Recos Corner: Korean Drama #1
Korean Drama, it has been all the rage since K-Pop and Parasite took the western world by storm. Even recently when my mom complained that she watched almost everything on Netflix and finally sought out some Korean Drama recommendations.
Since I started to watch Korean Drama since 2006, I do have a few suggestions to start you up. Similar to my other drama recommendations, they are some of the best ones in the genre but more importantly I will discuss what they are about, why they are on the list, and are they still watchable.
5. My Lovely Sam Soon
What is it about? Your classic cinderella story but the heroine is very relatable.
Why is it on the list? I think it was the first of it’s kind where the heroine wasn’t perfect and as a normal average woman (girl at the time when I watched it) can actually relate to. The OST is memorable (I can still guess correctly more than 10 years later). Oh and this jump started both actor and actress’ careers. After this aired, I think quite a few dramas followed similar synopsis since it was so popular.
Is it still watchable in 2020? If you forgive Hyun Bin’s hair cut, I think the show is still adorable to watch.
4. Coffee Prince
What is it about? A tom-boy mistaken as an actual guy to work in a coffee shop.
Why is it on the list? Gong Yoo. This drama also started a drama trend of mistaken in gender and sexuality. If you question how big this drama was, just google “Big Bang Coffee Prince”and watch G Dragon act as the heroine.
Is it still watchable in 2020? I think the concept of this show is still very popular to this day, definitely still watchable .
3. Secret Garden
What is it about? Freaky Friday (body swap), man and woman version.
Why is it on the list? Hyun Bin, he has appeared on this list and I will shameless admit, I almost alway watch his drama (if I finish them, that’s another story). If you question my bias, google “Big Bang Secret Garden”. If the drama can motivate G-Dragon to cross-dress then you know you hit the mark.
Is it still watchable in 2020? I think it was first time I truly admire Korean drama cinematography, the film is shot in a way that doesn’t feel dated. My only complain is the last episode, just bare through it.
2. My Love from the Stars
What is it about? An extra-terrestrial being meets a popular actress.
Why is it on the list? This was the biggest Korean drama in China, probably to this day. For a person who doesn’t really enjoy too much fantasy, this is still an addictive drama. This was also written by a legendary screen writer, who later on create some of the most legendary drama in the last 5 years. I couldn’t include all of her work on this list because I wanted to show diversity but will definitely dedicate another post about the other legendary ones.
Is it still watchable in 2020? Yes, and it is just as magical as when it first shown in 2013.
1. Sky Castle
What is it about? Families from upper socio-economic class trying to get their children into elite schools.
Why is it on the list? It broke records for viewership ratings. It is also one of the few non-love-centric dramas that was incredibly successful and cause such heated debate about Korea’s social structure and education system.
Is it still watchable in 2020? It aired in 2018, so definitely yes. If you enjoy the movie, Parasite, then this is definitely in your alley. Also a popular opinion is to skip the last episode.