Where has the time gone? KOCOWA+ is celebrating 8 magical years of K-Content with a list of staff-picked shows just for you!
If you’ve always wondered what to watch, but didn’t want to sit through an episode or two to see if it was worth the effort, look no further than our list of hit shows below, and don’t worry, there is something for every type of drama watcher.
How to Find Staff Picks on KOCOWA+
But first, to locate the Staff Picks on KOCOWA+ click on the search icon and type “StaffPicks” with no spaces. Hit enter, and all our Staff Picks shows will pop up! Which ones are your favorites?
Cross-Class Romances – “Descendants of the Sun”
If you are looking for a drama to sink into that has a money or class gap involved in the relationship, then what you really want is a cross-class romance. KOCOWA+ staff recommends the three shows you should check out first: “Descendants of the Sun”, followed by “Princess Hours” and “The Heirs”. All were huge hits when they came out in Korea and have lived up to the hype through the years.
Defying Fate – “The Tale of Lady Ok”
Girl power gets an adrenaline rush with our Defying Fate selection, “The Tale of Lady Ok”, which tells the story of a woman born into slavery who escapes her fate to forge her own path as a noblewoman who helps the citizens of her town. Of course she falls in love along the way too and has to navigate telling him the truth or keeping her secret safe.
Other top contenders are “Hwangjini” and “Jewel in the Palace”.
Power Struggle – “History of the Salary Man”
We may have mentioned “History of the Salary Man” in our sneak peek, but it bears repeating because this drama is so good! The genre blend of mystery, comedy, and intrigue will keep you glued to your seat until the very last minute of the final episode. If you’re anything like me, it will also have you hunting for any drama that is even a smidgen like it.
Other outstanding Power Struggle staff picks are “Ju Mong, Prince of Legend” and “Tree With Deep Roots”.
Chemistry On Point Reality – “Adventure By Accident”
We sneak-peeked “HYEMILEEYECHAEPA” on our first birthday post this month, but we definitely need to give a spotlight to “Adventure By Accident”, going on its 4th season on KOCOWA+! If you have not started your journey with these fellas, you are in for a travel treat of random acts of kindness and getting lost adventures. Not to mention being hungry. Being oh so hungry! Another great pick is “Bloody Game 2”.
Sugar Sweet Romance – “Coffee Prince”
It is always “Coffee Prince”, it will always be “Coffee Prince”, long live “Coffee Prince”! Is my love for one of my all-time favorite K-Drama romance showing? Because my love for this drama needs to bleed red all over this page!!
Though dated, the vintage quality of “Coffee Prince” makes this show just the charming throwback you need to simpler times and sweet treats with plenty of princes to boot. Other top choices are “Suspicious Partner” and “Healer” both starring Ji Chang Wook!
Suspense Mystery – “Through The Darkness”
For the thriller lovers out there, “Through the Darkness” is about the establishment of Korea’s first special investigation team for serial killers before the name “serial killer” was even a thing. Yeah, this show is creepy, and if you are reading this section, that means it is the show for you.
To continue on the suspense train, you should also check out the dramas “Doubt” and “356: Repeat the Year”.
Tragic Love Story – “I’m Sorry, I Love You”
I feel so bad doing this to you because if you watch this show, this show that absolutely destroyed me, your heart will be gutted and you will be crying your eyes out for daaaays. Days, I tell you! You might even be searching for old recap posts just so you can feel the feels of everyone who has ever watched this drama.
However, if what you need is a good cry, then absolutely don’t look any further than “I’m Sorry, I Love You”. More tearjerkers to watch to get those tears aflowing are “Youth of May” and “Don’t Look Back: The Legend of Orpheus”.
Y2K Nostalgia – “Alone In Love”
The turn of the 21st century gets its own spotlight in these shows that bring the era right into focus. But if we’re talking about star power back in the day, who are still stars to this very moment, we have to talk about Son Ye Jin and Kang Woo Sung in “Alone In Love”. Truthfully, this show could kind of fall into the tearjerker category, so don’t watch unless you want to feel something. But for Y2K dramas, feels are all part of the fun (or torture, depending on how deep in the feels they get, le sob).
Other superb Y2K shows to get your vintage vibes in are “All In” and “Thank You”. All of the shows in this category have a “before they were stars” vibe. Guess which one a “Squid Game” star is in!
Thank you for a magical 8 years of drama watching, Koconuts! Now step into our time machine because our “StaffPicks” collection is here to guide your next beautiful binge. Mwah!
