If you haven’t noticed Korean entertainment take the world by storm over the past few years, you might be living under a rock. They call it the ‘Korean Wave’, and K-Dramas happen to have a central role in it as a growing popular phenomenon. If you’re completely new to this world, here are a few shows to get you started.
Descendants of the Sun
A rather obvious favorite – this show is about the developing love story between a captain of Korean Special Forces and a surgeon from Haesung Hospital. At first, they hit it off when they meet in Korea and begin to date but eventually go their separate ways due to the demanding nature of their jobs. Eight months later, they are reunited when she gets assigned to lead a medical team in Uruk. Aside from the intricate story-telling, you will enjoy the humor and playfulness between the lines.
Crash Landing on You
Crowned among the chief classics of K-Drama, this show unites South Korean and North Korean culture; a high-maintenance heiress accidentally paraglides her way to North Korean territory, where she comes into contact with a handsome army officer. He decides to help her hide from authorities and tries to get her to blend in a North Korean community. All in all, the storyline here is light-hearted and a good kind of cheesy.
Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim
This show, we simply can’t get enough of! Two seasons have already been released and we’re crossing our fingers for a third and fourth season. If you love medical dramas, this one is definitely for you. The best thing about it is that there’s a comical side to every beloved character, to offset the marvelous, intense scenes you will go through. The main character, Dr. Kim, sets the whole tone for Doldam Hospital; aside from his exceptional surgical skills, he also teaches his team beautiful core values by example and how to live without compromise.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung
Set in the early 19th century, this show tells the story of an unconventional woman who becomes one of the very first female scholars at the Joseon royal court, where she meets and falls in love with a prince, who secretly writes romantic novels. There’s definitely much more here than what meets the eye, because it’s not just about a love story between two main character, but a beautiful portrayal of the traditions during that ancient kingdom era.
Reply 1988
This show will constantly make you laugh until your stomach hurts. It follows the everyday life of a group of five friends, who live in the same neighborhood in Seoul. You get to watch everything, from real family struggles to hilarious friendship moments and the birth of endearing, unexpected relationships. It’s kind of like watching ‘Friends’, but in dramatic, sentimental Korean style.
