Korean dramas offer a unique and engaging experience that is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. The extended 16+ episode stories are full of heart-wrenching moments and unforgettable characters, making them a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
Korean dramas based on webtoons are some of the best ever created. Here, we’ll be showcasing and celebrating our favourite Korean dramas adapted from webtoons! ..
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“The King and I” This webtoon series is based on the life of King Sejong the Great, who is considered one of Korea’s most influential and successful leaders. The series follows his struggles with power, love, and politics as he tries to keep his country running smoothly.
“Reply 1988” This webtoon series is set in the early 1990s in South Korea, during the height of the dictatorship of Park Geun-hye. It follows a group of young people as they try to escape from government control and find their own way in a time of political turmoil.
“The Good Place” This webtoon series is set in a world where people are placed into different happy or unhappy situations depending on their actions over the course of a day. It follows two characters as they try to figure out what happens when they leave their happy place and return to reality.
“The Crown Prince” This webtoon series is set in Japan during World War II, and follows the story of Prince Sejong, who is trying to save his country from destruction by Allied forces. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of war and its unique plotline.
Business Proposal
Shin Ha-ri is a business researcher who goes on blind dates to replace her best friend Jin Young-seo. When she goes on this date, she’s surprised to find out that the CEO of GOFood is Kang Tae-moo. They have a conversation and Ha-ri is impressed by his business skills.
Ha-ri, a shy girl, introduces herself to her friends as Geum-hui, a confident and outgoing girl. However, Ha-ri is actually a shy person who uses Geum-hui as an identity to socialize more easily. Her friends quickly realize that something is off and start to put together the pieces of Ha-ri’s deception. They hilariously play out various scenarios in which Ha-ri and Geum-hui are “dating”, all while Ha-ri tries to keep up the act. This hilarious series of deceptions is sure to leave audiences laughing and wanting more. ..
Tae-moo and Ha-ri agree to a fake relationship in order to appease Tae-moo’s meddling grandfather, GOFood Chairman Kang Da-goo. ..
Ha-ri and Tae-moo are in their early twenties, fresh out of college and eager to start their own lives. They’re in love, but they’re also struggling to keep their relationship a secret from their friends and family. Ha-ri is the brains behind the plan to deceive her friends, while Tae-moo is the muscle. But as the deception grows more complex and dangerous, Ha-ri and Tae-moo find themselves at odds with each other over who should be in charge - and who should be able to trust them.
The K-drama is bolstered by a charismatic cast of characters. Kim’s and Ahn’s chemistry is one thing, but the entire cast has a charming synergy that makes the show enjoyable to watch. ..
Extraordinary You
But if you take the time to peel back the layers, you’ll see that this series is anything but average. Extraordinary You is a unique and powerful story about a group of young people who are determined to make a difference in the world.
Extraordinary You is a cleverly written series that combines comedy and mystery elements to great effect. The story takes place in the self-aware confines of a comic book, and it’s a fun ride from start to finish. ..
Dan-O is a high school girl who quickly discovers she’s the central character in a comic book. The story unfolds across two separate areas: the shadow and the scene. ..
In the shadow of the characters, the writer sees their actions and dialogue pre-determined by them. The characters are free to act however they please in the former.
When Dan-O learns she’s not the main character in the story, she inadvertently sets off a chain of events that result in some pretty wild and crazy story beats.
Extraordinary You is a new series on Netflix that follows the lives of people who have had an extraordinary experience. This season, we take a look at two people: a woman who has been through a life-changing experience and a man who has gone from being homeless to being one of the richest men in the world.
All of Us Are Dead
All of us are dead. That’s the simple story of Hyosan, a small town in South Korea that was hit hard by a zombie outbreak. Authorities are still trying to understand the extent of the situation and what can be done to stop it. ..
The school is the scene of a dramatic battle between students and bullies.
The love triangle between Cheong-San, On-Jo and Su-Hyeok is a bit of a mystery to us. For On-Jo, her father is a fireman and someone we follow across the course of the season outside the school grounds. But what we do know is that they all have something in common - they are all orphans.
The main character is Ji-Min, a high school student who is trying to figure out her future. She has a lot of supporting characters who are all important to her story.
If you’re looking for a mammoth zombie drama that will keep you entertained, with plenty of action, gore and survivalist drama, there’s enough here to enjoy – especially if you can look past some of the big contrivances.
All of Us Are Dead is a dark and gripping series that will leave you feeling uneasy. The first season is full of suspense and mystery, leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you’re looking for a series that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, then All of Us Are Dead is definitely worth checking out. ..
My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Gangnam Beauty is a thoughtful and reflective K-drama that echoes back to that age old quote that beauty is on in the inside.
