As we head into winter, let’s be honest; we all love to snuggle up now and then and watch something good that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, right? No? Just me? Well, either way, in continuing to learn Korea whilst stateside, Ryan and I have fallen in love with watching KDramas (and not just because we love Korea!), or Korean Dramas, which have some of the funniest, quirkiest, sweetest (sometimes strangest?!) storylines ever. But, when starting out, it’s hard to figure out where to start. So, we’re sharing 5 KDramas to watch in 2024, especially if you’re new to this KDrama world.
Why You’ll Love KDramas
Okay, first and foremost – curious about why exactly you’ll love KDramas? Let me count the ways. Okay, I kid. Mostly. But honestly, they are just so fun. They’re equal parts silly and fun, sweet and romantic, and also innocent…or at least more innocent than the average American drama these days.
I’m not a prude by any means, but you won’t find blatant sex scenes in KDramas, the love stories in them are sweet and tender, they’re usually a little over-the-top, which makes them a fun escape, and they’re a solid bit of escapism. We can watch most of them comfortably in our living room unafraid that our kids will walk in and see something we don’t want them to. And, as a plus? They actually help you to pick up more Korean if you’re learning the language.
5 KDramas to Watch in 2024
Obviously, this is my personal list. These are the ones I’d recommend to the beginner that have really stood the test of time. So, if you don’t know where to start, start here.
King the Land (킹더랜드) – This limited TV series shares the story of Gu Won, the heir to the luxury King Group and Cheon Sa-rang, a hotelier working her way slowly up the ranks at her dream hotel. The two meet, and no, it’s definitely not love at first sight. But while Gu Won navigates an inheritance war, Sa-rang builds confidence and grows in her career, always smiling.
Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착) – This was the second-highest rated TV series in Korean cable TV history, so that should tell you something. It tells the story of Yoon Se-ri, a businesswoman and heiress who, quite literally, crash lands in North Korea whilst doing a promotion. In the meantime, Jeong-hyeok is a member of the North Korean Army and discovers her. He must decide whether to help her get home or turn her in.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo (이상한 변호사 우영우) – We follow the story of Woo Young-woo, an autistic lawyer who was raised by her single father. Despite all her challenges, she graduates at the top of her law school class and must navigate prejudices in the world of law. Her photographic memory is juxtaposed with her desire to practice law, and it’s a sweet, fun, and quirky story in which we watch her grow as both a lawyer and a human.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 – 도깨비) aka Goblin – This one’s a little different! Kim Shin, a young military general is framed treason and murder and is later cursed to be immortal and suffer the pain of watching those he loves around him die. Weaving the stories of Ji Eun-tak who sees ghosts, Yoo Deok-hwa who leases the Goblin’s house, and Sunny who runs a chicken store, we see how the stories unfold and, eventually see if Kim Shin can end his immortality.
Queen of Tears (눈물의 여왕) – I feel like this is more of a classic KDrama, sharing the story of Hong Hae-in, a third-generation heiress of Queens Group and the son of a farmer, Baek Hyun-woo. We watch their love crumble and unfurl and then slowly rise again from the ashes. It’s sweet, and fun, and very classically KDrama (I think!)
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for something new to watch that’s not quite the same-old, same-old, you might just love KDramas. They’re equal parts emotional, unexpected, stress-relief, and explore relatable themes and tropes in a new light. Ultimately, we’ve enjoyed each one, and I bet you will, too!
Tell me – have you watched KDramas before? Do you have a favorite?
