The lockdown is about to extend a few days longer and what better treat to give yourself than some top-tier k-dramas? Here, I mention a few great dramas from different genres suited to anyone’s taste.
Crime drama –Signal (2016)
A clever crime drama, the show dives deep into cold cases with the help of a two way radio. The young investigator at present, Park Hae Young exchanges information with an ostensibly missing detective from the past through the otherwise dead walkie-talkie that crackles into life every night at 11:23 pm.
The partnership and the moral attitude of the detectives undoubtedly won the show. More importantly, the drama could capture the smooth sync of the time-shifting storylines from the past and present, bringing in real life cold cases to provide a dose of reality to the supernatural missions. For me, it is on the classics’ list.
Psychological Thriller- Voice (2017)
The two detectives, Kang Kwon Joo and Moo Jin Hyuk joined forces to lead a police unit in order to avenge the death of their father and wife, respectively.
Besides the main protagonists and other brilliant characters, the show has left us in awe with every polished episode, creating a clear explanation for the succeeding arcs later on. The ability to draw us in with its task force, solving real time cases through the phone calls services against the dark tone of the entire show, is mind bending to say the least. The episodes are neat and nifty, in that, there is not a single irrelevant frame of episodes coupled with an outwitting balance of game between the villain and hero.
The show and the characters, especially Kwang Kwon never failed to deliver the deserved rigor of the show. If you are up for some intense police procedure followed with a psychopath chase, this one is for you. It cannot be just any ‘psychological thriller’ when the show has been rebooted for a fourth season!
Romance- It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014)
A psychologist with genophobia and a popular writer with schizophrenia go into a non-cheesy relationship. However, both of them were unknown to the conditions each suffered, which stood as a test of their time together.
The earliest Korean drama to have had a modern approach to romantic relationships did give it a tweak for me. There is nothing cheesy in the chemistry of the couple. Even though the supporting characters (the housemates) provided melodrama found in other k-dramas as well, much of the appeal comes from how the mental health issues have been dealt with at the time. The deep portrayal of schizophrenia and that, its effect on the most sophisticated of men out there might go ignored brings more attention to the mental health issues at hand. The guilt of the lead actor and his auditory and visual hallucinations were the peak points for me. Also, EXO fans are in for a surprise since this is D.O’s first ever role in a drama and he captivates the audience with his performance here as well!
Drama- Misaeng (2014)
Under this genre, there’s a full gamut of dramas recommended. The shows that rode high on my mind upon seeing drama were Penthouse , The Sky Castle , The Class of Lies; literally any drama I have watched, all of which fitted right into the typical Korean drama list. However, Misaeng does not fall into the mainstream content. What separates this show from the others would be its premise and its realism. It is a narration of the harsh reality of an intern equipped with minimum educational qualification as he finds himself in the corporate world.
The most appealing characters of all would be the lead actor. His manner of slow walking into the office every morning, head tilted to one side show the vulnerability and desperation in him. However, he takes the principles of the Baduk game he learnt as a child as the guiding principle or work ethic for his progress in the high stress environment. Besides his daily life in the office, the show aptly incorporates the social issues faced in the workplaces. Amidst all these, the protagonist manages to be a ray of sunlight and develops an endearing personality loved by his colleagues and viewers alike.
It’s 2021, and Misaeng still has a ground against all other dramas released since and before 2014. The realism of the show has to be off the charts, unlike other k-dramas that are void on this particular area. I highly recommend this drama to anyone, especially if you are looking for a guilty escape to a workplace.
Feel good – Fight For My Way (2016)
Fight For My Way has to fall under this genre given its ability to show justice to “If you fall seven times, stand up eight”. It’s a whole breeze of following through the ups and lows in life of four friends from high school to adulthood, which finally has a well deserving happy ending. As its name suggests, there is a good ending to every fight.
Probably because I have watched this at a stressful time, this stands out as the best k-drama when it comes to wholesome content. I can therefore, safely say that If you are looking to escape from the Covid anxiety, this can be your getaway for the time being.
A few other genres I could’ve mentioned but did not are comedy, sci-fi and fantasy. When it comes to sense of humor or comic drama, there are different aspects of it. Being a subjective genre, it cannot be perched on a pendulum for comparison. As for sci-fi and fantasy, these do not personally gel with me. All else listed out here will hopefully be a great start in your journey with Korean dramas.