Best Korean Drama Recommendations, List of Kdrama Suggestions for Beginners

We have compiled a concise list of great Korean drama recommendations for beginners because, let's face it: entering the world of kdramas can be a pretty daunting task. Maybe a friend gushes over them every time you see her, or maybe your Netflix queue keeps recommending them to you, but you just don't know where to begin. These suggestions will help get your feet wet and prepare you for a lifetime of addiction!

ViVi's Picks
Okay, so the first criteria I have for watching a Korean drama for the first time is that it should absolutely be available for streaming without commercials, either on DramaFever or Kdrama.com with a commercial-free paid subscription, or Netflix (click here for a current list of kdramas on Netflix). That may seem like a minor point, but the first time watching can be overwhelming if you're used to the 23- or 46- minute breakdown of American television, and cutting out the commercials can really help.  My picks aren't necessarily all of my favorite k-dramas ever (though some of them are pretty high on the list), but I feel like they set the groundwork well to help you know what you're looking for in future dramas.  Happy watching!


 Attention, all k-drama newcomers: Watch at least two episodes of a show before you give up on it.  The first episode will possibly be confusing, boring, or cheesy.  K-dramas need time.  Trust me

1. Secret Garden: This one has a cute love story and just enough basic cliches to get you hooked for eternity.  You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll add "matching sparkling jumpsuits" to your list of requirements for true love.  The body switching is a little random, but what's a good k-drama without some crazy magical plot twists?






2. Boys over Flowers: A classic.  You can't say that you watch k-dramas if you have never seen BoF.  I would recommend watching this second or third on your list instead of starting with it so that you have something to give it some balance. There are parts of it that are absolutely absurd, but you won't be able to stop, and once you're done, you will understand 2/3 of k-drama jokes on the internet.  Welcome to our club! Coco: I am with ViVi on this one. Despite it being over the top and ridiculous, I could not stop watching it. I even became a pretty hardcore fangirl of Kim Hyun-Joon for a good week, complete with internet stalking and fantasizing about how I would run into him somewhere in America.

3. Rooftop Prince: I feel like this is a good place to start for the magical/time travel genre. The flashbacks will help you get a feel for full-fledged historical dramas without the commitment of an entire series set in the past, and the plot keeps moving at a pretty fast pace. Comas! Murder! Reincarnation! Love!  More funny track suits!  I will be writing a more in-depth review of this drama soon, but it has a lot going for it, and it has a dash of everything. Update:  My Review of Rooftop Prince.


4. Dream High/Prosecutor Princess: I put these together because they're both great introductions to pure "fluff" dramas.  Both of them are mostly lighthearted and fun and make you feel good.  They have a side of drama, but they're upbeat overall.  Dream High has a catchy soundtrack, and Prosecutor Princess has one of the better kissing scenes I've seen (though Lie To Me and the Cola kiss wins hands-down overall).  Take your pick, sit back, and enjoy the fun!

CoCo's Picks


1. Coffee Prince: Also a classic, must-watch kdrama. I've already established why Coffee Prince is my #1 Kdrama Love, so if you haven't already read my post, read it and get excited! Watch it next. You won't regret it.






2. Lie To Me: This was the first Korean drama I ever watched, so it will always have a special place in my heart. It's one of the kdramas most similar to American romantic comedies, but also has all the great kdrama plot points, so it's a perfect introduction and pretty relatable for beginning kdrama fans. It's fun and lighthearted, but there are some pretty great dramatic moments. Plus, like I mentioned earlier in my Introduction post, Kang Ji-hwan is a hot Mr. Darcy-esque character and Yoon Eun-hye is one of my favorite Korean actresses.


3.  City Hunter: I've also already established why you must watch City Hunter in my City Hunter Review, including the eye candy that is Lee Min-Ho and the girl power awesomeness of Park Min-Young. It's a fantastic introduction to the kdrama action genre. It still has a lot of the romantic elements of other kdramas we love, along with some pretty great action and suspense scenes. Watch it!

