Top 10 Korean Dramas Of 2021 That Are A Must Watch For K-Drama Fans
Annyeong Korean drama fanatics! As you know, the year 2021 was a roller-coaster ride for Korean dramas that only went up, some of them even got internationally acclaimed. This year’s k-dramas gave us some of the most amazing casts, fascinating and detailed storylines, mind-bending and shocking plot twists, extra-ordinary soundtracks that make the world of k-dramas one of its kind. The USP of these K-dramas was that one cannot simply categorise these dramas in one genre. We cried while watching a comedy series, laughed while watching a melodrama, thrillers were not the only category that kept us on the edge of our seats. Just pick any one k-drama of 2021 and you will get a taste of every genre that exists and even more.
Here’s the list of 10 Korean dramas of 2021 that you must watch if you are a K-drama fan!
1. Vincenzo (Netflix)
The story revolves around Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong Ki) who is a mafia consigliere who goes back to South Korea to tear down the Guemga Plaza building and claim his hidden gold. In his attempt to claim the treasure, he meets an odd group of tenants which changes his whole plan. He ends up fighting for the tenant’s rights.
Vincenzo is an internationally acclaimed k-drama with high ratings. If you like an anti-hero and a well-helmed story with a lot of action, you should watch this drama.
2. Squid Game (Netflix)
The story revolves around Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) who is an indebted chauffeur and gambling addict. He accepts an invitation to play a series of simple yet dangerous children’s games for a chance to earn huge prize money. He finds himself among 455 players who are also in debt. The players try to survive the physical and psychological twists of the game in order to save their life.
Do I even have to tell you why this internationally acclaimed series is the best series of 2021? This k-drama will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation, you may have already binge-watched this k-drama because this is one of the best Korean dramas of all time!
3. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (Netflix)
When a dentist and a big city girl Yoon Hye Jin (Shin Min-Ah) opens dentistry in an idyllic seaside village, she meets a small-town boy Hong Du Sik (Kim Seon Ho) who changes her perspective of life. Hometown Cha Cha Cha is a tale of love, simplicity, and community with a mix of complex emotions. Hometown Cha Cha Cha is a story that tells us that happiness can also be found in simple things. If you like simple stories with happy endings, this drama is for you.
4. True Beauty (Rakuten Viki)
Im Joo Kyung (Moon Ga Young) has mastered the art of makeup but she secretly leads a double life because of her appearance. She lives with the fear that her classmates will discover her true appearance but her ugly secret is revealed in front of Lee Su Ho (Cha Eunwoo) and her journey of self-love begins.
This series will make you fall in love with yourself. If you like a fun series with a great cast and catchy OSTs, this Korean drama is the best.
5. Mouse (Viu)
Jung Ba-Reum (Lee Seung-Gi) is a rookie police officer who works at a police substation. He is an honest person and always tries to attain justice. One day, he faces a psychopath murderer who places the entire nation in fear and completely changes Jung Ba-Reum’s life.
If you like thrillers and psychopaths like me, this is the perfect Korean drama for you released in the year 2021.
Also Read: Exciting K-Dramas Releasing In December That You Can Binge-Watch While Saying Goodbye To 2021!
6. Beyond Evil (Netflix)
Lee Song Sik (Shin Ha Kyun) was an ace detective who is forced to work under the supervision of Han Joo Won ( Yeo JIn Goo) who is a popular young detective on a murder case that has uncanny similarities to a case that took place 20 years ago. Many unexpected things are revealed while they both try to find the person behind these mysterious murders.
If you like psychological thrillers, strategic plot twists, and amazing performances, this is the best k-drama of 2021.
7. The Devil Judge (Rakuten Viki)
The story takes place in a dystopian future where corruption is rampant and poor people are feeling abused. Ji Sung plays the role of devil judge who delivers some unexpected verdicts against the rich and powerful, and GOT7’s Jinyoung is a fellow judge who begins to doubt his ethics.
If you like strong performances and the parody of political realities, then The Devil Judge is the perfect k-drama for you.
8. Youth Of May
Youth of May is set against the background of the Gwangju uprising. Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do-Hyun) is a medical student who opens an illegal clinic for students with his friend Kyung Soo. One day, he meets Kim Myeong-hee (Go Min-si) on a blind date who is actually a substitute for her wealthy friend. They both fell in love but have little chance to be together before getting caught in the twist of fate.
The story showcases tragic consequences and tells a universal story. If you like love stories with a heart-wrenching ending, this is the best Korean drama of 2021.
9. The King’s Affection (Netflix)
The Crown Prince’s consort gives birth to twins who are considered an ominous sign, the order is sent to kill the daughter. In order to save her life, she is secretly sent out of the palace. A few years later, the twin son Lee Hwi dies, and to hide her twin son’s death, the mother brings back the daughter and raises her as Prince Lee Hwi. Lee Hwi (Park Eun-bin) becomes a crown prince but fears that her real identity will be revealed but she falls in love with Jung Ji Woon (Rowoon from SF9), her teacher who comes from a noble family.
If you like a series with a star-studded cast, a woman king, and a strong and interesting narrative, you should watch it.
10. Hospital Playlist 2 (Netflix)
The story revolves around 5 friends who are also doctors including Lee Ik-jun, Ahn Jeong-won, Kim Jan-wan, Yang Seok-Hyeon, and Chae Song-Hwa. They all work together in Yelje Medical Centre. These five doctors are in their 40’s and have been friends since they entered medical school. It’s a beautiful story that showcases their relationship and mutual love for music.
This drama will make you laugh and cry at the time. If you like a beautiful tale of friendship, give it a watch right now.
Also Read: 7 Historical K-Dramas You Can Watch If You Want To Explore The Korean Period Dramas Genre
This year was filled with exceptional Korean dramas and they all deserved to be on this list, to be honest. These k-dramas have no loopholes, no dull moments—just pure entertainment.
Happy K-drama viewing!
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