The Korean wave began spreading its wings in the mid-2000s beyond East Asia, but these last few years are considered the golden era of K-dramas through platforms like Apple TV, Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix. They offer an extensive array of original and classic productions that appeal to different demographics. Many of these dramas broke records and garnered international and local accolades for their compelling performances, aesthetic cinematography, and elaborate costumes.
1. Encounter
Encounter is a Korean melodrama released in 2018, starring Park Bo-gum and Song Hye-kyo. It is a love story between a miserable hotel owner who is divorced and her free-spirited employee, who is relatively young. What seemed like hurdles in their relationship paved the way for obstacles that weren’t new and sometimes were seen as far too cliche. Critics stated that the romance took too long to bloom fully and the characters weren’t that interesting.
2. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
It is a drama released in 2022, starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-Hyuk. The story follows five characters in two timelines, 2021, and 1998, and is praised for its retro vibe. Cosmopolitan states that the series broke me, healed me, and also fixed me. It was like watching your kid grow up, seeing them overcome hardships, and also rooting for them to love and live without regrets. However, the first post said the absence of realism and detailing in the final chapters is jarring.
3. Guardian: The Lonely And Great God
It is also called Goblin, released in 201, starring Kim Go-eun, Yoo In-na, Gong Yoo, and Lee Dong-wook. It is about a 939-year-old guardian of souls, an energetic student, and a grim reaper. Korean Times they praised the solid plot, star actors, romantic and touching lines, fresh story materials, and movie-like visuals. However, the Straight Times said that the system of fantasy blocks any guilt, allowing the viewers to accept, without being repulsed, the romance between an older man and a minor.
4. It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
It is a romance and psychological thriller released in 2020, starring Seo Yea-Ji, Park Gu-young, Oh Jung-se, and Kim Soo-hyun. The story is about a troubled and antisocial children’s book writer. She is obsessed with a psych-ward caretaker who is busy taking care of his autistic older brother. The Korea Communications Standards Commission got more than 50 complaints about how the show’s sexual scenes, however, the audiences applauded it for its burtonesque graphics, its uncommon plot, and its focus on mental health.
5. King The Land
It is a romantic drama released in 2023, starring Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah. The story is about Goo Won who is the heir of a high-end hotel, airline group, and shopping, and his power struggles with his half-sister. Also his unforeseen feelings for an employee at his hotel, Cheon Sa-rang. Korea JoongAng Daily expressed that the show was too cliche, but therefore a classic story of comedy and love. However, the Times of India said its blend of intrigue, fairy tale romance, high-quality production value, and corporate conflicts captivates the viewers.
6. Snowdrop
Snowdrop drama is set in 1987, and tells the story of Eun Yeong-ro who finds Lim Soo-hun, a graduate student injured on the street. She hides him in her dorm room from the police. The Korean netizens and media professionals found it controversial, accusing it of distorting the pro-democracy movement. NME bluntly called it a Bastardization of the struggle of a nation. It falls prey to needle subplots, inconsistent writing, and drawn-out melodrama.
7. Backstreet Rookie
It is a slice-of-life romantic comedy drama released in 2020, starring Kim You-Jung and Ji Chang-wook. It focuses on the relationship between Saet-byul, and Dae-hyun, the manager of the convenience store where she works. It was criticized for being sexually suggestive, especially when the female character was a minor when she first met the male lead. Times of India said that most of the supporting cast is often seen as a distraction, as their plots do nothing to the narrative. The Review Geek told that it got off to a bad start which is an understatement.
8. The King: Eternal Monarch
It is a fantasy romance released in 2020, featuring a parallel universe, political intrigue, time travel, and a king who falls for a commoner. It was popular outside South Korea, especially in Malaysia, India, the U.S., and the Philippines. Korea Herald said controversies over its historic scenes have undermined the series reputation. It unfolds at a slow pace, and also the parallel world is too complex to understand.
9. Little Women
It is a mystery and family drama released in 2022, starring Park Ji-hu, Kim Go-eun, and Nam Ji-hyun. It revolves around three sisters who grew up in poverty but went on different paths. It was criticized for its uneventful sequences and its plot holes. The Japanese press denounced one of its promotional posters because it resembled a beauty brand.
10. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
It is a historical, time-travel romance drama released in 2016. It is about a 25-year-old Ha-jin from the 21st century who finds herself in the Goryeo period, in the body of Hae Soo of the ruling Wang family. She gets entangled in the court intrigue, while also developing feelings for So, and Wook. Some praised the show for its soundtrack, accuracy of the adaptation and Lee Joon’s performance. Some said IU's performance was inconsistent, with too much product placement and the character's mild relatability.
