K-Dramas - Sandra Sucher

Crash Landing On You

Descendants of the Sun

Vincenzo

The Moon Embracing the Sun

Mr. Queen

Sandra’s K-Drama Recommendations

In November, 2020 a young friend recommended the K-drama Crash Landing on You as a way to entertain myself during the Covid lockdown. I didn’t know what to expect as the storyline—South Korean CEO/heiress paraglides into North Korea by mistake—seemed so implausible. One Google search later, I discovered it was an international sensation. I began watching and was immediately enchanted and fascinated. K-dramas mix romance, action, comedy, and fantasy in ways that are quite different from the way films are made in the West (which are more “monotone” – single genre). K-dramas offer a window into family life, corporate culture, political machinations, and values and beliefs, and address issues of social status and corruption due to power and resource/money imbalances. Food features largely. All include villains who threaten the protagonists – even in rom-coms. My recommendations are below; several are on Netflix, most are on viki.com – the Rakuten Asia streaming service. All are in Korean with English subtitles.

K-Dramas that mix action (the eternal fight of good vs. evil) with some romance:

Contemporary

Vincenzo: Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/81365087

Descendants of the Sun https://www.viki.com/search?q=descendants%20of%20the%20sun

Healer: https://www.viki.com/tv/23730c-healer

Lawless Lawyer: https://www.viki.com/tv/35833c-lawless-lawyer

You’re All Surrounded: https://www.viki.com/tv/22633c-youre-all-surrounded

Joseon era (Korea’s imperial age – historical/costume dramas)

Moon Embracing the Sun https://asianwiki.com/The_Moon_Embracing_The_Sun

Mr. Queen https://www.viki.com/tv/37480c-mr-queen

Haechi https://www.viki.com/tv/36418c-haechi (wonderful depiction of a leader who learns how to contend w/ politics)

K-Dramas: straight up romance

Unattainable male eventually falls for accomplished, often plucky female. Frequently involve a love triangle in which two males compete for the same female.

Contemporary

Crash Landing on You: Netflix

It’s OK to Not Be OK: Netflix

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? https://www.viki.com/tv/35835c-whats-wrong-with-secretary-kim

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God: https://www.viki.com/tv/31706c-guardian-the-lonely-and-great-god?q=Guardian

My Love from the Star: https://www.viki.com/tv/20503c-my-love-from-the-star

While You Were Sleeping: https://www.viki.com/search?q=While%20you%20were%20sleeping

Encounter: https://www.viki.com/tv/36239c-encounter

Secret Garden: https://www.viki.com/tv/1565c-secret-garden?q=secret%20Garden

The Legend of the Blue Sea: https://www.viki.com/tv/32240c-the-legend-of-the-blue-sea

Joseon era

The Tale of Nokdu: https://www.viki.com/tv/36680c-the-tale-of-nokdu