Best Korean Dramas to Watch These Days: Cross Fingers They’re Great!

Want some good Kdramas to pass your time, relax, engage in, and whatnot? Then, you will love the list below.

1. Young Lady and Gentleman (신사와 아가씨)

Young Kook has three kids. His wife passed away, and he still mourns over her. Dan Dan gets hired as a live-in tutor for his children. Over time, he grows interested in her. Young Kook is quite an old-school guy.

Speaking of Dan Dan, you may become charmed and inspired by her diligence and optimistic personality despite hardships.

Main cast:

• Ji Hyun Woo as Lee Young Kook
• Lee Se Hee as Park Dan Dan
• Kang Eun Tak as Cha Gun
• Park Ha Na as Jo Sa Ra

What you may like:

• Has not dragged itself too much but been consistently good for a weekend family drama
• The drama screenwriter is also who writes hit family dramas such as 'My Only One' and 'Rosy Lovers.'
• Cute kids in the cast

• The drama title 'Young Lady and Gentleman' may get you immediately curious.
• There are visuals, including Ji Hyun-woo in the beautiful suit fashion.

• The main lead romance may make your heart feel full.
• Its OST is beautiful. I am addicted to 'It is love' ('사랑이야') and 'Love Always Run Away' ('사랑은 늘 도망가').~~
• High TV ratings in South Korea

What you may not like:

• It is a family drama, so there are 50 episodes in total (taking around six months to end). Waiting for it every weekend may be a pain.~
• Troublesome families may get on your nerves. But it is typical of a family drama. The good news is the annoying level of the families here is lower than others.
• Overdo it sometimes.
• The amnesia plot is dragging and sometimes annoying.

Updating: I have stopped watching it because I cannot stand this amnesia plot and how easily our male lead is manipulated. 

Updated: Do not take the drama too seriously if you want to enjoy watching it.

2. Yumi's Cells (유미의 세포들)

The drama tells the story of Yumi. She is an ordinary single office worker. Through her love and work life, she has personal growth and finds happiness.

Main cast:

• Kim Go Eun as Kim Yumi
• Ahn Bo Hyun as Goo Woong
• Jin Young as Yoo Bobby
• Park Ji Hyun as Seo Sae Yi
• Lee Yoo Bi as Ruby

What you may like:

• Watching it is a kind of therapy.
• Help you understand human psychology and self-love
• The character of Yumi (the female lead) is so relatable. She is imperfect, being flawed, and bound to make mistakes.

• A combination of cute cells becomes an integral part of the series.

• The acting is on point.
• One of the most buzzworthy Korean dramas these days

What you may not like:

• The show is probably not that interesting at first. But it gets better and better.

3. The King's Affection (연모)

For some reason, Lee Hwi, a girl, has to pretend to be a man. Worse case, she has to act as a crown prince. That identity secret makes her afraid of being close to anyone. She closes her heart and is cold to others.
Lee Hwi’s teacher named Ji Un is good-looking, intelligent, and likes appreciating life. Lee Hwi becomes attracted to Ji Un.

Main cast:

• Park Eun Bin as Lee Hwi
• Ro Woon as Jung Ji Un
• Nam Yoon Soo as Lee Hyun
• Choi Byung Chan as Kim Ga On
• Bae Yoon Kyoung as Shin So Eun
• Jung Chae Yeon as No Ha Kyung

What you may like:

• Fast-paced storytelling
• Beautiful cinematography
• For the first time in years of watching Korean dramas (girl disguising herself as a boy), I have believed that the girl is a boy.
• There is no end to the visual party.

• Sparkling chemistry between the female lead and the male/ second male lead, and between the male lead and second male lead :).
• One of the most buzzworthy Korean dramas these days

What you may not like:

• The plot sounds somehow recycled. It has shared something in common with some notable TV shows that have aired before. Still, we will see!~
• Beware of the second male lead syndrome. I had this syndrome right from episode 3~.

