10 Korean Dramas to Binge Watch

I remember when I first started watching Korean dramas, I had a hard time choosing what to watch at first. It is true that there are so many options that it creates confusion. 

The first choice we make when starting a new series is absolutely important because if we like the first one we watched, we will continue to watch that style of series, but if we don't like it, we will leave it immediately. However, this could be true for anything. 

If you have just entered the "Korean drama world" and don't know what to watch, I have 10 great suggestions. Of course, these are the dramas I watched and chose among them (hardly with difficulty). So this list may vary depending on your style and the TV series you like.

Don't forget that Korean dramas mostly have 16 episodes and each episode is 1 hour long. I was careful not to give spoilers when talking about the dramas, so you can read them with peace of mind. Also, I listed the series from oldest to newest. 

Descendants of the Sun

It is a famous South Korean drama that combines romance, action, and drama. The story follows the lives of a soldier and a doctor who meet in a fictional war-torn country. Their professional responsibilities and personal values often conflict, leading to emotional and moral dilemmas. The drama explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges faced by people who devote their lives to service, all set against the backdrop of military missions and humanitarian actions. It is known for its gripping storyline, strong character development, and intense, heartwarming moments.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo

It is a touching coming-of-age South Korean drama centered around Kim Bok-Joo, a talented weightlifter with dreams of winning gold medals. The story beautifully grasps her journey of self-discovery, balancing her athletic ambitions with the difficulties of youth, friendship, and first love. Set in a sports university, the drama displays the challenges and achievements of young athletes, blending light-hearted humor with sincere moments. It's a story about pursuing dreams, embracing individuality, and navigating the ups and downs of life and relationships.

Strong Girl Bong-Soon

It is a drama that observes the life of Do Bong-soon, a young woman born with superhuman strength, which she inherited from the women in her family. Despite her petite frame and gentle manners, Bong-soon dreams of creating a video game with herself as the main character. She is hired as a bodyguard for a rich and eccentric CEO, Ahn Min-hyuk, who is facing threats. The drama is a pleasurable mix of romance, comedy, and action, showcasing Bong-soon's voyage as she guides her unique powers, tackles challenges, and discovers her true strength both inside and out.

Something in the Rain

This drama explores the evolving relationship between Yoon Jin-ah, a career-oriented woman in her 30s, and Seo Joon-hee, the younger brother of her best friend. Set against the background of modern-day Seoul, the drama delicately describes the nuances of love, friendship, and societal expectations. As Jin-ah and Joon-hee navigate their growing feelings for each other, they face challenges from family, work, and social norms. The story is a genuine and realistic portrayal of romance, emphasizing the beauty of ordinary moments and the complexities of relationships in the face of social pressures.

Vagabond

It is an intense action thriller that tracks the journey of Cha Dal-geon, a stuntman whose life takes a harsh turn after a mysterious plane crash claims the life of his nephew. Determined to uncover the truth, Dal-geon embarks on a determined quest for justice, discovering a web of corruption and conspiracies that reach the highest levels of power. Along the way, he teams up with Go Hae-ri, a National Intelligence Service agent, as they steer a dangerous world of deceit and betrayal. The drama is filled with action, suspense, and emotional depth, making it a gripping watch from start to finish.

Doom at Your Service

This fantasy romance drama narrates the story of Tak Dong-kyung, a woman who is faced with a terminal illness and wishes for the end of the world. Her wish mistakenly calls Myul Mang, a mysterious and supernatural being who brings doom wherever he goes. As their lives intertwine, they strike a peculiar deal that leads to unexpected emotions and events. The drama explores themes of fate, love, and the value of life, integrating moving romance with elements of fantasy and existential consideration.

See You in My 19th Life

It is a romantic fantasy drama that pursues Ban Ji-eum, a woman with the unusual ability to remember all her past lives. In her 19th life, she is determined to reconnect with a man she loved in her previous life, but their reunion is complicated by the past and the challenges of their current lives. The drama pleasantly knits themes of fate, reincarnation, and endless love, showcasing how past lives and present choices intertwine. It's a poignant story about love transcending time and the quest for happiness across lifetimes.

Destined With You

This is a romantic fantasy drama that tells the story of a young woman, who comes across an ancient book that holds a mysterious and powerful curse. As she uncovers the secrets of the book, her fate becomes entangled with a man tied by the curse. Together, they experience the challenges brought by the curse, revealing hidden truths and confronting their destiny. The drama harmonizes elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery, exploring themes of fate, love, and the struggle to break free from predestined paths.

Queen of Tears

This is a romantic comedy series that delves into the complexities of marriage and family dynamics. The story centers on Baek Hyun-woo, a lawyer, and his wife, Hong Hae-in, a chaebol heiress, whose marriage faces considerable challenges. As they guide personal and familial obstructions, the series offers a nuanced portrayal of love, power inequalities, and societal expectations within a marriage. It must be said that the drama has been praised for its innovative approach to K-romance, especially in its early episodes.

When the Phone Rings

The drama centers on Paik Sa-eon, a politician, and his wife, Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter, who have maintained a semblance of a happy marriage for three years despite their lack of communication. Their lives take a surprising turn when Hee-joo is kidnapped by an anonymous attacker, leading to a series of events that test their relationship and expose hidden secrets. The drama examines themes of trust, love, and deception by combining elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. If you are interested in melodramatic stories, this drama has a very impressive narrative for you.

Thanks to the diversity of K-dramas, I think there will be TV series that you will like from this list. In general, they are dramas containing romance, but the way they are told and portrayed is different from each other, so I assume they will be interesting for you. Enjoy watching!