I Watched K-Dramas for the First Time in My Life

I’ve known for a long time that K-dramas ruled the world of romantic storytelling. Yet, I was not prepared to be sucked into a whole new world where I willingly choose to experience the rollercoaster of emotions these series have to offer. Personally, romance has never been something I enjoyed watching. Unlike many people in my life, I find romantic comedies, dramas, etc. very overplayed and predictable. I’ve probably only watched a handful of romantic comedies in my twenty-some years of life, and none of those have sucked me into the genre… but then came K-dramas. I finally decided to give K-dramas a chance when my dead old dad decided to watch one himself. He does enjoy stuff like that, he is constantly watching telenovelas and dramas to kill time. One random day, he decided to put one on while we were in the living room and that was when my perspective on the romantic genre changed. At least in the realm of K-dramas.

It is an understatement to say that after that I could not stop watching K-dramas. I binged so many in one month that my parents were wondering if they were at fault for my new obsession. I told my mom that, no, she was not at fault while totally side-eying my father. But hey! Now I’m here writing a list of the ten dramas I managed to watch this past September. While I enjoyed some, I disliked others. I cried with some and laughed with others. It was a rollercoaster and I’m here to share my thoughts about them.

A/N: I did give them a ranking but that didn’t dictate the scale when I placed them. Also, as a disclaimer, I want to say that my critique of the series below is not meant to attack the actors in any way, shape, or form. The actors did wonderfully with the roles given to them, so the character critique stays within the narrative and nothing else.

*Spoiler Alert Ahead*

#10: Nevertheless, (1.5/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): “The story of a romance between a man who is annoyed with relationships but likes to flirt and a woman who wants to date but does not believe in love.”

I feel like I'm being generous with the rating it got. I did not really enjoy this drama. I watched it because it kept being recommended to me by Netflix and then I saw that it was one of the spiciest dramas out there. The spiciness was good, and the tension between the actors was there, but other than that, the series failed to keep me hooked. I’m also the type of person that cannot leave something unfinished whether that is a book or a series, so I did force myself to watch the rest of the series – though, I did skip over the things that were boring me. I did end up watching the side characters’ scenes. Those were the reasons why the rating I gave this series even got a point. The friendship (and romance) between Yoon-Sol (played by Lee Ho-Jung) and Seo Ji-Wan (played by Yoon Seo-Ah) was one of the most interesting and heartwarming things in the series. It is basically a queer “best friends to lovers” plot. I pride myself on guessing that plotline before it got properly introduced.

The main characters wished they had such a good development throughout the series. Sadly, they did not. Park Jae-Eon (played by Song Kang) and Yu Na-Bi (played by Han So-Hee) were so one-dimensional that my interest faded after episode four, and they remained exactly the same until the very end. While they ended up being together (which is different from how it ends on the Webtoon, as I later found out), I believe neither really grew in order to enter a healthy relationship. Neither character is emotionally available, and their friend-with-benefit relationship was hardly healthy. I will give credit to the writers for presenting a relationship that was realistic because let’s be honest, most relationships don’t feel fairy-tale-like, they are messy and a little questionable – especially when we are in the prime of adulthood. In the beginning, I believed that the series would explore that type of relationship between Jae-Eon and Na-Bi, but we really did not get the proper development.

Along those lines, the concept of the series could have used a lot of tweaking as well as the delivery. As the lead and main narrator of the series, Na-Bi had zero growth and her inner monologue got so boring after a while that I began to skip over it. That goes for Jae-Eon as well, and I almost rooted for them to change in order to truly enter a relationship because the chemistry was there, and the potential was there for the take. Instead, the writers seemed to have given all that development to the side characters and their relationships. At first, I thought it was a means of showing all the sorts of relationships young people have while exploring who they are, but in the end, it just feels like absolutely no one was interested in the main couple.

#9: Love to Hate You (2/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): For an attorney who despises losing to men and an A-list actor who distrusts women, love means nothing; that is, until they're forced to date each other.

I got pulled into watching this drama because of its ‘fake-dating’ premise (my favorite trope in media, if I’m being honest). I was very excited to watch this, and a lot of people said that it was very good. So you can imagine how disappointed I was when I could hardly watch the first episode. The main female lead, Yeo Mi-ran (played by Kim Ok-bin) was hard to like. I have no idea why people write strong female characters with the personality of a block of cement. Mi-ran had absolutely no personality, she was a dry character and her goals in the show were utterly ridiculous. What starts the path toward the main leads getting together is totally a headache. Mi-ran made it her mission to ‘destroy’ Nam Kang-ho (played by Teo Yoo, the main male lead) because she overheard him making a mean comment over a bratty actress – not to mention that Mi-ran later misinterprets a situation. She basically turns her into a stalker.