4. Answer Me 1997 (Reply 1997): This Kdrama has a distinct vibe, different from the typical Korean romantic comedy plot and characters, which makes it feel fresh and unique. It's a coming-of-age story, visiting key moments in a group of friend's journey from adolescence to adulthood. Each episode focuses on themes and events that are the quintessential parts of growing up, complete with first loves, evolving parent/child relationships, teen idols, and awkward encounters with the opposite sex. The characters are relatable and lovable, and the situations will likely remind you of your own adolescence. The best comparison I can make for the is the old American show from the 1980's, The Wonder Years. My Review of Answer Me 1997

5. Scent of a Woman: This drama is a fantastic introduction to the melodrama genre in kdrama. Watch it when you need a good cry. It's terrible, but you just can't stop, even when you know it only makes you sad. Luckily there are some pretty great romantic and comedic scenes as well, so all is not lost. It's pretty adorable and the characters are totally lovable. The female lead goes through one of the most satisfying makeovers, both emotionally and physically, in kdrama history. Update: My Review of Scent of a Woman




So now that you are armed with an arsenal of 10 new Kdrama recommendations from friends you can trust, get out there and start watching! Because, kdrama, it's a thing, and it's only getting bigger!

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Note: After a recent layout switch, we're seeing comments posted before April 7, 2017 missing on a few posts. We're working on a solution, and in the meantime, any new comments you leave will work!

Comments

  1. Im not sure i still qualify as a newbie. On the one hand ive only been watching for several months. On the other hand - ive completed 16 already :-) But i still havent seen dream high or prosecutor princess and now have added those to my "to watch" list. As soon as i finish Joseon x files, ill see what im the mood for. How do you guys pick your next drama to watch, sometimes deciding stresses me out - is that common or is it just me?

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    1. i know what you mean!! i can never choose my next drama i was able 2 get hrough 50 but now i am really finding it hard to find a new drama sometimes i sit on my computer for hours just looking 4 a drama that will appeal to me (mind me im very ard to please)i keep thinking that i will never find another good one and that really stresses me out!! so dont worry its not just you!!

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    2. I have the opposite problem lol.. I
      Have a line up in my head of the ones I want to see, it's just hard to pick one out of my list. I'm on the last episode of mary stayed out all night, I either want to watch prosecuter princess next, or maybe full house, or I was thinking nine, the musical ugh or shut up flower boy band. Maybe even cheongdamdong alice or greatest love idk.. has any one seen how to meet a perfect neighbor or birdy buddy? I've been wanting to watch them, but I keep skimming past them. Good luck try not to stress out too much.. pick a few at a time when you look.

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    3. same here! whenever i finished a korean drama and tried to look another drama to be watch it gives stress, its hard for me to look specially when the first one were good enough!

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    4. Well, you can always give IRIS a try. New drama but it has its selling points, primarily a pretty high budget, Award winning performance and episodes that will have you missing hours of sleep... i should know.. =.=

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    5. Have you guys watched Spring Waltz? Soooo good!

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  2. I completely know what you mean about next-drama stress. Every time I finish one, I'm partially happy that I have closure and can temporarily get my life back, but I'm also partially anxious that I won't be able to find something new!

    My method is usually looking for reviews of the most recent drama I watched and then looking for recommendations from people who seemed to have similar opinions. If someone loved something that I hated, it gives me a good idea of what to avoid!

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    1. LOL! I feel exactly the same after finishing one and I do exactly the same, I guess most people have this post kdrama anxiety :D Another thing I do is follow my favorite actor's works as I tend to be more patient with those. Now my list of "to watch" is too long but I still hesitate when I have to pick the next.

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    2. I've never heard of kdrama anxiety until now! I've just finished That Winter, The Wind Blows and Full House (original) and don't know what to watch next.
      Will definitely take suggestions above and hopefully I find something. Is there a good romantic comedy that is a definite must watch?

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    3. Iif you're looking for a romantic comedy kdrama, you should definitely watch rooftop prince and big...

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  3. Yeah, choosing your next drama is kind of a big deal because it's 16 to 22+ hours of your life you are dedicating! I have a pretty strict rule that if I'm not completely hooked midway through episode three then I bail. Another way to find out about new dramas is to see what is popular on Dramafever or other streaming websites. What did you think about Joseon X Files?

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  4. hey..i totally agree u on dis boys over flowers thing..i luv it..can u suggest me some others drama plz..thnq.. :) n yeah..u've got awsum drama list in here

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    1. The k-dramas I've liked so far.. you are beautiful, to the beautiful you, coffee prince, heartstrings, goong, love rain "boring in the beginning but stick with it" flower boy next door, playful kiss "wasn't a fan of the female leads character though" you're the best lee soon shin, sungkyunkwan scandal, boys over flowers, delightful girl choon hyang, hello miss, invincible lee pyung kang, my girl "watch after delightful girl choon hyang" lie to me, secret garden, me too flower, personal taste, protect the boss, rooftop prince, flower boy ramen shop, mary stayed out all night, my princess, stars falling from the sky, hong gil dong "was my first and probably last historical.. beware ending is super sad"

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    2. thnq so much...dis will help me a lot..thnx.. :) :D :)

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    3. Your very much welcome :-D enjoy ;-).

