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From romance to thrillers, these must-see K-drama series will keep you hooked.
In the past few years, a cultural phenomenon has taken the globe by storm. Known as the ‘Hallyu Wave’ or Korean Wave, it has surged in popularity, particularly among younger audiences. This Korean cultural explosion began in the late 1990s, but it wasn't until the early 2010s—fueled by the rise of streaming services and social media—that it gained further traction. This wave has become a major economic driver for South Korea. In fact, K-pop music and merchandise sales contribute billions of dollars to the nation’s GDP.
India hasn't been immune to its influence, either. The Hallyu Wave has infiltrated Indian homes through K-pop music, fashion, and even Korean food.. One such source of entertainment is K-dramas. With their heart-fluttering romances to historical epics and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, they offer a fresh alternative to Indian television. Here are some top K-dramas that have positioned themselves as a classic in households with ardent fans of the genre.
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Crash Landing on You
This Korean drama has gained immense popularity globally, ranking as among the top 80 Korean dramas on Netflix. The story revolves around a South Korean Son Ye-ri heiress who accidentally lands on the border of North Korea after a paragliding mishap. There, she lands on Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok, a stoic North Korean officer. Afraid of the consequences, Ri Jeong-hyeok decides to hide Se-ri.
Their forbidden romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of cultural differences and the looming threat of getting caught. The narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of a divided Korea. As Se-ri tries to find a way back south, Jeong-hyeok risks his career and reputation to protect her.
Image: Netflix
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Queen of Tears
Female Tsunderes have been gaining a lot of attention in K-dramas in recent years. Our Hong Hae-In from Queen of Tears brought many viewers to, well, tears.
Baek Hyun-woo is a lawyer who works for the Queens Group, a large conglomerate, and Hong Hae-in an heiress to the Queens Group. This drama revolves around the narrative of a marriage in crisis with Hae-In's failing health and initial hesitation about staying in his marriage, Hyun-woo's journey to independence unexpectedly reignites his love for Hae-In, realising why he fell in love with her in the first place.
Image: Netflix
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Hellbound
This dark fantasy thriller series depicts a terrifying new reality where vicious beings appear out of nowhere, condemning people to brutal deaths and an eternity in hell. A religious group, the New Truth Society, capitalises on the chaos, claiming these as divine punishments. Amidst this bleakness, lawyer Jin Kyung-hoon fights to protect the condemned, while a police officer, Min Hye-jin, investigates the mysterious beings. They grapple with shaken faith, social unrest, and a fight for survival in a world facing a horrifying new kind of hell.
Image: Netflix
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Mr. Sunshine
This historical romance Korean drama on Netflix takes place in a turbulent early 1900s Korea. Eugene, a Korean boy who escaped poverty on a US ship, returns as a Marine officer, now all grown up. He wrestles with his past while falling for Ae-shin, an aristocratic sharpshooter. Their love blossoms amidst rising tensions. Eugene witnesses plots by foreign powers to exploit Korea. Torn between his loyalty to his adopted nation and his love for his homeland, Eugene must choose where he truly belongs. Action, romance, and political intrigue collide as they fight for Joseon's independence amid escalating conflict.
Image: Netflix
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Kingdom
A strange sickness plagues Joseon. The dead rise, a terrifying new threat. Crown Prince Lee Chang, suspecting more than illness, investigates and discovers that his kingdom has been plagued by zombies. To find the cure for this apocalyptic situation, he escapes with a skilled doctor and a mysterious herbalist. Between political backstabbing and bloody zombie fights, they must find a solution to save Joseon, or Korea will succumb to this relentless hunger.
Image: Netflix
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Alchemy of Souls
This fantasy romance Korean drama on Netflix takes you to a fictional land called Daeho, where mages bend the elements. Ang Uk, ostracised for his blocked magic, crosses paths with Mu-Deok, a legendary assassin trapped in a frail body. Praised for its visually stunning special effects and well-developed characters, it is a unique blend of fantasy, romance, and action that has garnered a strong international fanbase.
Image: Netflix
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The Glory
Inspired by a real-life event that from 2006 at a girls' school in Cheongju, Korea, this gripping South Korean revenge thriller tells the story of Moon Dong-eun, a woman consumed by a desire to avenge the horrific bullying she endured in high school. The trauma forced her to drop out, and years later, she meticulously crafts a plan to avenge her tormentors.
Dong-eun becomes the elementary school teacher of the child of her main bully, Park Yeon-jin. This calculated move allows her to infiltrate Yeon-jin's seemingly perfect life and inflict a devastating revenge plot. Expect dark twists, psychological manipulation, and the blurred lines between victim and villain.
Image: IMDB
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Our Beloved Summer
Our Beloved Summer is a South Korean rom-com that follows the journey of two ex-lovers, Kook Yeon-soo and Choi Ung, forced back into each other's lives a decade after their high-school relationship. A documentary they filmed together back then goes viral, compelling them into an unwanted spotlight.
Despite their break-up pact, they are contractually obligated to reunite for a follow-up documentary. The contrasting worlds they've built for themselves clash—Yeon-soo, the once studious girl, is now a struggling artist, and Ung, the goofy classmate, is a successful illustrator. The series is a feel-good Korean show on Netflix that explores themes of first love, growing up, and the complexities of rekindled romance, all laced with comedic touches.
Image: IMDB
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D.P.
A Netflix original, this series dives into the underbelly of South Korea's mandatory military service for its citizens. An acronym for ‘Deserter Pursuit’, the series follows Private Ahn Jun-ho, a young soldier assigned to the D.P. unit. Their mission? Track down and capture those who've fled the harsh realities of military life.
As Jun-ho accompanies the gruff Corporal Han Ho-yeol on these manhunts, he uncovers the hidden stories behind each desertion. D.P. isn't just a military action drama but a poignant social commentary that exposes the dark side of conscription. Expect action sequences alongside moments of quiet reflection, all focusing on the psychological toll military service can take.
Image: IMDB
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