30 Korean Dramas You Should'nt Miss
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
After watching a lot of dramas, I thought of writing this article. This is not about my favorites drama. Even though many of them are my favorites, this list is mainly about the dramas that a K-drama fan should never miss to watch. Coz these dramas complete the journey of a K-drama fan.
(The Names not included in this list are dramas that are okay to be left out of the must watch category.)
The king of all K-Dramas. All of you may heave already seen this drama. And this is the most popular Korean Drama, I think. And There is nothing to replace 'Boys Over Flowers'. If you have not seen 'Boys Over Flowers' then you are not a Korean Drama fan yet.
Boys Over Flowers is not just a drama but a sensation. It was a Japanese Manga named 'Hana Yori Dango'. Which was made in to 2 Japanese Dramas, and a Japanese Move. And the Korean Boys Over Flowers aired in 2009, and still is the favorite of K-drama fans all over.
Story Line : Geum Jan Di is an energetic and hardworking 17 year old girl. Her family owns a laundry shop. Depite being poor Jan Di is always happy and believes in protecting the weak and have a lot of pride. After saving a life, Jan Di gets to Join ShinHwa High School, The School for only the top Rich kids. ShinHwa High is dominated by four students who are known as 'F4'. F4 can just mark a student they don't like and the rest of the students will bully them. One day while defending her friend, Geum Jan Di gets in to a fight with F4's leader Gu Jun Pyo.
Now Gu Jun Pyo is the son of the most rich company in Korea. He pretends to be cruel and tough but he is doing all cruel stuff just because he is lonely and bored inside. Deep inside he is innocent and a simple guy who will sincerely love someone.
Pros : 'Gu Jun Pyo'... I personally believe Gu Jun Pyo is the most lovable character ever created.
Cons : Too much Drama. Because it was a Manga, all soft of extra dramatic situations happen.
Another Sensational Drama Like 'Boys Over Flowers'. It's just too adorable and lovable. I don't have any words to describe this Drama as it's so..untouchabley cute and sweet. Coffee Prince is one of most popular Dramas ever of Korean Drama History.
Story line : Go Eun Chan is a girl who is always dressed in boy clothes and have short hair. Because of her family's financial troubles, and her father being dead, she is the bread winner of the house. She work hard doing 3 or four part-time jobs at a time.
Choi Han Kyul is the son of a rich house, having different dreams than his family business of Coffee Powder making. Han Kyul is forced to manage a Coffee Shop that is in ruins by his grandmother. Han Kyul and Go Eun Chan, meets accidentally and Han Gyul thinks Eun Chan is a boy, because of her clothes and hair. Then Eun Chan gets to work in the Coffee Shop as a waiter. But Han Kyul's idea is to hire only male waiters. So Eun Chan hides the fact that she is a girl. But Han Kyul and Eun Chan gets a lot closer emotionally, and starts to have feelings for each other.
Pros : Touches our heart so deeply but softly.
Cons : There is the story of another couple which can tend to be a bit boring at times.
A really good High School Story about dreams and fulfilling them. Lot's of music and dancing. Not just something silly and frilly. A worth to watch journey of students to their success. This Drama is not just about entertainment, it leaves us with a lot of inspiration and hope.
Story Line :
i) Go Hye Mi is a girl with a lot of singing talent but not good enough to convey emotions through her songs.
ii) Jin Guk is a tough guy who is currently rebelling from his family, who has talent of dancing, but not enough patience and respect for others.
iii) Song Sam Dong, is a total village boy, with a heavy country accent who has talent of singing but can't reach popularity because of his village habits and talks.
iv) Kim Pil Sook can sing sing exceptionally well. She is good in singing technically and can convey emotions through her songs really well. Only one problem, she is really really fat.
So these four students fail to get in to the Normal Arts class of Kirin High School, which is the best High School for Music and Dance students. But the school's chairman feels it's a shame to let go of these four students and they get to join a 'Special Class'.
While Go Hye Mi gets in to a romantic triangle with her two friends Jin Guk and Song Sam Dong, somehow Kim Pil Suk gets to be close with e most popular and talented boy in the normal Arts class - Jason.
Pros : The role of Song Sam Dong leaves such a strong impression on the viewers. And the love story of Kim Pil Sook and Jason is really worth to watch as it holds a bit of difference from the usual love stories.
Cons : Nothing
It's a painful and hence capturing story. It just takes you in and leads you through all the twists and turns of the story. And directed with a lot of perfection (at least for the first half).
Good characterizations. And beautiful dialogues.
Story line : 15 year old Lee Seo Yoon is a girl that has suffered a lot of violence from her father, till he was arrested for murder. After he is arrested, Lee Seo Yoon is branded as 'murderer's daughter' in the locality and her school. She meets 15 years old Han Jung Woo who has come back from US, and he treats her like a friend. 12 year old Knag Hyun Joonis forced to separate from his mother, and suffer a leg injery and live in hiding because of his elder step brother, who happens to be Han Jung Woo's father.
When Han Jung Woo and Lee Seo Yoon's feelings starts to get bigger than a friendship, they are forced apart by a cruel incident.
14 years later, these 3 meet again.
Pros : Painful. Cuts in to our heart. Too much well directed in the first half.. Exciting.
Cons : Towards the last, the drama starts to get a bot boring.
This is a Drama that I respect a lot. It recreate the old 1997 years in front of our eyes to lead us to nostalgia. It also use the characters to speak in country accent giving a refreshing feel to it. Also, the drama is too funny. Plus it teaches a lot of things and give us thought to think. Plus well directed.
What's not to like?
Hence one of the most popular Drama of recent years.
Story line : Story is about a bunch of high school friends living in Pusan, a marine city in South Korea. The story starts in year 2013, where they all meet at a restaurant. In the restaurant the lead's Voice Over declare that today in that table a couple is going to announce their marriage. And then they take us back in time to 1997 where these fiends were in High School.
Pros : Nostalgic. Slice of Life. Funny.
(And the 'Sheep Cry' (Those who have watched it will know))
Cons : Nothing.
A really soft touch on life. This is a story about a bunch of good people that is told in such a simple and sweet way. Don't miss out.
Story line : Go Dong Mi is a girl who doesn't like to go out of her house because of some traumatic experience in her life. She doesn't like meeting people or interacting with them. So she works from home, and live inside her small apartment, an goes out only minimally. But she has a crush on, Han Tae Joon, a man who lives in the apartment building next to her building. She likes to spy on this guy from her window.
Oh Jin Rack is a poor Webtoon writer who lives next door to Dong Mi, and he has occasionally seen Dong mi. He thinks she is a pure and sweet girl and has a crush on her. But he never even talk to her as he thinks if Dong Mi likes to be left alone he should leave her alone.
One day Han Tae Joon's cousin brother, Enrique Guem arrives at the home and catches Go Dong Mi spying. Enrique is genius Video Game creator with a childish and energetic personality. He goes to fight with Go Dong Mi for spying at his brother's house, and from the fight their friendship grows. And Enrique doesn't believe that if some one wants to be alone they should be left alone. He try to bring Go Doing Mi outside of her safe home.
Pros : It leaves us with a smile. And we can relate to at least one character in this Drama.
Cons : Those who like a lot of excitement, this maybe a bit too simple for you and hence a bit boring at times.
This is my personal favorite Drama. There is not much excitement in this drama. The story is simple. But still it feels like a real life incident. Because thee is no absurd or out of the world situations happening in the story, it feels real. And even the romance feel like something that will happen every day. And somehow the whole drama seems to have a soul in it.
Story line : Lee Kyu Won is the grand daughter of a famous Traditional Music master. Hence she is supposed to do well in Traditional music, and hence she is taking a degree in the traditional music instrument Ghayagam, from a Music university. Lee Shin is the most popular guy of the University. He is majoring in Modern music, and is the leader of a band. His dream is to be a guitarist. Shin has a bit non-social, a bit arrogant but charismatic personality. But he is warm towards his mother and sister. Shin has a crush on the Dance Teacher of the university.
Energetic and happy natured Lee Kyu Won, and Pricky and Arrogant Lee Shin meets and because of situations gets in to fights. But eventually gets to know each other better... and like each other.
Pros : Feels real and have a soul. Good Music. Plus it's a treat to watch the 'Young-Shin' Couple together (That is Jung Young Hwa and Park Shin Hye).
Cons : Can feel a bit slow during episodes 3-7
The most popular Drama of 2013. Some people say 'Heirs' remind them of 'Boys Over Flowers'. (For me it doesn't). Heirs is a big budget production and is all about splendor and twinkle. Big star cast with a lot of big names in the cast list. Songs by the top in industry.
And hence the most popular of 2013.
Story line : Cha Eun Sang is a poor girl, Kim Tan is a rich boy. They meet in Los-Angeles when Eun Sang goes there in search of her sister. Kim Tan helps out Eun Sang there in a few situations. And spending a few days together Tan feels like he is getting attracted to Eun Sang and say this to her. But Kim Tan's fiancee (selected by the family) comes to visit him from Korea, and makes thing difficult and Eun Sang goes back to Korea. After some days Tan comes back to Korea and finds Eun Sang. But the problem now is Eun Sang's mother is the maid in Kim Tan's house. Their financial and social levels are too far apart for Eun Sang to admit her feelings to Tan, even though he is pursuing her with full force.
Pros : Good locations and star cast. Kim Woo Bin as Choi Young Do is worth to watch.
Cons : Bad costumes. Bad hair style. Bad timing of background music. And actors who are too old to play High School Students.
Another one of 2013's most popular dramas. I actually like this one better than Heirs. Gu Family book has a nice story. Despite having an undesirable ending, the whole journey of the story is really worth to watch. Really good Romance. And good fantasy theme.
I find it really strong love when one already having a crush on someone falling in love with someone else. Because then that love feel really strong. And having real reasons for loving that person. (Like in Boys Over Flowers, Jan Di has a crush on Ji Hoo, but falls for Gu Jun Pyo, coz of his dedicated love. Hence Strong feelings).
Here Kang Chi loved Chung Jo, but falls for Yeo Wul, coz Yeo Wul trust him and stay with him even after it's discovered that he is a magical being, and she is not scared of him.
That strong love, is a big plus of this Drama.
