10 Iconic K-Dramas You Need to Watch as a Newbie K-Drama Fan

If you feel like you've seen every Western show you ever wanted to see, and you're still craving something different, it's time to give K-dramas a try. Although many people fear that they won't be able to enjoy the shows because of the constant need to read subtitles, in most cases this fear disappears after a few episodes.

What viewers do get is a wide variety of shows in different genres where everything is possible. From romance to fantasy, from superhero stories to mysterious murders, pick a show that appeals to you the most and dive into the K-drama adventure.

Squid Game ( 2021)

Even those who have never heard of anything K-drama related could not miss the buzz around Squid Game. And yes, the show is definitely worth the hype. The gripping story of 456 players competing in deadly versions of children's games for a huge cash prize will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more when it's over.

Boys Over Flowers (2009)

After being invited to a prestigious school, lower-class Geum Jan Di quickly becomes the target of bullies. However, the F4, the boys who pursue her the most, soon find out that there is an endearing personality behind the fragile facade, and go through a change of heart to become better people.

Goblin (2016)

For those who enjoy ancient myths and fantasy-based stories set in modern times, Goblin would be a perfect choice. Punished with immortality for his war crimes, Goblin seeks his bride, a woman who can draw his blade and kill him, ending his suffering. But when he finally finds her, the killing part suddenly becomes difficult.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)

Always dreaming of being a damsel in distress, small and fragile, Do Bong Soon was cursed with a superpower passed down from woman to woman in her family. But when she finds a job as a bodyguard for a childish CEO who needs protection, and begins to use her power for good, she learns to accept herself as she is.

Moving (2023)

Moving may simply be the best superhero show out there, as it focuses heavily on not only the teenage heroes themselves, but also their families and loved ones who desperately want to protect them. Moving is an action-packed story about family, friends, superpowers, and what makes good always stronger than evil.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Becoming a lawyer is not an easy task for anyone, let alone a successful one. However, it is even harder when you are different from the people around you. The show focuses on the struggles of the titular character, 27-year-old Woo Young Woo, in building her career while being on the autism spectrum and fighting twice as hard to prove herself.

True Beauty (2020)

After being mercilessly bullied at school, Lim Ju Gyeong had to change her entire appearance to conform to society's expectations. However, no amount of cosmetics and procedures can help a person find happiness as long as they despise themselves. Fortunately, there is someone who can help her.

Secret Garden (2010)

Despite being more than a decade old, this drama is still a perfect example of one of the most popular romantic tropes: body-swapping. Two characters, an arrogant CEO, Kim Joo Won, and a stunt actress, Gil Ra Im, who is not looking for further recognition, did not have the best impression of each other, but things only got worse when they switched bodies.

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

If there is one romantic drama that deserves all the recognition, it is What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. This is the story of Kim Mi So, the secretary of the narcissistic CEO Lee Young Joon, who one day decides that she has had enough and quits her job. However, she is too good to be replaced, so Young Joon looks for all possible ways to make her stay.

Flower of Evil (2020)

Another story of love, betrayal and deep secrets is Flower of Evil. It follows a dedicated and smart homicide detective, Cha Ji Won, as she begins to investigate a series of serial murders dating back 15 years. The deeper she digs, the more uneasy she becomes about her own husband, Baek Hee Sung, who seems to have some skeletons in his closet.