But my issues don’t end with her. Kang-ho is very annoying as well. A man who hates women while the media thinks of him as one of the most romantic men because his love scenes are heart-fluttery. What they don’t know is that he hates being around women and has to scrub his tongue right after kissing a co-star – though his behavior is basically validated later when we see a flashback to show the trauma he carries from his previous relationship. He is not as dry of a character, but there is little room to like him. It wasn’t until the last few episodes that I began to somewhat enjoy the characters, but even then, I ended up skipping a lot. Not even the side characters were able to keep me hooked.

But moving on from the characters, another issue I had was how the main plot wasn’t properly explored until halfway into the series. This connects with how lackluster the characters were. While they had their ‘personalities’ shown before Mi-ran and Kang-ho met, once they were forced to spend time together and enter their dating contract, it felt like the characters suddenly had a personality that the viewer could enjoy. I did not like that. Why would these characters only show potential when together? It’s lazy writing.

I enjoyed the idea this show had, it would have been interesting to see two people who disliked each other slowly fall in love with the reasons they hated each other. Basically, I’ll love you despite your flaws. However, the writers did a poor job of executing this idea and vision. The last few episodes were probably the most enjoyable, there were some good scenes there, but it sucks that I had to wait that long to actually enjoy the drama. I wish it had been that enjoyable since episode one.

#8: Love and Leashes (movie) (3.9/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): Love never hurt so good for two co-workers who enter a contractual relationship as partners in consensual play, pleasure and pain.

I know this is a movie, but when I picked it to watch I thought it was a series. I was so pissed at myself when I realized that it was a movie, but I still watched it. I decided to put it in this list because it was no fun having a list of nine (9) shows ranked. But moving on!

I liked the premise of navigating the world of BDSM. It was a little awkward at the beginning because I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a comedy or not because the male lead, Jung Ji-hoo (played by Lee Jun-young), was a little clumsy to the point it was comedic. There was also the whole dog innuendos which I thought were going to remain as jokes, but they ended up being not-so-subtle hints about him being submissive. There was a very weird scene with him role-playing as a dog and that was far too weird. It was a turn-off, really. On the other hand, I did enjoy seeing the female lead being strong yet able to show emotions like a normal person would. While Ji-hoo had experience in the realm of dom/sub, Jung Ji-woo (played by Seohyun) did not. I enjoyed watching her experience the overwhelming emotions of finding this realm of possibilities.

While there were some moments where I questioned the movie’s sanity, I enjoyed some other scenarios. Ji-woo feeling empowered was the best part of the movie, seeing her thrive was something I needed after watching Love to Hate You which I had barely finished when I started this movie. Another thing I enjoyed was that the movie was sensual without the use of explicit scenes, it merely hinted at it and was enough to add spiciness to the movie. But at the same time, the movie felt lackluster in other areas. The initial build-up was practically non-existent which is why the beginning of the movie feels a little rushed, and the tension between the main leads is barely there. Once it picks up its tension, it remains consistent which is why I did not like the ending that much. I feel like it could have used a bit more work before it was released, and it would have benefited from being a series rather than a movie.

#7: Remarriages and Desires (3.5/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): Through an exclusive matchmaking agency that caters to the rich, a divorcee plots revenge against her ex-husband's scheming mistress.

This was by far the most intense drama I have watched. It is a typical suspenseful series filled with lies, secrets, murder, and revenge. From the very beginning, you get the feeling that this series will be dark, and it is not afraid to show people’s dark sides. I’m not a fan of shows like this because I get easily stressed, and this show made me so stressed but it was worth it. This drama was recommended to me by a friend because she liked it a lot, so I gave it a chance. I did not think I was going to like it but I was captivated by its plot very quickly. The female lead, Seo Hye-seung (played by Kim Hee-sun), is the victim of her late husband's indiscretions. But when you think you have it all figured out, then comes the mistress Jin Yoo-hee (played by Jeong Eu-Gene). Yoo-hee is pure evil, there is no redeeming quality in her. Even though we are shown the reasons why she is how she is, it is hard to like Yoo-hee because of the things she does to Hye-seung. And while at first, it is a struggle to pick a side, it is irrefutable that Hye-seung is the one that needs to come on top.

In only eight (8) episodes, you will experience a turmoil of feelings, and most of them will probably leave you with an ever-growing feeling of exasperation, but by the end of the series, you will finally be able to breathe. All of its plotlines are interesting, almost none of them were lackluster… except for the romance plotline. While I did not think that Seo Hye-seung was getting a romantic plot, she ended up (sorta) having two – an old boyfriend who left her and an accidental new romance. Both of them weren’t properly worked on so I feel like the show could have done without them…though that would have made the title of the show kind of unfit. Anyway, this show was very intense and it will have you hooked.