Story line : Yoon Seo Hwa, the daughter of a treason accused man is forced to go to giseng house by the soldiers. She is rescued from there by a magical being having human form, named, Gu Wol Ryung. So Hwa, who doesn't know that Wol-Ryung is a magical being, ends up falling for Wol Ryung and they marry. When Soe Hwa gets to know that Wol Ryung is a magical being, she gets scared and allows the solders to kill Wol Ryung. But she later finds out that she is pregnant. She gives birth to the child and abandon the child. Wol Ryung's human friend puts a bracelet on the child. The bracelet will stop the child's magic side from showing. The friend then lets the child be found by rich inn owner and tell that the child will bring him fortune, and he is not supposed to take the bracelet off ever. Te inn owner names the child Choi Kang Chi and allows him to be raised in the inn.
Kang Chi grows up to a young man, and is really loyal to the in owner, but has a crush for his childhood friend, and in owner's daughter, Chung Jo.
But the same enemy that caused Wol Ryung's death and Seo Hwa's misery again appears and kills the inn ownder, and Chung Jo is taken away from them...
Then Kang Chi gets a new friend in his journey of revenge - a tomboyish fighter girl, Dam Yeo Wul. When Kang Chi discovers that he is half magical being, it's really difficult for him to handle. But Yeo Wul stays with him at all steps and this beings them closer. They fall in love eventually.
Pros : Good Computer Graphics. And Lee Sung Gi gives off the usual warm boy next door friendly feel that suits so well with the character of Choi Kang Chi. Suzy brings out the best in Yeo Wul's character too.
Cons : A bit disappointing ending. :-(
It's surprisingly refreshing. We don't except the mid aged people to be so youthful, but the characters of this drama are. It's has a different style of romance. That's why I chose this drama to be a must watch. It's not the usual everyday K-Drama romance, where the hero is arrogant and meets a heroine and they fight and fall in love. Yes, Here also the Hero is a bit of a jerk and all, but there is a new angle to the romance. It just feels new and suitable of this time and years.
Story line : The story of Four 40 years old men and their romances.
i) Kim Do Jin, a bit of a jerk Architect meets sweet and simple School Teacher Seo Yi Soo, and try to woo her in all wicked and dirty ways, while Yi Soo has a crush on Han Tae San.
ii) Han Tae San is an Engineer and a sincere man. He is dating Seo Yi Soo's best friend, Hong Se Ra, whom he met through Yi Soo. But these two couple always fight and have a on-off relationship.
iii) Choi Yoon is a Lawyer. He is a widower who still keeps his wedding ring on his finger and his dead wife in his heart. Han Tae San's 22 year old younger sister, Han Mea Ari is in one sided love with Yoon and always chase after him declaring her love for him, which Yoon decline every time because of their huge age gap.
iv)Lee Jung Rock is a Cafe owner and a big play boy. He is married to Park Min Sook, who is a strong willed rich lady. But Jung Rock is always cheating on his wife and the wife is always trying to keep him on line.
And in to the life of these four friends, comes Collin, a 19 year old boy, telling them one of them might be his biological father.
Pros : Dong Jin and Yi Soo's love story is a must watch romance. And then there is Lee Jong Hyun as Collin. Also Kim Woo Bin as Kim Dong Hyub is a healthy addition to the characters.
Cons : nothing
You should watch this drama, or at least know about this Drama to be called as a complete K-Drama fan. Coz 'Dae Jang Guem' is a big milestone in the history of Korean Dramas. 'Dae Jang Guem' was a drama that was aired widely out of Korea and had helped in spreading Korean culture abroad.
And 'Dae Jang Guem' was is and will remain as the best Historical Drama ever created in Korea.
It has not only won several awards, but was really popular and is ranked the 10th most watched drama of all time.
'Dae Jang Guem' is something that we should respect. Because, even when it was made in 2003, if we compare it to a Drama made in 2013(or 2014), it doesn't lack anything. The 10 years gap doesn't show. Dae Jang Guem is made with that much precision and care.
It's filled with an ethnic and authentic feel all over, making us want to respect the whole series.
In one word, it's the story of an ordinary girl to becoming the first female royal physician of Korea. It's not historically accurate much, but there are records of a first female physician named 'Dae Jang Guem' in the historical recording of Joson era of Korea.
Story line ; Jang Guem, lose her parents in some problems and then on lives as an orphan. Her mother was once a maid in the Royal Kitchen, and hence her mother's death wish was that Jang Geum also become a Royal Kitchen maid. Following her mother's wish Jang Guem enters the place as a maid and stat working in the Royal Kitchen. After growing up, she meets the royal guard Min Jong Ho, and gets friends with him. The later life and hardship slowly make Jang Gum stop being a palace maid, and she chooses to be a medical girl. Jang Guem and Min Jong Ho eventually gets in to a relationship. And the later life shows how Jang Guem become the first Female Royal Physician.
Pros : The whole series feels like vibrating with power and reverence. Feels untouchable and holly.
Cons : Nothing. (Although we can mention it being 54 episodes long as a con, but then, the 54 episodes just make it more reverent)
Another milestone in the history of Korean Dramas. This 2004 K-Drama made a huge base for all the Romantic Comedies made after that. It was really popular and still considered one of the best Korean Dramas Ever made. So this is not something you should miss out to have a proper K-drama experience.
Story line : Han Ji Eun is scammed by her best friends, and her house is sold to someone else, without her knowledge. The movie star Lee Young Jae comes to live in Han Ji Eun's house. And he takes pity on Han Ji Eun's situation, and allows her to live in the house with him, and instead she should do all the work in the house and be like his maid. Ji Eun who doesn't have any other way, agrees. But then some situations happen, and Lee Young Jae ask Han Ji Eun to marry him for the Press and Media, and also to make his first love Kang Hye Won, feel that he doesn't love her romantically. He tells Ji Eun that after one year they will get a divorce and then he will give the house to her. Ji Eun agrees and they gets married legally. And they start this weird living situation. They all ways fight and bickers about, but ends up having feelings for each other.
Pros : Both Song Hye Kyo and Rain are too much adorable and energetic and they lights up their roles well.
Cons : Too basic story line. Nothing out of the usual.
A K-Drama that is the favorite of a lot of people. And hence another milestone Drama. Even though the concept of the Body Switching comes from the English movie 'It's a Girl Boy Thing', this Drama sustains that theme through out the 20 series and the body switching happens more than once, and happens to be a big twist at the climax. Also has good characterization and romance.
Story : Gil La Im, is a stunt woman, and an orphan. Kim Joo Won is a rich CEO. They meet. And Kim Joo Won can't get rid of Gil La Im's thoughts from his mind after meeting her. Her image of fighting stunts despite the injury and her poor person cheap clothes keeps coming back to his mind and he can't help feeling attracted to that not-beautiful, not-girlie tough woman. He begins to pursue her. But then, an accident and miracle make their body and soul switch with each others. Now they try to keep each other's life same as before, while trying to figure out what happened to them and try find a solution. Also falling in love with each other.
Pros : The character of Oska, Kim Joo Won's cousin is a big entertainment of this Drama. Also Han Tae Sun, whom Oska try to hire. The chemistry of Oska and Han Tae Sun is actually worth to watch.
Also, Gil La Im's strong personality in a treat. (And ya, the glittering Training suit ;-))
Cons : Nothing much.
Personally my favorite High School Drama. Here the actors feel like High School Students. They look young. The story is nothing big or dramatic, but feels like real life. And the characters feel like we know them from our school days.
Plus it has good music.
And at times the story manages to make us cry and touch our heart. This is how a high school story should be. When 'Heirs' and 'Boys Over Flowers', (or even 'To the Beautiful You') feel too high up to be a High School Story, 'Monstar' is High School to it's core.
Story line :
i) Yoon Soul Chan, a Boy idol group member, a teenage celebrity is forced to re-attend his school classes (while idols are usually home schooled, or doesn't have to attend classes at least) by his agency's orders. He doesn't want to sit in school filled with fans or anti-fans.
ii) Min Sae Yi has just come back to Korea from New Zeland, and is new in the school. Soul Chan chose to sit next to Sae Yi as she is not either a fan or and anti-fan and doesn't know him as a celebrity.
iii) Jung Sun Woo is the class president and a good and well mannered student, is Soul Chan's ex-best friend. They are now not close with each other and like to fight and taunt each other for some reason. Also Sun Woo's first love is Sae Yi, he had met her as a child before Sae Yi goes abroad and liked her ever since.
iv) Shim Eun Ah, a chubby girl who is not really special in anything but is happy and energetic, becomes Min Sae Yi's best friend.
v) Kim Na Na is a girl with a lot of mystery. She is shady and scary for the rest of the students in the class. Nana doesn't talk much to other students and like to stay in the back of the class room. But Nana, different from the rumors about her, is just a emotionally hurt lonely girl. And she has a secret crush on Jung Sun Woo.
vi) Park Kyu Dong is banned as the 'radio' of the classroom and bullys like to bully him a lot and ask him to sing songs at odd times. He is a weak personality who doesn't fight back.
vii) Kim Do Nam, is Park Kyu Dong's ex-best friend and current bully.
After Soul Chan joins the school, these 7 students joins together to form a band names 'Colour Bar', and fight against the School's elite orchestra group and also find friends and their place with in the world.
Pros : Good Music. Refreshing young cast and good High School Feel
Cons : nothing
Not your typical K-drama. It's a really good psychological mystery thriller that's excellent in every aspect. It's more than just a TV program and is up to the level of a movie, in technical and theoretical sense.
Exceptional story/script and great characterization of each of the characters. The whole drama is a mind blowing experience.
Story line : Sushin High is located inside the mountains in a remote place. It's attended by the top 1% of high scoring students. They gets holidays only once a year at Christmas. So at the Chrismas holidays of 2011, 7 students remain in school because of a mysterious note they receive. And they 7 doesn't really like or trust each other. They accuse each other about the note they receive and then find that they all have received the note. They doesn't tell their teacher about the note as they are not 100% sure they are innocent about the accusations in the note. But Park Mu Yul, one of the 7 students, take his responsibility to solve the mystery about the note and starts working on it.
