Korea is a country where entertainment is their biggest export, meaning their pop music isn't the only thing stealing fans hearts. Korean dramas are, probably, the second largest industry when it comes to Korea's entertainment export. And since I'm such an avid fan of both Korean music and television, I thought I would share my favorite dramas with everyone! Be warned, there may be spoilers!
1. "W: Two Worlds"
W: Two Worlds Promotional Photos / MBC Korea
My all time favorite drama, the one that really got me hooked, is called W. The story follows Oh Yeon Joo, a cardiothoracic resident doctor and daughter of famed comic book creator, Oh Seong-moo. We also meet Lee Jong-Suk, who plays Kang Chul, the handsome Olympic gold medalist, self-made millionaire and main character of Oh Seong-moo's comic series. Over time Kang Chul's world begins to intertwine with Oh Yeon Joo's, causing some problems for everyone. The story is full of romance and action, and it also gives off a science fiction vibe. After the first couple episodes you will be hooked!
2. "Goblin: The Lonely and Great God"
Goblin The Lonely and Great God Episode Screenshot / tVN Korea
A very close second to W, Goblin follows the story of our main characters Ji Eun Tak and Kim Shin. Kim Shin is an immortal, who has been punished to live forever until he finds his bride. Once he finds her, she will pull a sword from his chest and he will finally rest in peace. Kim Shin is known in history as the Goblin. Ji Eun Tak is a student who can see ghosts and is rumored to be the Goblin's bride. She also lives with her awful aunt because her mother passed when she was young. In this story, we also meet a grim reaper who is played by Lee Dong Wook; we meet a beautiful and lonely restaurant owner, Sunny, and the Goblin's 'nephew' Yeo Deok Hwa, who is played by Yook Sungjae of kpop group BTOB. This drama is packed with history, romance, heartbreak, suspense, and humor. It will leave you on the edge of your seat crying and longing for more. It also has a killer soundtrack!
3. “While You Were Sleeping”
While You Were Sleeping Promotional Photos / SBS Korea
This 2017 drama blew me away. I won't lie, I was wary at first because the story didn't seem that interesting to me, but I watched it anyway and I am so glad I did! Our main character Nam Hong Joo, who is played by Suzy of Miss A, is haunted by dreams that always come true. Soon, Jung Jae Chan, played by Lee Jong-suk, a handsome, rookie prosecutor moves in across the street along with his younger brother. Eventually, Jae Chan starts having weird dreams, that all start to come true, so he and Hong Joo work together to put criminals behind bars that try their best to get out of the consequences of their actions. However, Jae Chan and Hong Joo have more of a history together than they realize. The story has many moments of suspense, romance, and lightheartedness. I absolutely loved this drama, more than I thought I would!
4. “Doctor Stranger”
Doctor Stranger Promotional Photos / SBS Korea
I like to call this 'the Korean "Grey's Anatomy" with a twist.' Park Hoon, played by Lee Jong-suk, is the son of the highly esteemed cardiothoracic surgeon, Park Cheol. However, when Park Cheol decides to testify against Myeongwoo Hospital in a lawsuit for medical malpractice, he suddenly goes missing along with Park Hoon. The public believes they are dead, however they are sent to North Korea where Park Hoon grows up and goes to medical school. He also meets the love of his life and fellow medical student, Song Jae-hee. Eventually, Park Hoon ends up back in South Korea at Myeongwoo Hospital with a Jae-hee look alike, a quack named Dr. Oh, a chief with a bad attitude, Han Jae Joon, and a hospital chairman who is hellbent on getting Park Hoon out of Myeongwoo. This drama is truly filled with suspense in every episode, along with some lighthearted and laughable moments as well as romance and tons of secrets. It gives "Grey's Anatomy" a run for its money in my opinion.
All of these dramas are close to my heart and have definitely kept me hooked until the last second. So if you're looking for something new to watch, give these shows a try! You won't regret it.
"W: Two Worlds" can be found on Viki and Hulu
"Goblin: can be found on Dramafever and Dramanice
"While You Were Sleeping" can be found on Viki
"Doctor Stranger" can be found on Viki