#6: Her Private Life (4.5/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): Dedicated art gallery curator Sung Deok Mi is a fanatic fan girl of White Ocean's Cha Shi-an, a dark secret she hides from everyone.

This one caught my eye because, I, as an adult fangirl, related to Sung Deok-Mi (played by Park Min-young). I may not keep it as quiet as she does, but I can understand wanting to keep it yourself rather than have it be a stamp next to your name. That was what initially drew me in, but what made me stay was the fake dating situation between Sung Deok-Mi and her new boss, Ryan Gold (Kim Jae-wook). They have a chaotic ‘meet-cute’ and it sets up the 'feel' for the rest of the show. It is a comedy but, true to its genre, it has an intriguing drama that will leave you shocked.

The series was an enjoyable experience, the chemistry between the leads was so strong that every interaction will leave you breathless. Its plotlines are very well written, and the relationships between all the characters were also very enjoyable – some of the side characters will steal the show at times, and it's honestly the best.

There were some things that I did not quite like, but I cannot get into them because I would have to explain a lot of the show and I would like for you guys to give it a try. The one thing I will say is that I wished the plot with her working with her Idol was a lot more explored seeing as it is what the show initially advertises. I would have enjoyed seeing a fangirl interact with her Idol – like a true Y/N experience.

#5: Tomorrow (4/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): Made half-human and half-spirit by accident, a young man is employed by grim reapers to carry out special missions.

For this drama, I will start by saying that there is a major trigger warning for suicide. The show is about Grim Reapers so you can imagine how much I sobbed throughout the series. Unlike the other dramas I’ve watched, this one was not a love story (though it does offer one as a secondary plot). Personally, a full-on romance story would have not fit the series, so I am glad that it didn’t. I know the series is based on a Webtoon, so I am interested to see how different they are from each other, but I need to build up the courage before I do that.

I know many people watched this show because of Rowoon who plays the main character Choi Jun-woong, but I sat through this emotionally charged series because of Lee Soo-hyuk – that man owns my soul, if I’m being honest. But I was not prepared for what the show was about, nor did the trailer I watched give me any indication that I would be sobbing at five (5) in the morning thinking about my life and how I want to live it. While it does offer a lot of comedy to contrast its heavy topics, the show remains one of the most emotionally packed series I’ve watched up to this point.

I was very surprised at how well done this series is. I was ready to quit this show if it began to romanticize suicide, but it did not. I was pleased about that because the media has a tendency to romanticize serious topics to get a message across. I have watched many shows where these difficult topics don't get addressed properly, and I'm glad I was finally able to watch one without getting annoyed halfway. Big kudos to the creators for creating an amazing story to talk about a very important subject.

Moving on, I heard somewhere that we could be getting a season two (2) and I’m kind of curious as to how they are going to do it seeing as the ending has Jun-woong going back to his body. But I definitely would love to see what’s new for our favorite grim reapers!

#4: Doom at Your Service (4.5/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): A woman who lost her parents in early age is diagnosed with a brain tumour, forcing her to have less than 100 days to live. As she prays for the destruction of the world, the destruction himself comes to her and live with her for the last 100 days.

Ah, yes. The show that introduced me to the glorious man that is Lee Soo-hyuk. And also a show I was not emotionally ready to watch. I watch this before Tomorrow. This drama is more romantic with its tragedy, but tears will come nonetheless.

This series was great from beginning to end, the main characters are very likable and the tension between Doom (played by Seo In-guk) and Tak Dong-gyung (played by Park Bo-young) was just beautiful. From hating each other to becoming friendly, to falling in love with each other making their romance filled with heartache -- everything was just amazing. Admittedly, the show was better than I expected, it was a lot more romantic than I had anticipated. It made my heart flutter so much, and not just Dong-gyung and Doom’s romance but Dong-gyung’s best friend. Na Ji-na (played by Shin Do-hyun) deals with a love triangle consisting of two best friends – an old love and a new one. But it's a lot deeper than that.

My final take: the series was very tragic as well as beautiful (don’t worry, there is a happy ending).

It does have a heavy religious imagery which is understandable as the male lead is the literal manifestation of doom – the contrast to the god-like character. There is a touch of comedy that will help you navigate the difficult journey of the main character, and there will be no stopping you from binging this series in one day.

#3: Business Proposal (4.5/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): In disguise as her friend, Ha-ri shows up on a blind date to scare away her friend's prospective suitor. However, plans go awry when he turns out to be Ha-ri's CEO and he makes a proposal.

