“K-Drama Frenzy: Immerse Yourself in the Best Korean Shows on Netflix”
If you’re anything like us, you’ve already binge-watched your fair share of Netflix’s most popular series. But, have you ventured into the uncharted territory of Korean dramas? With their addictive storylines, complex characters, and captivating romance, K-dramas have taken the world by storm, and for good reason. From heart-wrenching tearjerkers to laugh-out-loud comedies, Korean shows have something for every viewer.
Action-Packed Thrills
Korean dramas have proven to be a powerhouse of action-packed thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are a few recommendations that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping:
D.P. (2021-2023): A Pulse-Quickening Action Series
D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) is a pulse-quickening action series that takes a hard look at South Korea’s mandatory military service. Private Ahn Joon-ho (Jung Hae-in) and Corporal Han Ho-yeol (Koo Kyo-hwan) are tasked with finding deserters but end up discovering a lot more about the bullying and hazing that causes soldiers to abandon their duties. Season 2 transitions to the perspective of senior officers, turning an eye towards corruption, LGBTQ discrimination, and how much responsibility the military bears.
All of Us Are Dead (2022): Zombies in High School
What do you get when you mix high school students and zombies? The gem that is All of Us Are Dead, another webtoon adaptation you can stream on Netflix. Set in the fictional city of Hyosan, the series follows a group of teenagers stranded in school (and fighting for survival) after a zombie outbreak takes over the country. With a dash of high school romance and a lot of suspense, All of Us Are Dead will have you glued to the screen across its 12 episodes, ending with a major cliff-hanger.
Bloodhounds (2022): An Action-Filled Crime Drama
Real-life besties Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi star as fictional besties Kim Geon-woo and Hong Woo-jin in this action-filled crime drama, so expect brotherly banter galore. Both former Marines turned boxers, their paths cross after a fated fight brings them together. With a common past and similar financial problems, the two instantly click and end up joining forces to take down private loan sharks after getting conned themselves.
More Must-Watch K-Dramas
Korean dramas have become a staple of entertainment, offering a wide range of genres and themes to cater to diverse tastes. Here are a few more recommendations that are sure to captivate your attention:
Alchemy of Souls (2022): A Period K-Drama with Fantasy
If you enjoy longer watches, Alchemy of Souls is the show you’ve been looking for. (It features two parts, spanning 30 episodes in total.) A period K-drama with a side of fantasy, it follows the story of mages who have the ability to move their souls across bodies using a forbidden magic spell that gives the series its name. Yep, people actually change bodies in this drama, which means things get complicated very fast, but it’s oh-so-entertaining.
Celebrity (2022): A Thrilling Romance
The perfect amalgam of thriller and romance, Celebrity has to be one of the most addictive K-dramas of the past few years. The series follows Seo A-ri (Park Gyu-young), a former rich girl turned door-to-door saleswoman who decides to become a social media influencer lured by the prospect of wealth and high status — but all that glitters is not gold. Money, fame, power, love, and murder all converge in this gripping show.
Doctor Slump (2022): A Heartwarming Medical Romance
If you liked Park Hyung-Sik in Strong Girl Bong-soon, then you’ll love him in Doctor Slump. The actor stars alongside fellow The Heirs alum Park Shin-hye as a brilliant doctor who finds love in the most unexpected way. With a dash of humor and a lot of heart, Doctor Slump is the perfect K-drama to warm your heart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of Korean television has exploded onto the global stage, and Netflix has played a significant role in bringing these captivating shows to a wider audience. The article’s comprehensive list of the 20 best Korean shows on Netflix offers a glimpse into the diverse range of genres, styles, and storytelling techniques that Korean producers have mastered. From the dark and gritty thrillers like “Stranger” and “Vagabond” to the romantic and melodramatic dramas like “Crash Landing on You” and “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”, there’s something for every taste and preference.
The significance of Korean shows on Netflix lies not only in their entertainment value but also in their cultural and social relevance. These shows often tackle complex issues like social inequality, corruption, and personal struggle, providing a window into the complexities of Korean society. Moreover, the global popularity of Korean shows has paved the way for greater cultural exchange and understanding between nations, fostering a sense of global citizenship and shared human experience.