Pros : Psychological aspects are exceptionally good
Cons : Acting of certain actors could improve
This drama can prove to be best to watch as the first Historical Drama watched. Coz Sungkyunkwan Scandal lies as a trans between Historical Dramas and Day-today Dramas. The story happens in old days, but music and other stuff is kind of new. Also there is not much historical stuff used in the story. Not much place and it's rules and regulations involved.
Plus, this is a High School Story. Just that the High School is 'Sungkyungkwan', and time is Joson era.
Story line : Kim Yoon Hee is a girl who is forced to dressed as a boy, and uses her sick brother's name Kim Yoon Shik to earn money in the Joson era where women and girls doesn't get high paying jobs. Kim Yoon Shik(/Kim Yoon Hee) works in the library doing odd jobs as transcribing books, and doing homework instead of students of Sungkyungkwan Institute.(Which was the most popular educational institute of Joson era). She gets in to a bit of trouble with Lee Sang Joon, who is a exceptionally good student. Lee Sang Joon gets to see that Kim Yoon Shik(Kim Yoon Hee) has a wise mind and good thoughts and he gets her to join Sungkyungkwan without her wish, and without knowing that she is a girl.
Their senior student who failed once, is Moon Jae Shin, nickname - Ghor Oh, the mad horse, gets to be in the same dorm room as Kim Yoon Shik and Lee Sang Joon.
And Moon Jae Shin's best friend, the naughty Casanova Gu Yong Ha, is a bit of a trouble as he senses 'girl' from Kim Yoon Shik and try to confirm his doubts.
Pros : Kim Yoon Shik/Kim Yoon Hee's strong personality is such a big plus point of the drama. There is so much strength to that character.
Also, Gu Young Ha's character. It's just worth to see this Drama just to watch Gu Yong Ha
Cons : Won't much like the character of Lee Sang Joon. Won't hate him. But won't like him too much either.
One of my favorite dramas ever. This 2005 K-Drama re-tells the Choon Hyang Story (which is a folktale of Korea) in day-today time. The best about this Drama is how the teen married couple becomes sort of best friends. And how it hurts the boy when the girl decided to leave him. He has not realized his love yet, but feels detached as he lose his best friend.
Story line : Sung Choon Hyang is a small town girl, and Lee Mung Ryng moves to the small town from Seoul. Mung Ryung joins Coon Hyang's school, and then becomes casual friends with her. One night they accidentally sleeps in one room and even though nothing happens between them rumors spread when they gets discovered. They are then forced to mary each other by their family and school authority. Although Choon Hyang and Mung Ryung try to stop their marriage together, nothing works and hence they get married. But Mung Ryung used to like his older friend, Chae Rin. Chae Rin has already rejected him, but he wants to get in to the same university as Chae Rin. Choon Hyang who is a good student helps him study for it. During that time they becomes like best fiends or like brother and sister. After Mung Ryung gets in the university, and gets together with Chae Rin, Choon Hyang decides to leave him, coz she has started to love him. But when she leaves, it hurts Mung Ryng as he has lost his best friend, and he might have fallen in love with her too without realizing that yet.
And then, The CEO of a movie company, Byun Hak Do, who has one sided feelings for Choon Hyang try to separate Mung Ryung and Choon Hyang.
Pros : The romance is pretty intense. And really good actors.
Cons : Ending seem a bit sudden and like lacking something.
A really good fantasy story. In this list thanks to it's story
Story line : Cha Dae Woong is a naughty and happy natured guy who lives with his rich grand father. His dream is to become an actor, and hence he runs off from home when his grandpa try to stop his dream. Dae Woong accidentally ends up at a temple and spends the nigh there. The Temple is said to be inhibited by a gumiho (a mythical nine-tailed fox having magic powers, and power to take human form). At night Dae Woong is lured in to the gumiho's room, and he sets the gumiho free. The gumiho, who is apparently having the form of a beautiful young woman, saves the lifeof Dae Woon when he falls down a cliff, by giving him the magical pearl inside her. When Dae Woong comes back to life, Gumiho then follows around Dae Woong asking him to take care of her. Dae Woong first doesn't believe that the girl is a gumiho. But when she appears in front of him with nine tales, he believes her and out of fear of his life allow her to stay with him. Even though he try to get rid of her at times, he starts to feel that she is cute and starts to have feelings for her.
Pros : Good Story. Good Romance. Also quiet funny.
Cons : Shin Min Ah as the gumiho is too much cute and sweet that it gets a bit annoying sometime. (The character has no backbone.)
It's is a story of real women and their love lives. This Drama is in here, because I feel every women should watch this. It shows 21 Century Women as she is. Also the story of the couple breaking up is shown in such a way that it gets in to our heart. There are moments were we can't help but cry with the leads... And that is enough to make something a great work.
Story line : The story is of three friends.
i) Sunwoo In Young and Kim Sung Soo had been a couple for the past 10 years. But now, Kim Sung Soo seems attracted to another woman. This leaves In Young uneasy. But Sung Soo says in Young is like a family and friend to him and she is his responsibility and hence won't break up with her. But as this other girl is coming on to him strongly, he cheats on In Young; which In Young finds out and they break up. But despite the break up, things doesn't end there.
ii) Kang Hyun Joo is a 30 years old virgin, who gets left alone at the aisle and accused by her ex-fiancee that she is not sexy enough. She decides to stop being a virgin, and try to get closer to Deok Soo with this motive.
iii) Park Seo Yeon is a player who changes guys every time. And sometimes gets in trouble coz of that.
Pros : In Yong and Sung Soo's romance told in such strong and real way.
Cons : Nothing
After the sensational 'Hana Yori Dango' Manga, the next best/popular Manga would be 'Hana Kimi'. And this Drama is the Korean version of Hana Kimi Manga. And hence, a K-Drama fan should see it.
Story line : Gu Jae Hee's inspiration is the international High Jump athlete, Kang Tae Joon. But Tae Joon stops high jumping after an injury. Jae Hee can't stand that. So she cuts her hair and joins the all boys school where Kang Tae Joon study, inorder to get Tae Joon back to high jumping. And luckily, she gets to share the same dorm room with Tae Joon.
Jae Hee gets really best friends with the happy natured Cha Eun Gyul, a fellow students. Eun Gyul, feels that Jae Heeis really pretty and starts to have heart beats for her. But thinking that Jae Hee is a boy, Eun Gyul have difficult time to adjust to his feelings
Mean while Tae Joon who figures out that Jae Hee is a girl, doesn't have any trouble with his feelings and easily starts liking her.
Pros : The character of Cha Eun Gyul is so so so lovable and cute. He is the most adorable second lead ever.
Plus, the actors are idol group members, Choi Min Ho, and Sulli.
Cons : We tend to like the support actors more than the leads. For any Movie/Drama to leave a mark, the leads should outshine the support roles. But here the supports outshine the leads. Coz the support roles are that good.
This Drama is here in this list because of it's good story line, and because of the actors in it. And because the Romance doesn't follow the usual traditions of K-Dramas. Plus, the fantasy goes to another level in this story.
Story line : Choi Hee Jin is an unsuccessful actress who gets a big break thanks to her ex-boyfriend, Han Dong Min. She doesn't like Dong Min, but is happy to get to play her first lead role as Queen In Hyun in a historical Drama.
Kim Bong Do is a noble man living in the Joson times, when King SukJong used to rule. Kim Bong Do is extremely wise and smart. He is helping Queen In Hyun, under cover, from the evil minister Min and his plots. His friend, giseng, Yoon Wol, gives him a talisman, out of concern for his life. She tells him that the talisman will protect his life. Kim Bong Do doesn't believe her but accepts the talisman anyway. And that night, when he is about to get stabbed by a sword, he vanishes and appears in the 21st century, year 2012.
Kim Bong Do meets Choi Hee Jin and seek help from her. Good natured Choi Hee Jin helps him and while helping him, she seems to get attracted to his handsome face and charismatic personality.
Pros : The character of Choi Hee Jin is so spunky and cute. We feel like taking her home.
Cons : nothing.
It's an all in all package of a Fantasy-mystery-romantic-comedy-thriller. Good Story. And a really good team of characters. The four Joson Men in this Drama is the highlight of the Drama.
Story line : In the Joson Era, Crown Prince Lee Gak's wife, Crown Princess Hong Hwa Young, is found dead in the pond. Crown Prince Lee Gak, along with three men, Song Man Bo, Woo Yong Sul and Do Chi San try to find out the culprit of the murder.
Meanwhile in Day-today time, Young Tae Mu had purposefully not rescued his cousin brother (and look alike of Prince Lee Gak), Young Tae Young, when he falls to river. Now Tae Mu is getting to enjoy all the position that was meant of Tae Young, and having an afire with his secretary Hong Se Na (who is a look alike of Crown Princess Hong Hwa Young).
Hong Se Na's step sister, Bak Ha who had got lost as a child, finds her way back home, and rejoins with Se Na and her mother.
In the Joson era, while searching for the culprit of the princess's death, The Crown Prince and his three men, mysteriously fall in to 21st Century, and precisely to say in to Bak Ha's Rooftop Room. The four men stay in that rooftop room and try to figure out a way and adjust to the 21st Century. And then Tae Young's family mistakes. Prince Lee Gak to be Tae Young, and takes him with them. Prince Lee Gak stay with the family, in order to be close to Hong Se Ra, who looks like his princess, and to solve the murder mystery of the princess. But his feelings are going to Bak ha instead.
Pros : Funny and exciting. Good Mystery.
Cons : Usual romance. With the guy and girl fighting at first then gradually liking and all. Usual.
A fairly well popular Drama of 2013. It's in this list because of of the cynical Female lead and the unusual love story of a young boy and older woman. Also because of it's disgustingly cruel villain. Plus, the flashback to high school time of lead female is really good.Plus good cast.
Story line : Park Soo Ha's father gets killed when he is 9 years old. In this accident his head gets inured and after that day he gets the gift of hearing what others think, 15 years old Jang Hye Sung becomes a witness of the murder of Soo Ha's father, along with her rival Seo Do Yeon. But When Seo Do Yeon doesn't come to the law about the crime, Jang Hye Sung does, if just to show to Do Yoen, and her family. Jung Hye Sung comes to the trial of the murder and gives the statement of a witness. The murderer threatens to kill her when he gets released from prison, and the gets dragged off to prison.
