If there’s one year we would love to relive, it would be 2016! This year turned many into huge K-drama fans with its top-notch dramas spanning genres like medical, slice of life, romance, fantasy, and more.
Eight years later from 2016, we still think fondly of “Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-joo,” “Goblin,” and “Descendants of the Sun” because they set the standard for their genres. Let’s reminisce and look back at some of 2016’s best K-dramas. Maybe it’s time for a rewatch— and the best part is these shows are all available on KOCOWA+!
“Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo“
“Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo,” starring Lee Sung Kyoung and Nam Joo Hyuk, is the standard for college romantic comedy dramas. This coming-of-age story follows a group of college athletes as they pursue their dreams, find love, and grow along the way. The drama perfectly executed the popular enemies-to-lovers trope and college romance. It popularized the question, “Do you like Messi?” as a way to show interest in someone. Sung Kyoung and Joo Hyuk’s chemistry and banter made many viewers giggle and feel romantic. And who could forget when they broke the internet with their dating announcement after the drama?
“Descendants Of The Sun“
Another iconic K-drama from 2016 is Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki’s “Descendants of the Sun.” This drama follows a special forces officer and a surgeon who reunite in the fictional war-torn country of Urk, where they are deployed on a peacekeeping mission. The show gave us unforgettable scenes, like Mo Yeon’s handkerchief flying to Si Jin when they first landed in Urk, accompanied by the iconic DOTS soundtrack. The beautiful shipwreck location in Greece also stands out. Song Hye Kyo, Song Joong Ki, Jin Goo, and Kim Ji Won delivered award-worthy performances and chemistry in this drama, which became a huge hit not only in South Korea but worldwide.
“Dr. Romantic”
When it comes to medical dramas, Han Seok Kyu’s “Dr. Romantic” is always on top. Now in its third season, this series revolves around a highly skilled surgeon who disappears and reemerges as “Master Kim,” working at a small, rural hospital called Doldam after a traumatic incident. This drama is known for its realistic portrayal of medical incidents, giving attention not only to doctors but also to nurses and hospital staff. The show features a powerhouse cast: Yoo Yeon Seok and Seo Hyun Jin in the first season, and Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Sung Kyoung in the second and third seasons, each with different backgrounds. The drama offers different stories in every episode by featuring various patients’ stories and showcasing life’s romance through them and Master Kim’s wisdom.
“Love in The Moonlight“
Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung’s “Love in the Moonlight” is one of the best historical K-dramas to date. It follows the story of Crown Prince Lee Yeong and a young woman who disguises herself as a eunuch in the royal palace. The drama successfully used the trope of a woman pretending to be a man, doing justice to the storyline. Watching Lee Yeong and Ra On’s romance and the political intrigue during the Joseon era strengthened their relationship. This drama made Bo Gum and Yoo Jung an iconic couple, even winning them the ‘Best Couple’ award at the 2016 KBS Drama Awards.
“Doctors“
Another iconic medical drama of 2016 is Kim Rae Won and Park Shin Hye’s “Doctors.” This series tells the story of a rebellious high school student who transforms into a compassionate and skilled neurosurgeon with the help of a former doctor turned high school teacher. “Doctors” is loved for its main character with a troubled past, showing that anyone can change and live the life they want with the support of those who care deeply for them. The drama also stands out for its focus on neurosurgery, a department rarely explored in medical dramas.
“Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth“
“Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth,” starring Park Seo Joon, Go Ara, and Park Hyung Sik, is another popular K-drama from 2016, featuring BTS’s V in a supporting role. Set during the Silla Kingdom, the drama follows the formation and adventures of the Hwarang, an elite group of young male warriors. “Hwarang” is known for its dynamic portrayal of youth and friendship, reintroducing historical themes to a modern audience. The drama explores loyalty, identity, and the journey of self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of political turmoil and societal transformation.
“Moorim School“
When it comes to school dramas with a unique twist, Lee Hyun Woo and Seo Yea Ji’s “Moorim School” stand out! This series centers around a mysterious martial arts academy where students from different backgrounds come together to learn not only combat skills but also values like honesty, faith, and sacrifice. We’ve all watched school dramas, but this is the only one that blends action, fantasy, and coming-of-age elements.
“Don’t Dare To Dream“
For romantic comedies, Kong Hyo Jin and Cho Jung Seok’s “Don’t Dare to Dream” is at the top of 2016’s list! The drama revolves around the lives of television news professionals, including a weathercaster with big dreams and a charismatic news anchor caught up in complex love triangles. The show is popular for its witty humor, complex love triangles, and realistic portrayal of the competitive, sometimes cutthroat world of broadcasting. It beautifully balances light-hearted comedy and heartfelt moments while exploring the complexities of relationships.
“Entertainer“
One of the most interesting dramas of 2016 is Ji Sung’s “Entertainer.” The story follows a former manager in the entertainment industry who hits rock bottom after a scandal and starts his own entertainment agency with the help of talented individuals who have their own dreams to pursue. The drama is known for its inspiring storylines that highlight the struggles and triumphs of the characters, emphasizing that everyone deserves a second chance in life. Set in the entertainment industry, it showcases the power of music to heal and connect people, a theme that resonates deeply with many K-pop fans.
“Shopaholic Louis“
Seo In Guk and Nam Ji Hyun’s rom-com “Shopaholic Louis” stands out for its interesting and unique premise. The drama follows a wealthy heir who develops amnesia after a tragic accident and meets a hardworking country girl with a knack for sewing. Known for its comedy that will make you laugh and its heartwarming storyline, it resonates with many people, especially in showing the importance of finding true happiness beyond material possessions. In Guk and Ji Hyun’s undeniable chemistry makes every scene exciting, leaving us smiling at how perfect they look together.
How about you, what’s your favorite 2016 K-drama? Revisit these timeless K-dramas and experience the magic of 2016 all over again by watching them on KOCOWA+ available with professional subtitles.
