Korean Dramas That Taught Us Valuable Life Lessons

Reply 1988 - This drama has a very special place in my heart. I like how the main focus of this drama isn't just 'who is she going to end up with?'; romance isn't the only theme of this drama. This drama makes you understand the importance of your friends and family. You realise the value of your relationships and your loved ones. It's a beautifully written drama with equally beautifully written characters. Reply 1988 is one wholesome and heartwarming drama that I would recommend to everybody.  - u/loeyyyyy

Reply 1988 - Apart from the importance of relationships and how its needs nurturing to be fulfilling, Jung Hwan's monologue was powerful - not everything is fate and that we do have some control over our life outcomes. We have to take our chances while we can instead of living passively. In essence we are responsible for our actions. Inaction is also an action. - u/nrupathunga

Reply 1988 - I only recently watched it, but it has this beautiful lesson that you should enjoy your youthful years as much as possible, because those are the times that you will most cherish. The show is also really funny and heartwarming, so there’s that. - u/Big-Main

Another Miss Oh - The ML can see glimpses of the future, including how he'll die. So you can't help but start thinking what you too would want to change in your life if you knew how you'd die, mainly what you would regret doing or not doing the most. I loved how philosophical it was.  - u/MALLY10FE

Each episode has a message in it and maybe some messages speak louder than others for different people, so I think that there’s something to take away from the drama for everyone.  - u/iwantbubbleteanowpls (full comment here)

One of my favorite dramas from 2020, hands down. It's a so well balanced drama, between story, acting, with lots of lessons to learn, connecting those lessons with Mun Young fairytales. Also, the fact that the main focus is mental health, which nowadays is one of the most important things to lookout and be aware of, makes this drama a must watch. Really recommend. – u/neli96

one of the biggest lessons it taught me is that we are not our parents. We are not their mistakes, and we do not carry their mistakes as our own. We can rise above them. This drama holds a very special place in my heart! – u/TheGlycoProtein

It's Okay to not be Okay - It's main focus is tackling mental health and boy did Kim Soo Hyun deliver once again. The whole story was an A+ for me. Lots and lots of lessons can be obtained from this drama and it's a must watch. Also, Oh Jung Se who played Kim Soo Hyun's Autistic brother also played his character EXCELLENTLY like damn bro how does he do that. Bottomline is, watch the drama - u/jeclapabents

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49 Days - The finale was heartbreaking for me. After watching the drama I felt the importance of each day we are living. As long we are alive we must be kind to everyone mainly to our closed ones. No one is sure what can happen the next day. - u/styker4u

49 Days - It was the first kdrama ever that truly struck through my mind. I realized at the time you could lose someone in just a second and you wouldn't be able to see them again. It was so cruel and even the ending emphasized it as well. - u/Solite132

Itaewon Class taught me that we should never give up despite all the difficulties and injustices - u/moonkillers48

Itaewon Class - Love the inspiring story of the main character but what really hit me hard was the relationship between Chairman Jang and his son. It was horrible seeing the effects of his greed and ambition to his own son. Made me realize how our personal mindset can have a great impact on other's lives and how a parent's way of handling their children can have intense long term psychological effects. That was really disturbing ?  - u/orangecasper15

Itaewon Class - Just because everyone around you does wrong things and gets away with it, we shouldn't be like them. Of course it would make our life easy but we will have to give up our consciousness and live our whole life in guilt. This would ultimately destroy us - u/Aditya_Kalyananthya (full comment here)

Itaewon Class - just loved the consistency and the focus of the ML. And if you really set your mind to do something you can attain it.  - u/oh_sang03

Doctors - The end may seem strange, but I learned a very great lesson: you have to learn to let go of a pain, a revenge that prevents us from living.  I watched this drama after losing my mother, I felt anger and hatred but then I learned that these feelings were going to rot my life. That I should try to be happy so that she is proud of me - u/moonkillers48

Doctors - Yoo Hye-Jung is a tough bad girl who is basically carrying a resentment for her father who left her with her grandmother and has no dreams for her future as a high school dropout. She meets Hong Ji-Hong who is not only a PG at her grandmother's place but also her new high school teacher. She gets inspired by him to become a doctor and starts working hard towards her dream. A turn of events lead to her losing her grandmother and now after many years, more than for her dream, she works towards getting her revenge against those people who ruined her only family remaining. This drama has many small small valuable lessons but the main lesson it teaches is how the feeling of revenge and resentment can sometimes only leave a person unhappy even after fulfilling the revenge. Sometimes, despite having everything you wanted, all the happiness and things that you need to be grateful for, the feelings of revenge and resentment can really ruin those feelings and sometimes it's just better to rather be grateful for what you have currently and live in the moment than let the past haunt you. - u/Fatooz

