Top Korean drama of all time:
A MUST WATCH KOREAN DRAMAS
As a self-proclaimed Korean
Addict, I feel like I am obliged to write down my own list of the best Korean
Drama of all time, of course, this list is based on my own personal taste. In
no particular order (Synopsis & pics were taken from migeon.blogspot.com, koreandrama.org. Sorry, malas nak tulis sendiri):
1. 1. Nine: 9 Times
Time Travel
Genre:
Romance, Time Travel, Thriller, Mystery, Melodrama.
Year: 2013
Main Cast:
Lee Jin Wook, Jo Yoon Hee
Synopsis: Park
Sun-Woo (Lee Jin-Wook) works as an anchorman at a TV broadcasting station. He
is in love with newsreporter Joo Min-Young (Jo Yoon-Hee), who is bright and
honest. Park Sun-Woo then obtains 9 incense items, which allows him to go back
20 years in time. Park Sun-Woo travels to the past.
My thoughts:
I think that Nine is really being seriously UNDERRATED! Nine is a great drama,
really different from any other romance drama that I’ve watched so far. Definitely
worth watching and I totally recommend it.
. 2. Rooftop Prince
Genre:
Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel
Year: 2012
Main Cast:
Park Yoo Chun, Han Ji Min, Jung Yoo Mi
Synopsis: When
Crown Prince Lee Gak is transported 300 years into the future to present day
Seoul along with his three retainers, they believe that it is their duty to
solve the murder case of the Crown Princess in order to return to Joseon.
They land in
the rooftop apartment of Park Ha, a cheerful woman in her mid-20s, who
eventually believes the odd quartet's predicament and becomes their guardian.
As Park Ha
educates the four on life in the 21st century, Lee Gak comes across Hong Se Na,
who seems to be the reincarnation of his wife.
Taking on
the identity of Yong Tae Yong, Lee Gak slowly begins to unravel the murder of
Yong Tae Yong and in turn moves closer to solving the murder case of the Crown
Princess. As he finds himself in love with Park Ha, he figures that maybe the
Crown Princess was not so perfect after all...
My thoughts:
Hilarious + heart wrenching. A combination that I always look in a drama. This
is always the drama that I recommend for a first-timer.
3.
3. Nice Guy/The
Innocent Man
Genre:
Melodrama, Romance
Year: 2013
Main Cast:
Song Joong Ki, Moon Chae Won, Park Si Yeon
Synopsis: A
classic melodrama involving betrayal, revenge, and romance. The story is about
Kang Ma Roo (, who gave up everything for the woman he loves only to be
betrayed by her. To get revenge on his ex-girlfriend, he uses her step-daughter
and successor to Taesang Group, Seo Eun Gi. Unfortunately, she suffers brain
damage and loss of memory after a car accident, and now Kang Ma Roo works to
fix everything that went awry because of his blind sighted revenge and ends up
falling in love with Seo Eun Gi.
My thoughts:
Joong Ki is such a talented actor. I love watching him in this movie. Okay, I
just love watching him.
4. 4. I Miss You
Genre:
Melodrama, Romance
Year: 2012
Main Cast:
Park Yoo Chun, Yoon Eun Hye, Yoo Seung Ho
Synopsis: The
drama revolves around a guy and a girl, who both experience a painful end to
their first loves at the tender age of 15, and then meet again as adults by
playing game of love hide and seek.
Han Jung Woo
has been a homicide detective for years and he is looking for his childhood
love, Lee Se Yeon. Lee So Yeon is a fashion designer and often dream of Han
Jung Woo searching for her.
Meanwhile,
Kang Hyung Joon is a cold-hearted, charismatic fund manager, who tries to take
revenge on Han Jung Woo because of the troubled relationship within their
family.
My thoughts:
I’m a big fan of PYC. Really, really a big fan. Even after I’ve read on the
Internet that he is not so much of an actor. But I think he did great in this
drama. The storyline too, is brilliant. I kept watching this drama over and
over again. Mana woo nak dapat lelaki macam Han Jung Woo.
