From ‘Reply 1988’ To ‘Goblin’, 9 K-Dramas That Are Perfect For Beginners

Annyeonghaseyo, my dear gentle K-drama lovers! Well, I will admit that if I hadn’t started watching Korean dramas, I would have missed out on so many amazing things in my life (I almost feel like it was the best decision I had ever made). Having said that, I have met many people who don’t watch K-dramas just because they don’t understand the “hype” around it (I’m judging their life choices for real). Still, I know many people who want to explore the entertaining world of K-dramas but they just don’t know where to begin with as there are so many options. So, as a true K-drama fan, I decided to help all beginner Korean drama watchers by suggesting them some exciting shows that they can binge-watch without getting intimidated by it. 

Here Are 10 Best K-Dramas For Beginners

1. Crash Landing On You – (Netflix)

It’s 2022 and if you still haven’t watched this iconic Korean drama, then I’m seriously judging you but yes, I will cut you some slack because you are a newbie K-drama fan. Crash Landing On You is one of the highest-rated Korean series starring Son Ye-Jin and Hyun Bin, yep the power couple of South Korea who recently got married and announced that they are pregnant (I’m so happy for them). The story of the series revolves South Korean heiress who “crash lands” in North Korea due to a paragliding mishap and meets a handsome army officer. Despite the dispute between their countries, Yoon Se-Ri and Ri Jeong Hyuk develop feelings for each other and become inseparable. 

2. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God/ Goblin – (Rakuten Viki)

If you will ask me to name one k-drama that I can watch 100 times without getting bored, I will definitely Goblin without even thinking twice because I am in love with this show (and Gong Yoo, of course). Starring Goon Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Yoo In-na, Lee Dong Wook, and Yook Sung Jae, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God or Goblin tells the story of a 940-year-old immortal goblin, Kim Shin who is in search of his bride who can remove the sword piercing through his chest so he can finally move to the afterlife. But when he meets Ji Eun Tak aka the Goblin’s bride, he falls in love with her and finds a reason to live again. 

3. Descendants of the Sun – (Rakuten Viki)

Descendants of the Sun starring Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo tells the love story of a special forces captain, Yoo Shi Jin and a doctor, Kang Mo Yeon who fall for each other but they can’t be together due to their work. However, their love for each other only grows stronger. The K-drama is aesthetically gorgeous and it is a perfect package of action, comedy, suspense, romance, and plot twists. And I will admit that I couldn’t stop myself from simping over the Song-Song couple and their amazing chemistry. 

4. Boys Over Flowers – (Rakuten Viki)

Boys Over Flowers starring Hallyu stars Lee Minho, Koo Hye Sun, Kim Hyun-Joong, Kim Bum, and Kim Joon is the most popular K-drama ever and can be considered a cult classic. Based on the Japanese shōjo manga series, the series tells a story of a girl from a middle-class family, who gets enrolled in an elite high school. But her life becomes a roller-coaster ride when she is tangled up in the lives of a group of wealthy young boys called F4. 

Also Read: ‘Business Proposal’ To ‘Twenty Five Twenty Five’, 11 Best K-Dramas Of 2022, So Far

5. Run On – (Netflix)

Run On is one of the most underrated Korean dramas ever. Starring Shin Se-Kyung and Im Si-Wan, the plot of this series revolve around a former national sprinter, Ki Sun Gyeom who comes from a wealthy family and a subtitle translator, Oh Mi-Joo. If you are a fan of romantic and slice-of-life dramas, this one is perfect for you. 

6. Business Proposal – (Netflix)

If you are someone who just started watching K-drama, then there is no way that you are skipping Business Proposal because it is the best and most popular Korean drama of 2022. Based on a webtoon of the same name by HaeHwa and Narak, this show starring Kim Sejeong, Ahn Hyo-seop, Seol In-ah, and Kim Min-kyu tells the story of a passionate food researcher, Shin Ha-ri who accepts to go on a blind date in a place of her best friend. But her life becomes a mess when her date turns out to be her boss – CEO Kang Tae-moo. It is a binge-worthy show as it is all about romance and friendship that will make you roll on the floor laughing. 

7. True Beauty – (Rakuten Viki/Prime Video)

Hold up, people! Now, we are going to talk about the show that made me a K-drama fangirl and it is the one and only True Beauty starring Moon Ga Young, Cha Eun Woo, and Hwang In Youp. Based on a popular webtoon, the Korean series is about a high school student, Im Joo Gyeong who gets bullied for her appearance. After that, she decided to transform herself with the help of makeup but she lives with the fear that her ugly secret will be out anytime soon. However, her journey of self-love of self-acceptance begins when she meets Lee Su Ho and Han Seo Joon. True Beauty is a simple and fun show filled with classic K-drama tropes that will keep you entertained.

8. Reply 1988 – (Rakuten Viki)

Reply 1988 is one of the most loved K-dramas as it is all about family, friendship, love, dreams, and nostalgia. Starring Lee Hyeri, Park B-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, and Ryu Hye-young amongst others, this K-drama which is set in the late 1980s revolves around five childhood friends and their families who live in the same street called Ssangmundong neighbourhood of Seoul. Directed by Shin Won Ho, it is inspired by a drama named Three Families Under One Roof. You have to watch this show, it is a classic. 

 

9. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? – (Netflix/ Rakuten Viki)

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? starring Park Min Young and Park Seo Joon tells the story of Lee Young-Joon, a handsome and narcissistic vice-chairman of a major company whose life turns upside down when he finds out that his oh-so-perfect secretary – Kim Mi-so is quitting her job. In my opinion, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? is definitely worth watching as it is a blend of mystery, romance, and comedy which is perfect for newbies. 

Also Read: From Yoon Se-ri To Attorney Woo, 10 K-Drama Characters Who Are Absolute Kweens!

After watching these exciting Korean dramas, you will surely become a K-drama expert. 

Happy K-drama binging, y’all!

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