10 Feel-Good K-Dramas to Brighten Your Day

1. "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bokjoo" (2016-2017)

If you thought weightlifting and romance could never be mentioned in the same sentence, think again! The series, inspired by the life of Olympic gold medalist Jang Miran, depicts the life of aspiring weightlifter Kim Bokjoo. Talk about a modern-day Cinderella who swaps out glass slippers for barbells, right?

It's not all sweat and sore muscles; the show expertly weaves in young love, personal growth, and friendship. Plus, who can forget the chemistry between lead actors Lee Sungkyung and Nam Joohyuk? Rumor had it they dated in real life after the show!

2. "Mystic Pop-up Bar" (2020)

What if your neighborhood bar could not just help you forget your worries but literally dive into your dreams and resolve them? Run by an ill-tempered woman, a part-timer, and a former afterlife detective (yes, you read that right), this pop-up bar exists to help customers reconcile with their pasts by entering their dreams.

It's a feel-good mix of the supernatural and everyday problems. Remember to keep an eye out for actor Hwang Jungeum; she's notorious for her comedic chops! Director Jeon Changgeun brings to life this adaptation of a popular webcomic, and word on the street is that some episodes are based on real-life experiences of the crew!

3. "Reply 1988" (2015-2016)

Let's rewind time and get hit with a wave of nostalgia from the late '80s! "Reply 1988" is not just a story but a journey through the lives of five friends and their families living in the same neighborhood. You've got quirky habits, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of growing pains.

And here's a juicy tidbit: While the series is filled with potential lovers and red herrings, even the cast wasn't told who the female lead would end up with until the final episodes! Talk about suspense for both actors and audience alike.

4. "Welcome to Waikiki" (2018)

Looking for a chaotic yet utterly delightful story of young people chasing dreams? Enter the world of "Welcome to Waikiki." Three men, running a failing guesthouse, suddenly find themselves taking care of a mysterious baby and her single mother.

The sitcom-style drama is full of laugh-out-loud moments, and actor Kim Junghyun, known for his serious roles, shocked everyone with impeccable comedic timing. Oh, and remember that scene where an actor is stuck in a mascot costume? Well, it took hours to shoot because the crew couldn't stop laughing!

5. "Because This Is My First Life" (2017)

When life throws you a curveball, catch it with both hands!

This drama introduces two individuals, both in their 30s, who decide to get married for practical reasons, not love. What ensues is a beautiful exploration of modern-day relationships, societal pressures, and personal aspirations. It's an unconventional storyline that challenges societal norms.

Actress Jung Somin received praise for portraying her character's journey from timid to empowered. Behind the scenes, some dialogues were so poignant that they became popular quotes in South Korea.

6. "The Sound of Your Heart" (2016-2017)

Imagine a show about a cartoonist and his peculiar yet hilarious family. Sounds fun? "The Sound of Your Heart" does just that. Starring Lee Kwangsoo, known as the "Giraffe" on the variety show "Running Man," this sitcom-like series is pure comedic gold.

The episodes are based on a webcomic by Jo Seok, who's, surprise, the main character! Did you know? Lee Kwangsoo and Jo Seok even met in real life to discuss the role. Talk about a meta-experience!

7. "Fight for My Way" (2017)

Who doesn't love a good underdog story? Featuring childhood friends trying to realize their dreams despite life's obstacles, "Fight for My Way" packs a punch. While lead actor Park Seojoon trained hard for his MMA fighter role, it was his impeccable portrayal of daily life struggles that won hearts.

And get this: The actors were so committed that during a serious scene, Park Seojoon ended up accidentally breaking a prop with his bare hands!

8. "Shopping King Louis" (2016)

Amnesia tropes are a dime a dozen, but "Shopping King Louis" gives it a fresh spin. An heir to a vast fortune, Louis, loses his memory and learns about life from the very bottom. It's a mix of humor, love, and rediscovering oneself.

The camaraderie between Seo Inguk and Nam Jihyun is infectious. In fact, their off-screen friendship made headlines, with fans often spotting them out and about in Seoul after the series ended!

9. "Her Private Life" (2019)

Fandoms, art, and love — an unlikely combo? Think again! Dive into the double life of an art gallery curator who's secretly a die-hard fan of a K-pop idol.

Actress Park Minyoung nails the role, showcasing the passionate world of fans and their dedication. Director Hong Jongchan was so impressed by the chemistry between the leads that he often encouraged improv, making certain scenes even more memorable!

10. "Avengers Social Club" (2017)

This isn't your typical avengers' team. Instead of superheroes, imagine three women from different walks of life coming together to seek revenge against those who've wronged them.

Amidst the satisfying revenge plots, there are loads of moments that'll make you chuckle. The powerful portrayal of female solidarity sets this drama apart.

And here's some tea: During shooting, the three main actresses became so close they'd often hang out off-set, blurring the lines between fiction and reality!