5.
5. Emergency Couple/Emergency
Man and Woman
Genre:
Comedy, Romance, Medical Drama
Year: 2014
Main Cast:
Song Ji Hyo, Choi Jin Hyuk
Synopsis: While
in their early twenties, a medical school student, Oh Chang-min, and a
dietitian, Oh Jin-hee, fall in love and marry despite his family's strong
opposition.Chang-min comes from a family of wealthy, successful doctors; they
think Jin-hee isn't good enough for him, and after he marries her, they cut him
off without a cent. In order to earn money right away, Chang-min gives up his
dream of becoming a doctor, and instead becomes a pharmaceutical salesman. He
is miserable at his job, while Jin-hee's inferiority complex deepens as her
husband's family continues to look down on her. They begin to fight constantly
and eventually get a divorce. Six years later, Chang-min has gone back to med
school to pursue his dream, while Jin-hee has also put herself through med
school. They end up as interns at the same hospital, where they'll have to work
in the emergency room together for three months.
My thoughts:
I watched this drama because of Song Ji Hyo and Choi Jin Hyuk. But Ji Hyo
rarely looks pretty in this drama. Nevertheless, she’s still one of my
favorite. Jin Hyuk? Ah… I’ve lost my heart to him already.
6.
6. You Who Came From
The Stars
Genre:
Romance, Comedy
Year: 2013
Main Cast:
Jun Ji Hyun, Kim Soo Hyun
Synopsis: Do
Min Joon is an alien who lands in the Joseon era, and then lives through the
next four hundred years to the present day where he works as university
professor and falls in love with a haughty top actress, Chun Song Yi
My thoughts:
The storyline is different. No one to love? How about an alien? Anyone? If the
alien is as breath-takingly handsome as Kim Soo Hyun, I’d do anything to get my
hands on him. Kyaaa!
7.
7. Marry Him If You
Dare
Genre:
Romance, Time Travel
Year: 2013
Main Cast:
Yoon Eun Hye, Lee Dong Gun, Jung Yong Hwa
Synopsis: Set
in the world of television broadcasting, Na Mi-rae travels back in time to prevent
her 32-year-old self from marrying news anchor Kim Shin, thus sending her past
self down a different path and enabling her to pursue the things she really
wanted in life
My thoughts:
Though the ending is pretty much unfulfilling, I love all of the main casts. And
yeah, Eun Hye’s hair really was distracting. Well, I was rooting for Yong Hwa
all the way.
8.
8. The Heirs/The
Inheritors
Genre:
Romance, Comedy, School
Year: 2013
Main Cast:
Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin
Synopsis:
(DramaFever) This drama follows a group of privileged, elite high school
students as they are groomed to take over their families’ business empires.
These wealthy students seem to have everything under control–except their love
lives. Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho) is heir to the Empire Group sent to study abroad in
the U.S. In reality it’s a form of exile, as his elder half-brother back home,
Kim Won (Choi Jin Hyuk) schemes to takes over the family business. While in the
States, Kim Tan bumps into Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye), who’s arrived from
Korea in search of her older sister. He feels himself falling for her, never
realizing that she’s the daughter of his family’s housekeeper. When his fiancée
Rachel Yoo (Kim Ji Won) arrives to bring him back to Korea, his heart is torn
between love and duty. Meanwhile, Rachel’s half-brother Choi Young Do (Kim Woo
Bin) develops his own crush on Eun Sung. Who said being a rich, beautiful high
school student was easy?
My thoughts:
My eyes are always on Kim Woo Bin.
9.
9. The Master’s Sun
Genre:
Horror, Romance, Comedy
Year: 2013
Main Cast:
So Ji Sub, Gong Hyo Jin, Seo In Guk
Synopsis: Joo
Joong Won is a cold and ambitious CEO, who measures all human relationships
through money. Tae Gong Sil is a sensitive assistant, who suffers from
insomnia, due to her ability to see ghosts after an accident. Joong Won will
learn to trust Gong Sil and falls in love with her.
