K-Dramas Takeover: 10 Korean Series That Blew Up On Netflix
It's about time you add them to your queue.
1. Crash Landing on You
Ever stumbled into North Korea on a paragliding mishap? Well, neither have I, but Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean heiress, did just that! Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok finds her, and, get this, instead of turning her in, he protects her. Amidst tension-filled military antics and forbidden territory escapades, sparks fly. It's not all gunfire; there are moments of pure, unfiltered K-Drama comedy gold. They must find a way for her to return home, but there's a catch: love's in the air. North meets South in this love story like no other.
2. Itaewon Class
Park Saeroyi's life? A rollercoaster of emotions. Young guy, huge dreams, opens a street bar in Itaewon. Not to be that guy, but his motivation? Revenge. A powerful food conglomerate destroyed his life, and he's out to rebuild and retaliate. The story's filled with ambition, grit, friendship and, of course, delicious food. Hey, who said vengeance couldn't be served on a platter?
3. Kingdom
Zombies in the Joseon era. Need I say more? Alright, I'll spill. The Crown Prince, falsely accused of treason, is on a quest to discover the origins of a mysterious undead plague. Along his journey, he finds allies, but trust is rarer than a well-cooked steak in this series. Palace politics clash with survival horror. It's Game of Thrones with a side of Kimchi!
4. The World of the Married
Step into the life of Ji Sun-woo, a successful doctor. Perfect life? Think again. Discovering her husband's affair sends her world into a chaotic spiral. This series isn't your average love triangle; it's a complex web of deceit. Trust broken, revenge plotted, the plot's twists are more tangled than a bowl of Japchae. Drama? Buckets of it. This is one married world you might not want to inhabit, but definitely want to watch.
5. Stranger
Ah, the world of prosecutors – and not the dessert kind. Hwang Si-mok, one rare bird, had brain surgery that eliminated his emotions. Paired with a warm-hearted detective, Han Yeo-jin, they unearth corruption deep in South Korea's justice system. Bureaucracy, backdoor deals, betrayals – it's all in a day's work. Who's corrupt? Who's innocent? Rhetorical questions aside, Stranger keeps you guessing until the very end.
6. Reply 1988
Flashback to Seoul in the 80s, where neon lights meet tight-knit neighborhood bonds. Five friends navigate life's ups and downs in Ssangmun-dong, facing love, loss, and everything in between. But wait, it's not just teenage angst; it's about families, too. Their intertwined lives create a rich tapestry of 80s Korean culture. The big question: Who does the leading lady end up with? A trip down memory lane that's equal parts nostalgic and unpredictable.
7. Extracurricular
Enter the gray moral landscape of high schooler Oh Ji-soo. Not your typical teen: he runs a crime ring to earn college tuition. Morality? Blurred lines, my friend. His double life comes under threat when a classmate discovers his secret. What ensues is a dangerous game, mixing teenage hormones with crime's dark underbelly. Consequences are dire. High school was never this intense.
8. Mr. Sunshine
Late 19th century Korea, during an era where winds of change blow. Eugene Choi, a Korean-born U.S. marine officer, returns to his homeland, only to get embroiled in the country's fight for independence. Forbidden romances blossom amidst gunpowder and rebellion. Dynastic traditions clash with encroaching western influences. Can love and patriotism coexist? Heartstrings will be tugged. Historical fiction at its most breathtaking.
9. When the Camellia Blooms
Single mom? Check. Running a bar? Check. Stalked by a serial killer and pursued by two men? Oh, boy. Dongbaek, our heroine, is a pillar of strength amidst the chaos. Life in the small town of Ongsan is far from mundane, with a string of mysteries unfolding. The show? A quirky blend of romance, thriller, and comedy. Life's no bed of roses, but camellias? They might just bloom.
10. Hotel Del Luna
A hotel for the dead? You bet. Owned by the beautiful, yet ill-tempered Jang Man-wol, who's been cursed with immortality for a millennium. Enter Goo Chan-sung, the new human manager. The guests? Ghostly souls, with unfulfilled wishes, hoping for a final send-off. Love, redemption, and otherworldly affairs converge in this visually stunning tale. Check-in and you might never leave.