Korean dramas, more popularly known as K-dramas, have amassed a massive fanbase over the years. I fondly recall watching my first K-drama, “Princess Hours,” on a local channel in my country. Little did I know that I couldn’t live without it a few years later.
Fast forward to the 2011-2020s era, which we consider the golden age of K-dramas. This period is a significant reason why many international fans have become huge K-drama fans. I mean, who doesn’t know of “The Heirs,” “Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-joo,” or “Descendants of the Sun“? Now, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of our favorite K-dramas from the past decade. It’s time to reminisce about the good times and why we should consider rewatching these shows.
Honestly, it’s so hard to pick which shows I’ll add to this list because there are really a number of amazing shows that span various genres like rom-com, thriller, medical, historical, and more.
Favorite Rom-Com Shows of the Past Decade
First, let’s dive into the realm of rom-coms—the genre we all love. We have to start this by mentioning everyone’s most-loved romcom, “Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-joo.” Nam Joo Hyuk and Lee Sung Kyung’s flawless portrayal of a coming-of-age romance between two athletes made this drama an absolute delight. We can’t deny their chemistry added an extra layer of enjoyment to this heartwarming series.
“Fight For My Way,” starring Park Seo Jun and Kim Ji Won, also stands out as one of the best rom-coms of the past decade. This drama tells the story of ordinary childhood friends determined to survive and lead happy lives. It introduced us to the ‘friends to lovers’ trope that we all love. Another hidden gem, Nana and Park Sung Hoon’s “Into the Ring,” features two childhood friends turned office colleagues, offering a unique and underrated rom-com with inventive cinematography.
If we’re discussing chemistry, it’s impossible to ignore Yoo Seung Ho and Chae Soo Bin in “I Am Not a Robot.” This drama, where a CEO meets a woman pretending to be a robot, is truly one-of-a-kind.
Favorite Medical Shows of the Past Decade
One of the best genres South Korea does is the medical genre. If we’re talking about the best medical drama then I know a lot would agree on “Dr. Romantic” which is now on its 3rd season! The series, featuring Han Suk Kyu as the main character, reveals the ‘romance’ of life through various stories of doctors, patients, and staff set against the backdrop of a small provincial hospital.
Another standout from 2016, “Descendants of the Sun” starring Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki, made a significant global impact. It skillfully portrays the contrast between its lead characters – a life-saving doctor and a soldier trained for combat. “Doctors” with Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won, similarly inspired many to delve into the intricacies of neurology because of the drama’s setting!
Medical dramas focusing on forensics are a rare find. “Partners For Justice” fulfilled our curiosity about the life of a forensic doctor in a K-drama setting. “Good Doctor,” featuring Joo Won and Moon Chae Won, offers the heartwarming journey of an autistic savant becoming a pediatrician.
Favorite Thriller Shows of the Past Decade
Some people have a misconception that thriller shows are just full of action but no, it’s actually that kind of show that will not make you notice that time is passing because of how intense each scene is. A great example of this is Lee Ji Ah, Kim So Yeon, and Eugene’s “The Penthouse” which centers around the lives of wealthy residents in an expensive apartment.
Ji Sung’s “Defendant” and Namkoong Min’s “Doctor Prisoner” define excellent revenge thrillers. “Defendant” tells the story of a prosecutor wrongfully accused of his wife’s murder, while “Doctor Prisoner” portrays an ace doctor who ends up working in a prison. Both Ji Sung and Namkoong Min don’t disappoint with their choice of projects and consistently deliver award-worthy performances.
Park Min Young shines in two thrilling shows. “Healer,” in which she stars alongside Ji Chang Wook, follows a mysterious night courier, a TV reporter, and an online tabloid journalist uncovering the secrets of a decades-old case. “Remember,” featuring Park Min Young and Yoo Seung Ho, features a main character who has the extraordinary ability to remember everything in his life.
Favorite Fantasy Shows of the Past Decade
South Korea really knows what we mean by fantasy, going beyond superpowers to craft rich character backstories! Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun’s “My Love From The Star” revolutionized the fantasy rom-com genre. This romantic tale involves a top actress and an alien who has been stranded on Earth for over 400 years.
Suzy and Lee Jong Suk’s “While You Were Sleeping” is a top fantasy K-drama. It revolves around a woman who can see the future in her dreams, captivating us with different stories in each episode. Shin Hae Sun and Kim Myung Soo’s “Angel’s Last Mission: Love” explores what happens when an angel falls in love with a human.
Time-traveling narratives are a fantasy favorite. “Go Back Couple” offers a unique twist, allowing a married couple to travel back in time, offering a chance to rediscover their love. This drama imparts valuable life lessons.
Favorite Historical Shows of the Past Decade
Historical dramas are a cornerstone of K-drama. “Love in the Moonlight,” starring Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung, is a must-watch. It delves into the romantic story of a crown prince who falls in love with his eunuch, who is actually a young woman disguised as a man. In this drama, Park Bo Gum portrays Crown Prince Lee Yeong of the Joseon dynasty.
“Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth,” starring Park Seo Jun, Go Ara, and Park Hyung Sik, offers a different historical experience. Set in Silla, it follows a group of elite young men known as Hwarang as they discover their passions, friendships, and experience love. Yoo Seung Ho and Kim So Hyun’s “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask” explores the consequences when a crown prince is switched with a commoner during a turbulent political war.
Aside from these genres I mentioned above, K-dramas also excel in sports-themed shows. The number one sports K-drama recommendation is Namkoong Min and Park Eun Bin’s “Stove League.” This drama centers on an underdog baseball team and their new general manager, who leads them to a remarkable comeback. Even if you’re not well-versed in baseball, this show will make you fall in love with the sport and its team.
South Korea’s KBS weekend dramas have a special place in the hearts of many. Lee Min Jung and Lee Sang Yeob’s “Once Again” is a family drama that feels incredibly genuine. It revolves around the ‘Song Family,’ with each sibling navigating the challenges of separated relationships.
Finally, let’s conclude this list with the best K-drama of the past decade, “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” starring Zo In Sung and Gong Hyo Jin. This healing drama explores the relationship between a psychiatrist and a novelist who become roommates in a shared house. This is written by none other than Noh Hee Kyung and it’s the kind of healing drama that will stay with you for a long time because of all the realizations and lessons learned while watching.
I know there are really a lot of amazing K-dramas I didn’t mention but let’s save that for other time! You can catch all these shows on KOCOWA+!