4. One The Woman (원 더 우먼)

Yeon Joo is a beautiful and sassy prosecutor. She loses her memory because of a case. Yeon Joo and a chaebol family's daughter-in-law Mi Na are splitting images of each other. After the accident, she begins to live as Mi Na.
Seung Wook is a chaebol's son. He becomes involved with Yeon Joo that is having memory loss.

Main cast:

• Honey Lee as Yeon Joo/ Mi Na
• Lee Sang Yoon as Han Seung Wook
• Jin Seo Yeon as Han Sung Hye
• Lee Won Geun as An Yoo Joon

What you may like:

• Quite intriguing plot
• Funny romcom - makjang drama that is super fast-paced.
• You may become a fan of the male lead (Sang Yoon) after this series (brainy, witty, with dimpled charm).

• Good chemistry between the leads

• The second male lead is a cool guy, too.
• High TV ratings in South Korea

What you may not like:

• Something does not make sense.
• The latter episodes are a bit less interesting than the first ones.
• The female lead (Honey Lee)'s acting is sometimes over the top.

5. Dali and Cocky Prince (달리와 감자탕)

This drama was not my favorite at first. But after watching episode 11, I came to realize that I should add it here. The episode delivers a meaningful message, leaving me teary-eyed.

In this TV series, Moo Hak is a pro at making money though he lacks education. Starting a pork bone stew restaurant in the past, his family now runs a global restaurant franchise company Dondon F&B. 

Da Li comes from a prestigious family. While she is educated and kind, Da Li is not genuinely good at cooking.

These two happen to meet with no idea of each other's backgrounds and have a good impression of each other. The incident that an art gallery is about to bankrupt leads them to meet again as a wealthy, uneducated family's son and a prestigious family's daughter.

Main cast:

• Kim Min Jae as Jin Moo Hak  
• Park Gyu Young as Kim Da Li  
• Kwon Yool as Jang Tae Jin 
• Hwang Hee as Joo Won Tak
• Yeon Woo as Ahn Chak Hee 

What you may like:

• It is pretty hilarious.
• Refreshing to watch
• The leads' chemistry is quite lovely.

• The female lead character is uniquely fashionable.
• The male lead's secretary is funny to see. 
• The OST is beautiful.
• One of the most buzzworthy Korean dramas these days

What you may not like:

• A confusing plot
• The female lead is not that capable and witty.
• The romance progress is slow.

6. The Second Husband (두 번째 남편)

Sun Hwa has married Sang Hyeok and given birth to their baby. Yet, Sang Hyeok steps out with Jae Kyung whose dad is a big confectionery firm's chairman. 

For his self-indulgence, he dumps Sun Hwa and the little one. Her small child dies, and Sun Hwa is framed for murder, adding to the problem.

She then meets Jae Min that has a half-blood relationship with Jae Kyung. He falls for Sun Hwa.

Main cast:

• Uhm Hyun Kyung as Bong Sun Hwa
• Cha Seo Won as Yoon Jae Min
• Oh Seung A as Yoon Jae Kyung
• Han Ki Woong as Moon Sang Hyeok

What you may like:

• Good mystery
• The female lead character is brainy (but not in the first part of the drama).
• Oh Seung A (as Yoon Jae Kyung) is the K-pop group 'RAINBOW''s former member. Her acting is super good, considering that fact.

• There are some quite heart-fluttering moments between Seon Hwa and Jae Min.

What you may not like:

• Things get exciting, then become dragging, and then get exciting, and then... The wheels on the bus go round and round.~~
• It has 150 episodes in total. 

Updated: Do not take the drama too seriously if you want to enjoy watching it.

7. Melancholia

Two among something I have learned from or found fascinating about this drama:

- "You do not have to do well."

- The male lead is a prime example of playing the long game. He has spent seven years waiting, trying, and entering the female lead's heart and finally has a happy ending with her. Such patience and persistence I admire!

