Introduction
If you want to get into Korean dramas, which are a world unto themselves, there’s a good chance it’ll be overwhelming. There are so many options! And some of them are incredibly dramatic and cheesy. So if you’re new to this world and looking for some recommendations on what to watch first, here are seven shows that will help ease you into the K-drama habit:
“This Life Is Our First Life”
This Life Is Our First Life is a romantic comedy about a couple who meet in their 20s and fall in love. The drama follows their relationship, marriage, and family life—with all the struggles they face along the way.
“I Hear Your Voice”
Watching the first episode of “I Hear Your Voice” is a great way to get into Korean dramas. It’s an old classic so that you can expect many heartwarming moments and good vibes.
There’s also a bunch of romance and comedy—the prosecutor who hears voices in his head falls for one of his clients, who happens to be able to see the future. If you want something lighthearted while still learning about Korea and its culture, this is one of the best choices!
“Fated to Love You”
The story of a man who is destined to fall in love with seven women, this drama was adapted from the Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden. It follows an aspiring chef named Gu Yiming (Kim Bum), who falls for a woman named Bai Xuan (Moon Geun Young) after being cursed by an evil goldfish spirit named Qing Nü Er. While Gu Yiming is trying to win over Bai Xuan, he falls for two other women: Yang Yuqin (Jang Na Ra) and Zhang Xueqiu (Bae Suzy).
This drama is perfect for beginners because it’s funny and lighthearted without being too cliche or unrealistic—plus, it has plenty of romance so that you won’t get bored!
“The Princess’s Man”
While this drama may have a slow start, the story is well worth watching. The theatre features a love triangle between two princes and their bodyguards. It was one of the first K-dramas to star an actor in his 30s as the male lead (alongside Lee Dong Wook from “Heartstrings”).
The show also helped change the industry by bringing more mature actors into work with younger actors—a trend that continues today. The drama won several awards at the SDA (Seoul Drama Awards) and MBC Drama Awards, including Best Actor for Ji Sung’s portrayal of bodyguard Kim Yoon Shik.
“Love Rain”
- “Love Rain” is a great drama to watch if you like romantic comedies. The story focuses on a young man who falls in love with a woman who is his father’s first love, and their relationship continues as they grow older. This drama has many moments that make you laugh out loud, and it also incorporates some exciting twists and turns.
- It’s also worth mentioning that this show has been remade in Japan and China since its release in 2012.
“I Am Legend”
“I Am Legend” is a unique Korean drama that tells the story of a man who is the last person left in his city after a mysterious disease wipes out everyone else. Yoo Seung Ho plays Kang Woo, an aspiring doctor who must find a cure for this infection before it destroys him and his loved ones.
The drama explores themes including love, friendship and survival as Kang Woo attempts to rescue his girlfriend (Kim So-eun) from an infected patient at her hospital and then finds himself going on several adventures with other people he meets along the way. The show also features fun elements like time travel and zombie-like creatures called “shadows,” which add some surprise to each episode! This one might be perfect if you’re looking for something different from your typical romance or crime thriller Kdrama watch list!
“Remember – War of the Son”
Remember – War of the Son (아들의 전쟁) is a coming-of-age story that revolves around a boy who learns to live with his father after his mother’s death. The drama is based on the famous novel “Remembering Ancestors” by Kim Young-ha.
After losing his mother, Park Seo Joon (Jung Kyung Ho) moves into her house and sees it as an opportunity to learn more about their past. He finds himself growing closer to his stepbrother, Kang Han Na (Lee Sung Kyung), while also dealing with his father’s troubled past and struggles and their various issues. The drama follows how they grow up over time, change their perspectives on life and relationships, find love again in different ways and overcome all obstacles together!
Watch these dramas for a fun and accessible introduction to Kdrama
If you’re new to Korean dramas, these are the best ones to watch. They have a good balance of drama and romance but don’t go overboard. The characters also tend to be easy to relate with because they deal with problems that many people face in real life: family issues, friendship issues and relationship issues (which often lead back to family issues).
The dramas listed below can be watched on Viki (where English subtitles are available) or Dramafever (with English subtitles).
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket and some snacks, put on your favourite playlist, and get ready to enjoy the best Korean dramas for beginners!
