Korean modern dramas ~ Part II ~

King of Dramas (드라마의 제왕) - GREAT DRAMA

Genre: Romance, drama, comedy 

Episodes: 18

  The story, for me, was totally refreshing. It gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes when dramas are being made, and it was nice to see.

  Comedy-wise, it’s a genuine masterpiece for me. Romance is subtle yet touching at first and tends to develop later which makes it more believable and truly romantic—not the usual wrist grabbing can determine the person you love. Did I mention a lot of anti-cliches here? Well, it has. And I love every bit of it! I also love the cast. This would definitely be one of my favorite casts in a drama.

  If a true drama lover runs in your veins, I believe you should watch this!—err, scratch that, I mean you would appreciate, relate and enjoy this refreshing, funny, one-of-a-kind drama as much as I did.

I Miss You (보고싶다) - GREAT DRAMA 
Genre: Melodrama, romance 
Episodes: 21

  This drama started magically, I mean it, when I watching the first 2 episodes I was mesmerized from the cuteness ad genius acting of the child actors. They bring justice to the character they portray. Same goes to Park Yoochun and Yoon Eun Hye. The plot is really unique and interesting. Each episode makes you think of what will happen next. Watch it!

Padam Padam (빠담빠담... 그와 그녀의 심장박동소리) - GREAT DRAMA 

Genre: Romance, fantasy 

Episodes: 20

  This is a drama that does not fit simply into one category. I'd say 'Padam Padam' is equal parts love story, tearjerker, crime drama, and supernatural tale. It combines all four genres seamlessly, and every moment of it felt genuine. I think much of the credit should go to the outstanding cast. I also liked that the director made some interesting storytelling choices that kept me engaged. This drama may not be fast paced, but it's originality stopped me from ever being bored.

  You must try watching this drama and you'll never regret it.

 

The Greatest Love (최고의 사랑) - GREAT DRAMA

Genre: Romance, comedy
Episodes: 16

  Cha Seung Won, stole my heart in this drama. He showed how a man can grow in a relationship and come from being the narcissistic, idiot of a man to the prefect boyfriend that every woman would want. Gong Hyo Jin, captured the character of Ae Jung, the female who is all tormented by the people she tries to protect, perfectly. This story is set in the entertainment world and probably sheds a glaring spotlight on the trappings and "traps" of fame. Each character is fame's satelite planet spinning in orbit around it's shiny tempting sun.

   Very watchable. Sweet, endearing and funny. Fluffy happy viewing. What’s not to like?

 

Scent of a Woman (여인의 향기) - GOOD DRAMA

Genre: Romance

Episodes: 16

  This story is well written, produced, and acted. The theme to this drama is to live your life to the fullest, because you never know what will happen. Although there is fear and sadness at the thought of death, there is also strength and awareness that wasn’t there before. 

  Kim Sun Ah plays Yeon Jae with exceptional grace and strength. Her character transformation may not be typical of someone that is facing death, but her way of life after finding out that she was dying should be how we all aspire to live. 

  Overall I felt the story was missing just a little something towards the end and there were episodes that needed more plot development, but not enough to detract from its overall awesomeness. I recommend this! You will laugh. You will love the passionate moments between the two leads as well as the light comedic moments. But you MUST have tissues handy!

     

Thorn Birds (가시나무) - GOOD DRAMA

Genre: Melodrama, romance

Episodes: 20

  Thorn Birds deals with dark issues - child abandonment, secrecy, lies, revenge and twisted personalities all have their places in this Korean drama. In the beginning it started slow and the plot was not that interesting. However, after watching five episodes I was addicted. The plot takes many turns and the characters become more three dimensional. There is a lot of character development and I felt so connected to the main character. It has the usual Korean drama plots such as a love triangle but it presents them in a new way.

   Overall, I enjoyed Thorn Birds despite it's flaws.

 

The King 2 Hearts (더킹 투하츠) - GREAT DRAMA 

Genre: Romance, comedy, action 

Episodes: 20

  The story takes watchers into the real hardcore topics like war, the threatening status of the royal family, love/loyalty/betrayal, the unification of South-North Korea. It also appeals to men in terms of political views, action, suspense, military involvement.