8. The Red Sleeve Cuff

Its ratings are high for good reason. Honestly, I have not finished it and preferred the first half part. For me, the 'flirting' stage is often more interesting (haha). Will see the remaining episodes someday.~ 

9. Shadow Beauty

Some say it is a quality version of 'True Beauty' but with a low budget. I think how good a drama is has a lot to do with preferences. One thing for sure is 'Shadow Beauty' is worth watching, considering it is rather engaging.

Speaking of its downsides, I have not heard any apology from the bully (Ha Neul) to the victim (Ae Jin) (or do I miss it?). Also, I am not that satisfied with the ending, say they have not mentioned why Mi-Jin has become that way (her backstory).

10. Work Later, Drink Now

A refreshing, healing drama

11. Our Beloved Summer

You may feel quite related when watching it.

12. User Not Found

Cheesy to me (haha). Acting is not excellent. But there are many good-looking actors here and the storyline is Ok. If you are looking for a series to wind down, you may consider 'User Not Found.' 

13. Single's Inferno

Not a drama but a romance reality show that is grabbing the public's attention. 

14.  All of Us Are Dead

Zoombies are not right up my street. That is why I had no intention of watching it. But on the other hand, its huge popularity made me see the drama out of curiosity. I was glad I watched it. Using a zombie attack context, 'All of Us Are Dead' has brought a lot to the table.

15. Twenty-Five Twenty-One

One word: Must-see! It gives you a lot to inspire, learn, and be happy. As a plus, Tae Ri's acting is genuinely top-notch.

Updated: If the main leads ultimately being together is your priority, this series may not be for you.

16. Business Proposal

Though it touches on the age-old contract relationship, this romantic drama has wowed viewers in many fascinating ways. From the visuals, and acting skills, to the storyline and dialogues, I am pretty sure that you will love them!

Updated: It gets boring to me later on. How about you?

17. Forecasting Love and Weather

I did not expect much about this TV series. But it has gone far and beyond my expectation. I find the drama surprisingly engrossing and it leaves me to wonder whether a good man like the male lead exists in real life. Haha, I have been losing faith in men. 

Updated: It started off well but has become boring to me as it proceeded.

18. Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) Season 1, 2, 3

It is for people who are looking for a crazy and unique drama. This series delivers life lessons and is relatively engrossing. But do not take the drama too seriously if you want to enjoy watching it.

19. It's Beautiful Now

A lighthearted weekend drama. Shi Yoon (starring as Hyun Jae) and Oh Min Seok (Yun Jae) are great actors and among my favorites, so I am in!

20. Soundtrack #1

For those interested in the unrequited love theme

21. Again My Life

Lee Jun Ki never disappoints with his drama choice. Belonging to the mystery, fantasy, and law genres, the drama is remarkable and engaging.

22. My Liberation Notes 

If you like 'Another Miss Oh' and 'My Mister', you may take an interest in this show. Because its writer is the one having penned these two.

23. Green Mothers' Club

Do not let the lame poster fool you. This drama is so engrossing as each episode leads to more questions. The female characters here feel related as well.  Lee Yo Won (Eun Pyo)'s great acting, Choo Ja Hyun (Chun Hui)'s stunning beauty and great sense of fashion, and Si Yul (Dong Seok)'s cuteness overload are a big bonus. One of my must-see dramas these days!~

Updating 1: I am pretty sure that this drama is right up anyone's alley because it cleverly covers virtually all of the genres.  

Updating 2: Each episode has stressed me out and almost ruined my day. Maybe because it breaks my heart to see my favorite character, the cutey Dong Seok has recently got hurt in some way. Having said that, the series is still so juicy that I cannot give up on it.

Updated: A high-recommended drama. If only uri adorable Dong Seok had more scenes.

24. Bravo, My Life (2022)

A daily drama with good and bad people, those who are struggling, and those that have sins to commit.

25. Love All Play

Honestly, everything is so-so. But that the male lead Chae Jong Hyeop is so cute, kind, and hot at the same time has made me include this drama in this list.~

26. Rose Mansion

It is engaging. But make sure that you are not like me (so eager to know the ending that I decided to see the final episode after watching the first 3 ones, leaving me no longer interested in watching the rest of the drama). It may have Season 2. 

