10 Totally Underrated K-Dramas From the 2000s

Although there are many K-dramas worthy of viewers' attention, not many people dive deeper into the genre than the 2010s. While some worry about the outdated visuals, others are afraid of hurtful stereotypes and prejudiced storylines.

While both concerns are valid, the stories these shows tell are entertaining enough to keep anyone glued to their screens, and nostalgic enough to make viewers long for the days long gone. If you want to give an older K-drama a try, here are 10 you might want to start with.

Winter Sonata (2002)

When Joon Sang first appeared in the lives of 3 high school friends, he was cold and had trouble opening up, but decided to let them all in anyway. The friendship didn't last long, though, as he disappeared as abruptly as he arrived. 10 years later, they had all moved on with their lives, but he reappeared to bring back the strongest memories and feelings.

Goong (2006)

What happens when an ordinary high school student finds out that she will marry the crown prince? This show, set in a fictionalized version of Korea where the monarchy still exists, tells the story of such a girl, Chae Gyeong. Struggling to fit into the royal life of responsibility and intrigue, she must reinvent herself and find a new place in society.

Full House (2004)

Han Ji Eun, whose father has built a house with the title "Full House", falls victim to her best friends' trick and goes on vacation. There she meets an actor with a horrible attitude and returns to find that the house has been sold to him. Now they have to live together as she tries to get her house back and find a way to fix their relationship.

My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

There's nothing sweeter than a life with a baker as talented as Kim Sam Soon. But not even the most delicious cakes and pastries can save her crumbling relationship with her cheating boyfriend. The only thing keeping her from despair is a new job at Bon Appetit and a rivalry with the restaurant's owner, Hyun Jin Hun.

Stairway to Heaven (2003)

Having grown up together since childhood, it seems that nothing can break the bond between Cha Song Joo and Hang Jung Suh. But when Jung Suh's father remarries, their lives are shattered and their relationship is put to the test by two scheming step-siblings who try to drive them apart. Will fate be on their side or will their relationship crumble under the pressure?

Attic Cat (2003)

Desperate to impress his crush, spoiled and rich Kyung Min decides to befriend her poor friend Jung Eun. Due to Jung Eun's financial problems, the two end up living together in the rooftop room. The unlikely friendship and the forced closeness help them to see the good in each other and play a big role in their blossoming romance.

Wonderful Life (2005)

Everything in this life happens for a reason, but Han Seung Wan and Jung Se Jin don't really think about that when they have a one night stand abroad. Back in Korea, Se Jin finds out that she's pregnant, but decides to raise the baby on her own. A year later, when the secret is revealed, the two are forced to get married by their families and thus the story begins.

Stained Glass (2004)

Abandoned by their real parents, Dong Joo and Gi Tae grow up like brothers in an orphanage. One day, however, their relationship becomes strained when they both fall in love with the same girl. After a traumatic accident, Dong Joo is adopted by a Japanese couple and becomes the heir to their fortune. 12 years later, the trio is reunited.

Delightful Girl, Choon Hyang (2005)

After Mong Ryong is transferred to a high school in Seoul, Choon Hyang makes it his priority to get him into a prestigious university. But Mong Ryong, who has fallen in love with someone else, doesn't return Choon Hyang's favor. She remains devastated until she meets Byeon Hak Do, CEO of a famous entertainment company, who will do anything to make her love him.

Beautiful Days (2001)

There are two sets of siblings, one more fortunate than the other. Two brothers from a wealthy family with many dark secrets, and two sisters from an orphanage trying to make it in life. Through a complicated series of events, their lives become intertwined and tangled with a romance that pits the closest people against each other.