Slice-of-Life K-Dramas capture the everyday experiences, joys, and challenges of ordinary people, providing a refreshing break from intense plots and dramatic twists. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 slice-of-life K-dramas one should watch.
1. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
During a tough economic period, a teenage fencer named Na Hee Do encounters challenges when her high school fencing team breaks up. Still, she doesn't give up and secures a spot on the national team. Meanwhile, Baek Yi Jin's life drastically changes when his dad's business goes bankrupt, and he has to live in poverty. Despite this, he works hard, taking on part-time jobs and eventually becoming a sports reporter to rebuild his life.
2. Hospital Playlist
Inside a hospital, which is like a little world representing life, the ordinary stories of people may appear simple but are amazing. A group of five doctors have been best friends for twenty years. They all started studying medicine in 1999 at the same school, and now they work together in the hospital. Interestingly, they also play music together.
3. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Bok Joo is an aspiring weightlifter who hopes to win a gold medal, but everything changes when she falls in love for the first time. She puts great effort into weightlifting, but she also wants to maintain her femininity in relationships. She struggles to choose between love and her weightlifting dreams. The drama explores their journey toward adulthood, their goals, and the relationships they navigate in their busy lives.
4. Our Beloved Summer
After many years, two former high school sweethearts are unexpectedly reunited on camera to face their history. Choi Woong may seem carefree and innocent, but he longs for something meaningful in his life and bravely expresses his true feelings. On the other hand, Kook Yeon Soo, who was once driven to be the top student, now lives confidently and adapts to her adult life.
5. Our Blues
Our Blues is a drama that shares the stories of various characters whose lives are connected in some way. Lee Dong Suk, a Jeju Island local, runs a business by selling various items from his mobile truck. Along the way, he comes upon Min Sun Ah, a girl who has chosen Jeju Island as her destination to break free from her mysterious background. Park Jung Joon, who works as a ship captain, finds himself falling in love with Lee Young Ok, a joyful diver. Jung Eun Hee, who runs a fish shop, reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, Choi Han Soo, when he returns to Jeju Island, realizing that city life isn't what he wants.
6. It's Okay To Not Be Okay
Moon Gang Tae is a hardworking staff member at a psychiatric ward, known for his physical strength, intelligence, ability to understand others, calmness, quick decision-making skills, and endurance. However, Ko Moon Young, a popular author of children's books, can sometimes seem selfish, stuck-up, and impolite because of her antisocial personality disorder. Moon Gang Tae chooses to stay away from love, while Ko Moon Young remains oblivious to its existence. Despite the challenges they face, they defy destiny and unexpectedly fall in love, discovering their authentic selves and forming a profound bond.
7. When The Weather Is Fine
In a small countryside bookstore, a story of forgiveness, healing, and love unfolds. Hae Won, a gifted cellist who carries emotional scars, decides to go back to her hometown, where she meets Eun Seob, the friendly owner of the "Goodnight Bookstore." Their encounter brings changes to both of their lives.
8. My LIberation Notes
As people continue to leave Sanpo Village, three siblings named Chang Hee, Mi Jung, and Ki Jung aspire for a more promising life. One day, a stranger named Mr. Goo comes to live in their neighborhood, catching everyone's attention. The villagers can't help but gossip about him due to his troubled appearance and secretive nature. Ignoring the gossip and fueled by her curiosity, Mi Jung, the youngest Yeom sibling, musters the courage to approach him.
9. Run On
Ki Sun Gyeom, who used to run fast, meets Oh Mi Joo, a person who translates words for movies. Seo Dan Ah is the CEO of a sports agency and the rightful heir to the Seomyung Group, but she faces discrimination due to being a woman. She strives to reclaim her rightful position. Lee Young Hwa, an art major, enters her life and brings new experiences.
10. Work Later, Drink Now
After work, Ahn So Hee, Han Ji Yeon, and Kang Ji Gu, who are all single and in their 30s, enjoy getting together and having drinks. So Hee is involved in broadcasting and writing for TV; Ji Yeon is a yoga instructor; and Ji Gu creates videos on YouTube. They often hang out with Kang Buk Gu, who is the producer of a TV variety show.
