Since the start of 2019, I have watched over 50 Korean dramas. Now that I think about it, it’s a bit much, but it has been really enjoyable, especially during Covid-era. I love that I get to chat about k-dramas with non-Korean friends too. I am really amazed at how far reaching the k-drama universe is nowadays. As Academy award winning director Bong Joon-ho said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” In this case it’s k-dramas. I watch most of the shows on Netflix and Viki. Korean broadcast networks are partnering with Netflix giving us access to some really great ones. It’s really crazy, because I remember having to go to the Korean grocery store to rent DVDs of k-dramas as a kid. Stairway to Heaven (천국의 계단) anyone? What a classic.

I don’t want to get your hopes up too high because like western tv, there are good ones and bad ones. There are some pretty consistent k-drama tropes that will probably never disappear, but you learn to gloss over them. Most k-dramas are 16 hour-long episodes and rarely have a season 2. There’s usually 2 leads and 2 second leads. I wasn’t sure how to pick which ones to share in this post, so I reached out to my k-drama loving family and friends. I asked them this – What is a gateway k-drama that will make a new watcher fall head first into the k-drama abyss? Unfortunately, not all k-dramas are accessible so some of the favorites didn’t make it, but this is a really solid list to start with.

Descendants of the Sun

This is the one show that was agreed upon by everyone I asked. This is actually one of the first ones I watched back in 2019. I fell in love with it right away and I’m currently re-watching it now.

Genre: romance, melodrama

Where to Watch: Hulu

 

Crash Landing on You

This one was highly anticipated because of the popular leads Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin. To be honest, I am more obsessed with the supporting cast because they blew me away with all the funny and loving scenes.

Genre: romance, melodrama, action

Where to Watch: Netflix

Signal

Shout out to my co-worker Sandra for reminding me how good this show is. Both the plot and characters are incredibly well written and truly phenomenal acting by the leads. The storyline is a bit dark at times, but I appreciate a thriller without plotholes.

Genre: suspense, thriller, action

Where to Watch: Netflix

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)

Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, & Yoo In Na. This is a stacked cast. Great chemistry between the entire cast and lots of feels. Similarly to Descendants of the Sun, this is one you’ll hear often as a strong recommendation for a first k-drama.

Genre: romance, fantasy

Where to Watch: Viki

Reply 1997

This is one of 3 in the Reply tv series (Reply 1994 and Reply 1988). There’s something really relatable about this story line and has lots of nods to nostalgic 90s references. The plot is entirely focused on the relationships between the characters over time and makes me deeply appreciate friendships I have had for a long time.

Genre: romance, melodrama

Where to Watch: Netflix