(25) Best Korean Drama - Based on Thydiva's POV

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.