I got introduced to Korean dramas about 3 years ago by a dongsaeng(little sister), she was visiting for July 4th and asked me to give the dramas a try. Now you have to understand, I'm a rebel and only said yes to be polite, she's my husbands little cousin and was visiting for the first time, I had a cool Unni reputation to protect.
Here is the advice she gave me, which I shall now wisely pass on to you, don't judge a drama by its title - just don't. read the descriptions, read the reviews, listen to my advice and then decide.
That said, here are 10 introductory dramas I think will give you a solid foundation and an appreciation for hallyu dramas.
1. Boys Over Flowers - The very first Kdrama I watched and definitely the first K-drama most of us ever watched. It can be a bit unsettling because it offers you an unvarnished view into some unapologetic aspects of Korean culture. Have an open mind and it'll soon become a cult classic for you, I dare you to not fall in love with the F4 and Geum Jan-di.
2. Strong Girl Bong Soon - Way more recent, very hilarious, superb acting. Check out Bong Soon's mom's fashion. this is a very good one.
3. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim - Another excellent drama, devoid of most cliches. Its a bit more daring that you'll find in most korean dramas but it is so so good. If you find yourself getting frustrated with the male lead, just tell yourself patience, it makes his love way more amazing and pure.
4. Goblin or Guardian, the great and lonely God - Amazing storyline, fantasy - perfect for us dreamers and once you're done with is, you'll immediately want to watch "Touch your Heart" to get more of the 2nd leads in an unrelated romance drama.
5. Healer - Because not everyone wants a "sappy" love storyline. Healer is more action/suspense, yes there's romance but it is kind of secondary. You'll definitely fall in love with Wookie(lead actor's nickname) and his Ahjumma, and just a heads up, the lead actress here is also the lead actress in What's wrong with secretary Kim? I did not know they were the same for a long time.
6. Descendants of the Sun - Abs, tourism, espionage and chemistry all pop out from this medical military drama. This was the 2nd drama I ever watched and I definitely knew there was no turning back after I watched it. I also made my brother watch this one and he begrudgingly loved it, he especially loved how the camera cut from one scenes and bled into the next.
7. Oh My Venus - I was so reluctant to watch this one because lets face it, Asian dramas can be insensitive when tackling standards of beauty. Our Daegu Venus is so well done and looks beyond the usual reasons of what people think causes weight gain. The lead actor is mature and just brings a certain pizzaz with his acting, you'll all fall in love with a dimple by the time the show is done. p.s. the lead actress is considered one of korea's leading beauties.
8. My Id is Gangnam Beauty - A Gangnam beauty is a beauty produced by plastic surgeons which is what our lead actress is. It is a very empowering drama that explores the meaning of beauty and the power it gives when you attain it. Female empowerment isn't something you often see in Korean dramas so this one is definitely a must watch once you get tired of watching girls get helplessly dragged by the hand in other dramas.
9. Trot Lovers and Entertainer - For us music lovers. I couldn't pick which of these two shows I liked best. The acting is great, you get an excellent intro to the korean music scene and learn about Trot music.
10. Hello My Twenties - Definitely a coming of age drama but in a very mature way. Its about young college again women and centers around self worth and everything else that comes with it. Excellent acting, great storyline and loads of laughs along the way.
Hope this was helpful, If you need me, I'll be somewhere watching the Return of Superman.
Here is the advice she gave me, which I shall now wisely pass on to you, don't judge a drama by its title - just don't. read the descriptions, read the reviews, listen to my advice and then decide.
That said, here are 10 introductory dramas I think will give you a solid foundation and an appreciation for hallyu dramas.
1. Boys Over Flowers - The very first Kdrama I watched and definitely the first K-drama most of us ever watched. It can be a bit unsettling because it offers you an unvarnished view into some unapologetic aspects of Korean culture. Have an open mind and it'll soon become a cult classic for you, I dare you to not fall in love with the F4 and Geum Jan-di.
2. Strong Girl Bong Soon - Way more recent, very hilarious, superb acting. Check out Bong Soon's mom's fashion. this is a very good one.
3. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim - Another excellent drama, devoid of most cliches. Its a bit more daring that you'll find in most korean dramas but it is so so good. If you find yourself getting frustrated with the male lead, just tell yourself patience, it makes his love way more amazing and pure.
4. Goblin or Guardian, the great and lonely God - Amazing storyline, fantasy - perfect for us dreamers and once you're done with is, you'll immediately want to watch "Touch your Heart" to get more of the 2nd leads in an unrelated romance drama.
5. Healer - Because not everyone wants a "sappy" love storyline. Healer is more action/suspense, yes there's romance but it is kind of secondary. You'll definitely fall in love with Wookie(lead actor's nickname) and his Ahjumma, and just a heads up, the lead actress here is also the lead actress in What's wrong with secretary Kim? I did not know they were the same for a long time.
6. Descendants of the Sun - Abs, tourism, espionage and chemistry all pop out from this medical military drama. This was the 2nd drama I ever watched and I definitely knew there was no turning back after I watched it. I also made my brother watch this one and he begrudgingly loved it, he especially loved how the camera cut from one scenes and bled into the next.
7. Oh My Venus - I was so reluctant to watch this one because lets face it, Asian dramas can be insensitive when tackling standards of beauty. Our Daegu Venus is so well done and looks beyond the usual reasons of what people think causes weight gain. The lead actor is mature and just brings a certain pizzaz with his acting, you'll all fall in love with a dimple by the time the show is done. p.s. the lead actress is considered one of korea's leading beauties.
8. My Id is Gangnam Beauty - A Gangnam beauty is a beauty produced by plastic surgeons which is what our lead actress is. It is a very empowering drama that explores the meaning of beauty and the power it gives when you attain it. Female empowerment isn't something you often see in Korean dramas so this one is definitely a must watch once you get tired of watching girls get helplessly dragged by the hand in other dramas.
9. Trot Lovers and Entertainer - For us music lovers. I couldn't pick which of these two shows I liked best. The acting is great, you get an excellent intro to the korean music scene and learn about Trot music.
10. Hello My Twenties - Definitely a coming of age drama but in a very mature way. Its about young college again women and centers around self worth and everything else that comes with it. Excellent acting, great storyline and loads of laughs along the way.
Hope this was helpful, If you need me, I'll be somewhere watching the Return of Superman.
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