Soo Ha and Hye Sung parts ways after a 9 year old Soo Ha promises terrified Hye Sung that he will protect her if the murderer comes after her. After 14 years, Soo Ha is a high School final year student and Hye Sung has become a public defender lawyer. Soo Ha is sort of in love with the girl who bravely stood up for his father and became the witness for the trial. He thinks that she is a honest and 'protect the weak' sort of hero girl. But in real Hye Sung is cynical and works as a lawyer just for the wages and job status. Even though Soo Ha is searching for Hye Sung in every crowd he never gets to see he till 14 years later, when his friend get's in trouble and Hye Sung becomes the defender of that case, About that time Soo Ha's father's murderer gets released from prison and he comes after Jang Hye Sung.
Pros : Exciting. Different Story
Cons : Court Trials scenes can get a bit boring. Also the 'amnesia' thing at the middle, too much dramatic.
Another of 2013's most popular Dramas. Basically it's entertaining. Has a cute side and has a good mystery element to it at the end.
Story line : Tae Gong Shil, or Tae yang (meaning Ms. Tae, or 'Sun' in Korean), is a woman living alone in a dorm. She has the ability to see and talk to ghosts ever since she has woken up from coma a few year ago. She doesn't like this gift of her much and is seeking any method to stop sing the ghosts.
Joo Joong Won, or Joo Goon (meaning Mr. Joo or 'master' in Korean) is an arrogant CEO of a mall chain who doesn't believe in things like ghosts. One day Tae Gong Shil meets Joo Joong Won and accidentally grabs him when she see a scary ghost. And surprising her, that ghost vanishes. She discovers that when she touch Jo Joong Won she can't see the ghost any more. So from that day onward Tae Gong Shil try to be around Joo Joong Won as much as she can to be away from the ghosts. At this, these tow gets closer and slows a lot of problems of ghosts together. And Tae Gong Shil discovers that Joo Joong Won is haunted by the ghost of his first love, who had died when they both were 16. And a mystery is attached to her death and the ghost.
Pros : I liked the young 16 year old Joo Joong Won and Cha Hee Joo (L and Han Bo Reum). They look good together.
Cons : Nothing exceptionally special in the Drama
A good fantasy story. Sort of out of ordinary and has every kind of aspect like death deities, god of heaven and hell, and evil spirits and black magic. And the female lead is a ghost.
So totally out of boring ordinary.
Story line : Arang is a ghost. She doesn't have memories of the time when she was alive. So she doesn't leave earth and haunt the earth along with other fellow ghosts. Kim Eun Ho is the illegitimate son of a noble man, who has the gift to see and talk to ghosts. Kim Eun Ho's mother goes missing and on his trip to find his mother he meets Arang. Arang finds out that Eun Ho can see her and talk to her, so she ask him to help her find her memories. Kim Eun Ho refuses, but Arang makes him be posted as the Magistrate of the town she haunts. After En Ho becomes Magistrate Eun Ho finds out the identity of Arang when she was alive, and finds that she had a fiancee. But the fiance, Joo Wal, seems a shady guy. And there is a lot of mystery behind Arang death, and lot of evil things going on.
With the help of the Jade Emperor, and Yeom Ra (The gods of heaven and hell), Arang takes back her living body temporarily to further investigate her death's mystery.
Pros : Yoo Seung Ho as the Jade Emperor. That's one super cool God.
Cons : A bit tricky ending that's not either a fully happy ending or fully sad ending.
One of the most popular dramas and the favorite Drama of many fans.
Story line : Consider that Korea is under constitutional Monarchy. This story happens under that assumption. Commoner girl Shin Chae Kyung's family suddenly comes to know that Shin Chae Kyung and Crown Prince Lee Shin were betrothed to each other by their grandparents. Shin Che Kyung is now forced to be married to Crown Prince Lee Shin. Shin Che Kyung apparently knows Crown Prince Lee Shin personally, as they are in the same High School, but also happens to know that Lee Shin is in love with another girl. Lee Shin is also not much of a fan of Shin Che Kyung.
Yet these two get married according to everyone's wishes.
Then arrives Prince Lee Yul, Lee Shin's cousin, who starts to like Shin Che Kyung, proving to be a competition for Lee Shin.
Pros : Beautiful Sets and Costumes. Plus, Shin Chae Kyung's family is a cute and sweet one.
Cons : Crown Prince Lee Shin could have been a bit more charming. (In the Manhwa version the Crown Prince Lee Shin is really charismatic. In the Drama version, that seems to be lacking abit.)
'Playful Kiss' was the 4th Most popular Drama of it's time. Adapted from a really popular Japanese Manga 'Itazura na Kiss' , this story has been made in to dramas in to various languages, But the plus point about the Korean version is that Jung Soo Min as Oh Ha ni is so so so cute.. :-)
Story line : Oh Ha Ni is not popular, and is bad at studies. But she has a crush on the top student of the school - Beak Sung Joo. After years of keeping this crush for him, she finally sends a love letter to him confessing her feelings for him. But arrogant and rude Beak Sung Joo just corrects the spelling mistakes in the letter with red pen and show that to Oh Ha Ni in public, and makes fun of her in front of everyone. Ha Ni is hurt. But then, the next day, Ha Ni's house gets destroyed in mild earth quake, and her father gets a call from his long lost best friend. The best friend tells him that Hani and her dad can livein his house till their house get fixed. Hani and her dad arrive at the dad's friend's house, and Ha Ni gets so big of a shock to when she realised that it's Bhaek Sung Jo's home.
Like this Ha Ni starts to live in the house Beak Sung Jo, and still like him even if he is all rude and try to insult her every time.
Slowly Sung Jo's heart starts to open to her.
Pros : Sung Jo's mom and brother are really so cute beyond measure cute. So is Bong Jun Gu, the second guy.
Cons : Beak Sung Jo is so rude and arrogant and he thinks of himself so highly and as someone really above Oh Ha Ni. That is till the end. They never comes to the same level. Beak Sung Jo is always above Ha Ni. That is really irritating.
One of the top of Historical Dramas. With beautiful acting and exciting story.
Story line : Noble Man's Daughter Yeon U, and Crown Prince Lee Hwon meets accidently and falls in love with each other. And to their good luck, Yeon U gets selected as the Princess to be in the princess selection process. But the Queen Dowager (debi mama, or Prince's grandmother) wants the new princess to be the daughter of a noble man from her political wing. So Queen Dowager resorts to black magic. But the Shaman that he assigns the duty to kill the Princess-to-be was asked by her late best friend to keep Yeon U safe. So the Shaman is left with no choice. So in front of everyone She kills Yeon U, leaving Crown Prince Lee Hwon in misery and greif. But later the Shaman goes to the grave of Yeon U and brings her back from death. But Yeon U who comes back from death, loses her memory of her past life.
And then years pass and Now, Prince Lee Hwon has grown up and became the king. And then the King and Yeon U meets again...
Pros : We would really love the character of Princess Min Hwa. Especially the 12 years old Princess Min Hwa.
Also Kim Soo Hyun as the king is really charismatic
Cons : The lead female, that is Yeon U seems to lack a spark. She is always too soft and caring.
Another best among the gender bender stories. Also a really popular Korean Drams.
Story line : One day a manager of a Idol Group visits the nun trainee Sister Gemma a.k.a Go Mi Nyu. And he tells her how her twin brother, Go Mi Nam, had been selected as the new member for the Boy Idol group AN.Jell. But Go Mi Nam has suffered to a mishap in the plastic surgery and has to go to U.S.A for redoing the surgery. The Manager pleads with Go Min Nyu, who looks exactly same as her twin brother to join the idol group and pretend to be her brother just for a few months till her brother comes back. So Go Min Nyu, pretends to be a boy and enters the grop, and goes in to the dorm along with three other members of A.N.Jell.
The Members of A.N.Jell are, Arrogant and pricky Hwang Tae Kyung. Caring and warm Shin Woo. Childish and energetic Jermy. As time goes, these three starts to fall in love with Go Min Nyu, in their own ways...
Pros : A really funy and entertaining story
Cons : It's a bit unfair that 2 boys gets disappointing in love. That too, when one of them had been with Min Nyu like a shadow helping her through everything. That felt really unfair.
I was wondering between 'City Hunter' and 'Faith' to fill in as the last Drama (Both of the actor Lee Min Ho). But chose 'City Hunter' as it's the more popular one.
City Hunter is the most Popular Drama of 2011 in many people's list.
Story Line : Lee Young Sun was raised by his father's friend, and ex-army officer Lee Jin Pyo, as a weapon to take revenge against those who killed Lee Yong Sun's father and a lot of comrades along with him. Lee Young Sun was raised in a training camp in Thailand, under the name Poo Chai, and given heavy training from childhood itself. Even though Poo Chai was a happy natured, naughty teenager, because of circumstances he loses that side and is forced to be serious about revenge.
After growing up he arrives in Seoul and gets in to the President's Official Guard team as Lee Young Sun. There he meets Kim Na Na, a girl whose photo he saw with his servant/helper/older friend/uncle figure Bae Man Dunk. Poo Chai used to fancy Kim Na Na by just seeing her photograph when he was a teenager. Now he is again drawn to Kim Na Na because of her strong personality. At the same time, he begins to destroy the public images of his enemies, and bringing their evil doing to light, by being the anonymous masked intruder whom public names as 'The City Hunter'.
Pros : Good action. And the female lead is such a strong character,
Cons : Story starts off so slowly. It takes 2 or 3 episodes to catch the viewers interest.
Other few K-Dramas that are not to miss out and those that nearly made in to this list are...
Faith
Shining Inheritance
49 Days
Love Rain
The Greatest Love
(Maybe because I really like Fantasy dramas, the list may have included a lot of Fantasy Dramas. Sorry if I missed out any really good dramas worth mentioning.)
(The Names not included in this list are dramas that are okay to be left out of the must watch category.)
1. Boys Over Flowers
The king of all K-Dramas. All of you may heave already seen this drama. And this is the most popular Korean Drama, I think. And There is nothing to replace 'Boys Over Flowers'. If you have not seen 'Boys Over Flowers' then you are not a Korean Drama fan yet.
