The Hallyu wave that has taken the world by storm over the past few years is not slowing anytime soon. From the meteoric, record-breaking rise of K-pop groups like Blackpink and BTS, to the hype surrounding Korean beauty and an infatuation with the “10-step skincare routine”, K–dramas are yet another global obsession. Addictive plot lines and lovable and genuine (albeit unrealistically attractive) characters, reel in viewers from the get-go, creating a cult-like following of fans. If you want to dip your toes into the world of K-dramas but aren’t too sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with a roundup of six unmissable shows from 2020 and 2021.
Itaewon Class
The shy yet lovable Park Saeroyi (played by Park Seojun) undergoes a sudden change in circumstances following the tragic death of his father. Itaewon Class is a a heartwarming tale of determination, friendship and romance, that simultaneously engages in discourse on racial discrimination and gender-based stigma, showing the value of justice and kindness through a riveting rivalry.
Crash Landing on You
The third highest-rated K-drama in television history, Crash Landing on You is arguably responsible for the more recent surge of the Hallyu wave in 2020. When Yoon Seri (Son Ye-Jin) inexplicably finds herself in North Korea after a freak paragliding accident, she is cared for by Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin), who protects her from North Korean authorities while securing her safe return back to South Korea. A tale of thrilling romance and family values, the show also addresses cultural disparities between the North and the South, a narrative that is scarcely explored across fiction.
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay triggered much-needed discourse surrounding mental health in South Korea, opening a door to a topic often viewed as taboo. The 2020 drama centres around a psychiatric health worker, Gang-Tae (Kim Soo-Hyun), who lives a solitary life caring for his autistic brother Sang-Tae (Oh Jung-Se), before he meets the famous writer Moon-Young (Seo Ye-Ji), and a budding romance ensues.
Start-Up
Start-Up follows the story of two budding entrepreneurs trying to pave the road to a bright future, set in Korea’s fictional Silicon Valley, Sandbox. The drama weaves a captivating tale intertwining success and love, while highlighting the stark reality and various obstacles involved in creating a successful start-up in the hyper-competitive tech industry.
Record of Youth
Record of Youth explores the superficial realities of the entertainment industry in Korea, following An Jeong-Ha (Park Seo-Dam), a rising makeup artist, and model Sa Hye-Jun (Park Bo-Gum), who dreams of becoming an actor. Hye-Jun also works with superstar model Won Hae-Hyo (Byeon Woo-Seok), and the trio, who are also involved in a complex love triangle, strive for success in the cutthroat industry.
Kingdom
Kingdom brings a fresh take on the overused zombie apocalypse plot, weaving a thrilling political narrative throughout the typical blood and gore. The drama takes place during Korea’s final dynasty, the Joseon period, and follows Crown Prince Li Chang (Ju Ji-Hoon), who is caught in the midst of a political conspiracy while investigating his sick father’s peculiar symptoms. With invigorating plot twists and action-packed fight scenes, the drama is furthered with the expansive depth of its historical setting, with intricate details and embellishments across beautiful landscapes and stunning costume design.
Editor
Carina Fischer