8 K-Dramas for Newbies to Watch If You've Never Seen Korean Shows Before

K-dramas have become increasingly popular around the world over the years. But despite the huge number of newcomers, South Korean television is still a niche segment of global pop culture.

Want to get into the world of K-dramas but don't know where to start? Or maybe you're a longtime Korean Wave fan, but you've never gotten your hands on a series? Here's a list of eight of the best South Korean shows to get you started in the genre.

8. Coffee Prince (2007, 17 episodes)

K-dramas as a phenomenon have long been around, and some of the best examples are the series from the mid to late 00s. A distinctive and beginner-friendly example is the romcom Coffee Prince, dedicated to a hilarious gender-bending love story of coffee shop employees.

7. My Love from the Star (2013, 22 episodes)

Kim Soo-hyun is one of Korea's most famous actors, and getting to know him will help you get used to K-dramas faster. Your best bet for an introduction to his repertoire is My Love from the Star, about an alien who has lived in Korea for over 400 years.

6. Business Proposal (2022, 12 episodes)

If you prefer more recent shows, Business Proposal is a great option. The series follows a girl who goes on a blind date. Only to find out that the date is the CEO of the company she works for, who unexpectedly proposes to her...

5. Prison Playbook (2017, 16 episodes)

K-dramas aren't always about romance. Prison Playbook follows a baseball player who finds himself behind bars on a false charge. His best friend, an elite prison guard, helps him survive in prison. The show is a perfect combination of drama and comedy.

4. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022, 16 episodes)

This sweet comedy is not only a wonderful story about a brilliant lawyer, but also a great representation of neurodivergent people and their experiences living in South Korea.

3. Mr. Queen (2020, 20 episodes)

This hilarious comedy revolves around a top chief who mysteriously finds himself in the body of a queen in 19th century Korea. Fans praise the show for its humor, plot, and acting.

2. Vincenzo (2021, 20 episodes)

As we said, K-dramas are far from being about love stories. Vincenzo is a crime drama about a lawyer who works for the Italian Mafia.

1. Crash Landing on You (2019, 16 episodes)

To better understand the historical pain Koreans often represent in pop culture, it's worth watching Crash Landing on You, a beautiful romantic drama about the love between a South Korean businesswoman and a North Korean officer.