27. Eve

Love her or hate her, you can barely deny that Seo Ye Ji's acting is great. I have watched the first episode of 'Eve' and it is genuinely engaging.

28. Why Her

The first reason for watching it is Seo Hyun Jin. Her dramas never disappoint. The second reason is that this drama stars Hwang In Yoep and Bae In Hyuk as well whose visuals and acting skills are no joke. You will also appreciate the participation of the veteran actor Heo Jun Ho in this project. Above all, as typical as it sounds, 'Why Her' shows woman power and is heart-touching and captivating.

29. Link: Eat, Love, Die

I thought this drama was a typical rom-com considering the poster, but it proved me wrong. 'Link: Eat, Love, Die' is mysterious, engaging, and of course appealing with the visuals of the main cast (say Yeo Jin Goo and Moon Ka Young).

30. Cleaning Up

It was not my intention of watching this drama in the first place because of its seemingly old-fashioned poster and lame name. But with all the hype surrounding it, I decided to give 'Cleaning Up' a try, which I am glad I did. It is genuinely entertaining, engaging, and related.

31. Yumi's Cells 2

You are recommended to see this TV series if you:

- want to get a reminder of the importance of your emotional cultivation and self-love.

- have no experience in love and/ or have fantasies about love.

- want something entertaining and healing at the same time.

32. Jinxed At First 

While this drama is not so engrossing, I find it passable considering its fantastical fun and chemistry between Seohyun and In Woo. The second male lead's killer looks are another upside.

33. Alchemy of Souls

I decided to watch it after seeing Go Yoon Jung on the drama poster (her beauty was ethereal). I am not confident enough to state that this TV show is top-notch. But on the other hand, it is not so poorly written that you want to drop it midway.

34. Woori The Virgin

Those who prefer Kang Jae (Shin Dong Wook) may like watching this drama because the female lead and he are the endgames. Those who are team Raphael (Sung Hoon) are likely disappointed in it as he does not end up with the female lead. Some viewers think that 'Woori The Virgin' is poorly written while others find it good enough. 

35. Becoming Witch

Lee Yu Ri is here but giving a different vibe from her roles in her previous projects. I love her acting and choice of TV series projects to join, so I am in. The drama has been good so far.

36. Extraordinary Attorney Woo

A must-see, indeed. This drama makes me laugh hard, then can quickly leave me with tears, which somehow proves how impressive it is. Park Eun Bin's acting as Woo Young Woo with autism spectrum disorder is extraordinary.

37. Pandora: Beneath the Paradise

38. Glory

Starring Song Hye Kyo, Lee Do-hyun, and Lim Ji Yeon and written by Kim Eun-sook, this 2023 show tells the story of Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye Kyo), a woman who was forced to drop out of high school after being severely bullied. Years later, she becomes a teacher at the same school and begins to plot her revenge against her bullies.

The revenge drama is both gripping and thought-provoking and is a story about the importance of standing up for yourself and the long-lasting effects of bullying. It's well-acted and well-written and can leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Here are some of the things that I liked about the drama:

- The acting is top-notch. Song Hye Kyo gives a powerful performance as Moon Dong-eun, and the supporting cast is also great.

- The writing is sharp and insightful. The drama explores the complex issues of bullying and revenge in a thought-provoking way.

- The story is gripping and suspenseful. The drama will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

39. Love to Hate You

Starring Kim Ok-vin and Yoo Teo, this 2023 TV series tells the story of Yeo Mi-ran (Kim Ok-vin), an entertainment lawyer who despises losing to men, and Nam Kang-ho (Yoo Teo), a top actor who distrusts women. The two of them are forced to fake a relationship to combat questions surrounding the actor's sexuality. 

Love to Hate You is a refreshing and funny take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. The chemistry between Kim Ok-vin and Yoo Teo is undeniable, and the supporting cast is also great. The drama is full of witty banter, heartwarming moments, and steamy scenes.

Here are some of the things that I liked about the drama:

- The chemistry between the leads

- The story is refreshing and unique.

