Don’t Know Where to Start? Here Are 10 Best K-Dramas For Beginners
Your starter pack to a mesmerizing new world is right here.
Welcome to the addictive world of South Korean TV dramas, where storytelling reaches new heights, emotions run deep, and binge-watching becomes a form of art.
If you're dipping your toes into the world of K-dramas and feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, we've got your back.
Here are 10 must-watch K-dramas to start your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
1. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016 - 2017)
The series has been praised for its outstanding acting and fresh storytelling, with a standout supporting cast, including a popular bromance with a Grim Reaper.
2. Vincenzo (2021)
For those craving a blend of dark comedy and crime thrills, Vincenzo defies genre boundaries with a unique plot despite its legal drama core. Following an Italian mafia consigliere's return to South Korea in search of hidden gold, the series gets zanier and zanier with each episode.
With compelling villains, makeshift family dynamics, and a steamy romance, Vincenzo has something for everyone, making it a must-watch for those looking for an unpredictable and entertaining ride.
3. King The Land (2023)
King The Land is an ideal starting K-drama for beginners, offering a light and sweet romance with a fusion of historical fantasy. The story revolves around Goo Won, heir to the King Group, who undergoes a transformation when he meets Cheon Sa Rang, a woman with a sincere smile.
Initially at odds, their relationship evolves into a heartfelt love story, making this series a delightful introduction for those new to K-dramas.
4. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)
If your heart beats for office romances, What's Wrong With Secretary Kim is a prime choice. Lee Yeong-joon, a self-obsessed elite, is left perplexed when his irreplaceable secretary decides to quit. As he tries to fix the situation, the dynamic changes unexpectedly, and Secretary Kim, who initially couldn't stand him, starts to develop unexpected feelings.
Serving up laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming relationships, this series is the perfect entry point into K-drama's romantic comedy universe.
5. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Twenty-Five Twenty-One, which shares its title with a song by popular K-indie rock band Jaurim, is a coming-of-age romance that's created a lot of buzz. Aimed at the younger generation, the series revolves around five friends navigating early adulthood in the difficult aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
It beautifully captures the challenges and triumphs of the transition from adolescence to adulthood, making it a compelling and touching watch for viewers of all ages.
6. Itaewon Class (2020)
Itaewon Class isn't just a drama; it's a journey from underdog to succeeding in the cutthroat restaurant industry. This captivating Netflix series revolves around Sae-Ro-Yi, the main character, who is imprisoned off-screen, setting the stage for a compelling narrative.
Upon his release, Sae-Ro-Yi honors his late father by opening a bar-restaurant, but the past keeps haunting him. Viewers can't help but cheer on Sae-Ro-Yi's journey to overcome obstacles and change his destiny, making this K-drama a timeless tale of resilience and justice.
7. Signal (2016)
Signal is an exciting K-drama that adds a touch of magical realism to its gripping story. When a mysterious walkie-talkie connects a past and future police officer solving a kidnapping case, they work together to solve cases spanning different time periods.
As the story unfolds, changes in the past begin to affect the future, creating a race against time to solve cases and save lives. The series captivates viewers with its suspenseful plot, driven by a single supernatural element that leaves viewers wanting more.
8. Business Proposal (2022)
Adapted from a popular webtoon, Business Proposal is one of the best Korean dramas for beginners as this comedy romance follows the story of Shin Ha Ri, a cheerful and hardworking woman facing financial difficulties. When her friend Jin Young Seo, the daughter of a chaebol family, asks her to replace her on a blind date, Ha Ri accepts in exchange for some extra money.
Little does she know that the blind date is Kang Tae Moo, the CEO of her workplace. Tae Moo, frustrated with arranged blind dates, decides to marry the next woman he meets, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements with Ha Ri.
9. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
This captivating series invites you into a mystical hotel for ghosts, combining supernatural fantasy with a touch of romance. With stunning cinematography, the series explores themes of redemption and the afterlife as it revolves around Jang Man-Wol, the owner of a hotel where restless souls stay before moving on.
The story spans several time periods and, with its star-studded cast and stunning costumes, delivers a compelling and beautifully tragic tale.
10. Move to Heaven (2021)
Move to Heaven is not your typical drama, as it centers on Han Geu Roo, a 20-year-old autistic worker in a crime scene cleaning business, who faces a life-changing event when his father dies. Now his uncle, Cho Sang Gu, an ex-convict, must work with Geu Roo in the family business to claim the inheritance.
This touching series beautifully explores such heartbreaking themes as loss and the power of human connection that follows. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that'll tug at your heartstrings.