10 KDrama Classics Every Newbie Should Watch
For almost 10 years now I have been immersed in the bewitching KDramaland. From the devastating backstories that make you connect with the characters, the well-written action packed storyline, to the anticipated 15 episode long wait for that first kiss, Korean Drama's have set the bar high for tv shows. Where romance is concerned, I've seen so many dramatic, gut wrenching, nail bitting scenario's that the number Western Romcoms I can sit through are far and few.
So you want to dive into the world of KDrama but you have no clue where to start. Or… you’re scrolling through your favourite drama’s looking for which one to rewatch. Here is my list of classic KDrama’s that every drama newbie should watch (in no particular order).
1. KING 2 HEARTS
Ahh, one of my favourites! After years of hostile relations between the North and the South, the King is determined to reunite the two nations. The modern-day South Korean crown prince is bothered to a North Korean special agent much to the dismay of many citizens and political adversaries. Can the unlikely duo overcome their differences and find common ground?
2. SHINE OR GO CRAZY
A prophecy has two sides; it can bring about a new nation or drive a country to ruins. Ostracized for fear of his fate, the estranged prince lives on the fringe of society kept from taking his rightful place on the throne. Two women hold the other end of the curse. With one he will reclaim his rightful place bringing prosperity to his people, with the other he will bring it to its demise. Will he shine or go crazy?
3. GU FAMILY BOOK
In my opinion, Gu Family Book is an Inuyasha-like tale (Japanese anime series) of a mythical half-breed man desperate to fight his demonic bloodline on his quest to become a true human. Will a human girl love a demon when she discovers his true nature, or will his true form condemn him to a life of solitude?
5. SECRET GARDEN
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. The mother of classic KDrama's (if there was one). Secret Garden is the classic tale of star crossed lovers. She's a humble stuntwoman, he's a rich CEO. As a unique love blossoms between the two, forces will stop at nothing to pull them apart. But when their souls are switched, the two see the world through each other's eyes. Can they hold onto their budding love or are they doomed to fail?
6. REBEL: THEIF WHO STOLE THE PEOPLE
I've watched this one 3 times, and made my brother watch it twice. This has got to be one of my new favourite dramas! Rebel recounts the story of a lowly servant's quest for change. Wanting a better life for his offspring, he courageously challenges the mold. And he's got a secret, he possesses extraordinary strength. Can the rebellious son of a slave suppress his anger and use his gifts for the right reasons or will his defiance cost him his life.
7. ROOFTOP PRINCE
A whimsical story of a Joseon Dynasty's Crown Prince transported 300 years into the modern day South Korea. With the help of his most loyal servants, the future brings him a love that he could never quench in the past.
8. FATED TO LOVE YOU
As you might have guessed, KDramaland has a pretty reoccurring theme. The unlikely story of a Rich boy, poor girl. Much becomes of a one night stand when a secretary becomes pregnant with the baby of the heir to a large company. Will they have the confidence to stay together or will fear keep them apart?
9. SUNGKYUNKWAN SCANDAL
This story somewhat reminds me of Disney's Mulan. Travel back in time to the Joseon Dynasty where women are not expected to be smart and education is a privilege they are not allowed to enjoy. One girl is determined not to let her intelligence go to waste. Taking her brother's place, she disguises herself as a man and takes the entrance exams into the prestigious Sunkyunkwan University. Passing the exam, she rooms with a handful of boys enjoying the privileges of higher education. But when she develops feelings for one of her classmates, can she keep her feelings at bay long enough to achieve her educational desires?
10. SIX FLYING DRAGONS
Before the Joseon Dynasty, there were six powerful dragons with clashing political views. This Six Flying Dragons depicts the power-struggle between opposing sides; those who want a country ruled by ministers and those in favour of an absolute power. Can these six find common ground and unite their country or will their ideological differences destroy the country once and for all?
BONUS DRAMA
11. PINOCCHIO
As a bonus, I'll give you one more! This drama sheds light on the power media has over the lives of people they report. Pinocchio takes a sharp right turn away from the classic chaebol (second generation heir to a company....) storyline. It tells the story of the lives of honest local news reporters and their 24/7 quest for the truth. It's the truth against the alternative in an evolving, never-ending struggle for a spot on front page news.
Happy watching! xoxo