My thoughts:
Though horrifying, it was still hilarious. Gong Hyo Jin is such a good actress.
10.
10. That Winter The
Wind Blows
Genre:
Romance, Melodrama
Year: 2013
Main Cast:
Jo In Sung, Song Hye Kyo, Kim Bum, Jung Eun Ji
Synopsis: A
melodrama about a man and a blind woman who don’t believe in love. Oh Soo is an
orphan who is left heartbroken later in life after his first love passes away
and comes to lead a goal-less life as a high stakes gambler. Oh Young is a
lonely heiress who feels she must look after others and herself after her
parents get divorced and she finds herself becoming visually impaired. The two
will come to find the true meaning of love after meeting each other.
My thoughts:
It’s a good drama, this one. Even my brother (who detest anything Korean)
watched this drama, finished it and compliment the plot+casts.
11.
11. Faith/The Great
Doctor
Genre:
Historical, Romance, Time Travel, Fantasy
Year: 2012
Main Cast:
Lee Min Ho, Kim Hee Sun
Synopsis: This
drama shows the romance between a warrior from the ancient times and a female
doctor from the modern times, their love transcending time and space. It will
also tell the story about the process of making a true king.
Yoo Eun Soo
is a 33-year old plastic surgeon in the year 2012. She was originally a general
surgeon, but quickly found that it was an overworked, under-paid profession and
jumped ship to plastic surgery. Her dream is to someday open her own practice.
But one day, Choi Young kidnaps her and takes her back to the Goryeo era
because needing her medical skills. Their love story spans centuries but also
warring beliefs. He gave up on love to be an unflinching warrior.
My thoughts:
Just watch this. Seriously. I’m not a fan of Lee Min Ho and I don’t fancy Kim
Hee Sun much. But the drama is wonderful.
12.
12. Bridal Mask
Genre: Period,
Action, Drama, Romance
Year: 2012
Main Cast:
Joo Won, Jin Se Yeon, Park Ki Woong
Synopsis: Gaksital
is a famous manhwa set in the 1930s, during the Japanese occupation. The hero,
Lee Kang-to, is known as 'Gaksital' because he wears a mask to hide his face —
one of those traditional play masks, specifically the rosy-cheeked one reserved
for the female role, aka the bride. He's an unassuming young man in real life,
but when he dons his superhero mask, he fights injustice and rights wrongs
during one of the darkest periods of Korea's history…
My thoughts:
I was skeptical while watching this. But hey, it turns out great.
13.
13. Queen In Hyun’s
Man
Genre: Time Travel, Romance, Fantasy
Year: 2012
Main Cast:
Ji Hyun Woo, Yoo In Na
Synopsis: Kim
Boong Do is a scholar who had supported the reinstatement of Queen In Hyun when
Jang heebin's schemes resulted in her being deposed and replaced as King
Sukjong's queen consort. With the help of a spell when he is in going to be
killed in a fight he travels 300 years into the future of modern Seoul and
meets Choi Hee Jin, a no-name actress who is expecting a career renaissance
through her role as Queen In Hyun in a TV drama. She helps him to know about
the history of his time and change some events. After that they start to
develop feelings for each other, but is it possible for them to have a
successful relationship?
My thoughts:
I love this drama. I really do. I really, really do! Highly recommended to
those who don’t mind watching historical-based romance drama.
14.
14. The Greatest Love
Genre:
Romance, Comedy
Year: 2011
Main Cast:
Gong Hyon Jin, Cha Seung Won, Yoo In Na, Yoon Kye Sang
Synopsis: Ae
Jung was once the most popular member of girl band The National Treasure Girls.
However 10 years ago the band broke up and she received most of the blame.