My Mister - Life is lonely and hard. That doesn't mean you should give up on life, yourself and your values. Keep trying (to be happy) as a way to repay those who care about you. My words cannot do justice to how special this drama is. - u/wongchiyiu

My Mister - it really showed how even though everyone has their own struggles we still can come together and ease the pain of others - u/sa1sa2sa3sa4sa5sa6sa

My Mister -This drama gave me so much healing and hope for a better future. - u/lightupstarlight

Prison Playbook - It teaches the best lesson any drama can ever convey. It's hard to describe the charm of the drama. The characters are criminals but it makes you question what is right and what is wrong, what truly makes a bad person. I personally loved it and will endlessly recommend it to everyone I know.  - u/icaniwillwatchme

Prison Playbook - I thought this drama would be like any other mystery/thriller dramas where it shows how ruthless the prison life is but this one? It's like.... wholesome. They're like a family who protects each other. They may have fights or make Hanyang (/Loony) their punching bag but in the end of it... they lowkey show affection such as giving life advices. They were very subtle. And I think that's the charm of the director since he directed the Reply series as well. I observed that he likes to incorporate life lessons on his dramas through a group of people who can empathise each other.  - u/yevryskaxx

Just Between Lovers - Everyone grieves, and everyone grieves differently. And that’s okay. This drama makes the point that it’s okay to mourn the loss of innocence, opportunity, and life. But eventually you’re going to have to deal with all that pain and grief, but you can get thru it. Especially if you’re willing to open yourself up to being vulnerable with the people that care about you the most. This drama has some of the best portrayals of grief and actually helped me work thru some of my own. - u/AnnaInspirit

SKY Castle- this drama talks about the mental health of students, the pressure to get maximum marks, bad parenting, the hunger for power and social status, and trying to achieve it using your kids, etc. This drama shows us the consequences of all these mentioned things. - u/mooon18

It's Okay, That's Love - because it treats mental health issues as it should be treated - something that doesn't necessarily have to define your identity, and certainly not something that makes you undeserving of love. Because it dealt with trans trauma before Itaewon Class, and taught us to practice 'self-care' (remember wishing yourself 'goodnight'?) long before it was a thing. - u/thelitgrad

Because This Is My First Life - that love and relationships look different to every person and there is no reason to reject things that you want just because it doesn't fit society's expectations. When the line "we do these things and are okay being called the crazy ones" (extreme paraphrase, lol) it really made me realize we can't control how life beats us up (workplace misogyny, unemployment, being cheated on, favoritism in families) but we can control how we react and grow because of it ?? - u/philoslofi

Hit the Top: - The ML  literally goes into the future and gets to see how his actions affected the ones closest to him. It also touched on how only your family loves you when fame/ money/ fans abandon you.  - u/kritimlight

Second Twenties - 1. It is NEVER too late to pursue your own life, no matter how old you are!2. Don’t let ANYONE, including your spouse, tell you that you are not worthy! 3. Don’t be afraid to try something new, no matter what your age is! - u/nrskathy55 (full comment here)

Second 20s - Being a good person with a hardworking, clean heart will get u far more then the society that belittles u and hurts u deep to not support u until they step into ur shoes or forget they were once u at that lost point or wanting more opportunities but stereotypical cultural and society pushed u backwards. Both these dramas executed a young person and an older person finding theirselves or trying to make it in the harsh reality of the world which broke me but taught me how there is second chances in life if u keep trying to not label urself to the bare minimum people hold above ur head to give urself ur own name. - u/riyaaa_k

Hi Bye, Mama! - the only dramas that elicited an actual change in the way I live my life, I never say no to having a meal with my parents and take more initiative talking to them now.  - u/littlelolabiglola

Go Back Couple - the only dramas that elicited an actual change in the way I live my life, I never say no to having a meal with my parents and take more initiative talking to them now.  - u/littlelolabiglola

Go Back Couple - am not a married yet but it teaches me a lot, if youre into a relation/marriage dont forget your other half, help each other, hold onto each other and never ever let go of each other because thats the promise of marriage and the love that binds you.  - oh_sang03

When the Camellia blooms - As an introvert most people mistake my quietness for weakness. Just because I'm quiet and not social doesn't mean I'm not strong. Dongbaek who is the FL taught me this. Strength comes in different forms. Everyone has a bit of strength in them even if they don't look like it. You don't have to have a loud bark for people to know that you can bite. Also there is something that Yong Sik once told her that's been stuck with me since I watched the show. Nobody can tell you what to make of your life. The FL had been through so many problems and it was easy for people to think she was pitiful, but Yong Sik told her that she decides what to make of her life. No one has the right to label you as pitiful, you're the only captain of your ship.  - u/rainbowsandclouds

