Top 10 Korean Drama Series
Here's a taste of Korean culture that you may or may not have delved into before.
Join MsMojo, as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Korean Drama Series.
For this list, we'll be looking at the most beloved Korean drama series of recent years.
Special thanks to our users ichigo kuroskai, Joseph S. Chang, fifounette, capsricious79 and Tyler Gordon for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.MsMojo.tv
#10: “The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince” (2007)
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For 17 episodes, this dramedy investigated how external perceptions can affect one’s inner truth. And more specifically - homosexuality in Korean culture. Fed up with Grandma’s nitpicking and conflicted about a former flame, Choi Han-kyul finds refuge at the “Coffee Prince.” And he even hires an employee to be, well, his “boyfriend.” But there’s a catch, and the truth is that Go Eun-chan isn’t gay at all, but is actually a girl who’s perceived to be more masculine than she really is. And so, the two learn how to handle their feelings and societal pressures. Filmed on location in Seoul, “The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince” earned numerous accolades, including the Excellence Award for both leads at the 2007 MBC Drama Awards.
#9: “You’re Beautiful” (2009)
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Building on the themes of sexual tension in our previous entry, this Korean musical rom-com drama focuses on the dynamics of a “unique” K-POP band. In dual roles, Park Shin-hye plays both Go Mi-nyeo and Go Mi-nam, twin siblings that grew up in an orphanage. But when the boy twin has a chance at stardom, a plastic surgery fail leads to his sister joining the group. Incidentally, hilarity ensues as the new Mi-nam begins to form new relationships. And there’s one particular member, Jeremy, who has a whole lot to learn about himself and the music industry upon developing feelings for the new member. Airing for 16 episodes, “You’re Beautiful” became a cult classic in Korea and beyond.
#8: “Kill Me, Heal Me” (2015)
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Featuring the stars of the 2013 series “Secret Love”, this heavy drama brilliantly tackles the nature of multiple personality disorder. With Ji Sung in the lead role as Cha Do-Hyun, he actually play seven characters in total, all the while building a relationship with his enticing psychiatrist, played by Hwang Jung-eum. It’s not the most classic of love stories, but the psychological character study allows for a closer look at what makes the human mind tick. And given the side-narrative of a curious twin brother, well, “Kill Me, Heal Me” hits all the right storyline beats. In fact, the series won “Drama of the Year” at the 2015 MBC Drama Awards.
#7: “Full House” (2004)
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After a chance encounter aboard a plane, a naïve woman named Ji-Eun accidentally vomits on a well-known actor… and this is the inciting incident of the heartwarming narrative of “Full House.” Despite the airplane fail, it turns out the pair share a mutual connection, as Ji-Eun’s beloved home is actually sold to the celebrity. But alas, Young-jae and Ji-eun wind up living together, opening the door for an investigation of celebrity life and the fans that adore them. With Song Hye-kyo and the real-life singer Rain in the lead roles, “Full House” has loads of charm, but it’s the inherent chemistry of the two leads that makes the series such a joy to watch.
#6: “Playful Kiss” (2010)
Based on the chaotic relationship of students Oh Ha-ni and Baek Seung-jo, this series kicked off with one heck of an insult. With the two leads of “Playful Kiss” being seemingly polar opposites, they learn to understand and help each other once an earthquake brings their families in close proximity. Through education and the turmoil of others, well, a true romance develops. Given the high school to college narrative and the blossoming talent of both Jung So-min and Kim Hyun-joong, “Playful Kiss” connects on a grand scale. It’s a light-hearted drama and the inherent naughtiness makes it even more intriguing.
#5: “The Heirs” (2013)
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Winner of Most Outstanding Drama at the 2014 Seoul International Drama Awards, this societal study explores the perks of inherited wealth and comfortable living. Then again, “The Heirs” also demonstrates how love can be more affecting than privilege. Set in both South Korea and the United States, the geographical displacement allows the characters to see different ways of life, which in turn shines a new light on their respective family businesses. With Lee Min-ho leading a celebrated cast, “The Heirs” thrives by way of its youthful and sometimes shrewd characters by infusing some heart into the corporate backdrop.
#4: “It’s Okay, That’s Love” (2014)
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In this endearing drama, a novelist by the name of Jang Jae-yeol has a few obsessive quirks. And in terms of relationships, well, not many women would like to sleep in a bathtub, at least in theory. But that’s Jang-yeol, and a potential romance unfolds once he encounters a doctor with some anxiety issues of her own. Over the course of 16 episodes, the series confronts the realities of psychological disorders and the implications for long-term love. Featuring a vast amount of complex subplots, “It’s Okay, That’s Love” identifies personal voids, cuts open the characters’ wounds and attempts to find some resolution. And the series gets the job done by way of its fascinating leads, Jo In-sung and Gong Hyo-jin.
#3: “My Love from the Star” (2013-14)
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So, you’re looking for a South Korean sci fi series, huh? Well, here’s one that likely won’t disappoint. Featuring one of the more popular theme songs of the day, “My Love from the Star” details the exploits of a centuries-old alien. This is an extraterrestrial being that knows exactly what he likes, and when Cheon crosses paths with his neighbor Do Min-joon, well, it’s on. Oh, and the next-door beauty also happens to be a famous actress. And so, cultures clash in a big way, as this series takes a rather different approach in confronting idealized love. Even so, the odd plot of “My Love from the Star” works exceptionally over 21 episodes, and the series actually won almost every major Korean TV award.
#2: “Boys Over Flowers” (2009)
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Based on the manga series of the same name, this Korean drama investigates what happens when a no-nonsense girl speaks out against the elite. While such behavior may have different consequences for adults in a corporate setting, young Jan Di unexpectedly finds herself in a whirlwind romance with the leader of a school group known as the F4. It’s a different type of Cinderella tale, as the Academy setting helps “Boys Over Flowers” to address society through almost-adult characters. And so, the innate friction of punk rock and highbrow ideals makes for some seriously entertaining television, not to mention the metrosexual nature of the F4 and its magnetic leader, played by Lee Min-ho. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “To the Beautiful You” (2012) “Pinocchio” (2014-15) “I Can Hear Your Voice” (2013) “Princess Hours” (2006) “City Hunter” (2011) “Master’s Sun” (2013)
#1: “Secret Garden” (2010-11)
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For 20 episodes, this Korean drama enraptured viewers through its central love story and a most fantastical twist. On a figurative level, a lower-class stuntwoman named Gil Ra-im mixes it up with arrogant CEO Kim Joo-won, but their relationship takes a turn when they literally exchange bodies. And considering the appearance of Joo-won’s celebrity cousin named Oska, well, the narrative of “Secret Garden” goes all in to chronicle the private lives of various Korean demographics. The series connects via classic storytelling, but elevates itself with a challenging subplot and fantasy influence. And given the numerous accolades earned by the series itself and the performers, “Secret Garden” became essential viewing outside of its original market. So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Korean drama series? For more dramatic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.