Despite her warm personality her career has suffered ever since and she now
spends her time fighting for air time on variety shows. Dokko Jin is a top
movie star at the height of his career. The two meet and become involved in
each other's careers. Yoon Pil Joo is a doctor of oriental medicine who has no
interest in the entertainment industry but agrees to make a dating show. Dokko
Jin helps get Ae Jung a role on a new reality show called Couple Making. Pil
Joo is the bachelor being set up on Couple Making. Both men fall for Ae Jung
both off and on the screen.
My thoughts:
What is more to say? Cha Seung Won everyone! And it’s comedy!
15.
15. Heartstrings/You’ve
Fallen For Me
Genre: Romance,
Music
Year: 2011
Main Cast:
Jung Yong Hwa, Park Shin Hye
Synopsis: Lee
Shin is a university student majoring in modern music. He is also the vocalist
and guitarist of the band "The Stupid." Shin is known for his good
looks and strong passion for music, but in reality he is cold, lacks interest
in anything unrelated to music and has neither dreams nor plans for the future.
He initially likes Jung Yoon Soo, a dance professor at university, but this all
changes when he meets Lee Kyu Won.
Lee Kyu Won
is a bright and outgoing student who was born into a prestigious family and is
majoring in traditional Korean instruments, especially the gayageum. Kyu Won's
grandfather, Lee Dong Gun, is one of the top 3 traditional musicians of his age
and his biggest wish is to see his granddaughter become a traditional music
prodigy. Trying to live up to her grandfather's expectations, Kyu Won immerses
herself in training and becomes a university student who knows nothing outside
of her studies. As her friends are fans of "The Stupid", she was
forced to go to the band's concert with them. There she saw Lee Shin performing
live, and is immediately captivated by him.
My thoughts:
For Yong Hwa fans, this is a must watch! Semua lagu2 dlm this drama jenis boleh
layan, confirm best!
16.
16. City Hunter
Genre: Action,
Suspense, Romance
Year: 2011
Main Cast:
Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young, Lee Joon Hyuk
Synopsis: The
story takes place in Seoul, 2011. Lee Yoon Sung is a talented MIT-graduate who
works on the international communications team in the Blue House. He plans
revenge on five politicians who caused his father's death with his surrogate
father Lee Jin Pyo and eventually becomes a "City Hunter."
My thoughts:
I put it here because of Lee Min Ho’s fans. It’s a good drama nonetheless.
17.
17. Sungkyukwan
Scandal
Genre: Romance,
Comedy, Historical
Year: 2010
Main Cast:
Park Yoo Chun, Park Min Young, Song Joong Ki, Yoo Ah In
Synopsis: Sungkyunkwan
Scandal is set in Sungkyunkwan University in the late Joseon era during the
reign of King Jeongjo, revolving around the exploits and love stories of four
youths. When her younger brother's illness worsens and their family is in
danger of being evicted from their house for lack of money, Kim Yoon Hee enters
the school under his name, disguised as a boy in her desperation to support
him. There, she becomes friends with the intelligent and upright Lee Sun Joon,
the playboy Goo Yong Ha and rebellious Moon Jae Shin.
My thoughts:
I’ve watched this drama because of Joong Ki and hooked up on Yoo Ah In.
18.
18. Playful
Kiss/Mischievous Kiss
Genre: Romance,
School
Year: 2010
Main Cast:
Jung So Min, Kim Hyun Joong
Synopsis: Playful
Kiss is based on the Japanese shōjo manga, Itazura Na Kiss.
Oh Ha Ni is
a sweet lively and happy high school student yet she is definitely not the
sharpest crayon in the box.
She has a
crush on Baek Seung Jo, the smartest boy in school despite being chased loyally
by Bong Joon Gu herself. When she confesses to Seung Jo through a letter, he
brings it back to her, after grading it harshly and commenting that he hates
stupid girls.
When Oh Ha
Ni's new house suddenly collapses her father's friend offers for him and Ha Ni
to stay with them. Unknown to Ha Ni, her father's friend is actually Baek Seung
Jo's dad.