This has got to be the best fake-dating-to-real-dating drama I have watched so far. It got me hooked with its comedy and its well-created characters. Everyone was likable, even if some of the scenarios were somewhat over the top – but it fits the comedic nature of the series. Shin Ha-ri (played by Kim Se-jeong) was incredibly relatable and funny, she was the embodiment of every other average girl. Her reactions to the situations she is put in are very relatable, and she is given a love interest that will test her in ways she could never have imagined. The CEO of the company she works at, Kang Tae-moo (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), is a man who only thinks of his work but is now forced to marry per his grandfather’s request. For a man who tries to be cool at all times, Ha-ri has the power to render him a mess (in a good way, I suppose). I loved that for them. Continuing the topic of love, we get another important romance. Ha-ri’s best friend and Tae-moo’s best friend (as well as assistant). Their romance is just as ardent as the main couple’s but they definitely get away with being a lot messier than soft romantic.

This show was just an absolute delight to watch, and I have watched it many times since I finished it. I hope we get another season where things get even better for these four lovable characters.

#2: Romance is a Bonus Book (4.8/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): A gifted writer who's the youngest editor-in-chief ever at his publishing company becomes enmeshed in the life of a former copywriter desperate for a job.

I know the intro above is very bland, but I promise you, this drama is beautiful. This drama made me cry, laugh, angry, exasperated, and even hopeful. Compared to the other dramas I’ve watched, it was very adult and realistic. It reminded me that we are humans and that means we’re flawed but we still can be beautiful.

Apart from the most adorable best friends to lovers’ story, it showed a plethora of subplots that made the series feel so human. As fictional as it was, it offered a sensible storyline. The main lead, Kang Dan-I (played by Lee Na-young), is the sweetest person to the point she is too pure for this world. Even through all the hardships she endured, she conquered in the end. Her journey is one that will have you rooting for her from beginning to end. As a reward for the hardships she faced and will face, she gets to have an amazing best friend and love interest: Cha Eun-Ho (played by Lee Jong-Suk), who is an adorable golden retriever of a man. Whenever they are together, I just melt. I loved them and I appreciate that their relationship was still so beautiful by the time the show ended. It never lost its spark.

I believe that some people will be turned off by the age gap between Dan-I and Eun-Ho but they are both consenting adults, not to mention that the way their relationship develops throughout the series will have you realizing that love really doesn’t have age (meaning that no matter how ‘past your prime’ you are, you are still able to find a love that will have you feeling as alive as when you were young). I am not a fan of big age gaps or best-friends-to-lovers trope, but this drama worked it so well that I just have to love it.

The series was worth the laughs, the tears, the anger, and all the moments I screamed at my TV. Go watch it!

#1: King the Land (4.8/5)

Brief intro (taken from Google): Amid a tense inheritance fight, a charming heir clashes with his hardworking employee who's known for her irresistible smile, which he cannot stand.

This was my introduction to K-dramas and the reason why now I have an obsession with it – not to mention it has slowly convinced me that I should give K-pop a chance… Anyways! This drama was both sweet and comedic. Unlike many poor/rich couples, this one was not filled with unrealistic drama and severe miscommunication. While it still carried some of the things that come with the trope, it was an absolutely endearing romance. It is also the cutest ‘he fell first and harder’ drama I’ve encountered.

The main female lead, Cheon Sa-rang (played by Yoonah) was a delight to watch. Even though her character is sweet to everyone around her (her name literally means love in Korean), she was not a weak character. She was strong while she held a smile on her face, and that to me shows a strength that not many have. This characteristic of hers did wonders to irritate our male lead, Gu Won (played by Junho) who hates fake smiles – he has a deep trauma with people giving him fake smiles. Their love story is full of funny, silly, and sweet moments that make all their romantic scenes all the more intense. Their tension was so thick I had to shut my eyes whenever they kissed because I felt it was too personal to watch them.

In addition to their great romance, the drama follows the lives of Sa-rang’s two best friends. Unlike Nevertheless, this drama was able to properly develop all the relationships it established, and give them well-written plotlines. I enjoyed every single minute of this drama, but as soon as I finished it I had to rewatch it because I could not accept that it was over. I want another season, even though I know I won’t be getting it. Sa-rang and Won got their happy ending, so I guess I'm supposed to be happy.

Side note: The show does have an Arab character who comes in for two episodes, and he is seen going against religious practice. I.E. he is seen drinking alcohol and being a total womanizer. An apology has been issued by the showrunners for misrepresenting Muslims. So, be warned of that when you watch this drama.

So... there you have it! My September watchlist ranked from not-so-good to absolute best. I tried to be fair with the top five because as much as I loved them, nothing is perfect. But the main thing here is that I finally watched some K-dramas and I cannot wait for what's in store next! I want to know you guy's thoughts about these dramas if you've seen them, so don't be shy and comment away!