These K-dramas show us it's okay to be awkward, to face challenges in fitting in or speaking up, because, in the end, the characters here find their own unique paths to happiness and self-acceptance.
1. "Flower Boy Next Door" (2013)
Peeking out at the world from her apartment, reclusive Go Dok-mi's quiet life is upended by her handsome and outgoing neighbor Enrique Geum, who draws her out of her shell and into a series of misadventures and romance, challenging her isolated existence.
2. "My Shy Boss" (also known as "Introverted Boss") (2017)
After a misunderstanding goes viral, extremely introverted CEO Eun Hwan-ki struggles to rehabilitate his image with the help of his new extroverted employee, Chae Ro-woon, who is secretly plotting her revenge against him for past grievances, leading to unexpected romance and personal growth.
3. "Because This is My First Life" (2017)
A pragmatic software engineer and a broke assistant writer enter a contract marriage for mutual benefit, but their living arrangement brings unexpected lessons in love, partnership, and life as they deal with societal pressures and personal dilemmas.
4. "Stranger" (also known as "Secret Forest") (2017)
A stoic prosecutor with an inability to feel emotions teams up with a passionate and warm-hearted detective to uncover corruption in the prosecutor's office, unraveling a web of intrigue that challenges their principles and justice in society.
5. "Cheese In The Trap" (2016)
College student Hong Seol navigates her relationship with mysterious classmate Yoo Jung; despite his perfect facade, his dark side and the complexities of their fellow students lead to a precarious balancing act of trust, manipulation, and romance.
6. "Oh My Ghost" (2015)
Na Bong-sun, a timid chef assistant possessed by a lustful virgin ghost, suddenly changes her demeanor, catching the eye of her crush, star chef Kang Sun-woo, leading to a mix of hilarious situations and heartfelt moments as they solve the ghost's unfinished business.
7. "True Beauty" (2020)
High schooler Lim Ju-kyung, who masters the art of makeup to transform her appearance and gain confidence, navigates the challenges of love, friendship, and self-esteem when her bare face is exposed to a boy who likes her for who she is.
8. "When the Weather is Fine" (2020)
After a series of personal failures, cellist Mok Hae-won moves back to her peaceful hometown, rekindling an old acquaintance with bookshop owner Im Eun-seob; their shared past and current struggles lead to a tender romance amidst the backdrop of a close-knit rural community.
9. "Do You Like Brahms?" (2020)
A story of aspiring classical musicians and their journey of love, ambition, and the pressures of their competitive world, focusing on pianist Park Joon-young and violinist Chae Song-ah as they pursue their dreams and navigate the complexities of relationships within the classical music scene.
10. "Start-Up" (2020)
Seo Dal-mi dreams of becoming Korea's Steve Jobs, and with the help of a team that includes her first love, who has assumed another man's identity, she dives into the world of startup companies, facing challenges of business, innovation, and heartache.
11. "Extracurricular" (2020)
High school student Oh Ji-soo turns to crime to pay for his college tuition, but his double life gets complicated when a classmate becomes involved in his illegal activities, leading to dangerous consequences for both.
12. "My Mister" (2018)
The poignant tale of a stoic middle-aged engineer and a struggling young woman who form an unlikely bond when she's hired to spy on him by his own company; together, they confront their personal demons and societal pressures, finding solace and redemption in their platonic relationship.
13. "Run On" (2020-2021)
A former track star and a film translator stumble into each other's lives, challenging each other to pursue their neglected dreams while dealing with the expectations of those around them, leading to personal discovery and romance.
14. "Misaeng" (2014)
An ex-Go board game player fails to become a professional and stumbles into a corporate job, where he must prove his worth in the cutthroat office environment, learning life lessons from his colleagues and finding his place in the world.
15. "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim" (2018)
Narcissistic vice chairman Lee Young-joon and his capable secretary, Kim Mi-so, who's decided to quit her job after nine years, explore their past connection and present attraction, leading to comedic situations, misunderstandings, and a romantic journey of self-discovery and healing.
_32089.webp)
_32089.webp)