As they
continue to live under the same roof and attend Parang University together, Ha
Ni continues to show affection for Seung Jo although he seems to be more
interested in the equally clever and beautiful Yoon Hae Ra.
My thoughts:
This drama was always in my external HD but I never watched it until I’ve read
Itazura Na Kiss. I’d prefer this version better than the Japanese version.
19.
19. Boys Over Flower
Genre: Romance,
Comedy
Year: 2009
Main Cast:
Koo Hye Sun, Lee Min Ho, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon, Kim So Eun
Synopsis: Geum
Jan Di is an ordinary girl whose family owns a dry cleaning store.
While
delivering dry cleaning to a student at the prestigious Shin Hwa High School,
she saves his life by stopping his attempt at jumping off the roof and is given
a full swimming scholarship.
She attends
Shin Hwa High and soon is terrorised by the leader of F4 (the four richest and
most popular boys at the school) Gu Jun Pyo.
Although Jun
Pyo persists on bullying her, he begins to find himself attracted to Jan Di.
However, Jan Di has a crush on Yoon Ji Hoo, Jun Pyo's best friend.
When she
realises that Ji Hoo is merely a close friend and that she really loves Jun Pyo
the couple are thrown into a dilemma as Jun Pyo's mother sets out to break them
up and find a more suitable match for her son.
My thoughts:Who could
ever forget Meteor Garden (Taiwanese version)? I’ve watched MG 1 & 2 and
loved both. I think that was really a start for me to really dig in dramas. It
was legendary, with the most handsome, cheeky and glamorous boys gathered in 1
drama. The BOF is just as delicious as MG, maybe even more.
20. 20. You’re Beautiful
Genre:
Romance, Comedy
Year: 2009
Main Cast:
Jang Geun Suk, Park Shin Hye, Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Hong Ki
Synopsis: The
management company of the idol group A.N.JELL insisted on adding a new singer
to the group as the lead vocal, Tae Kyung's voice was hurting. However,the new
member, Mi Nam, had to go to the States to repair a botched eye job just before
signing the contract. His agent came up with the idea of having his twin
sister, Mi Nyu,to stand in for him and pretend that she was her brother. The
two of them grew up in an orphanage and Mi Nyu, who was all set to become a
nun, agreed to this charade as she didn't want to spoil her brother's chance of
fame which would make it easier to look for their mother.
My thoughts:
Though I think JGS is not working his talent enough in this drama, I still love
him. And Shin Hye is such a cutie.
21.
21. Coffee Prince
Genre:
Romance, Comedy
Year: 2007
Main Cast:
Yoo Eun Hye, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun Gyun, Chae Jung Ahn
Synopsis: The
life of Go Eun Chan is not easy; she works many jobs to pay off debts and even
gave up her feminine image. Choi Han Kyul is the heir of a big food company,
but his grandmother wants him to settle down, so she arranged many dates for
him. After Eun Chan bumped into Han Kyul and was mistaken for a boy, Han Kyul
decided to hire Eun Chan to be his gay lover in order to avoid the arranged
dates. Desperately in need of money, Eun Chan had no choice but to accept. Han
Kyul's grandmother also made Han Kyul in charge of a filthy coffee shop in
danger of being bankrupt. Eun Chan begged to work at the coffee shop, and not
long after, feelings start to spark, except, how would Han Kyul accept his
"homosexuality"?
My thoughts:
Gong Yoo will always be my first love. Thus, he is mine! Mine! Mine! MINE!
