K-Drama 101: 10 Must-Watch Series for Beginners

Are you new to the fascinating world of K-dramas and not sure where to start? You're not alone. We all were newcomers once who found themselves overwhelmed with the huge variety of choices offered across all these different genres. But not to worry, we've prepared this curated list of 10 must-watch series for beginners that will introduce you to the magic of Korean drama.

From heartwarming romances to thrilling crime mysteries, these shows are guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

10. While You Were Sleeping

In While You Were Sleeping, the supernatural collides with the legal world as a young woman foresees impending accidents through her dreams. Together with a prosecutor, she strives to prevent these visions from becoming reality. With a blend of suspense, mystery, and romance, this legal drama deals with intricate cases and explores the ripple effects of the choices we make. The unpredictable plot not only keeps you invested, but it will also make you tear up and get chills.

9. It's Okay To Not Be Okay

This moving romantic comedy follows an unconventional romance between an antisocial children's book writer with emotional scars and a selfless psych ward caretaker. The show tackles mental health with care, offering a refreshing combination of humor, heartache, and past traumas, making you appreciate the growth of every single character. The exploration of relatable life's complexities and characters' journeys towards healing makes this series a truly transformative watch.

8. Fight for My Way

Fight for My Way tells a heartwarming story of friendship and ambition as a former taekwondo champion and a receptionist struggle to achieve their dreams due to life's obstacles. Despite it being a friends-to-lovers rom-com, the female lead doesn't follow the typical 'candy girl' trope, and the lead characters are both fascinating individually. With its relatable characters and comical moments, the series effortlessly captures the challenges and triumphs of young adults chasing their aspirations.

7. Signal

Signal masterfully merges crime, fantasy, and mystery as a cold-case profiler and a detective from different eras collaborate with the help of a walkie-talkie to solve a string of interconnected murders. This drama's multilayered storylines, unexpected plot twists, and top-grade cinematography make it a thrilling introduction to the crime genre within K-dramas. And trust us, even after you've finished watching it, you'll find yourself thinking about it as this drama is a unique experience.

6. Extracurricular

This psychological crime thriller follows the dual life of a gifted high school student entangled in serious criminal activities, leading to unexpected developments when a classmate discovers his secret. The dark yet riveting drama takes you on a roller-coaster ride that explores moral dilemmas, surprising alliances, and the consequences of one's actions. It's guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat - you'll be screaming, crying, and laughing at the screen, worried about what’s going to happen next. But before you embark on this journey, prepare yourself to binge-watch the entire thing within a couple of days.

5. Reply 1988

Reply 1988 is a heartwarming slice-of-life drama that takes viewers on a trip to the nostalgic world of 1980s Seoul. Through the lives of five childhood friends, this series beautifully captures the essence of friendship, community, and the passage of time. If you're looking for motivation to show love, be courageous, take care of others, and be more selfless, this drama is the perfect choice.

4. Hospital Playlist

This award-winning medical drama provides a touching look into the lives of five doctors in their forties who've been friends since their medical school years. It portrays the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives while highlighting the value of genuine human connections. With a generous dose of camaraderie, humor, and heartfelt emotions, Hospital Playlist offers a unique perspective on the medical genre that's sure to touch your heart.

3. Business Proposal

Business Proposal presents a charming romance story centered around a young woman who turns up for a blind date masked as her friend to scare him off. This quirky drama delivers a refreshing take on corporate life by using overstatements as a comic tool, which makes it one of the most hysterical dramas in its genre. Ideal for those looking for something lighthearted to watch, as it will quite literally make you laugh out loud.

2. Goblin (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

This critically acclaimed fantasy drama tells the story of an immortal goblin with supernatural powers, cursed with loneliness. The show features breathtaking cinematography, stunning scenery, and a beautiful soundtrack to accompany the rich storylines. But apart from that, what makes this series a true masterpiece is its interpretation of powerful themes like life, death, destiny, and humanity.

1. Crash Landing on You

Crash Landing on You dives into the top-secret cross-border romance between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean military officer. It's a wholesome drama that creates the perfect fusion of romance, comedy, and suspense amidst political tensions, offering both tear-jerking and lighthearted moments. This undeniably makes it a quintessential K-drama experience.