8 Refreshing Korean Dramas To Watch

The Korean wave has taken over the world with its music, movies and dramas. Korean Dramas have been entertaining people for quite a bit of time now. Korean Dramas only get two types of responses from people - they either love it or hate it. The hate usually is a result of pre-existing stereotype that Korean dramas are too cheesy and are only about romance. That notion is wrong on so many levels and the list below is the evidence. Ranging from medical, legal dramas to psychological thrillers this list has some of the best Korean dramas.

Hospital Playlist

Genre: Slice of Life, Medical

The story revolves around doctors and nurses working at Yulje medical centre. Meeting in their medical school to working in the same hospital 20 years later, five friends navigate through personal and professional relationships. The five used to play together as a band during their student years and decide to revive the tradition.

Hospital Playlist is a mellow and comforting drama. With absolutely loveable characters and awe-spiring scenes, Hospital playlist feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. A drama about friendship, love, and life. This slice of life drama has 2 seasons.

Signal

Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller

Drawing inspiration from real-life serial murders, Signal follows a detective from 1989 who stumbles upon a walkie-talkie which connects him to another detective from the present. Together they solve the cold cases and also try to prevent crimes from happening.

Keeping the suspense intact while not boring the audience, all while delivering the hyped end are the prime qualities of a good thriller and Signal passes with flying colours. It is a well-written drama with a fast-paced plot and interlinked stories. It delves deep into criminal psychology, at the same time, keeps you engaged. A must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

It's Okay, That’s Love

Genre: Melodrama

Playful, charming and successful Jae-yeol is the author of best-selling novels. He seemingly has it all. Hae-soo is a capable psychiatrist with commitment issues and sex phobia. When they meet at a radio show, sparks fly after initial mutual dislike. They become roommates. Hae-soo discovers that Jae-yeol has OCD. As their relationship progresses,

Jae-yeol’s repressed trauma due to the abuse in his childhood resurfaces. Things get complicated when Hae-soo uncovers his traumatic past. The rest of the story is about how Hae-soo and Jae-yeol embrace and heal each other.

It's Okay, That's Love has been lauded for its accurate depiction of mental illnesses. From the main characters to the supporting characters, each character is well developed. This is a heartbreaking drama about love, mental illness, and the importance of mental health. Watch this on Netflix.

Misaeng: Incomplete Life

Genre: Workplace Drama

Jang Geu-rae has played Go(Baduk) all his life. When he fails to achieve his dream of being a professional player, he enters the corporate world with only a high school diploma and his Go playing skills.

Misaeng not only depicts the harsh realities of not having an educational qualification in an academically driven country like Korea but also the toxic work culture. It questions the brutal hierarchy of the corporate world while subtly highlighting the sexism women face at the workplace. The drama is relatable, especially if you're an office goer. Misaeng is inspiring and thought-provoking, it is a drama that makes you believe in second chances and in yourself.

Strangers from Hell

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Yong Jong-woo moves to Seoul after landing an internship in a company. Looking for a cheap place to live, he comes across Eden Studio. Despite its dilapidating condition and shady inhabitants, he moves in. The place and its people feel strange to him and tick him off, but he decides to stay till he has enough money to move out. Soon, creepy instances and unpleasant neighbours scare him out. He packs bags and tries to leave and realises it's too late to get out of the place.

Strangers from hell has the perfect dosage of creepy and mystery to it. Makes you both grossed out and perturbed, leaves its taste alive, even after the show ends. Watch this unsettling drama on Netflix.

Healer

Genre: Romantic Action Thriller

The drama follows Seo Jung-hu, codenamed Healer - who runs illegal errands in the dark, Chae Young-shin - an internet gossip reporter, and a veteran journalist-Kim Mun-ho. The trio inadvertently uncovers a long-forgotten incident from two decades ago. They try to expose the truth behind the incident and get caught in a web of lies and betrayals.

Apart from the sizzling chemistry between the leads and butterflies-inducing romance, Healer is a riveting thriller.

Because This Is My First Life

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Yoon Ji-ho and Nam Se-hee are tenants and landlords sharing the same house. They get into a contract marriage of 2 years to save money. Their tenant-landlord status begins to change when warm feelings and pesky in-laws come in between.

Because this is my first life is a beautiful drama about adulting, relationships, expectations, love, family and friendship. A well-woven story, relatable characters and heartwarming scenes is what makes this drama such a delightful watch. There is a mellow charm to this drama.

Miss Hammurabi

Genre: Legal Drama

This legal drama follows the lives of Cha Oh-reum - a rookie and passionate judge, Lim Ba-reun - a young and level-headed judge, and their mentor Han Se-sang, a seasoned chief judge.

Miss Hammurabi portrays the lives of judges and the challenges they face in their profession, especially the ethical dilemma. This drama was lauded for its accurate depiction of judges and the South Korean judicial system. The drama's dealing with sensitive issues, moral quandary and the subtle yet realistic depiction of problems in the system deserves special praise.