Boys Over Flowers is not just a drama but a sensation. It was a Japanese Manga named 'Hana Yori Dango'. Which was made in to 2 Japanese Dramas, and a Japanese Move. And the Korean Boys Over Flowers aired in 2009, and still is the favorite of K-drama fans all over.
Story Line : Geum Jan Di is an energetic and hardworking 17 year old girl. Her family owns a laundry shop. Depite being poor Jan Di is always happy and believes in protecting the weak and have a lot of pride. After saving a life, Jan Di gets to Join ShinHwa High School, The School for only the top Rich kids. ShinHwa High is dominated by four students who are known as 'F4'. F4 can just mark a student they don't like and the rest of the students will bully them. One day while defending her friend, Geum Jan Di gets in to a fight with F4's leader Gu Jun Pyo.
Now Gu Jun Pyo is the son of the most rich company in Korea. He pretends to be cruel and tough but he is doing all cruel stuff just because he is lonely and bored inside. Deep inside he is innocent and a simple guy who will sincerely love someone.
Pros : 'Gu Jun Pyo'... I personally believe Gu Jun Pyo is the most lovable character ever created.
Cons : Too much Drama. Because it was a Manga, all soft of extra dramatic situations happen.
2. The First Shop Of The Coffee Prince/ Coffee Prince
Another Sensational Drama Like 'Boys Over Flowers'. It's just too adorable and lovable. I don't have any words to describe this Drama as it's so..untouchabley cute and sweet. Coffee Prince is one of most popular Dramas ever of Korean Drama History.
Story line : Go Eun Chan is a girl who is always dressed in boy clothes and have short hair. Because of her family's financial troubles, and her father being dead, she is the bread winner of the house. She work hard doing 3 or four part-time jobs at a time.
Choi Han Kyul is the son of a rich house, having different dreams than his family business of Coffee Powder making. Han Kyul is forced to manage a Coffee Shop that is in ruins by his grandmother. Han Kyul and Go Eun Chan, meets accidentally and Han Gyul thinks Eun Chan is a boy, because of her clothes and hair. Then Eun Chan gets to work in the Coffee Shop as a waiter. But Han Kyul's idea is to hire only male waiters. So Eun Chan hides the fact that she is a girl. But Han Kyul and Eun Chan gets a lot closer emotionally, and starts to have feelings for each other.
Pros : Touches our heart so deeply but softly.
Cons : There is the story of another couple which can tend to be a bit boring at times.
3. Dream High
A really good High School Story about dreams and fulfilling them. Lot's of music and dancing. Not just something silly and frilly. A worth to watch journey of students to their success. This Drama is not just about entertainment, it leaves us with a lot of inspiration and hope.
Story Line :
i) Go Hye Mi is a girl with a lot of singing talent but not good enough to convey emotions through her songs.
ii) Jin Guk is a tough guy who is currently rebelling from his family, who has talent of dancing, but not enough patience and respect for others.
iii) Song Sam Dong, is a total village boy, with a heavy country accent who has talent of singing but can't reach popularity because of his village habits and talks.
iv) Kim Pil Sook can sing sing exceptionally well. She is good in singing technically and can convey emotions through her songs really well. Only one problem, she is really really fat.
So these four students fail to get in to the Normal Arts class of Kirin High School, which is the best High School for Music and Dance students. But the school's chairman feels it's a shame to let go of these four students and they get to join a 'Special Class'.
While Go Hye Mi gets in to a romantic triangle with her two friends Jin Guk and Song Sam Dong, somehow Kim Pil Suk gets to be close with e most popular and talented boy in the normal Arts class - Jason.
Pros : The role of Song Sam Dong leaves such a strong impression on the viewers. And the love story of Kim Pil Sook and Jason is really worth to watch as it holds a bit of difference from the usual love stories.
Cons : Nothing
4. Missing You
It's a painful and hence capturing story. It just takes you in and leads you through all the twists and turns of the story. And directed with a lot of perfection (at least for the first half).
Good characterizations. And beautiful dialogues.
Story line : 15 year old Lee Seo Yoon is a girl that has suffered a lot of violence from her father, till he was arrested for murder. After he is arrested, Lee Seo Yoon is branded as 'murderer's daughter' in the locality and her school. She meets 15 years old Han Jung Woo who has come back from US, and he treats her like a friend. 12 year old Knag Hyun Joonis forced to separate from his mother, and suffer a leg injery and live in hiding because of his elder step brother, who happens to be Han Jung Woo's father.
When Han Jung Woo and Lee Seo Yoon's feelings starts to get bigger than a friendship, they are forced apart by a cruel incident.
14 years later, these 3 meet again.
Pros : Painful. Cuts in to our heart. Too much well directed in the first half.. Exciting.
Cons : Towards the last, the drama starts to get a bot boring.
5. Reply 1997
This is a Drama that I respect a lot. It recreate the old 1997 years in front of our eyes to lead us to nostalgia. It also use the characters to speak in country accent giving a refreshing feel to it. Also, the drama is too funny. Plus it teaches a lot of things and give us thought to think. Plus well directed.
What's not to like?
Hence one of the most popular Drama of recent years.
Story line : Story is about a bunch of high school friends living in Pusan, a marine city in South Korea. The story starts in year 2013, where they all meet at a restaurant. In the restaurant the lead's Voice Over declare that today in that table a couple is going to announce their marriage. And then they take us back in time to 1997 where these fiends were in High School.
Pros : Nostalgic. Slice of Life. Funny.
(And the 'Sheep Cry' (Those who have watched it will know))
Cons : Nothing.
6. Flower Boy Next Door
A really soft touch on life. This is a story about a bunch of good people that is told in such a simple and sweet way. Don't miss out.
Story line : Go Dong Mi is a girl who doesn't like to go out of her house because of some traumatic experience in her life. She doesn't like meeting people or interacting with them. So she works from home, and live inside her small apartment, an goes out only minimally. But she has a crush on, Han Tae Joon, a man who lives in the apartment building next to her building. She likes to spy on this guy from her window.
Oh Jin Rack is a poor Webtoon writer who lives next door to Dong Mi, and he has occasionally seen Dong mi. He thinks she is a pure and sweet girl and has a crush on her. But he never even talk to her as he thinks if Dong Mi likes to be left alone he should leave her alone.
One day Han Tae Joon's cousin brother, Enrique Guem arrives at the home and catches Go Dong Mi spying. Enrique is genius Video Game creator with a childish and energetic personality. He goes to fight with Go Dong Mi for spying at his brother's house, and from the fight their friendship grows. And Enrique doesn't believe that if some one wants to be alone they should be left alone. He try to bring Go Doing Mi outside of her safe home.
Pros : It leaves us with a smile. And we can relate to at least one character in this Drama.
Cons : Those who like a lot of excitement, this maybe a bit too simple for you and hence a bit boring at times.
7. Heartstrings
This is my personal favorite Drama. There is not much excitement in this drama. The story is simple. But still it feels like a real life incident. Because thee is no absurd or out of the world situations happening in the story, it feels real. And even the romance feel like something that will happen every day. And somehow the whole drama seems to have a soul in it.
Story line : Lee Kyu Won is the grand daughter of a famous Traditional Music master. Hence she is supposed to do well in Traditional music, and hence she is taking a degree in the traditional music instrument Ghayagam, from a Music university. Lee Shin is the most popular guy of the University. He is majoring in Modern music, and is the leader of a band. His dream is to be a guitarist. Shin has a bit non-social, a bit arrogant but charismatic personality. But he is warm towards his mother and sister. Shin has a crush on the Dance Teacher of the university.
Energetic and happy natured Lee Kyu Won, and Pricky and Arrogant Lee Shin meets and because of situations gets in to fights. But eventually gets to know each other better... and like each other.
Pros : Feels real and have a soul. Good Music. Plus it's a treat to watch the 'Young-Shin' Couple together (That is Jung Young Hwa and Park Shin Hye).
Cons : Can feel a bit slow during episodes 3-7
8. The Heirs
The most popular Drama of 2013. Some people say 'Heirs' remind them of 'Boys Over Flowers'. (For me it doesn't). Heirs is a big budget production and is all about splendor and twinkle. Big star cast with a lot of big names in the cast list. Songs by the top in industry.
And hence the most popular of 2013.
Story line : Cha Eun Sang is a poor girl, Kim Tan is a rich boy. They meet in Los-Angeles when Eun Sang goes there in search of her sister. Kim Tan helps out Eun Sang there in a few situations. And spending a few days together Tan feels like he is getting attracted to Eun Sang and say this to her. But Kim Tan's fiancee (selected by the family) comes to visit him from Korea, and makes thing difficult and Eun Sang goes back to Korea. After some days Tan comes back to Korea and finds Eun Sang. But the problem now is Eun Sang's mother is the maid in Kim Tan's house. Their financial and social levels are too far apart for Eun Sang to admit her feelings to Tan, even though he is pursuing her with full force.
Pros : Good locations and star cast. Kim Woo Bin as Choi Young Do is worth to watch.
Cons : Bad costumes. Bad hair style. Bad timing of background music. And actors who are too old to play High School Students.
9. Gu Family Book
Another one of 2013's most popular dramas. I actually like this one better than Heirs. Gu Family book has a nice story. Despite having an undesirable ending, the whole journey of the story is really worth to watch. Really good Romance. And good fantasy theme.
I find it really strong love when one already having a crush on someone falling in love with someone else. Because then that love feel really strong. And having real reasons for loving that person. (Like in Boys Over Flowers, Jan Di has a crush on Ji Hoo, but falls for Gu Jun Pyo, coz of his dedicated love. Hence Strong feelings).
Here Kang Chi loved Chung Jo, but falls for Yeo Wul, coz Yeo Wul trust him and stay with him even after it's discovered that he is a magical being, and she is not scared of him.
That strong love, is a big plus of this Drama.
