Crash Landing on Your Friday Night

Cayla Cornista
May 27, 2021
5 min read

Updated: May 12, 2023

From the hour long episodes to lovable characters, there’s nothing quite like a good, Korean drama. Of course, we have to mention that empty feeling a person experiences when their favorite drama ends. Throughout the good and bad are a list of K-dramas that have stood the test of time and have been regarded as some of the greatest to ever exist.

Here are my top 10 favorite K-dramas over the years:

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay (2020)

A story about two people who unexpectedly cross paths and begins to heal each other's emotional wounds. Things get more captivating as the drama unveils the truth of their pasts that has been haunting them their whole lives.

Some of my favorite parts about this drama were the main character’s chemistry. They were funny, bonded well together (despite their differences), and brought the best of one another - even after going through harsh realities in their lives. I have a lot of love for the artworks presented in the show, as it made the drama more whimsical with a touch of mystery. We also can’t forget mentions of mental health and inclusion of an autistic character - we rarely get to see that in the drama world, so it makes me happy that they are being brought up nowadays.

Rating: 9.5/10

Signal (2016)

A mysterious, walkie talkie allows a detective in 1989 to communicate with a cold case profiler from 2015. With the power of force and hindsight, the two not only solve crimes, but prevent them from ever taking place.

There are no words to describe how amazing this drama is. In the many years I have been watching K-dramas, Signal is something beyond compare. The plot itself was unpredictable and had me on the edge of my seat at all times. Consider watching it later one - you will definitely be hooked after watching one episode.

Rating: 10/10

When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

A single mother opens a bar in a fictional town and begins a relationship with a good-natured police officer, who is trying to catch a serial killer.

Aside from its “serial killer in a romance drama” plot, it was empowering for women, as we see the main character grow from her old ways and become stronger than she already is. It is a simple, yet heartwarming drama that tells you that whatever obstacles life throws at you, you can overcome it some way, somehow.

Rating: 7.5/10

The World of the Married (2020)

TW: Contains mature content

Based on the BBC One's series Doctor Foster, it tells a story of a married couple whose betrayal of one another leads to a whirlwind of revenge, grief, forgiveness, and healing.

There’s always that one drama where you personally feel some type of way, and it is this one for me. The emotional rollercoaster I went through watching this drama was too much to handle. But through it all, it was another drama I was hooked on. While you witness each and every character go through the motions of married life, you were also feeling it, as well. I honestly have to give the actors a round of applause for the work they had put in because it is a drama I couldn’t stop thinking about after a while.

Rating: 9.5/10

Hello, My Twenties! (2016)

A retrospective, youth drama that speaks about the lives of five young women and parades over their love inhibitions, self-esteem issues, school worries, and other typical predicaments women in their 20’s usually worry about.

I would definitely consider this as one my comfort K-dramas. Great to watch with girl friends as it is relatable and tackles things that typically women usually go through in their 20’s. Each character is very unique in their own way, which is another way you can relate to them. Hello, My Twenties is a feel-good drama that presents female friendships and girl power.

Rating: 7.5/10

Reply 1997 (2012)

Set in the 1990s, the series follows female high-school student Sung Shi-won, who idolizes boyband H.O.T and her five high school friends. As a teen, she was obsessed with a boy band. Now at 33 y/o, Shi-won and her friends are reviving their memories at their school reunion.

My first and probably favorite Reply series of all. Watching this drama gave me a glimpse of how fan culture was during the 90’s in South Korea. The passion and love the character had for her favorite groups was interesting to witness. What’s especially great about this was the guessing game throughout the episodes. We slowly find out who the character ends up with, while also look back into their past, something I haven’t seen in K-dramas.

Rating: 8/10

Fight For My Way (2017)

The series follows four friends, who are trying to reach their dreams, while navigating through the harsh realities of life and love.

Dubbed as “The Crazy Fantastic Four”, they all start out as individuals who lack abilities. But throughout the series, they grow into themselves. This is something we can relate to, especially in these hard times. Bonus: For those who love the “best friend turned lovers” trope, this one’s for you too! I, for one, am a sucker for things like this, so having that trope plus the realistic, slice-of-life plot made this an enjoyable drama to watch.

Rating: 7.5/10

It's Okay, That's Love (2014)

TW: Contains mature content Centered around the theme of mental health, the series follows a successful novelist/radio DJ and psychiatrist’s lives, who are constantly at odds with each other, but changes when they start living in the same house.

I was surprised at how daring the production team was to put this under the spotlight and did it so well. It’s not easy to bring up a topic like this, especially with the underlying stigma it has, but I think it has opened up doors that became included in future Korean dramas. Fair warning, it is not a casual drama to watch. However, I wanted to include it in the list because not only were the performances amazing, but they were able to give careful thought on mental health and a look into the world of those who are going through different things.

Rating: 9/10

Itaewon Class (2020)

Based on a webtoon of the same name, Park Saeroyi's life turns upside down after an incident in high school and his father’s shocking death. Following in his father’s footsteps, he opened a pub in Itaewon and, along with his manager and staff, strives to become more successful and reach greater heights.

What’s unique about this drama was that it wasn’t your typical revenge-type storyline. While it does the “rags to riches” concept, the main character was able to figure out things in different ways than usual. Park Seo Joon’s acting was also what made this drama unlike other dramas that have this type of trope. The cast was also pretty diverse, as we see the inclusion of a black character and transgender woman.

Rating: 8/10

Coffee Prince (2007)

An irresponsible bachelor pretends to be gay so he can avoid blind dates arranged by his grandma. He hires Eun-chan to be his lover, not knowing that she is actually a female.

Can’t forget to add this classic K-drama! One of things I love about Coffee Prince was its on-screen romance/chemistry - the actors made it believable to a point that you feel butterflies in your stomach. It’s definitely a plus if the characters make you feel exhilarated and cringe-y (in a good way?).

Rating: 8/10