Mi-Rae is a young girl who is constantly bullied because of her looks. This makes her feel insecure and withdrawn, which leads her to decide to get plastic surgery. ..
Kyung-Suk starts to stand up for Mi-Rae when she is teased by her classmates. He becomes the one person to stand up for her and protect her from being teased again.
Mi-Rae begins to get her confidence back and discovers that true beauty is not what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside.
This K-drama is about a young woman, Park Seo-hyun (Jung Yeon-seok), who is forced to leave her home after her father dies. She moves in with her aunt and starts to learn about the world around her. The message at the heart of this story is that it’s never too late to start again, no matter how old you are.
The Kings Affection
When Dam-I arrives in the small town, she is met with hostility from the locals. They think she is a witch and want to kill her for bringing evil upon their community. Dam-I has to find a way to prove her innocence and protect the royal twins. ..
In a few short years, Dam-I’s brother is killed and she must take on his identity in order to prevent the crown from collapsing completely. As Lee Hwi, she eventually rises up to the position of Crown Prince.
Hwi is told to keep her emotions in check and not get too close to anyone in order to keep her secret. ..
Ji-Un and her teacher, Mr. Song, have a close relationship on the show. They come from different backgrounds but are both good looking and smart. The show uses romance, drama and action to keep the viewer engaged throughout its run-time.
Our full season review of The King’s Affection can be found here. ..
The Girl Who Sees Scents
The Girl Who Senses Scents is not the best drama on this list. However, it does have a charming energy about it, bolstered by a lot of charisma and chemistry between the different actors. ..
Choi Moo Gak is a police officer who lost his younger sister to a barcode-murder case. In the chaos, Moo-Gak loses the ability to taste, smell and feel pain. Thankfully, he meets a girl called Cho-Rim who helps change his fortunes.
Cho-Rim is the only witness to the murder and, interestingly, she has a special sixth sense that allows her to see smells. ..
Serial killer investigations and romance often go hand in hand. However, there are times when the two genres don’t mesh as well as they should. ..
Taxi Driver
When a good person is pushed to the point of pursuing evil methods for revenge, they may become more extreme in their actions and may even resort to violence.
Taxi Driver is a revenge thriller that explores the concept of retribution in an interesting way. ..
Do-Ki is a former military man who has a big chip on his shoulder. He’s been working hard to rebuild his life since leaving the military, but he’s not content with the way things are going. He wants to make a difference in the world, and he’s not afraid to take risks.
Do-Ki and Sung-Chul set up the Rainbow Taxi foundation to help those in need, their intention being simple – to revenge their oppressors.
In our full season review of Taxi Driver, we discuss the film’s themes of racism and the power of the patriarchy. We also give our thoughts on how the film affects its viewers and what it means for the future of cinema.
True Beauty
The True Beauty series is a perfect Korean drama. It’s a cuddly, warmhearted k-drama romp, with enough laughs, romance and drama to keep you hooked until the end.
Ju-Kyung is a high school girl who is bullied for her looks. She stumbles upon make-up tutorials online and transforms her looks overnight.
At Ju-Kyung’s new school, she quickly becomes involved in a love triangle with Seo-Joon, the school’s bad boy, and Soo-Ho, the kindhearted but quiet student. While Ju-Kyung is confident and pretty on the outside, she struggles with her insecurities on the inside. ..
True Beauty is a well-made and enjoyable finale to the series. ..
True Beauty is a new show that premiered on ABC this year. We thought it was interesting and worth reviewing. In our full season review, we discuss the show’s pros and cons. ..
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim is a forgettable romantic comedy that feels very much like a simple romantic comedy on paper. The film has little in the way of redeeming or original features, making it a forgettable experience.
Secretary Kim is a perfect example of why you should never judge a book by its cover. Between the glimpses of our lead character’s dark past, the real kicker with Secretary Kim comes from the characters.
The cast is great, the humour is wonderful and the chemistry between the leads is excellent. This simple rom-com has a great X-factor that makes it stand out from the rest.
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim: Our full season review
Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Jang Geu-Rae, a reclusive Go player, is forced to leave his isolated existence and enter the real world when he fails to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a professional player. In Incomplete Life, Jang Geu-Rae tells the story of his journey from being a complete novice to becoming one of the best Go players in the world. ..
He quickly realizes that he has a lot to learn about the company and its culture. But even more important, he learns how to be a successful intern.
Gue-Rae meets a colourful cast of characters as he begins to use what he’s learned in Go to better himself navigate the volatile world of the everyday workplace.
The story of a young woman’s journey from poverty to wealth is well-told and compelling, but at times it can feel a bit too long.
Strangers From Hell
Strangers From Hell is a 10 episode Korean drama that is shorter than the usual 16 chapter Korean dramas on the market. ..