  Plus, never say no to the two most successful actor and actress in South Korea. I don’t even need to mention the chemistry between the two for you guys to find out.

   

Rooftop Prince (옥탑방 왕세자) - GREAT DRAMA 

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance 

Episodes: 20

  What happens when you get time-travel, comedy, romance, mystery, action, fantasy and a pack of eye candies in one drama? It’s a hell a lot of fun with tons of twists and turns. All the characters are superbly played by really talented actors. They really bring out the best in the story. So for those who just want to relax without being too tensed, this is a drama series I highly recommend. For those who want to feed their drama crazy addiction, you will be delighted!

History Of Salaryman (샐러리맨 초한지) - GREAT DRAMA  

Genre: Comedy, politic, mystery 

Episodes: 22

  The writer of this show is a genius! He managed to mix hilarious comedy, suspense and industrial spying with a pinch or two of romance to make an explosive drama cocktail. The acting is absolutely top-notch, the music is currently on infinite repeat in my apt, and I would watch this drama again.

  All in all, definitely a recommend, don’t let the title and the weird sepia poster image scare you off. You won’t be transported into some far away historical documentary. Watch it! 

I do, I do (아이두 아이두) - GREAT DRAMA 

Genre: Romance, comedy 

Episodes: 16

  I consider this drama a little gem in its genre. It doesn't have a tremendously eventful plot, no big, earthshaking truth to be revealed in the last episode, no memory loss, birth secrets or time jump. I loved it because it offers the viewer a range of different points of view on subjects which are very common in real life, and not so common in the Korean drama world; there's no judgment involved, no stance is presented as better than the other. It's up to you to decide what you would do and how you would react in a similar situation.

  I recommend this drama to everyone who likes a solid, modern script, unusually believable characters and a no-nonsense plot.

 

 

City Hall (시티홀) - GOOD DRAMA

Genre: Romance 

Episodes: 20

  A must watch politically-driven romantic-comedy drama, City Hall is a story of two individuals who crossed paths in the arena of small town politics and corporate-political intrigues, infused with family secrets, driven with personal convictions and beliefs, and highly-charged with honey sweet, yet tastefully romantic scenes.
  Amazing chemistry and solid acting by the two leads, as well as the supporting casts, makes this a must watch drama with its witty lines, political and partisan intrigues, and touchingly wishful and uplifting romance. A hands-down, fantastic plot!

 

A Gentleman’s Dignity (신사의 품격) - GREAT DRAMA

Genre: Romance, comedy 

Episodes: 20

   'Ahjussi’? ‘40s men’? ‘Old men’s love stories’? These might be the reason to put you off from even getting a sneak peak about this drama. YES. They are 40-year-old uncles whom trying to tell their individual, unique love stories. But, as quoted by Kim Do Jin [portrayed by Jang Dong Gun himself], "Adolescents don’t mature, they just get older". That’s the very theme of this drama, immature men who are trying their best to keep the love alive. With great casts and very good story plot, this is a drama you can’t miss at all. Don’t worry. This ‘oppas’ will give you a laugh when you least expect it. 

Innocent Man (세상 어디에도 없는 착한남자) - GOOD DRAMA

Genre: Melodrama, Romance

Episodes: 20 

  'Innocent Man' or 'Nice Guy' is not ordinary drama you see nowadays, because the leading characters both are smart, not easily fooled around and they both have strong personality, you will loves them no matter how intense and cruel situations they were in. Love is a good thing but this one can also cause obsession that may be a very dangerous thing as it results to revenge. This is mainly a show that will give you more lessons and deserves to be watched.

Beloved (친애하는 당신에게) - GREAT DRAMA

Genre: Romance
Episodes: 16

  This is a drama for anyone who believe that true love can exsist in this crazy world we live in. It touched on the ups and downs that can happen in everyday life styles and marriage. The actors did a great job of bringing this drama to life and the soundtrack is a great fit. Watch it!