22. 22. Princess Hours/Goong
Genre:
Romance, Comedy
Year: 2006
Main Cast:
Yoo Eun Hye, Joo Ji Hoon
Synopsis: Goong
is a story about young love in face of tradition, politics, and intrigue. In
the imaginary world, modern-day Korea is a constitutional monarchy and the
Royal Family lives in a grand Palace, the Goong. Story opens with the sudden
death of the reigning the King. Faced with the decreasing popularity among the
public for the Royalty, a grand wedding for the Crown Prince, Lee Shin, is
decided to be the best publicity move to improve the image of the Royalty and
at the same time prepare Shin for immediate succession. The intended bride? The
headstrong, awkward, and sweet spirited Shin Chae Kyung that just happens to go
to the same exclusive art school. Chae Kyung was betrothed to become the next
Crown Princess by her grandfather and Shin's grandfather.
My thoughts:
Eun Hye and Ji Hoon did make a great couple in this drama. And I like the plot.
23. 23. My Girl
Genre: Romance,
Comedy
Year: 2005
Main Cast:
Lee Dong Wook, Lee Da Hae, Lee Jun Ki, Park Si Yeon
Synopsis: When
Gong Chan (Lee Dong Wook) meets the lively and beautiful Yoo Rin (Lee Da Hae),
he finds out that she has connections to his missing cousin, whom his grandfather
has been searching for. He asks Yoo Rin to lie about being his long missing
cousin until he can find his real cousin. She says yes, but soon their feelings
for each other get in the way of their plans. Gong Chan's friend, Jung Woo (Lee
Jun Ki) falls for Yoo Rin while Gong Chan's ex-girlfriend, Seo Hyun (Park Si
Yeon), a pro tennis player, tries to win him back. Will the two ever tell each
other how they feel? Will Gong Chan ever find his real cousin?
My thoughts:
How can you not watch My Girl? It’s funny all the way. But I cried my heart out
on the airport scene.
24. 24. Lie To Me
Genre:
Romance, Comedy
Year: 2009
Main Cast:
Yoon Eun Hye, Kang Ji Hwan
Synopsis: Gong
Ah Jung, a level 5 Ministry of Culture official, gets entangled in a web of
lies when she mistakenly lies that she’s married to Hyun Ki Joon, a hotel
manager from an affluent family. Their relationship is further complicated when
Ki Joon’s ex-fiancée and a close friend of his brother’s, Oh Yoon Joo,
reappears in his life.
My thoughts:
Such a beautiful storyline, though a bit cliché. I always love Eun Hye.
25. 25. Which Star Are You From?
Genre:
Romance, Drama, Comedy
Year: 2006
Main Cast:
Kim Rae Won, Jung Ryu Won
Synopsis: Sueng
Hui (Kim Rae Won) is a director who was deeply in love with Hae Soo (Jung Ryu
Won). Even though her family was opposed to Sueng Hui, Hae Soo still wanted to
marry Sueng Hui. As he is proposing marriage to her in the car, they end up
getting into a car accident resulting in Hae Soo’s death. The drama takes place
3 years after Hae Soo has passed away. Even after three years, Seung Hui’s
cannot seem to forget Hae Soo nor put his life back into order. Determined to
forget Hae Soo, Sueng Hui takes a trip into the the rural areas of Korea.
There, after declaring that he is going to move on with his life and forget
about his girlfriend, he goes into town where he sees a girl (Bok Shil) that
looks just like his past girlfriend. The resemblence is so startling that he
can’t help but stare at her and ends up following her. They eventually end up
spending a few days together but after parting, end up meeting again when Bok
Shil comes to Seoul and ends up working with Sueng Hui.
It is later
revealed that Bok Shil is actually Hae Rim, Hae Soo’s youger sister that was
lost in a fire. Additionally, a close male family friend was secretly in love
with Bok Shil’s older sister and seems to be attracted to Bok Shil as well.
My thoughts:
Kim Rae Won is really, really charming. I’ve watched many of his work
(including Love Story in Harvard, My Little Bride, Mr Socrates, Attic Cat, My
Love Pattzi etc.) and I think he has the best expressions with exceptional
talent. He always moved my heart so easily with his charms. Truly my ideal man.
Ah, kena cari A Wonderful Moment pulak lepas ni.