Jong-Woo moves to Seoul and is abandoned and alone in an apartment block. Unfortunately, it’s also shared by some pretty creepy and unnerving characters. ..
The 10 episodes of “K-On!” explore the lives of the students in a high school in Japan. Each episode follows one student as they go about their day, with a focus on one particular topic. In the finale, we learn what each student’s secret is and how it affects their life.
Strangers From Hell is a gripping psychological thriller that does its job well. There are some gruesome scenes midway through, but the rest of the film is well-done. This one isn’t for the squeamish!
Strangers from Hell is a horror game that was released on the Xbox One and Playstation 4 platforms in late 2018. The game follows the story of a group of people who are trapped in a haunted house. The game received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its atmosphere and others criticizing its gameplay. ..
Itaewon Class
This conventional 16 episode Korean drama is important in that it deals with acceptance, belief and racism.
Sae-Ro-Yi is a high school student who is struggling to deal with the death of his Father. Geun-Won, a bully at Sae-Ro-Yi’s school, begins to harass and threaten him after the death. Sae-Ro-Yi finds himself in a blood feud with Geun-Won, which leads to dangerous consequences. ..
Sae-Ro-Yi is a restaurant critic who has been thrown in prison for writing critical reviews of the top restaurant company in Korea. She is antagonized by the Chairman of Jangga Co., the top restaurant company in Korea.
Sae-Ro-Yi, a vengeful woman, teams up with Yi-Seo, an eccentric woman, to open a pub in the bustling tourist area of Itaewon in a bid to usurp the Chairman and Jangga Co. The two women clash at first but eventually come together to take on their rivals. ..
The main plot line of this novel is engaging and well written. The soundtrack is also incredible.
In our full season review, we take a look at Itaewon Class and give our thoughts on the course. ..
Mystic Pop-Up Bar
This latest K-Drama from JTBC is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The humour is spot on and the tension is well built, making it a great watch for those who enjoy watching dramas that are both exciting and thought-provoking.
The Mystic Pop-Up Bar is a restaurant that tackles important life and death themes in a fun and engaging way. The restaurant has a variety of food options, including salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. The drinks are also top-notch, with options like sangria and margaritas.
The drama is well-done with its world building and its ability to show us how people are judged after they pass away.
The main point of this article is that karma is a powerful force that runs throughout our lives, and it can be a big help in predicting our future.
Our Mystic Pop-Up Bar review is full of thoughts on the experience, what we liked and didn’t like, and whether or not it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area. ..
Her Private Life
The Private Life of Her Majesty is a romcom that is full of clichés and tropes from the genre, but it still makes for a fun watch.
Sung Deok-Mi is an art gallery curator who lives a perfect life. However, she has a dark secret: she’s a Shi An fangirl. Her fan site is the only one that knows this and she’s even the manager. The story follows Sung as she tries to keep her secret hidden from her loved ones and the people who care about her.
With no other man standing a chance next to such a god-like specimen, in saunters Ryan Gold, the art gallery’s new director. A once famous painter, he uncovers Deok-Mi’s secret and everything changes.
Her Private Life is a well written and packed full of great moments show that should have ended after 14 episodes but it’s good value for its runtime nonetheless. ..
Navillera
Chool is a broken man who has lost his wife and two children in a car accident. He is determined to find his way back to the ballet world, even if it means living on the streets. His journey takes him to a small town in Mexico, where he meets a woman named Ana. Ana is struggling to find her place in the world after her husband died. She is also trying to cope with the loss of her son. Navillera is an emotional drama about two lost souls who are trying to find their way back home. Sim Deok-Chool is a recently-retired 70 year old who has always had dreams of becoming a ballet dancer but was forced to give up these dreams due to his family’s financial struggles. Chool is a broken man who has lost his wife and two children in a car accident and is determined to find his way back into the ballet world even if it means living on the streets. His journey takes him to a small town in Mexico where he meets Ana, who is struggling to find her place in the world after her husband died and she also tries to cope with the loss of her son.
Deok-Chool makes a big decision to pursue his lifelong dream after being given the diagnosis of early-onset dementia.
Lee Chae-Rok is a talented ballet dancer who has to help support his family because his Father was arrested. ..
Deok-Chool, a passionate dancer, slowly starts to rekindle those lost flames of passion. ..
The show is a wonderful example of how to take such a sensitive subject and spin it into something wholly beautiful and heart-wrenching. This is an outstanding Korean drama that deserves to be watched.
Our full season review of Navillera is available here.
Yumi’s Cells
This Korean drama is based on the Pixar movie Inside Out and follows the story of a young girl named Yumi who has to deal with her emotions, which are represented by her cells in her body. The show is full of humor and is sure to make you laugh out loud. It’s also a great way to learn more about different cultures and their customs.
