These 10 K-Dramas Are So Great, Even People Who Don’t Like K-Dramas Will Enjoy

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Many K-dramas are captivating enough that even those who typically avoid the genre might find themselves enthralled. With an array of shows spanning numerous genres gaining international acclaim through streaming platforms, it can be challenging to pinpoint which ones align with your preferences, especially if you’re not a fan of common K-drama motifs.

It’s fortunate that many Korean dramas offer compelling storylines that a wide range of people can appreciate. While it’s simple to list well-known K-dramas, there are lesser-known treasures that even those who haven’t enjoyed the subgenre before might find captivating. From spine-tingling horror K-dramas to historical series, certain shows boast unique narratives and characters that anyone could embrace.

10. Business Proposal

Release Year: 2022

According to the web novel “The Office Blind Date” by Hae Hwa, “Business Proposal” offers a delightful and chuckle-worthy exploration of romantic entanglements. The series follows Shin A-ri as she finds herself on a blind date with her boss, who unexpectedly proposes marriage to her in an attempt to dodge his grandfather’s pressure for him to wed. Once “Business Proposal” landed on Netflix, it quickly became one of their most watched K-dramas, and it’s not hard to see why!

The strength of the Business Proposal lies in its simplicity, avoiding overly complex themes. Rather, it wholeheartedly adheres to romantic clichés, creating an enticing narrative and a captivating love story. Despite some flaws, such as the male lead being depicted as a savior, this K-drama is a delightful watch that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

9. Because This Is My First Life

Release Year: 2017

In K-dramas, marriages of convenience are a common theme, yet Because This Is My First Life provides a unique perspective on this narrative trope. The show features Jung So-min as Yoon Ji-ho and Lee Min-ki as Nam Se-hee. Unlike other stories, these characters enter into marriage not out of love, but due to their specific circumstances. While the storyline may seem familiar, Because This Is My First Life distinguishes itself in numerous ways.

This Korean drama titled “Because This Is My First Life” might seem like a typical romantic series, yet it steers clear of excessive melodrama. Instead, it offers a unique perspective on love and its evolution, largely due to Nam Se-hee’s thoughts on romantic relationships. The show progresses gradually, but the payoff is well worth the investment. The chemistry between Jung So-min and Lee Min-ki is palpable, and what truly sets this series apart is how it skillfully integrates other plotlines without causing overwhelm. This results in a highly binge-worthy drama.

8. Record Of Youth

Release Year: 2022

2020’s standout K-drama, “Record of Youth,” was incredibly popular in South Korea. The series revolves around the personal and professional journeys of three friends as they navigate the highs and lows within the entertainment industry. Although the show primarily explores the challenges faced by millennials in pursuit of their ambitions, it also includes a heartwarming love story.

The Record of Youth isn’t particularly original within the K-drama genre, as its narrative doesn’t introduce fresh elements. Nevertheless, it offers an enjoyable watch, despite its familiar tropes. The series’ exploration of family struggles and delayed dreams resonates deeply, making it highly relatable and inspiring for viewers who can identify with similar experiences.

7. Itaewon Class

Release Year: 2020

Park Seo-joon has shone in numerous K-dramas, yet none compare to the excellence of “Itaewon Class” so far. This series weaves a poignant story about an individual whose life is devastated by those with greater power, and his subsequent struggle to regain what he’s lost. When “Itaewon Class” debuted, it struck a chord with viewers, and its popularity continues to thrive today.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to express that “Itaewon Class” is an exceptionally inspiring Korean TV series for me. Despite Park Sae-ro-yi facing seemingly insurmountable odds, his unwavering determination and supportive network enabled him to realize his dreams. The show is deeply moving, and its depiction of individuals striving to find their niche in life resonates profoundly. In essence, “Itaewon Class” embodies the kind of K-drama that will take you on an emotional journey, with its themes of found family and romantic entanglements, culminating in a heartfelt conclusion.

6. Fight For My Way

Release Year: 2017

Another fantastic series starring Park Seo-joon is the everyday life Korean drama, Fight For My Way. What makes this K-drama stand out is its talented ensemble cast, who have all achieved remarkable success following their roles in the show. The friends-to-lovers story revolves around Dongman, a mixed martial arts fighter, and his love for his childhood best friend.

