“Where can I watch more?” This is one of the most commonly asked questions in the International K-drama fandom (or at least it used to be). With Netflix’s ever-expanding catalogue of Asian dramas, fans all over the world can now watch some of the best Korean dramas without having to worry about ads or delayed air time. From currently airing titles to classic favorites, Netflix has it all. Here are 10 of our favorite K-dramas you might have missed that you can now watch on Netflix. You might be pleasantly surprised by some of these on the list!
1. “Misaeng” (2014)
Based on a webtoon of the same name, “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” tells the story of a young genius Baduk player who abandons his dreams of going pro and ends up being thrown into an internship in the corporate world with nothing but a GED as his qualification. Following through with this internship opportunity, Jang Geu Rae (played by actor and singer Im Si-wan of Korean idol group ZE:A) navigates the challenges of this new world with the help of some colourful characters he meets on the way.
2. “Something In The Rain” (2018)
“Something In The Rain” (alternatively, “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food”) explores a warm and assuring relationship between Yoon Jin Ah (Son Ye Jin) and Seo Joon Hee (Jung Hae In), who is considerably younger than her. A little bit of time apart transforms their platonic relationship to a blossoming romance of passionate love. As they learn how to deal with the world around them and overcome the initial resistance against their relationship, their bond strengthens as they find true happiness in each other.
3. “It’s Okay, That’s Love” (2014)
A healing drama that deals with complicated issues of mental health while entertaining with beautiful relationships of love and friendship, “It’s Okay, That’s Love” is a series you absolutely have to watch. Jo In Sung plays Jang Jae Yeol, a popular writer and radio host who suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and schizophrenia stemming from a deep-rooted childhood trauma. Gong Hyo Jin is Ji Hae Soo, a psychiatrist with a fear of intimacy and an anxiety disorder. A nurturing relationship develops between the two as they find their way towards healing together.
4. “Mr. Sunshine” (2018)
Airing in the summer of 2018, “Mr. Sunshine” is one of the top-rated K-dramas on Netflix. The story is about Choi Yoo Jin (Lee Byung Hun), a Korean boy from a very poor family who gets smuggled into New York after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident. He later returns to his homeland Joseon as an Officer with the American military. Ko Ae-shin (Kim Tae Ri) is a noble lady in Joseon who is training to become a sniper. With not one but three main leads, this series is sure to keep you hooked.
5. “Shopping King Louie” (2016)
A love story that is as sweet as it is strange, “Shopping King Louie” tells the story of Kang Ji Sung (played by Seo In Guk), a rich chaebol heir who suffers from amnesia after a terrible accident and ends up penniless on the road when Ko Bok Shil (Nam Ji Hyun) finds him and ultimately takes him in. If you’re looking for a light-hearted rom-com that will still leave you with all the butterflies, this will be your best bet.
6. “Signal” (2016)
A mysterious walkie-talkie blurs the lines between the past and the present as a profiler from 2015 and a detective from 1989 work together to bring down crime and injustice. Starring Kim Hye Soo, Lee Je Hoon and Cho Jin Woong, along with Cha Soo Hyeon, Park Hae Yeong and Lee Jae Han, this drama will keep you perched at the edge of your seat from start to finish. “Signal” is undeniably one of the best crime thrillers to come out of Korea.
7. “Melo Is My Nature” (2019)
A group of best friends in their early thirties, Im Jin-Joo (Chun Woo Hee), Lee Eun-Jung (Jeon Yeo Bin), and Hwang Han-Joo (Han Ji Eun), try to get their life together and find happiness while existing as average, working-class people in society in this light-hearted comedy, making it relatable to people of all ages. Sit back and unwind with this cheery K-drama that is so ordinary that it’s extraordinary.
8. “My Mister” (2018)
Get ready for some waterworks because this K-drama will leave you an emotional wreck but satisfied nonetheless. “My Mister” depicts a slow but steady progression from helplessness to hope, from being trapped to finally finding freedom. Through the stories of Park Dong Hoon (played by Lee Sung Gyun), the oldest of three brothers, and Lee Ji An (played by singer and actor IU), a cold young woman that has been forced to see the harsher side of life from a very young age, the two eventually come together and find peace and healing in each other, making this K-drama heart-wrenching, yet beautiful.
9. “The K2” (2016)
If you’re looking for some hardcore action and political intrigue (sprinkled with the sweetness of new love), “The K2” is the perfect drama for you. A bodyguard named Kim Je Ha (played by Ji Chang Wook) is betrayed by the very country he has sworn to protect and seeks revenge, but he gets involved with Go An Na (Im Yoon Ah), the troubled daughter of a Presidential candidate. Backed by a brilliant OST, this drama will leave you wanting more, even after 16 episodes!
10. “When The Camellia Blooms” (2019)
“When The Camellia Blooms” is a romantic-comedy that follows Dongbaek (played by Gong Hyo Jin), a single mother that runs a bar in the town of Ongsan as she learns the way to self-love with the help of her relationship with a persistent young cop, Hwang Yong Shik (Kang Ha Neul). While trying to come to terms with a traumatic past and eventually overcoming it, there is no sweeter love story than that of these two as they take their time falling irrevocably in love. Right when you think you’ve gotten the hang of it, the drama surprises with a twist of thrill. What are you waiting for? Watch “When The Camellia Blooms” on Netflix now!
Bonus: “Romance Is A Bonus Book” (2019)
A delightfully filmed drama that centers on the story of a younger man and successful book editor (played by the ever wonderful Lee Jong Suk) who has had a crush on his older friend (played by Lee Na Young). After a failed marriage, she gets a job at his publishing company and surprises everyone with her creativity and dedication. This drama is warm, romantic, charming, and sweet. In addition, the setting of being at a book company provides a unique and lovely background.
For newer K-drama fans, you can also check out some popular series from recent years such as “Crash Landing On You,” “Another! Miss Oh,” “”Mystic Pop Up Bar,” “Voice,” “Tunnel,” “Suits,” “Bad Guys,” “Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung,” and more.
Although there are many wonderful dramas that people can view on Netflix, these are a few from different genres that many people can enjoy! From action to romance, check out these dramas and let us know what you think!
What other dramas would you add to this list? Which K-dramas on Netflix do you recommend to your friends? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1!
Ishani Sarkar is a self-professed learner for life, trying to find meaning and happiness in the smallest of things. She found her safe haven within the world of Korean entertainment and she’s never letting go.
Media: Netflix via WTK