Story line : Yoon Seo Hwa, the daughter of a treason accused man is forced to go to giseng house by the soldiers. She is rescued from there by a magical being having human form, named, Gu Wol Ryung. So Hwa, who doesn't know that Wol-Ryung is a magical being, ends up falling for Wol Ryung and they marry. When Soe Hwa gets to know that Wol Ryung is a magical being, she gets scared and allows the solders to kill Wol Ryung. But she later finds out that she is pregnant. She gives birth to the child and abandon the child. Wol Ryung's human friend puts a bracelet on the child. The bracelet will stop the child's magic side from showing. The friend then lets the child be found by rich inn owner and tell that the child will bring him fortune, and he is not supposed to take the bracelet off ever. Te inn owner names the child Choi Kang Chi and allows him to be raised in the inn.
Kang Chi grows up to a young man, and is really loyal to the in owner, but has a crush for his childhood friend, and in owner's daughter, Chung Jo.
But the same enemy that caused Wol Ryung's death and Seo Hwa's misery again appears and kills the inn ownder, and Chung Jo is taken away from them...
Then Kang Chi gets a new friend in his journey of revenge - a tomboyish fighter girl, Dam Yeo Wul. When Kang Chi discovers that he is half magical being, it's really difficult for him to handle. But Yeo Wul stays with him at all steps and this beings them closer. They fall in love eventually.
Pros : Good Computer Graphics. And Lee Sung Gi gives off the usual warm boy next door friendly feel that suits so well with the character of Choi Kang Chi. Suzy brings out the best in Yeo Wul's character too.
Cons : A bit disappointing ending. :-(
10. A Gentleman's Dignity
It's surprisingly refreshing. We don't except the mid aged people to be so youthful, but the characters of this drama are. It's has a different style of romance. That's why I chose this drama to be a must watch. It's not the usual everyday K-Drama romance, where the hero is arrogant and meets a heroine and they fight and fall in love. Yes, Here also the Hero is a bit of a jerk and all, but there is a new angle to the romance. It just feels new and suitable of this time and years.
Story line : The story of Four 40 years old men and their romances.
i) Kim Do Jin, a bit of a jerk Architect meets sweet and simple School Teacher Seo Yi Soo, and try to woo her in all wicked and dirty ways, while Yi Soo has a crush on Han Tae San.
ii) Han Tae San is an Engineer and a sincere man. He is dating Seo Yi Soo's best friend, Hong Se Ra, whom he met through Yi Soo. But these two couple always fight and have a on-off relationship.
iii) Choi Yoon is a Lawyer. He is a widower who still keeps his wedding ring on his finger and his dead wife in his heart. Han Tae San's 22 year old younger sister, Han Mea Ari is in one sided love with Yoon and always chase after him declaring her love for him, which Yoon decline every time because of their huge age gap.
iv)Lee Jung Rock is a Cafe owner and a big play boy. He is married to Park Min Sook, who is a strong willed rich lady. But Jung Rock is always cheating on his wife and the wife is always trying to keep him on line.
And in to the life of these four friends, comes Collin, a 19 year old boy, telling them one of them might be his biological father.
Pros : Dong Jin and Yi Soo's love story is a must watch romance. And then there is Lee Jong Hyun as Collin. Also Kim Woo Bin as Kim Dong Hyub is a healthy addition to the characters.
Cons : nothing
11. Dae Jang Geum
You should watch this drama, or at least know about this Drama to be called as a complete K-Drama fan. Coz 'Dae Jang Guem' is a big milestone in the history of Korean Dramas. 'Dae Jang Guem' was a drama that was aired widely out of Korea and had helped in spreading Korean culture abroad.
And 'Dae Jang Guem' was is and will remain as the best Historical Drama ever created in Korea.
It has not only won several awards, but was really popular and is ranked the 10th most watched drama of all time.
'Dae Jang Guem' is something that we should respect. Because, even when it was made in 2003, if we compare it to a Drama made in 2013(or 2014), it doesn't lack anything. The 10 years gap doesn't show. Dae Jang Guem is made with that much precision and care.
It's filled with an ethnic and authentic feel all over, making us want to respect the whole series.
In one word, it's the story of an ordinary girl to becoming the first female royal physician of Korea. It's not historically accurate much, but there are records of a first female physician named 'Dae Jang Guem' in the historical recording of Joson era of Korea.
Story line ; Jang Guem, lose her parents in some problems and then on lives as an orphan. Her mother was once a maid in the Royal Kitchen, and hence her mother's death wish was that Jang Geum also become a Royal Kitchen maid. Following her mother's wish Jang Guem enters the place as a maid and stat working in the Royal Kitchen. After growing up, she meets the royal guard Min Jong Ho, and gets friends with him. The later life and hardship slowly make Jang Gum stop being a palace maid, and she chooses to be a medical girl. Jang Guem and Min Jong Ho eventually gets in to a relationship. And the later life shows how Jang Guem become the first Female Royal Physician.
Pros : The whole series feels like vibrating with power and reverence. Feels untouchable and holly.
Cons : Nothing. (Although we can mention it being 54 episodes long as a con, but then, the 54 episodes just make it more reverent)
12. Full House
Another milestone in the history of Korean Dramas. This 2004 K-Drama made a huge base for all the Romantic Comedies made after that. It was really popular and still considered one of the best Korean Dramas Ever made. So this is not something you should miss out to have a proper K-drama experience.
Story line : Han Ji Eun is scammed by her best friends, and her house is sold to someone else, without her knowledge. The movie star Lee Young Jae comes to live in Han Ji Eun's house. And he takes pity on Han Ji Eun's situation, and allows her to live in the house with him, and instead she should do all the work in the house and be like his maid. Ji Eun who doesn't have any other way, agrees. But then some situations happen, and Lee Young Jae ask Han Ji Eun to marry him for the Press and Media, and also to make his first love Kang Hye Won, feel that he doesn't love her romantically. He tells Ji Eun that after one year they will get a divorce and then he will give the house to her. Ji Eun agrees and they gets married legally. And they start this weird living situation. They all ways fight and bickers about, but ends up having feelings for each other.
Pros : Both Song Hye Kyo and Rain are too much adorable and energetic and they lights up their roles well.
Cons : Too basic story line. Nothing out of the usual.
13. Secret Garden
A K-Drama that is the favorite of a lot of people. And hence another milestone Drama. Even though the concept of the Body Switching comes from the English movie 'It's a Girl Boy Thing', this Drama sustains that theme through out the 20 series and the body switching happens more than once, and happens to be a big twist at the climax. Also has good characterization and romance.
Story : Gil La Im, is a stunt woman, and an orphan. Kim Joo Won is a rich CEO. They meet. And Kim Joo Won can't get rid of Gil La Im's thoughts from his mind after meeting her. Her image of fighting stunts despite the injury and her poor person cheap clothes keeps coming back to his mind and he can't help feeling attracted to that not-beautiful, not-girlie tough woman. He begins to pursue her. But then, an accident and miracle make their body and soul switch with each others. Now they try to keep each other's life same as before, while trying to figure out what happened to them and try find a solution. Also falling in love with each other.
Pros : The character of Oska, Kim Joo Won's cousin is a big entertainment of this Drama. Also Han Tae Sun, whom Oska try to hire. The chemistry of Oska and Han Tae Sun is actually worth to watch.
Also, Gil La Im's strong personality in a treat. (And ya, the glittering Training suit ;-))
Cons : Nothing much.
14. Monstar
Personally my favorite High School Drama. Here the actors feel like High School Students. They look young. The story is nothing big or dramatic, but feels like real life. And the characters feel like we know them from our school days.
Plus it has good music.
And at times the story manages to make us cry and touch our heart. This is how a high school story should be. When 'Heirs' and 'Boys Over Flowers', (or even 'To the Beautiful You') feel too high up to be a High School Story, 'Monstar' is High School to it's core.
Story line :
i) Yoon Soul Chan, a Boy idol group member, a teenage celebrity is forced to re-attend his school classes (while idols are usually home schooled, or doesn't have to attend classes at least) by his agency's orders. He doesn't want to sit in school filled with fans or anti-fans.
ii) Min Sae Yi has just come back to Korea from New Zeland, and is new in the school. Soul Chan chose to sit next to Sae Yi as she is not either a fan or and anti-fan and doesn't know him as a celebrity.
iii) Jung Sun Woo is the class president and a good and well mannered student, is Soul Chan's ex-best friend. They are now not close with each other and like to fight and taunt each other for some reason. Also Sun Woo's first love is Sae Yi, he had met her as a child before Sae Yi goes abroad and liked her ever since.
iv) Shim Eun Ah, a chubby girl who is not really special in anything but is happy and energetic, becomes Min Sae Yi's best friend.
v) Kim Na Na is a girl with a lot of mystery. She is shady and scary for the rest of the students in the class. Nana doesn't talk much to other students and like to stay in the back of the class room. But Nana, different from the rumors about her, is just a emotionally hurt lonely girl. And she has a secret crush on Jung Sun Woo.
vi) Park Kyu Dong is banned as the 'radio' of the classroom and bullys like to bully him a lot and ask him to sing songs at odd times. He is a weak personality who doesn't fight back.
vii) Kim Do Nam, is Park Kyu Dong's ex-best friend and current bully.
After Soul Chan joins the school, these 7 students joins together to form a band names 'Colour Bar', and fight against the School's elite orchestra group and also find friends and their place with in the world.
Pros : Good Music. Refreshing young cast and good High School Feel
Cons : nothing
15. White Christmas
Not your typical K-drama. It's a really good psychological mystery thriller that's excellent in every aspect. It's more than just a TV program and is up to the level of a movie, in technical and theoretical sense.
Exceptional story/script and great characterization of each of the characters. The whole drama is a mind blowing experience.
Story line : Sushin High is located inside the mountains in a remote place. It's attended by the top 1% of high scoring students. They gets holidays only once a year at Christmas. So at the Chrismas holidays of 2011, 7 students remain in school because of a mysterious note they receive. And they 7 doesn't really like or trust each other. They accuse each other about the note they receive and then find that they all have received the note. They doesn't tell their teacher about the note as they are not 100% sure they are innocent about the accusations in the note. But Park Mu Yul, one of the 7 students, take his responsibility to solve the mystery about the note and starts working on it.