The transformation from friends to romantic partners isn’t an unusual plotline, but “Fight For My Way” executes it convincingly. The show is both amusing and moving, with moments that truly resonate. Actors Park Seo-joon and Kim Ji-won are delightful additions, yet the bond of friendship between the four young characters is what truly ties the series together. This bond is particularly notable due to their mutual support in pursuing their dreams.

5. Mr. Sunshine

Release Year: 2018

The highly praised Korean drama, “Mr. Sunshine,” weaves an engaging storyline encompassing love and sorrow. Penned by Kim Eun-sook, “Mr. Sunshine” chronicles the life of Eugene Choi, a young man who, after losing his parents, migrates to the U.S., later joining the army. Upon returning home, he develops feelings for Go Ae-shin, a noblewoman concealing a hidden past. When it initially aired, “Mr. Sunshine” was both a critical and audience success, and remains one of tvN’s most popular K-dramas to date.

In contrast to other Korean dramas that merely explore class disparities in romantic relationships, Mr. Sunshine distinguishes itself by delving into a tumultuous era in South Korean history. This captivating narrative is further enhanced by exceptional performances, and one of the standout aspects of the series are its robust female characters, adding significant depth to the K-drama experience.

4. Crash Landing On You

Release Year: 2019

Approximately six years ago, “Crash Landing On You” was first aired and has since earned the status of a timeless classic. In this series, Hyun Bin portrays Captain Ri, a North Korean soldier whose life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with a South Korean heiress. By showcasing a forbidden romance between captivating characters, “Crash Landing On You” demonstrated that such stories continue to resonate strongly with audiences.

In “Crash Landing On You,” I found myself captivated by a heartwarming and seemingly impossible love tale between individuals who are expected to despise each other due to their differing origins. The romantic connection between Se-ri and Captain Ri lies at the core of this series, but its side plots and well-crafted characters are part of what makes it a true masterpiece. This Korean romantic series will undoubtedly whisk you away on an intense emotional journey as its leads navigate the odds stacked against them achieving a joyful ending.

3. When Life Gives You Tangerines

Release Year: 2025

By the time When Life Gives You Tangerines hit the screens in 2025, it had already solidified its place among the top K-dramas of the year. Starring UI as Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik, When Gives You Tangerines takes viewers on a journey through the lives of these two principal characters. This historical K-drama can be incredibly moving at times, particularly when it delves into the hardships Ae-sun faced while growing up in a disadvantaged family on Jeju Island.

When Life Gives You Tangerines Key Facts
Directed By Kim Won-seok
Written By Lim Sang-choon
Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score 100%

In When Life Gives You Tangerines, a captivating exploration of Korean history, we delve into the lives of the haenyeo, a remarkable group of women divers who are too frequently underestimated. The characters in this K-drama are so skillfully portrayed that viewers find themselves deeply engrossed in their story. When Life Gives You Tangerines can be intense at times, but it’s one of those Korean TV series that takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster ride – a journey worth every twist and turn, especially when the final episode is reached.

2. All Of Us Are Dead

Release Year: 2022

It’s clear that Netflix’s original K-drama, All of Us Are Dead, has significantly boosted the appeal of this subgenre among viewers. This K-drama revolves around a band of students who find themselves battling zombies following an unexpected attack. Given the widespread popularity of the zombie genre in fiction, creating something fresh and original is quite challenging.

Yet, the series “All of Us Are Dead” skillfully achieves this balance. Its characters are not just one-dimensional but richly complex, and the zombies in this show stand out as something extraordinary. The writing is so masterful that even those who typically shy away from horror genres might find themselves captivated by it.

1. Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Release Year: 2022

Just like medical dramas captivate audiences with an intriguing glimpse into the world of medicine, legal dramas do the same for professions in the legal field. However, when it comes to K-dramas about lawyers, they stand out distinctly, as seen in “Extraordinary Attorney Woo”. This Korean legal series revolves around Attorney Woo, an exceptional lawyer who happens to be neurodiverse and manages to secure a position at a top-tier law firm.

The exceptional series Extraordinary Attorney Woo stands out as a remarkable gem within the realm of K-dramas, thanks to its thoughtful and endearing nature. Woo’s journey through her challenging professional path is not an easy one, but it skillfully portrays her battles and triumphant moments. The series also offers a captivating love story and intriguing legal cases, making it an enticing choice for those who appreciate both romance and law-oriented dramas.

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2025-06-03 05:19