- The drama is well-acted and well-written.

40. Summer Strike

Summer Strike is a 2022 show starring Seolhyun and Im Si-wan. It follows the story of Lee Yeo-Reum (Seol Hyun), a young woman who quits her job and moves to a small village after her mother dies and her boyfriend breaks up with her. There, she meets An Dae-Beom (Im Si-wan), a librarian who also has his share of troubles. The two of them help each other to heal their wounds.

It is a heartwarming and healing drama about finding your true self and finding your place in the world. The drama is well-acted and well-written, and it is sure to touch your heart.

Here are some of the things that I liked about the drama:

- The acting is great. Seolhyun and  Si-wan have great chemistry, and they make their characters believable.

- The writing is heartwarming. 

41. Alchemy of Souls 

Starring Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Youn-jung, and Hwang Min-hyun and written by the Hong sisters, this 2022 TV series is set in a fictional country called Daeho, where magic is real. The story follows the lives of two young mages, Jang Uk and Mu-deok. Jang Uk is the son of a powerful family, but he is cursed and unable to use magic. Mu-deok is a powerful sorceress, but she is trapped in the body of a weak woman. The two of them meet and form an unlikely bond. Jang Uk helps Mu-deok to regain her memories and powers, and Mu-deok helps Jang Uk to overcome his curse.

Alchemy of Souls is a beautifully-made drama with a unique and refreshing story. The characters are well-developed and the acting is top-notch. The drama is full of action, adventure, romance, and humor. 

Here are some of the things that I liked about the drama:

- The story is unique and refreshing. It is a different take on the usual fantasy drama, and it can keep you entertained.

- The characters are well-developed and relatable. You will find yourself rooting for them as they overcome their challenges.

- The acting is good. The cast brings the characters to life and makes you believe in their journey.

- The production values are high. The drama is beautifully shot and the special effects are impressive.

42. The Real Has Come!

The Real Has Come! is a 2023 weekend drama starring Ahn Jae-hyun, Baek Jin-hee, Kim Sa-kwon, Jung Eui-jae and Cha Joo-young. It follows the story of Oh Yeon-doo (Baek Jin-hee), a single mother who is raising her child alone. She meets Gong Tae-kyung (Ahn Jae-hyun), a single man who has chosen to become single. Tae-kyung works as an OB-GYN. They agree to start a fake relationship to please their families. Yet, when spending more time together, they begin to fall for each other.

The Real Has Come! is a heartwarming and funny drama about the power of love. It is a story about finding your true self and finding your soulmate. 

Here are some of the things that I liked about the drama:

- The acting is good. 

- The writing is witty and heartwarming. The drama is full of funny moments, but it also has its share of heartwarming moments.

43. Yellow Boots (aka “Ice Adonis”)

Are you a fan of intense, emotionally charged Korean dramas that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Do you find current daily dramas aren't well-crafted enough? Then consider watching the 2012 Korean drama “Yellow Boots” (also known as “Ice Adonis”). 

This 108-episode melodrama follows the story of Seol Yeon Hwa (starring Lee Yoo Ri), who is falsely accused of murder and seeks revenge on those who wronged her, while also discovering her newfound purpose and the “light” that motivates her to keep going.

44. Doctor Cha (닥터 차정숙)

The 2023 drama stars Uhm Jung-hwa as Cha Jeong-suk, a 40-year-old housewife who decides to go back to medical school after 20 years. Jeong-suk is a brilliant doctor with a strong sense of justice. She is also a loving wife and mother. The drama follows Jeong-suk as she faces the challenges of being a doctor, a wife, and a mother.

The love affair in this show is between her husband, Seo In-ho, and his mistress, Dr. Sung Hee. In-ho and Sung Hee are both surgeons at the same hospital, and they have been having an affair for years. Jeong-suk is unaware of the affair, but she eventually finds out.

The affair has a devastating impact on her life. She is heartbroken and betrayed, and she struggles to come to terms with what has happened. 

Images and gifs credit: Original authors