Cheese in the Trap - it is definitely describe school life of most of us, we try we work hard but end of the day sometimes credit goes someone else or you fall in love after you start to know this person and he or she can be bad and this is not your fault you couldn't know. everytime i watch this show i got confused and happier  so i can put it  - u/fiyuvfiyuv

Romantic Dr Kim 2 - 'The will of the surgeon' I learnt from this lesson that I need to exercise my will in challenging situations. It requires focus, determination and skill to achieve the outcome I want. - u/tattymouse

Misaeng - Being a good person with a hardworking, clean heart will get u far more then the society that belittles u and hurts u deep to not support u until they step into ur shoes or forget they were once u at that lost point or wanting more opportunities but stereotypical cultural and society pushed u backwards. Both these dramas executed a young person and an older person finding theirselves or trying to make it in the harsh reality of the world which broke me but taught me how there is second chances in life if u keep trying to not label urself to the bare minimum people hold above ur head to give urself ur own name. - u/riyaaa_k

[MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS]

Dinner Mate portrayed a mental health condition in a more relatable way than It’s Okay to not be Okay, in my opinion. The drama told a side story about an ex-bf of the FL who couldn’t move on from her, started stalking her and destructing himself in the process. We found out that he broke up with her due to serious personal and family problems that were too big for him to handle, and after a few years, he found her already dating someone else and he couldn’t cope with it. I think most people have experienced a devastating heartbreak so the story would be more relatable. The ex-bf was not mentally stable and he almost destroyed everybody, but he decided to get better and pulled through. In the end, we were shown that he was making a good progress. There were people helping him and giving him mental support, including the FL’s new boyfriend. Having people around who care about you would make a big difference.

I find the mental health issue in Dinner Mate to be interesting. There must be quite a few of us who haven’t moved on from someone when he/she started dating someone else. This person became sick because there were signs that he was mentally unstable even before he found out about the FL’s new situation. It’s easier to digest than trying to understand the crazy mom in It’s Okay. For that, I liked Dinner Mate a lot more. - u/eternalstarlet

Pinocchio -  It was sobering seeing how the media could be used strategically as a weapon, and it definitely mirrored what I see in real life. The refusal of the main characters to give in to the injustice of it was inspiring as well. - u/mlopus

Pinocchio - I loved it the thought provoking messages it taught about news and media. It also shows the characters with similar circumstances making different choices and how those choices have consequences. - u/queso29

Pinocchio - It made me reflect on how easily I was swayed into believing one side of a story by just hearing people talk about it, or seeing the title on news sites. It made me realise that many times I will automatically assume that anything I see reported on tv or sites is the one truth, when it is not. - u/jaefan (full comment here)

Pinocchio - This complex story of loss, love, and redemption has a personal meaning for me about how to handle regrets in life. The two supporting characters who move with the most difficulty towards redemption in this drama -- maybe they can do that because they regain their vulnerability to the love between them and the people they once lost? Those two characters teach me that when my past mistakes and sins, even if they were unintentional, feel unforgivable, I can face them and find my own redemption by being compassionate with myself. - u/amnesiafakedating

Are You Human Too? - Taught me that the assumptions people can go through dealing with emotions and judgement of other people varies, such as this show portrayed a duality of fear of the human Nam Shin versus the taking advantage of a dumb robot they can control but with the replication of a human. It really developed that beautiful message of trust and respect for something that’s not seen as valued to society to have a say and having to be controlled like many of us go through to then finding the one who will accept u for u and not banish u from ur appearance or ur thought process or ur feelings. This show really contributed to the attitudes seen in many characters of their affection to a bad person because he wasn’t a temporary like the robot. This really gave a grasp in how someone can do so much and act the way u want or be naturally caring and loving but be thrown aside and used up for someone else to have a go at. - u/riyaaa_k

Angry Mom - Taught me that being in a vulnerable place of bullying and school, u will only fend for urself and protect urself until someone believes u or understands u..some cases hiding the pain is the worst feeling especially relating to the cruel world we aren’t prepared for mentally and physically and emotionally. Both these dramas showcased a lot of growth in a culture that is known for its controversial attitudes in society about corruption and ur own child’s well being being understood in an open mind. It was refreshing to watch and cry but remember to not give up as well as the justice faced for both amazing students portrayed by their courageous parents. - u/riyaaa_k

Beautiful World - Taught me that being in a vulnerable place of bullying and school, u will only fend for urself and protect urself until someone believes u or understands u..some cases hiding the pain is the worst feeling especially relating to the cruel world we aren’t prepared for mentally and physically and emotionally. Both these dramas showcased a lot of growth in a culture that is known for its controversial attitudes in society about corruption and ur own child’s well being being understood in an open mind. It was refreshing to watch and cry but remember to not give up as well as the justice faced for both amazing students portrayed by their courageous parents. - u/riyaaa_k

Even if it isn't everyone's cup of tea I would say Goblin.

