My all-time favorites
These are the shows that have blown my mind. I love these - whether for the story or the acting. Not ranked in any particular order though!
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1. Flower of Evil
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Great storyline, acting and music. Honestly, I can hardly think of any flaw. If I had to recommend any kdrama to my friends, it would be this one. This was my second k-drama, and from then on I was hooked.
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2. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
Tonally quite a mess. But it makes it work, especially a few episodes on. Absolutely loved it, from storyline to acting. Evil vs evil. It is very self-indulgent, but still, I loved it.
One thing that did bother me in the end is that they sometimes created last minute problems for the main character (often a gun in someone's face), but these were then resolved within 15 minutes of the next episode...
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3. Mouse
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
I was addicted until the very last moment. Although some aspects are questionable, it remains a very memorable show - especially the acting by Lee seung gi
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4. Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Great storyline (although a bit complex in the beginning), I'm eagerly awaiting the next season!
This story has gotten some criticism for being similar to game of thrones. 1) I've never watched game of thrones so I can't compare them myself. 2) Any fantasy series set in the past would get this criticism. 3) I've read that the story is quite different once you get into it, but again, I can't compare the two. What I can say is that I really liked it, so give it a shot if this is your thing
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5. Arthdal Chronicles Part 2: The Sky Turning Inside Out, Rising Land
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
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6. Arthdal Chronicles Part 3: The Prelude To All Legends
Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
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7. The K2
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Didn't love the main couple ( it was fine), but absolutely loved the main character Je Ha and his storyline. Great action shots. I did find the political scenes a bit boring sometimes though
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8. Descendants of the Sun
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
I really dislike romance without a plot. This show made me realise that I do like love stories if they're not the only thing going on. Packed with action and some humor, this is definitely a show to watch.
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9. W - Two Worlds Apart
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Again, this is not just a romance story. Really interesting concept & story. Fantastic acting. Loved the main couple!
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10. Crash Landing on You
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This one speaks for itself. What I liked about this and what made it truly unique was the North Korean setting
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11. Cruel City
Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes
I'm a sucker for darker stories. But honestly, it was mostly the performance by the main lead that kept me really hooked, despite the story being well-written on its own.
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12. Life on Mars
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Based on a similarly named UK show (which i've never seen). The uniqueness of the story made it stand-out where I would normally never give ordinary cop story lines a 9/10.
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13. Memorist
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Storywise, really thrilling. kept me on the edge of my seat!
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14. Kill It
Korean Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
I liked it because it is quite unique within Kdramas land - I haven't really found any other kdramas about hitmen. I think it is definitively underrated, but I do get why.
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15. Train
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Great storyline, great main character
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16. Duel
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Thrilling action series I absolutely loved.
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17. My Country: The New Age
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Well written and acted, and I cried multiple times.
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18. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Very entertaining, light hearted romance series for when you want some feel-good time
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19. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
My introduction to kdramas. Deeply flawed, but also incredibly moving. I cried multiple times, which for me is enough reason to include it on this list
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20. Confession
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This is exactly what this type of drama is supposed to be: clean, well written and intriguing storyline without too much bells and whistles.
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21. Mr. Sunshine
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
very moving & interesting story
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22. Stranger
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Great storyline, great acting
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23. Model Taxi
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Original and action packed
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24. Tomorrow With You
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
Refreshing and sweet
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25. Signal
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Very original. Enjoyed it a lot despite it not being my favourite type of drama
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26. Monster
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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27. The Demon Judge
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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28. Mr. Queen
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
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29. Chicago Typewriter
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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30. Circle
Korean Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
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31. The Crowned Clown
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes