According to Reddit, These Are 7 K-Dramas to Watch for Any First-Timer

K-dramas put many people off due to stereotypes of cliché and low quality.

However, these seven series prove otherwise and will instantly appeal to all newcomers!

7. Little Women (2022, 12 episodes)

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Available on: Netflix

Even if you've never been exposed to Korean pop culture, you've probably heard of Bong Joon-ho's Parasite. Korean movies and TV series always express the pain and struggles of Korean society. A notable example is Little Women, which follows three sisters raised in poverty. They inherit a vast fortune, but it draws them into a conflict with one of the most powerful families in modern Korea.

For those new to K-dramas, Little Women is sure to appeal for its similar tone and ideas to Parasite, as well as a murder mystery that will keep you on your toes.

6. One Spring Night (2019, 32 episodes)

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Available on: Netflix

When the early midlife crisis hits, life seems to be over and the years left are filled with reflection on the past, but life is always full of joy and surprises. Jeong-in has to get married at the behest of her family, while Ji-ho has a little son from a previous relationship. This is an example of one of the most mature K-dramas, and both actors, Han Ji-min and Jung Hae-in, deliver incredibly moving performances, subtly expressing the feelings and trials of two confused adults.

5. Kingdom (2019, 12 episodes)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Available on: Netflix

Everyone has probably heard of Kingdom, as the series is often ranked alongside Squid Games as Netflix's flagship show. Events revolve around a crown prince whose father has been resurrected to prevent him from becoming the new king. But everything turns into a full-blown zombie catastrophe. Despite such a wild setting, the series manages to deliver a great story with enough historical depictions, gripping mystical thriller and dramatic action scenes.

4. Moving (2023, 20 episodes)

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Available on: Disney+

The plot, which combines elements of superhero action and spy thrillers, revolves around three high schoolers who possess superpowers: levitation, regeneration, superhuman strength and speed. It is revealed that their parents also have these abilities and they are former agents hunted by both the Korean NIS and the American CIA.

The series has been praised for many aspects, including storytelling, world-building, quality special effects, and talented acting, which only adds to the prestige of the series and makes it a worthy competitor to other superhero franchises.

3. Mr. Queen (2020, 20 episodes)

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Available on: Netflix

The protagonist is a leading chef in modern Korea who ends up in the body of 19th-century Queen Cheorin. This remarkably self-aware satirical drama provides plenty of comedic material and a carefully crafted romantic storyline, which makes it a great introduction to K-drama.

2. Crash Landing on You (2019, 16 episodes)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Available on: Netflix

This series became one of the most recommended entry-level K-dramas. Crash Landing on You is a beautiful romantic drama about the love between a South Korean businesswoman and a North Korean officer that not only expresses the historical pain of the people of the entire Korean peninsula, but also provides both an exciting adventure and a touching love story.

1. My Mister (2018, 16 episodes)

IMDb rating: 9.1/10

Available on: Netflix

The series follows the unlikely friendship of two people as they struggle against the unfair South Korean system: a woman in her 20s who is deeply burdened by debts and caring for her ailing mother, and a man in his 40s who is under constant pressure from his co-workers and brothers. This K-drama stands out from the rest because it is incredibly harsh and yet incredibly uplifting.