In recent years, Korean dramas have gained global popularity. Below is our list of five shows you'll want to revisit time and time again.
Just like manga and Japanese animation Korean dramas have gained significant popularity beyond their native borders. Featuring a mix of action, sci-fi, and horror elements, these shows boast scriptwriting that often stands toe-to-toe with major Hollywood productions. Below are five series you shouldn’t miss.
Mr. Sunshine (2020) directed by Lee Eung-Bok - streaming on Netflix
This narrative follows the life of a young boy named Eugene Choi. Amidst the Korean Expedition of 1871, he fled aboard an American naval vessel to avoid being enslaved. Years afterward, this same individual returned to his native land as a seasoned soldier during a period when Korea was ravaged by successive foreign incursions. Mr. Sunshine depicts South Korea enduring one of its toughest historical eras. The filmmaker aimed to highlight the engrossing quality of the show through detailed settings and authentic period attire. This effort transports viewers directly into the past.
My Name (2021) by Kim Jin-Min - streaming on Netflix
Following the tragic death of her father due to murder, Yun Ji Wu embarks on a quest for vengeance. Realizing that her kin have ties to one of South Korea’s dominant criminal organizations, she decides to abandon her past to join law enforcement and uncover the perpetrator behind the crime. Netflix Initially, you find yourself deeply engrossed in the investigation, meticulously examining every episode for the subtle hints strategically placed by the director. Each scene moves swiftly and is executed flawlessly, complemented by a distinctive musical score and an exceedingly grim atmosphere. As the narrative unfolds, you start feeling that certain aspects aren’t entirely correct. A crucial piece of information necessary to unravel the enigma surrounding Ji Wu seems to be conspicuously absent.
Reply 1988 (2018) directed by Shin Won-Ho - streaming on Netflix
Streamed on Netflix, this show brims with '80s vibes. The narrative revolves around Deok Seon, Seon Wu, Dong Ryeong, Taek, and Jeong Hwan—five lifelong buddies whose households reside in a quaint neighborhood within Seoul. As they approach adulthood at eighteen years old, the plot tracks their everyday experiences in an evolving South Korea more engaged with global culture. Through these relatable life moments, viewers witness personal transformations driven by various challenges and feelings. Consequently, it becomes effortless to form strong connections with each individual portrayed here. Reply 1988 is a way of reliving the melancholy of your early years, your first love, the anxiety of exams and the first steps into adult life.
I’m not a robot (2017) by Jung Dae-Yoon - streaming on Netflix
The affluent CEO of a South Korean startup, Min-Kyu, suffers from an aversion to physical touch. His world gets completely upended with the arrival of an unusual entity: a human-like robot that triggers peculiar emotions within him. K-drama aims to shed light on human trauma. For Min-Kyu, this condition serves mainly as a shield against the outside world. Although the show has science fiction elements, its central focus is on human psychology. It offers a means to delve deeper into the origins of our deepest fears and learn how to confront them with courage.
Pinocchio (2018) by Jo Soo-Won - accessible on Netflix
Driven by a media frenzy that blames his father for a deadly incident, Ha-Myeong chooses to pursue journalism. Partnering with an unconventional ally, he uncovers a realm filled with false pretenses and pervasive corruption. As he navigates this complex landscape, he finds himself compelled to deceive. This story blends elements of both drama and romance. Pinocchio This serves as an impeccable analysis of South Korean media during the early 2000s. At the heart of the narrative lies the internal conflict experienced by the protagonist. He faces a choice: conform to the system, thereby distorting reality for the sake of his employer’s interests, or rebel against it, risking his career prospects by antagonizing those above him.
EmoticonEmoticon