Yu-Mi’s life takes a turn for the better when she meets a man who is blind. He helps her with her work at Daehan Noodles and they become friends. Yu-Mi is determined to find the one, but her unlucky streak continues. One day, she has a chance to meet the man of her dreams and it all changes.
Koo Woong is a programmer who’s not your average suave guy. He comes to the date in shorts and a t-shirt, but the pair slowly warm to each other over time. They’re both interested in each other, but they’re also both shy and unsure of themselves. They start dating and things quickly take off from there.
The drama Yumi’s Cells is a must-watch for anyone looking for a compelling romantic drama. It follows the story of Yumi, a young woman who has to deal with the aftermath of a car accident that leaves her with serious injuries. Despite her injuries, Yumi is determined to find a way to make things right for herself and falls in love with the man who helps her get back on her feet.
Our full season review of Yumi’s Cells is available here!
D.P.
The show is set in the small town of Gyeongju, and it follows the lives of a group of young people who have to serve in the military. The show is incredibly powerful, and it’s one of the most important dramas on television right now.
Jun-Ho is a new recruit who is not thrilled about enlisting. He joins the military and begins counting down the days until he can leave. ..
It’s hard to imagine a more ironic sentence than this one for a young man who starts his life with the military police department. He’s sentenced to a life of imprisonment because he was caught up in the criminal justice system from the get-go.
The showrunners have done an excellent job of exploring the dark underbelly of South Korea’s society and its impact on the people who live there. This is a complex story with many layers that are slowly revealed. The themes of abuse, betrayal, and guilt run deep and will continue to be explored as the show progresses.
This quirky little series is a quick and easy way to get your fill of action-packed, suspenseful programming. Although it’s short, the episodes are well-made and leave a lasting impression. Be sure to watch the post-credit sequence before you bow out completely.
Our full season review of D.P. is available here!
Sweet Home
As the group of survivors try to survive, they must work together to survive the monsters that are attacking them. They must use their skills and teamwork to fight for their lives and protect their loved ones.
As the virus spreads through the small town, the characters begin to feel like they are being watched, and their paranoia only heightens. They start to fear for their lives and their loved ones.
When the monsters do show up, Sweet Home ramps up the pace and tension to deliver 4 action-packed episodes back-to-back.
The first half of the show is mostly about setting up the characters and their relationships, while the second half is more focused on the plot. The finale leaves the door open for a second season, which would be great because we want to see more of these characters. ..
Netflix has just announced that it is releasing a new horror series called “The Crown” which follows the story of a royal family who are terrorized by an unknown assailant. The series is set to air over the course of three seasons and promises to be spine-tingling.
Our full season review of Sweet Home can be found here. ..
The Uncanny Counter
The Uncanny Counter is a Korean drama revolving around a dysfunctional group who team up to take on high-powered demons. The series follows the story of a group of people who are forced to work together to take on the demons. The series is action-packed and features some of the most exciting and exciting fight scenes that you will ever see.
The Counters, a group of young demon-hunters, are tasked with protecting the people of the kingdom from the demonic threats that constantly arise. Mun, a new recruit to the Counters, is quickly thrust into the thick of things as he learns about his new role and the dangers that await him. ..
The Counters, a team of superhumans, are caught up in a wide-ranging political conspiracy involving the Mayor and a Director of a local company. With their abilities combined, the Counters must work together to uncover the truth and stop the evil plan before it’s too late. ..
Things are unfortunately made even more complicated by a level 4 demon called Cheong-Shin who begins a murderous rampage. The combination of drama, comedy and fantasy make for an enjoyable watch. ..
In our full season review, we discuss the new season of The Uncanny Counter and how it fared.
- “Reply 1988” This webtoon is based on the novel of the same name by Kim Ki-duk and tells the story of a group of high school students who are forced to take part in a political experiment that goes wrong. The show is full of suspense and mystery, and is sure to keep you hooked from beginning to end.
- “The King’s Speech” This webtoon is based on the novel of the same name by George Orwell, and tells the story of a young man who has to choose between following his king or following his own conscience. The show is full of moral questions and political commentary, and will leave you thinking about the world around you for weeks after watching it.
- “Reply 1994” This webtoon is based on the novel of the same name by Park Seo-hyun, and tells the story of a group of high school students who are forced to take part in a political experiment that goes wrong. The show is full of suspense and mystery, and is sure to keep you hooked from beginning to end.
We’ve put together a list of dramas that we think you’ll love. Have we included your favourites? Or have we missed any must-watch dramas? We want to hear from you so please feel free to leave a comment below. ..
