Streaming Recommends – K-Drama
At the behest of one Miguel Albarracin, frequent guest on the ATC Podcast, I created this list of incredibly binge-worthy K-drama shows currently available on Netflix and Amazon Prime! There are so many shows available to stream at the moment, but not all are created equal. This group represents shows that I’ve personally seen. If you’re wondering why some shows aren’t listed on here, it’s because of one of two reasons: (1) I’ve never seen it, or (2) I’ve seen it and still won’t suggest you watch it during this quarantine. Happy Subtitles! And stay safe out there!
Something in the Rain (2018) – Netflix
Episodes: 16
This is hands down the best noona romance I have ever watched—noona, meaning “older sister,” which is to say an older woman with a younger man. If you’re at all familiar with K-drama, you’ll find this show doesn’t feel at all like a typical K-drama. Sure, there’s an overbearing mother-in-law and they drink soju alcohol, but this show is much more elevated and refined. The soundtrack sets the tone so well—not to be confused with the usual K-drama OST (original soundtrack) that could come across as cheesy to the uninitiated. This show has a lot of essence to it; you’ll be left mesmerized.
*Here’s my official review of Something in the Rain.
The Liar and His Lover (2017) – Netflix
Episodes: 16
This is a lighthearted take on a white lie spiraling out of control in the context of two lovers in the music industry. High school student Yoon So-rim with an angelic singing voice falls in love with the secret composer and producer behind one of the biggest K-pop bands. Featuring Joy from real K-pop group Red Velvet, this show has a blissful, graceful ease about it. (Incidentally, this also features a subplot with a very decent noona romance.)
*Here’s my official review of The Liar and His Lover.
Tomorrow With You (2017) – Netflix
Episodes: 16
There are actually quite a few time-traveling romances in the K-drama world, but this one takes the cake. It’s set in the present with a young man who’s able to travel back and forth in time using the subway, and to avoid a calamity, he marries Song Ma-rin, played by the effervescent Shin Min-ah, even though he doesn’t love her. Can they forge a happy future together? Watch to find out.
*Here’s my official review of Tomorrow With You.
Another Miss Oh (2016) – Netflix
Episodes: 18
Two women at odds with each other, and to make matters worse, they share the same name. When the spiteful Park Do-kyung decides to get some payback on Oh Hae-young, he chooses the wrong victim. Will the truth extinguish the serious sparks between them? Try this rom-com/melodrama on for size and don’t be surprised by some famously steamy kissing scenes.
Hello! My Twenties (2016) [aka Age of Youth] – Netflix
Episodes: 12
A group of housemates just living life. It’s a slice-of-life show that finds success with its crazy gal pals playing off each other. Tremendous chemistry in this ensemble cast, this one’s cute and funny and hits almost every sweet spot.
*Here’s my official review of Hello, My Twenties! (Season 1).
Let’s Eat (2013) & Let’s Eat 2 (2015) – Netflix
Episodes: 16 & 18, respectively
Idol singer and dancer Yoon Doo-joon stars in this utterly charming series based on food. Delicious food. The first and second season are the best, but foodies beware—you might be left salivating over the major food porn in this one.
*Here’s my official review of Let’s Eat (Season 1) and Let’s Eat 2.
Reply 1997 (2012) – Netflix
Episodes: 16
A period piece set in the 1990s! This drama switches between the past, where Busan high school student Shi-won and her five friends grow up obsessed with a boyband, and the present, with them as 33-year-olds at a high school reunion dinner in 2012. Can you guess who couples up in the present? Unlike the other shows in the Reply series, this one was ridiculously addicting. The youthful energy is dazzling.
Cain and Abel (2009) – Netflix
Episodes: 20
Based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel (Adam and Eve’s first two sons), my forever bias So Ji-sub stars as “Abel,” in a melodramatic plot of epic proportions—brother against brother. If you think this show is all sobbing and wailing, you’d be wrong. Think Count of Monte Cristo. Think action-suspense. Think revenge. Don’t miss this oldie.
The King 2Hearts (2012) – Amazon Prime
Episodes: 20
Present-day South Korea is ruled by a monarchy. North Korea is still totalitarian. What happens when South Korea’s prince falls in love with the perfect North Korean female soldier? Enemies become lovers; it’s funny and sweet and high-stakes. Hallyu foundational stars Lee Seung-gi (from Shining Inheritance and My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho) and Ha Ji-won (from Secret Garden) lead the charge on this action-packed romance.
Sweet Revenge (2017) [aka Revenge Note] – Amazon Prime
Episodes: 22
Very sweet, very quick, very easy. With each episode clocking in at 15 minutes, this cute web drama can serve as some blessed filler. A shy teenage girl gets ahold of a mysterious app that enacts revenge on anyone she wishes. The premise is simple but the show had no business being so woke. It even features the lovely addition of Cha Eun-woo from K-pop group Astro, who plays a fictional version of himself.
*Here’s my official review of Revenge Note (Season 1).
Princess Hours (2006) [aka Goong] – Amazon Prime
Episodes: 24
Because of a long-standing promise between grandfathers, ordinary high school student Chae Gyeong marries the Crown Prince of Korea. Life as a royal is much harder than it looks, not to mention having a super crabby, cold-hearted husband. Will the arranged marriage stick the landing? Introducing audiences to Joo Ji-hoon and Yoon Eun-hye—yes, this was their first starring and TV roles ever—the show is a proper comedy / romance / melodrama. And in case you couldn’t tell, this is a K-drama CLASSIC.
The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012) – Amazon Prime
Episodes: 20
A historical romance. A faked death. A young king fighting against political factions. Memory loss. A reunion worth waiting for. In his follow-up role to Dream High and only his second main TV role ever, Kim Soo-hyun will steal your heart as the lonely king. As the only sageuk on this list, please be a little forgiving if this is your first foray into Korean historical dramas! The costuming, setting, plot, and even dialect is not for everyone.
My First First Love (2019) – Netflix
Episodes: 16
Split into two 8-episode seasons, this Netflix original centers on a pair of lifelong friends and the changing dynamics of their once platonic relationship. Utilizing the cohabitation trope, the pureness of first love is explored.
*Here’s my official review of My First First Love.
One More Time (2016) [mini] – Netflix
Episodes: 8
Yoo Tan, played by Kim Myung-soo, is the lead vocalist of an indie band called One More Time. Despite finding a measure of fame once, he succumbs to the “establishment,” finally signing with a music label to escape financial difficulties and ultimate failure. He cruelly breaks up with his long-suffering girlfriend… and then, somehow, he gets catapulted back in time. Why? You’ll just have to watch to find out. Each episode is a quick 30 minutes, and Myung-soo is fantastic in this mini drama.