I follow the little world of
dramas
for years and
you see the rise of great successes before the public
, including titles such as ‘
Goblin
‘, ‘
Landing on Love
e
Round 6
, which are excellent. But the more I dive into this universe, the more I realize a truth that bothers me:
Some of the best Korean dramas I’ve watched were completely ignored by the general public
.
In this list, I gather
7 dramas that, although they haven’t received the deserved hype, deliver powerful stories, impeccable acting, and leave a “want more” feeling at the end
. The last one on the list, in fact, marked me in a way few managed to, and showed me to see life with other eyes: that of simplicity.
Ah, it’s important to emphasize that I write this article not as someone who wants to dictate rules, but as someone who wants to share discoveries. After all, there’s nothing more rewarding than recommending a forgotten series and hearing someone say: “how come I’ve never seen this before?” Will you agree with my list?
Five childhood friends grow up in a typical Seoul neighborhood during the 1980s, sharing the joys, frustrations, and discoveries of adolescence. The drama alternates between a love dilemma and their family issues, gradually building the identity of each character. Critics love it, but perhaps the general public got lost in the idea that it’s not dubbed and missed this masterpiece.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Park Dong-hoon is a middle-aged engineer overwhelmed by work and immersed in a frustrating family life. Lee Ji-an, a young woman burdened with debt and emotionally devastated, starts working at the same company, and gradually, the two build an unexpected connection. Their relationship is not romantic but deep, and sometimes painful and redemptive. Here, IU delivers one of the best performances of her career.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Hyun-soo is a common university student whose life collapses after being accused of murder. Without concrete evidence in his favor, he is thrown into a cruel and unpredictable penal system. With the help of a discredited lawyer, he tries to prove his innocence while dealing with prison brutality and public pressure. For those who like redemption plots, this one is breathtaking.
Where to watch: Netflix and Prime Video.
Geu-ru is a young person with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) who works with his father in a company specialized in cleaning the belongings of deceased people. After his father’s death, he moves in with his uncle, a rebellious ex-convict, and the two of them take over the business together. For each client, they uncover stories left behind, while gradually building a relationship of affection between them. This is one of the most touching stories I have ever seen in my life.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Hye-ja is a young woman who finds a magical watch capable of manipulating time. When trying to save her father, she suddenly ages and is forgotten by everyone. Meanwhile, Joon-ha is a young reporter living a professional decline and doesn’t know what to do. The series reveals its true meaning only in the final episodes, with an emotional twist that will make you reflect on the memories of life.
Where to watch: Netflix and Viki.
After failing as a professional baduk player, Jang Geu-rae enters the competitive corporate world without any professional qualifications. Surrounded by experienced colleagues and a system that shows no mercy to newcomers, he must learn to survive and prove his worth. The series portrays the reality of work in South Korea and the maturation of a young man without privileges — and those who came from the bottom will understand.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Set on Jeju Island, the drama presents intertwined stories of ordinary people dealing with their own personal dramas. From a lonely merchant to a young mother suffering from depression, each episode sensitively explores pains and loves, without abandoning impactful themes such as abortion, teenage pregnancy, and showcasing the rich culture of haenyeos. This work is an invitation to rethink life and its small daily actions.
Where to watch: Netflix.
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