Iconic K-Dramas You Have to Watch (Even If You Pretend You Don’t Like K-Dramas)
K-dramas are like potato chips: you tell yourself you’ll only have one, and then suddenly it’s 4 a.m., you’re six episodes deep, and you’ve somehow developed strong opinions about chaebol heirs, time travel, and who the main lead should have ended up with.
Whether you’re new to the K-drama universe or just looking for something that’ll have you glued to your screen, here are some of the most iconic K-dramas you absolutely need to watch. Explained in a way your binge-watching self will appreciate.
Crash Landing on You (2019)
Imagine going paragliding and accidentally crash-landing… in North Korea. Not ideal, but if you get rescued by a ridiculously handsome soldier with a heart of gold, suddenly it doesn’t seem so bad. This show has everything: forbidden love, family drama, and enough swoon-worthy moments to make you text your ex “just checking in” (don’t do it).
Why watch? It’s basically Romeo & Juliet with military uniforms.
Kingdom (2019–2020)
Forget your typical zombie flicks. In this historical K-drama, the undead are faster, scarier, and dressed in hanbok. Set in the Joseon dynasty, Kingdom blends political intrigue with bloodthirsty zombies, making you wonder what’s scarier: the monsters or corrupt politicians (spoiler: it’s a tie).
Why watch? Because “Game of Thrones with zombies and better fashion” says it all.
Itaewon Class (2020)
This one is all about chasing your dreams and opening the coolest bar in Itaewon while seeking revenge against an evil CEO. It’s got friendship, found family, business lessons, and Park Seo-joon’s eyebrows (they deserve their own credit line).
Why watch? If you need motivation to quit your job and start a business, this will do it.
Goblin (2016)
A 900-year-old immortal goblin who’s waiting for his bride to end his curse… sounds heavy, right? But add in a sassy grim reaper, epic bromance moments, and some of the most beautiful cinematography you’ll ever see in a drama, and you’ve got a classic. Warning: tissues are not optional.
Why watch? The bromance alone is worth it.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Ah, the OG that started it all for so many K-drama fans. Poor girl meets four ridiculously rich (and ridiculously dramatic) boys at an elite school. Cue love triangles, slow-motion hair flips, and the perm of the decade. It’s campy, it’s dramatic, it’s iconic.
Why watch? Because it’s basically a rite of passage. If you haven’t seen it, can you even call yourself a K-drama fan?
Dream High (2011)
Think Glee, but with more tears and future K-pop stars in the cast (hi, IU and Suzy 👋). It’s a coming-of-age story about students at a performing arts high school chasing stardom. There’s singing, dancing, heartbreak. Everything you need to relive your teenage angst.
Why watch? For the nostalgia and to say “wait, is that…?” every five minutes when you recognize the now-famous cast.
My Love from the Star (2013–2014)
A top actress falls in love with… an alien. Yes, an alien. But don’t worry, he’s hot, wears great coats, and has magical powers. This drama basically made half of Asia obsessed with fried chicken and beer (chimaek).
Why watch? Because it’s the only show that will convince you falling for a centuries-old alien is totally normal.
Hidden Gem K-Dramas You Shouldn’t Sleep On
Reply 1988 (2015–2016)
This isn’t just a drama; it’s a warm hug in TV form. Set in a small Seoul neighborhood in the late ’80s, it follows five families and their kids as they grow up, fall in love, and eat a lot of food together. There’s no big villain or supernatural twist. Just pure nostalgia and the magic of everyday life.
Why watch? Because sometimes you don’t need zombies or chaebols. You just need heartwarming friendships, family meals, and a reminder that life’s little moments matter.
Prison Playbook (2017–2018)
A star baseball player ends up in prison (long story), and what follows is one of the funniest yet surprisingly touching dramas ever. It’s all about unlikely friendships, prison shenanigans, and the resilience of the human spirit… mixed with some truly iconic comedic timing.
Why watch? Because you’ll find yourself rooting for criminals in the most wholesome way possible.
Misaeng (Incomplete Life) (2014)
Forget chaebol heirs and glamorous offices. This one is painfully real. It’s about a young intern trying to survive Korea’s brutal corporate world. If you’ve ever wanted to flip your desk at work, you’ll deeply relate.
Why watch? Because it’s one of the most accurate (and soul-crushing) portrayals of office life, but with enough humor and hope to keep you going.
Because This Is My First Life (2017)
What happens when a broke writer and a nerdy landlord decide to get married for convenience? Cue awkward romance, relatable life struggles, and surprisingly deep conversations about love, gender roles, and chasing your dreams.
Why watch? Because it’s quirky, sweet, and makes you think about what “happily ever after” really means.
Let’s Eat (2013–2015)
This one is for the foodies. It’s a slice-of-life drama about neighbors, friendship, and most importantly: food. Every episode features glorious food shots that will have you drooling and ordering delivery at midnight.
Why watch? Because it’s basically a mukbang with plot.
Final Note
K-dramas are more than just TV shows. They’re rollercoasters of emotions with better soundtracks and food cameos. Whether you’re into romance, action, fantasy, or just want to yell at your screen when the second lead gets friend-zoned again, there’s a K-drama waiting to ruin your sleep schedule.
So grab some ramyeon, cancel your weekend plans, and start your K-drama marathon. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you end up crying over fictional characters at 3 a.m.
So yes, the big hits like Crash Landing on You and Goblin are iconic, but these hidden gems? They sneak into your heart quietly, and before you know it, they’ve become your all-time favorites.
K-dramas aren’t just about the over-the-top romances or fantasy twists. Sometimes, the real magic is in the everyday stories, the relatable struggles, and yes… the food montages.