Pros : Psychological aspects are exceptionally good
Cons : Acting of certain actors could improve
16. Sungkyungkwan Scandal
This drama can prove to be best to watch as the first Historical Drama watched. Coz Sungkyunkwan Scandal lies as a trans between Historical Dramas and Day-today Dramas. The story happens in old days, but music and other stuff is kind of new. Also there is not much historical stuff used in the story. Not much place and it's rules and regulations involved.
Plus, this is a High School Story. Just that the High School is 'Sungkyungkwan', and time is Joson era.
Story line : Kim Yoon Hee is a girl who is forced to dressed as a boy, and uses her sick brother's name Kim Yoon Shik to earn money in the Joson era where women and girls doesn't get high paying jobs. Kim Yoon Shik(/Kim Yoon Hee) works in the library doing odd jobs as transcribing books, and doing homework instead of students of Sungkyungkwan Institute.(Which was the most popular educational institute of Joson era). She gets in to a bit of trouble with Lee Sang Joon, who is a exceptionally good student. Lee Sang Joon gets to see that Kim Yoon Shik(Kim Yoon Hee) has a wise mind and good thoughts and he gets her to join Sungkyungkwan without her wish, and without knowing that she is a girl.
Their senior student who failed once, is Moon Jae Shin, nickname - Ghor Oh, the mad horse, gets to be in the same dorm room as Kim Yoon Shik and Lee Sang Joon.
And Moon Jae Shin's best friend, the naughty Casanova Gu Yong Ha, is a bit of a trouble as he senses 'girl' from Kim Yoon Shik and try to confirm his doubts.
Pros : Kim Yoon Shik/Kim Yoon Hee's strong personality is such a big plus point of the drama. There is so much strength to that character.
Also, Gu Young Ha's character. It's just worth to see this Drama just to watch Gu Yong Ha
Cons : Won't much like the character of Lee Sang Joon. Won't hate him. But won't like him too much either.
17. Delightful Girl Choon Hyang
One of my favorite dramas ever. This 2005 K-Drama re-tells the Choon Hyang Story (which is a folktale of Korea) in day-today time. The best about this Drama is how the teen married couple becomes sort of best friends. And how it hurts the boy when the girl decided to leave him. He has not realized his love yet, but feels detached as he lose his best friend.
Story line : Sung Choon Hyang is a small town girl, and Lee Mung Ryng moves to the small town from Seoul. Mung Ryung joins Coon Hyang's school, and then becomes casual friends with her. One night they accidentally sleeps in one room and even though nothing happens between them rumors spread when they gets discovered. They are then forced to mary each other by their family and school authority. Although Choon Hyang and Mung Ryung try to stop their marriage together, nothing works and hence they get married. But Mung Ryung used to like his older friend, Chae Rin. Chae Rin has already rejected him, but he wants to get in to the same university as Chae Rin. Choon Hyang who is a good student helps him study for it. During that time they becomes like best fiends or like brother and sister. After Mung Ryung gets in the university, and gets together with Chae Rin, Choon Hyang decides to leave him, coz she has started to love him. But when she leaves, it hurts Mung Ryng as he has lost his best friend, and he might have fallen in love with her too without realizing that yet.
And then, The CEO of a movie company, Byun Hak Do, who has one sided feelings for Choon Hyang try to separate Mung Ryung and Choon Hyang.
Pros : The romance is pretty intense. And really good actors.
Cons : Ending seem a bit sudden and like lacking something.
18. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho
A really good fantasy story. In this list thanks to it's story
Story line : Cha Dae Woong is a naughty and happy natured guy who lives with his rich grand father. His dream is to become an actor, and hence he runs off from home when his grandpa try to stop his dream. Dae Woong accidentally ends up at a temple and spends the nigh there. The Temple is said to be inhibited by a gumiho (a mythical nine-tailed fox having magic powers, and power to take human form). At night Dae Woong is lured in to the gumiho's room, and he sets the gumiho free. The gumiho, who is apparently having the form of a beautiful young woman, saves the lifeof Dae Woon when he falls down a cliff, by giving him the magical pearl inside her. When Dae Woong comes back to life, Gumiho then follows around Dae Woong asking him to take care of her. Dae Woong first doesn't believe that the girl is a gumiho. But when she appears in front of him with nine tales, he believes her and out of fear of his life allow her to stay with him. Even though he try to get rid of her at times, he starts to feel that she is cute and starts to have feelings for her.
Pros : Good Story. Good Romance. Also quiet funny.
Cons : Shin Min Ah as the gumiho is too much cute and sweet that it gets a bit annoying sometime. (The character has no backbone.)
19. I Need Romance
It's is a story of real women and their love lives. This Drama is in here, because I feel every women should watch this. It shows 21 Century Women as she is. Also the story of the couple breaking up is shown in such a way that it gets in to our heart. There are moments were we can't help but cry with the leads... And that is enough to make something a great work.
Story line : The story is of three friends.
i) Sunwoo In Young and Kim Sung Soo had been a couple for the past 10 years. But now, Kim Sung Soo seems attracted to another woman. This leaves In Young uneasy. But Sung Soo says in Young is like a family and friend to him and she is his responsibility and hence won't break up with her. But as this other girl is coming on to him strongly, he cheats on In Young; which In Young finds out and they break up. But despite the break up, things doesn't end there.
ii) Kang Hyun Joo is a 30 years old virgin, who gets left alone at the aisle and accused by her ex-fiancee that she is not sexy enough. She decides to stop being a virgin, and try to get closer to Deok Soo with this motive.
iii) Park Seo Yeon is a player who changes guys every time. And sometimes gets in trouble coz of that.
Pros : In Yong and Sung Soo's romance told in such strong and real way.
Cons : Nothing
20. To The Beautiful You
After the sensational 'Hana Yori Dango' Manga, the next best/popular Manga would be 'Hana Kimi'. And this Drama is the Korean version of Hana Kimi Manga. And hence, a K-Drama fan should see it.
Story line : Gu Jae Hee's inspiration is the international High Jump athlete, Kang Tae Joon. But Tae Joon stops high jumping after an injury. Jae Hee can't stand that. So she cuts her hair and joins the all boys school where Kang Tae Joon study, inorder to get Tae Joon back to high jumping. And luckily, she gets to share the same dorm room with Tae Joon.
Jae Hee gets really best friends with the happy natured Cha Eun Gyul, a fellow students. Eun Gyul, feels that Jae Heeis really pretty and starts to have heart beats for her. But thinking that Jae Hee is a boy, Eun Gyul have difficult time to adjust to his feelings
Mean while Tae Joon who figures out that Jae Hee is a girl, doesn't have any trouble with his feelings and easily starts liking her.
Pros : The character of Cha Eun Gyul is so so so lovable and cute. He is the most adorable second lead ever.
Plus, the actors are idol group members, Choi Min Ho, and Sulli.
Cons : We tend to like the support actors more than the leads. For any Movie/Drama to leave a mark, the leads should outshine the support roles. But here the supports outshine the leads. Coz the support roles are that good.
21. Queen In Hyun's Man
This Drama is here in this list because of it's good story line, and because of the actors in it. And because the Romance doesn't follow the usual traditions of K-Dramas. Plus, the fantasy goes to another level in this story.
Story line : Choi Hee Jin is an unsuccessful actress who gets a big break thanks to her ex-boyfriend, Han Dong Min. She doesn't like Dong Min, but is happy to get to play her first lead role as Queen In Hyun in a historical Drama.
Kim Bong Do is a noble man living in the Joson times, when King SukJong used to rule. Kim Bong Do is extremely wise and smart. He is helping Queen In Hyun, under cover, from the evil minister Min and his plots. His friend, giseng, Yoon Wol, gives him a talisman, out of concern for his life. She tells him that the talisman will protect his life. Kim Bong Do doesn't believe her but accepts the talisman anyway. And that night, when he is about to get stabbed by a sword, he vanishes and appears in the 21st century, year 2012.
Kim Bong Do meets Choi Hee Jin and seek help from her. Good natured Choi Hee Jin helps him and while helping him, she seems to get attracted to his handsome face and charismatic personality.
Pros : The character of Choi Hee Jin is so spunky and cute. We feel like taking her home.
Cons : nothing.
22. Rooftop Prince
It's an all in all package of a Fantasy-mystery-romantic-comedy-thriller. Good Story. And a really good team of characters. The four Joson Men in this Drama is the highlight of the Drama.
Story line : In the Joson Era, Crown Prince Lee Gak's wife, Crown Princess Hong Hwa Young, is found dead in the pond. Crown Prince Lee Gak, along with three men, Song Man Bo, Woo Yong Sul and Do Chi San try to find out the culprit of the murder.
Meanwhile in Day-today time, Young Tae Mu had purposefully not rescued his cousin brother (and look alike of Prince Lee Gak), Young Tae Young, when he falls to river. Now Tae Mu is getting to enjoy all the position that was meant of Tae Young, and having an afire with his secretary Hong Se Na (who is a look alike of Crown Princess Hong Hwa Young).
Hong Se Na's step sister, Bak Ha who had got lost as a child, finds her way back home, and rejoins with Se Na and her mother.
In the Joson era, while searching for the culprit of the princess's death, The Crown Prince and his three men, mysteriously fall in to 21st Century, and precisely to say in to Bak Ha's Rooftop Room. The four men stay in that rooftop room and try to figure out a way and adjust to the 21st Century. And then Tae Young's family mistakes. Prince Lee Gak to be Tae Young, and takes him with them. Prince Lee Gak stay with the family, in order to be close to Hong Se Ra, who looks like his princess, and to solve the murder mystery of the princess. But his feelings are going to Bak ha instead.
Pros : Funny and exciting. Good Mystery.
Cons : Usual romance. With the guy and girl fighting at first then gradually liking and all. Usual.
23. I Here Your Voice
A fairly well popular Drama of 2013. It's in this list because of of the cynical Female lead and the unusual love story of a young boy and older woman. Also because of it's disgustingly cruel villain. Plus, the flashback to high school time of lead female is really good.Plus good cast.
Story line : Park Soo Ha's father gets killed when he is 9 years old. In this accident his head gets inured and after that day he gets the gift of hearing what others think, 15 years old Jang Hye Sung becomes a witness of the murder of Soo Ha's father, along with her rival Seo Do Yeon. But When Seo Do Yeon doesn't come to the law about the crime, Jang Hye Sung does, if just to show to Do Yoen, and her family. Jung Hye Sung comes to the trial of the murder and gives the statement of a witness. The murderer threatens to kill her when he gets released from prison, and the gets dragged off to prison.
