Every year, the K-drama industry produces hundreds of amazing K-dramas, yet sadly, not all of them get the recognition they deserve. Among the K-dramas that grab the spotlight, some hidden gems go unnoticed, often due to factors like timeslots, streaming platforms, budgets, and more. Now is the time to shine a light on some dramas that definitely deserve a wider international audience!
“Missing 9“
What happens when you get stranded on an island after your plane crashes, and only 12 out of the 47 passengers survive?
The drama follows Ra Bong Hee, the stylist of a popular celebrity, who finds herself stuck on an island with famous personalities. Mysteriously, people started disappearing one by one and eventually, after four months, only seven survivors were rescued from the island.
This is one of those dramas where the premise alone is the reason to watch it! I really love the concept of famous South Korean celebrities as the characters stuck on an island, with the main character being a stylist. “Missing 9” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot twists, mysteries, and unexpected turns, making every moment enjoyable. At the same time, the characters fight for survival and unveil the mystery of what really happened on the island!
“Numbers“
What happens if you enter an accounting firm that caused the downfall of your family? Will you seek revenge or become part of the system responsible for your family’s ruin?
In a K-drama world mostly centered on doctors, detectives, or CEOs, professions like accountants are rarely seen! “Numbers” tells the story of the first and only high school-educated accountant to join one of the nation’s top accounting firms.
It’s a revenge drama revealing various stories unfolding within an accounting firm. A key reason to watch this drama is its introduction of the accounting world to those unfamiliar, sharing various terms and jargon used in this business field. It also offers a unique experience in the revenge drama genre by featuring a protagonist whose profession diverges from the usual law-related roles.
“Recipe For Farewell“
Upon learning that your estranged wife has been diagnosed with cancer, would you consider returning home and resuming the role of her husband?
“Recipe For Farewell” is a heartwarming melodrama centered around a family where the wife suffers from terminal bowel cancer and has difficulty eating because of digestive problems. Her husband learns to cook for her, and their son goes through puberty.
This family drama is a rollercoaster of emotions, making you burst into laughter and shed a tear, all while featuring various Korean cuisines in each episode! It beautifully portrays how cooking reflects the depth of one’s affection, as the effort of buying, preparing, and cooking ingredients is a heartfelt process reserved for cherished ones. It serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize health and offers insights into parenting, family dynamics, and life’s values.
“Police University“
Want to become part of the police force? This drama will equip you with all the knowledge about the Korean National Police University!
“Police University” focuses on a police university professor with 20 years of crime detection experience and a computer hacker who joins the university as a first-year student. With other students’ help, they form a secret alliance for a joint investigation against the corruption within the school.
The drama highlights fun investigations that showcase camaraderie and dynamics between students from diverse backgrounds. It realistically depicts police training for aspiring individuals wanting to serve the country. And don’t worry if it becomes too serious; it perfectly blends comedy with intense moments.
“SF8“
Are you a fan of the British sci-fi series “Black Mirror”? “SF8” has been regarded as the Korean equivalent of the British series as they have the same format and similar theme!
“SF8” comprises eight standalone episodes, each exploring different science fiction themes like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, future societies, and technological advancements. It revolves around people dreaming of a perfect society. Each episode is helmed by different directors and writers and offers diverse storytelling styles.
“SF8” presents innovative and thought-provoking concepts that reflect on current societal issues and provide social commentary on technology’s impact on society and human choices. My favorite episodes are “SF8: White Crow,” which focuses on playing a VR game based on trauma, and “SF8: The Prayer,” showcasing how people use android robots as caregivers!
“Alice“
Do you believe in time travel?
Time traveling will always be one of the most interesting genres! The story begins in 2050 when time agents time traveled to 1992 in search of a book foretelling the destinies of specific individuals and predicting the end of time travel itself. However, the main character, originally slated to live in 2050, makes a life-changing decision to remain in 1992 to raise her unborn child, a revelation she had not known before her time-traveling experience!
The brief synopsis might seem complex initially, but that’s what makes this drama enjoyable—keeping you questioning throughout the 16-episode series. As a sci-fi time travel drama incorporating parallel worlds, the twists keep you guessing. It’s incredible how everything since episode 1 is interconnected, tying the plot together.
“Where Stars Land“
Looking for a K-drama set in an airport that doesn’t focus on pilots and flight attendants?
This drama takes us to Incheon International Airport, delving into the lives of airport employees and the complexities they face, both professionally and personally.
The airport setting offers a refreshing backdrop rarely explored in K-dramas, featuring intriguing characters from passenger services, airport planning, operation teams, and more! The male lead’s character, holding a secret, adds depth and intrigue to the series.
“The Guardian“
When the law fails, and your loved ones fall victim to criminals, would you consider joining a group dedicated to serving justice?
“The Guardian” follows a team consisting of a detective, prosecutors, and hackers who unite to take matters into their own hands when the South Korean justice system proves inadequate in apprehending the criminals responsible for their tragedies.
The series offers a refreshing take on legal dramas as it revolves around a group of individuals seeking justice for the underprivileged and marginalized in society. This is also one of those dramas that feature a strong female lead portrayed by Lee Si Young, a former shooting player turned detective.
“Into the Ring“
Can women hold significant positions in politics?
This hidden K-drama gem list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning “Into the Ring!” The drama centers around a woman who decides to run as a district representative and her childhood friend who is now a civil servant!
Unlike conventional serious political dramas, this series leans towards the lighter and more whimsical side! It showcases a strong, independent female lead dedicated to her principles and her journey toward becoming an honorable public servant. This drama is a complete package, delivering romance, comedy, a slice of life, and much more with a solid 10/10 rating!
While discussing these dramas, I’ve mainly highlighted their intriguing plots, yet it’s crucial to note that all the drama’s actors delivered spectacular performances! These hidden gem K-dramas shouldn’t remain hidden considering how beautifully crafted and well-executed they are. Rest assured, all of these shows are accessible on KOCOWA+ with professionally translated English subtitles!
