatures. It's a wild and wacky place, but it's also a lot of fun. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable viewing experience, then Hotel del Luna is definitely worth checking out.

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

7. While You Were Sleeping (2017)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Three people with the ability to see the future through their dreams team up to fight crime and change the course of destiny. Along the way, they'll laugh, cry, and maybe even fall in love. But will they be able to stop the evil forces that are trying to destroy them?It's a suspenseful, romantic, and heartwarming story that will keep you guessing until the very end. So if you're looking for a drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then While You Were Sleeping is definitely for you.

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

8. The Heirs (2013)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Two teens from different worlds met in LA, but their paths didn't cross again until they found themselves at the same school in Korea. One was a chaebol heir, used to getting everything he wanted. The other was a scholarship student, who had to work hard for everything she had. But when they met again, there was an undeniable spark between them. Could these two opposites find a way to make it work, even in the cutthroat world of Korea's super rich?

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

9. Strong Woman Do-Bong-soon (2017)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Do Bong-soon is a tiny but mighty woman with superhuman strength. She dreams of creating a video game with herself as the main character, but her strength often gets her into trouble. When she's hired as the bodyguard of Ahn Min-hyuk, a wealthy CEO, she must learn to control her strength and use it for good. Along the way, she also falls in love with Min-hyuk, and together they must solve a mystery involving a serial kidnapper.This K-drama is a refreshing take on the traditional romance story. Bong-soon is the strong and capable one, while Min-hyuk is the charming and lovable one. They make a great team, and their relationship is full of humor, heart, and action.If you're looking for a fun and quirky K-drama with a strong female lead, then Strong Girl Bong Soon is the show for you. 

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

 

10. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (2016)

 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is a heartwarming story about a weightlifter who learns to love herself, even though she's not the traditional beauty standard. She's also got a mean right hook, so don't mess with her! Along the way, she falls in love with a swimmer who has a few of his own insecurities. But together, they learn to overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams.

 

Where to watch: Netflix

 

 

 

 


So, gear up for these OG Korean series and have an amazing binge-watching time with these amazing series.