Here are 10 K-Dramas we wish we could watch again for the first time, and if you haven’t watched them yet, now is a great time to start! Note: This article is not a ranking.
1. “Full House”
There couldn’t possibly be a more classic K-Drama to start off this list than the OG romantic comedy, “Full House”. This 2004 drama stars Rain and Song HyeKyo in the leading roles of Lee YoungJae and Han JiEun, weaving the sweetest tale of friendship, love, family, and more. Han JiEun is sent on an all-expenses paid trip by her best friends, where she meets superstar Lee YoungJae. She soon finds out upon returning that her house has been sold off. Suddenly homeless, Han JiEun relies on YoungJae to get by, who is coincidentally the one who bought her house. From contract marriage to cohabitation, this drama has it all and is just as beloved today as it was at the time of its release.
2. “Mouse”
One of the finest masterpieces of modern mystery, “Mouse”, starring Lee SeungGi is a must-watch. With its excellent screenplay and top-tier cast, “Mouse” made millions lose their minds over a whodunnit story, and that alone makes it worth high praise. The unpredictable twists and turns make the drama both refreshing and challenging, in the best way possible. This is not your run-of-the-mill thriller, and that becomes self-evident from the very first episode. There will probably never be another “Mouse” (unless we get a sequel, of course).
3. “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo”
“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is one of those dramas that turned casual viewers into die-hard K-Drama fans. After all, it has everything we love about K-Dramas: fantasy, complex characters, tragic heroes, love polygons, and the perfect tinge of comedy that never gets old. Starring IU, Lee JoonGi, Kang HaNeul, Nam JooHyuk, and more, this drama left a deep, indelible impact on the K-Drama industry and our hearts. It wouldn’t be surprising if it was also the most rewatched K-Drama on this list. Either way, it is unforgettable, but we wish we could forget it just to watch it again.
4. “Boys Over Flowers”
The greatest gateway K-Drama of them all, “Boys Over Flowers”, starring Lee MinHo, Koo HyeSun, Kim HyunJoong, Kim Beom, and more, reminds us of the good old times. It allows us to put on our rose-tinted glasses, and needless to say, it still gives us butterflies. “Boys Over Flowers” feels like first love, and no matter what comes after, it will always have a special place in our hearts. In addition, “Boys Over Flowers” also contributed significantly to the Hallyu wave, which makes it culturally notable too. Who wouldn’t want to watch it again for the first time?
5. “Healer”
“Healer” might be an action thriller, but nothing describes the drama more appropriately than its name. It is a comforting drama that leaves us feeling warm and fuzzy, all the while making adrenaline rush through our veins. Talk about duality! Starring an esteemed cast of actors including Ji ChangWook, Park MinYoung, Yoo JiTae, and Kim MiKyung, “Healer” is the best of all the worlds there are. Ji ChangWook and Park MinYoung are stunning together as Seo JungHoo and Chae YoungShin, and the growth of their characters is even more marvelous. Nothing compares to the sheer excitement and joy of watching “Healer” for the first time.
6. “Chicago Typewriter”
The first K-Drama that comes to mind when speaking of cult classics is “Chicago Typewriter”. It has grown in popularity year after year, especially since it landed on OTT platforms. As such, you can imagine the joy of a K-Drama lover when they stumble upon this gem. Starring Yoo AhIn, Lim SooJung, Go KyungPyo, and more, this literary saga is quite literally timeless. If you’re yet to watch “Chicago Typewriter”, rest assured that your satisfaction levels will go through the roof because this drama is unlike any other. For those who have already watched it, we bet they’d give anything to be able to watch it for the first time all over again.
7. “Snowdrop”
Despite being a recent drama, “Snowdrop” has already earned its rightful place as one of the best K-Dramas of the current decade. Starring Jung HaeIn and BLACKPINK’s JiSoo (in her first ever leading role), “Snowdrop” tells the heartening story of love that blooms in the midst of chaos. Set in Seoul of 1987, when South Korea was under a dictatorial regime, Eun YeongRo (JiSoo) helps an injured young man named Lim SooHo, thinking that he’s a student activist. Their fated love thus story unravels and leaves us speechless. JiSoo is especially phenomenal in this drama, and Jung HaeIn is incredible, as always. The beauty of “Snowdrop” deserves all the praise in the world.
8. “It’s Okay, That’s Love”
One of the premier K-dramas the industry has to offer, “It’s Okay, That’s Love”, starring Kong HyoJin, Zo InSung, EXO’s D.O., Lee KwangSoo, and more, deals with mental health issues, trauma, healing and happiness in the most heart-warming way possible. At the same time, it is also supremely entertaining with heart-fluttering romance, impeccable comedy, and touching relationships. The characters are unbelievably endearing and have a penchant for staying with you long after the drama is over, which is what gives the drama its lasting quality. It is a journey in and of itself and one that we would definitely want to go on again.
9. “1% Of Something”
Jeon SoMin and Ha SeokJin are both known for choosing their projects carefully. Naturally, when these two actors came together, the result was extraordinary, to say the least. “1% Of Something” tells the story of Lee JaeIn (Ha SeokJin), who is forced into a contract marriage with a school teacher named Kim DaHyun (Jeon SoMin). In the process, they fall in love. As simple as the premise sounds, the drama is much more meaningful, fascinating, and most importantly, delightful. The chemistry between Jeon SoMin and Ha SeokJin is electric, and this pairing is certainly one of the best of all time.
10. “Secret Garden”
“Secret Garden” is a drama that always comes up when discussing revolutionary, genre-defining works that have come out of South Korea. It is a charming mix of fantasy, whereby Gil RaIm (Ha JiWon) and Kim JooWon (Hyun Bin) end up switching souls after experiencing an unexplained attraction to each other, and romantic comedy as the two fall in love, despite their differences. There’s not a dull moment in the entire show, and it keeps getting more and more engaging with each episode. The finale is as enchanting as can be, and you’ll love every second of it, which is all the more reason why we want to relive it for the first time all over again. Which other K-Dramas would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!
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