Soo Ha and Hye Sung parts ways after a 9 year old Soo Ha promises terrified Hye Sung that he will protect her if the murderer comes after her. After 14 years, Soo Ha is a high School final year student and Hye Sung has become a public defender lawyer. Soo Ha is sort of in love with the girl who bravely stood up for his father and became the witness for the trial. He thinks that she is a honest and 'protect the weak' sort of hero girl. But in real Hye Sung is cynical and works as a lawyer just for the wages and job status. Even though Soo Ha is searching for Hye Sung in every crowd he never gets to see he till 14 years later, when his friend get's in trouble and Hye Sung becomes the defender of that case, About that time Soo Ha's father's murderer gets released from prison and he comes after Jang Hye Sung.
Pros : Exciting. Different Story
Cons : Court Trials scenes can get a bit boring. Also the 'amnesia' thing at the middle, too much dramatic.
24. Master's Sun
Another of 2013's most popular Dramas. Basically it's entertaining. Has a cute side and has a good mystery element to it at the end.
Story line : Tae Gong Shil, or Tae yang (meaning Ms. Tae, or 'Sun' in Korean), is a woman living alone in a dorm. She has the ability to see and talk to ghosts ever since she has woken up from coma a few year ago. She doesn't like this gift of her much and is seeking any method to stop sing the ghosts.
Joo Joong Won, or Joo Goon (meaning Mr. Joo or 'master' in Korean) is an arrogant CEO of a mall chain who doesn't believe in things like ghosts. One day Tae Gong Shil meets Joo Joong Won and accidentally grabs him when she see a scary ghost. And surprising her, that ghost vanishes. She discovers that when she touch Jo Joong Won she can't see the ghost any more. So from that day onward Tae Gong Shil try to be around Joo Joong Won as much as she can to be away from the ghosts. At this, these tow gets closer and slows a lot of problems of ghosts together. And Tae Gong Shil discovers that Joo Joong Won is haunted by the ghost of his first love, who had died when they both were 16. And a mystery is attached to her death and the ghost.
Pros : I liked the young 16 year old Joo Joong Won and Cha Hee Joo (L and Han Bo Reum). They look good together.
Cons : Nothing exceptionally special in the Drama
25. Arang and the Magistrate
A good fantasy story. Sort of out of ordinary and has every kind of aspect like death deities, god of heaven and hell, and evil spirits and black magic. And the female lead is a ghost.
So totally out of boring ordinary.
Story line : Arang is a ghost. She doesn't have memories of the time when she was alive. So she doesn't leave earth and haunt the earth along with other fellow ghosts. Kim Eun Ho is the illegitimate son of a noble man, who has the gift to see and talk to ghosts. Kim Eun Ho's mother goes missing and on his trip to find his mother he meets Arang. Arang finds out that Eun Ho can see her and talk to her, so she ask him to help her find her memories. Kim Eun Ho refuses, but Arang makes him be posted as the Magistrate of the town she haunts. After En Ho becomes Magistrate Eun Ho finds out the identity of Arang when she was alive, and finds that she had a fiancee. But the fiance, Joo Wal, seems a shady guy. And there is a lot of mystery behind Arang death, and lot of evil things going on.
With the help of the Jade Emperor, and Yeom Ra (The gods of heaven and hell), Arang takes back her living body temporarily to further investigate her death's mystery.
Pros : Yoo Seung Ho as the Jade Emperor. That's one super cool God.
Cons : A bit tricky ending that's not either a fully happy ending or fully sad ending.
26. Goong
One of the most popular dramas and the favorite Drama of many fans.
Story line : Consider that Korea is under constitutional Monarchy. This story happens under that assumption. Commoner girl Shin Chae Kyung's family suddenly comes to know that Shin Chae Kyung and Crown Prince Lee Shin were betrothed to each other by their grandparents. Shin Che Kyung is now forced to be married to Crown Prince Lee Shin. Shin Che Kyung apparently knows Crown Prince Lee Shin personally, as they are in the same High School, but also happens to know that Lee Shin is in love with another girl. Lee Shin is also not much of a fan of Shin Che Kyung.
Yet these two get married according to everyone's wishes.
Then arrives Prince Lee Yul, Lee Shin's cousin, who starts to like Shin Che Kyung, proving to be a competition for Lee Shin.
Pros : Beautiful Sets and Costumes. Plus, Shin Chae Kyung's family is a cute and sweet one.
Cons : Crown Prince Lee Shin could have been a bit more charming. (In the Manhwa version the Crown Prince Lee Shin is really charismatic. In the Drama version, that seems to be lacking abit.)
27. Playful Kiss
'Playful Kiss' was the 4th Most popular Drama of it's time. Adapted from a really popular Japanese Manga 'Itazura na Kiss' , this story has been made in to dramas in to various languages, But the plus point about the Korean version is that Jung Soo Min as Oh Ha ni is so so so cute.. :-)
Story line : Oh Ha Ni is not popular, and is bad at studies. But she has a crush on the top student of the school - Beak Sung Joo. After years of keeping this crush for him, she finally sends a love letter to him confessing her feelings for him. But arrogant and rude Beak Sung Joo just corrects the spelling mistakes in the letter with red pen and show that to Oh Ha Ni in public, and makes fun of her in front of everyone. Ha Ni is hurt. But then, the next day, Ha Ni's house gets destroyed in mild earth quake, and her father gets a call from his long lost best friend. The best friend tells him that Hani and her dad can livein his house till their house get fixed. Hani and her dad arrive at the dad's friend's house, and Ha Ni gets so big of a shock to when she realised that it's Bhaek Sung Jo's home.
Like this Ha Ni starts to live in the house Beak Sung Jo, and still like him even if he is all rude and try to insult her every time.
Slowly Sung Jo's heart starts to open to her.
Pros : Sung Jo's mom and brother are really so cute beyond measure cute. So is Bong Jun Gu, the second guy.
Cons : Beak Sung Jo is so rude and arrogant and he thinks of himself so highly and as someone really above Oh Ha Ni. That is till the end. They never comes to the same level. Beak Sung Jo is always above Ha Ni. That is really irritating.
28. The Moon That Embraces the Sun
One of the top of Historical Dramas. With beautiful acting and exciting story.
Story line : Noble Man's Daughter Yeon U, and Crown Prince Lee Hwon meets accidently and falls in love with each other. And to their good luck, Yeon U gets selected as the Princess to be in the princess selection process. But the Queen Dowager (debi mama, or Prince's grandmother) wants the new princess to be the daughter of a noble man from her political wing. So Queen Dowager resorts to black magic. But the Shaman that he assigns the duty to kill the Princess-to-be was asked by her late best friend to keep Yeon U safe. So the Shaman is left with no choice. So in front of everyone She kills Yeon U, leaving Crown Prince Lee Hwon in misery and greif. But later the Shaman goes to the grave of Yeon U and brings her back from death. But Yeon U who comes back from death, loses her memory of her past life.
And then years pass and Now, Prince Lee Hwon has grown up and became the king. And then the King and Yeon U meets again...
Pros : We would really love the character of Princess Min Hwa. Especially the 12 years old Princess Min Hwa.
Also Kim Soo Hyun as the king is really charismatic
Cons : The lead female, that is Yeon U seems to lack a spark. She is always too soft and caring.
29. You're Beautiful
Another best among the gender bender stories. Also a really popular Korean Drams.
Story line : One day a manager of a Idol Group visits the nun trainee Sister Gemma a.k.a Go Mi Nyu. And he tells her how her twin brother, Go Mi Nam, had been selected as the new member for the Boy Idol group AN.Jell. But Go Mi Nam has suffered to a mishap in the plastic surgery and has to go to U.S.A for redoing the surgery. The Manager pleads with Go Min Nyu, who looks exactly same as her twin brother to join the idol group and pretend to be her brother just for a few months till her brother comes back. So Go Min Nyu, pretends to be a boy and enters the grop, and goes in to the dorm along with three other members of A.N.Jell.
The Members of A.N.Jell are, Arrogant and pricky Hwang Tae Kyung. Caring and warm Shin Woo. Childish and energetic Jermy. As time goes, these three starts to fall in love with Go Min Nyu, in their own ways...
Pros : A really funy and entertaining story
Cons : It's a bit unfair that 2 boys gets disappointing in love. That too, when one of them had been with Min Nyu like a shadow helping her through everything. That felt really unfair.
30. City Hunter
I was wondering between 'City Hunter' and 'Faith' to fill in as the last Drama (Both of the actor Lee Min Ho). But chose 'City Hunter' as it's the more popular one.
City Hunter is the most Popular Drama of 2011 in many people's list.
Story Line : Lee Young Sun was raised by his father's friend, and ex-army officer Lee Jin Pyo, as a weapon to take revenge against those who killed Lee Yong Sun's father and a lot of comrades along with him. Lee Young Sun was raised in a training camp in Thailand, under the name Poo Chai, and given heavy training from childhood itself. Even though Poo Chai was a happy natured, naughty teenager, because of circumstances he loses that side and is forced to be serious about revenge.
After growing up he arrives in Seoul and gets in to the President's Official Guard team as Lee Young Sun. There he meets Kim Na Na, a girl whose photo he saw with his servant/helper/older friend/uncle figure Bae Man Dunk. Poo Chai used to fancy Kim Na Na by just seeing her photograph when he was a teenager. Now he is again drawn to Kim Na Na because of her strong personality. At the same time, he begins to destroy the public images of his enemies, and bringing their evil doing to light, by being the anonymous masked intruder whom public names as 'The City Hunter'.
Pros : Good action. And the female lead is such a strong character,
Cons : Story starts off so slowly. It takes 2 or 3 episodes to catch the viewers interest.
Other few K-Dramas that are not to miss out and those that nearly made in to this list are...
Faith
Shining Inheritance
49 Days
Love Rain
The Greatest Love
(Maybe because I really like Fantasy dramas, the list may have included a lot of Fantasy Dramas. Sorry if I missed out any really good dramas worth mentioning.)