While I was watching it for the first time I truly hated their representation of God and felt he was unfair to Kim Shin, but, after watching it four times already I can see that he gave both, Wang Yeo and Kim Shin, a second chance to forgive and understand each other. Wang Yeo was an abandoned child who was guided by a sneaky adviser who only cared about power and recognition while Kim Shin was so blind to his insecurities and incapable to understand his position (Wang Yeo's), wich led to misunderstandings and then hatred and resentment.

I think that is the biggest lesson I learned, but of course there a lot more, such as living in the present and cherishing every moment we are given because we all could die one moment or another. Even though I don't condemn suicide, that scene where Wang Yeo explains why they became grim reapers made me think how many things we take for granted and how insignificant they become because we're used to them, so I started cherishing life a lot more after watching that drama.

The last thing I want to add is that it really tugged at my heart to see Kim Shin punishing himself for his mistakes and once he befriended Wang Yeo and fell for Ji Eun Tak, he started letting go of his past, so I learned that living your whole life refraining from happiness because you don't believe you deserve it, is the most miserable life you can live. It is perfectly ok to be conscious about your flaws/mistakes and work towards improvement, that's life, but a past mistake doesn't define you, you're more than your flaws. ❤️ - u/AlexaWarriorPrincess

Oh My Venus - the drama helped me to love myself and that no matter your size and shape just love yourself for you will be loved too. And it helps me to build my self confidence that anything i want i will be as long as i put myself into it.  - u/oh_sang03

Fated To Love You - just dont forget yourself even if everyone else looking  down on you. Continue to discover yourself and the talent hidden inside you will come out and continue to standfast always in every downfall youll  encounter.  - u/oh_sang03

Lie To Me - i really felt the FL being single among her circle of friends and already at the age wherein needed to settle down? it gives me hope that someday ill find my perfect match, just wait and believe. Offcourse never "literally" lie coz it gives you real problems? - u/oh_sang03

Extraordinary You - In this reincarnation metaphor, in which manhwa characters symbolize individual lifetimes, only the people who are able to break free from the illusion of reality are able to find each other in their next incarnation. This spiritual parable about awakening from delusion in your life taught me that it's worthwhile to practice compassionate detachment from greed and emotions, and that only when I go beyond will I see my identity/self as it truly is, a collection of impressions, feelings, sensations, thoughts and consciousness. And only when I go beyond will I see life as it truly is: the brief crest of an ocean wave, soon to subside back into the ocean. - u/amnesiafakedating

Something in the Rain - This beautiful romance has a meaning for me that's larger than a love story. It teaches me that I should make a space for my passions in life, that it's worthwhile to break the chains that would stop me from doing what I'm meant to do in this world. - u/amnesiafakedating

Secret Love Affair - The female lead of this drama has sold her soul to chaebols for comfort and status, and lost her vital connection to art, but the personification of art comes to her in the form of a young piano prodigy. The drama is a process of her reclaiming her soul. The lesson for me is that when I discover places in my being where I have psychically died, where I've betrayed myself, even if it's hard to face, even if it feels like it will hurt too much to bear, it's worth it to pay the price to call my spirit back. - u/amnesiafakedating

Should We Kiss First? - This story of damaged forty-somethings shows me that compassion, redemption and regret can be healing for trauma, and how being alive and able to connect, even for a brief time, is something for which to feel gratitude and joy. - u/amnesiafakedating

Do You Like Brahms? - This drama teaches how it’s ok to realize your dreams later in life, how it’s ok to let go off something that is precious to you and most importantly how it is ok to sometimes just be a little selfish. It also teaches one to express and communicate rather than keep things bottled up. Staying true to yourself is very important and keeping yourself above everyone else is also important. The drama is a very realistic and beautiful slow burn, with very real characters. - u/Fatooz

18 Again - The drama teaches how life is all about making mistakes but also learning from them and trying not to repeat those mistakes. It’s ok to have days where you regret your choices but it’s also important to move on with time. Communication in any relationship is very important, especially with your family. Being selfless is good for your family and relationships but it’s also important to think about ourselves once in a while. The drama is a slice of life and it’s very heartwarming and wholesome. - u/Fatooz

Chocolate - The healing power of food prepared with care especially when tied to special memories. Half of this drama takes place in a hospice and we see various patients' stories. The preciousness of life and living it to the best of your ability to the end comes to the forefront. - u/LcLou02

My Unfamiliar Family - The theme of this drama is the importance of communication and not just assuming things. FL has been rather extreme in her approach e.g., she cut off communication with her sister and former best friend some years ago when she was going through a break-up. Her whole family has had trouble communicating honestly with each other, but that slowly begins to change during the course of the drama. Very realistic feeling.  - u/LcLou02

Navillera - a lovely drama about life, family, and pursuing your dreams. This show pushed me to consider my own dreams and how I might be compromising or selling myself short. It also encouraged me with the message of the beauty of family—whether it’s the one we are born with, one we make, or one we find along the way.  - u/coolcat338

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha - It's a lovely upbeat and pleasing calm drama. It shows how you never know what someone is going through, u should be kind and understanding to people but sometimes we're not and that's okay because we're all humans. It shows that its okay to move on from traumatic experiences. The chemistry between the leads is awesome and the side characters are fully fledged out, I didn't feel like they were just fillers like I feel in so many dramas and didn't feel the need to skip the side character's scenes, they make the story beautiful.  - u/No-Yelloq1221

Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol - Gu Ra-Ra is an immature and pampered daughter of a rich dad and having never faced a situation where she has to live in poor circumstances she is very naïve. Unfortunately, on her wedding day her dad passes away due to a heart attack caused by the news of his bankruptcy. Suddenly Ra-Ra has to now live all alone, surviving and earning for herself. She uses her piano skills, at which she sucks, to make a living. It's her journey of how with the help of the right people she learns to become independent and mature, growing up from the little girl she used to be. The drama may not have lived up to the expectations it built in people with the first half, but it does leave you inspired with Ra-Ra's wholesome journey. It was a drama I watched while going through a tough time and it inspired me to just go with the flow. Also, it showcases how the existence and company of good people in your life help you overcome some really tough situations.  - u/Fatooz

Fight For My Way - Ko Dong-Man, Choi Ae-Ra, Kim Joo-Man and Baek Seol-Hee are best of friends. Like everyone, they've had their own dreams. Dong-Man dreamed of becoming the best taekwondo player, while Ae-Ra has dreamed of becoming an anchor, Seol-Hee of becoming a good house wife and Joo-Man of becoming a successful man. However, Dong-Man and Ae-Ra are now working towards not what they dreamed of but only to make ends meet. Despite all odds against them they drink away all their worries at the end of the day. The drama teaches you how to not give up on your dreams no matter what, how a few friends who support you in whatever you do and tell you what's right or wrong are very important in life and that it's never too late to realize you dream and work hard towards it. - u/Fatooz

Happiness - Yoon Sae-Bum is a special agent who is quick, smart and witty. Jung Yi-Hyun is a detective who ends up investigating a case of a new mysterious disease. Sae-Bum and Yi-Hyun end up living together in a special apartment which has a quota for civil servants who've contributed towards the country greatly. However, this apartment building ends up getting infected and now Sae-Bum and Yi-Hyun have to investigate who is the cause of the disease spreading despite all the safety measures. Even though this drama has a very dark aspect to it, it somehow teaches you how to find happiness even in the most darkest of times and how one must be grateful for whatever they have without being too selfish.  - u/Fatooz

Once Again - Song Young-Dal and Jang Ok-Boon are parents of four kids who're all divorced and living with them. They're heartbroken for their children and hope that they all find happiness "once again". The drama does a great job at portraying second chances, eventually motivating its viewers and giving hope that life will definitely give you second chance but patience and perseverance is all it takes.  - u/Fatooz

Twenty-Five Twenty-One - Na Hee-Do is a 19-year old girl dreaming of becoming a great fencer like her idol Ko Yu-Rim who is nation's favorite fencer. She works extremely hard for achieving this dream and one person who cheers on her at her every step is Baek Yi-Jin, a college drop out since his family goes bankrupt due to the IMF scheme. It is a coming-of-age drama focusing on Na Hee-Do's youth, her struggles, friendships and heartbreaks. This drama taught me so much through its various characters. Hard work, perseverance and self-confidence can take one to places you'd never imagined, meanwhile insecurity can take away a lot. Forgiveness is not just an act of kindness but it really does help one move on in life. Feelings and emotions of your close ones and family can actually help you find happiness in life and that it's not always about materialistic things. Lastly, never giving up must be a life motto!  - u/Fatooz