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    4. I agree Hong Gil Dong ended too sad...However, you could miss another Sangkyankwan Scandal if you give up on historical. I think just this last year with Moon Embracing the Sun, Faith, and Arang and the Magistrate I really came to enjoy the historical genre more. Loving Gu Family book currently and it's all kinds of weird not just historical but mystical too. Which brings me back to Faith with Lee Minho, Phillip Lee, and the hottest baddy EVER -Sung Hoon. Don't give up on historical!

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    5. Yay for heartstrings and beautiful you
      Mainky for Minhyuk and Yonghwa both from Kpop band CNBlue.

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    6. Try the following before you give up on historical dramas: The Princess Man, The Moon Embraces the Sun, Dong Yi, and Dae Jang Geum.

      Good historical dramas

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    7. a gd historical drama as well is 'mandate of heaven' I really enjoyed that

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  5. I personally love Rooftop Prince, Coffee Princ, Secret Garden and the BOF too (which I fell in love first with Hana Yori Dango and Meteor Garden). Not too cheesy or too boring, love the twists and turns, love the characters, love the plot and specially the endings of the dramas I mentioned. You'll get hooked by them definitely. They won't get into your nerves waiting for your expected scenes to happen coz' they'll get to it sooner. A two thumbs up to my favorite dramas. ^___^

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  6. I think Secret Garden was the first drama I watched that really got me hooked. After that Coffee Prince and Protect the Boss cemented my addiction. Although I've watched a lot of dramas over the last year or so I haven't seen that many on this list! :)

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    1. Hopefully we can introduce a few new favorites to you! Are there any you love that are not on the list?

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    2. I have seen about 25 kdramas now all in the last year and a half and the first one I watched, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, is still the best ever!!! I tend to find someone I like and then try to see other kdramas with them. For example, I loved Shin Min-a in MGIAG, so I watched Arang and really liked that too. I like Girls Generation, so naturally had to see Yoona in Love Rain. Loved that story. I also liked Faith and thought that Lee Min Ho was cool, so I watched City Hunter and ended up really liking that show too. I liked City Hunter so much that I pretty much saw the whole series in three nights...After City Hunter, I wanted to see another action type kdrama, which led me to IRIS, which brings me to Kim Tae Hee. I can not take my eyes off of her, so I immediately watched My Princess and Jang Ok Jung after that. Loved My Princess...Dream High is one of my favorites too because of the music and Suzy and IU, so of course, have to watch Gu Family Book and Lee Soon Shin...Lee Soon Shin is frustrating because it is not done yet and has about 8 weeks left...Watching two a week is killing me because of course I want to know the ending as soon as possible...You're Beautiful was very funny and classic too with Park Shin Hye being one of the funnier actresses out there...Ramen Boy Next Door is good because of her...Creating Destiny is another kdrama that I really like, mainly because of the chemistry between the two leads, who ended up marrying each other in real life...Eugene, a popular kpop idol with S.E.S in the early 2000s, is now a big star, acting in several kdramas...

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  7. I have just re-watched Full House (Rain & Song Hye Kyo version), still one of my favorites though it was a 2004 KBS release.

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    1. Yeah that one is such a classic!

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    2. Just finished watching this over the weekend and enjoyed it. Looking for something else to watch.

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  8. I definitely agree that Lie To Me's Cola kiss was one of the best kissing scene moments in a Kdrama that I've seen yet. Most of the kiss scenes in these dramas are so light and cutesy that you don't see the passion; especially when they're supposed to be adults. SO glad I found your blog! I love kdramas and I was running out of shows to watch inbetween classes. :D

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    1. Yeah, I seriously rewind and re-watch that kiss over and over more than I should haha. Hopefully we can keep giving you suggestions :)

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    2. Also, here is a new post about kdrama kisses! http://kdramafighting.blogspot.com/2013/04/best-kdrama-kisses.html#comments

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    3. in my opinion, the best korean drama kiss was the cha chool soo and yang eun bi kiss in the flower boy ramen shop drama

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    4. omg yes, cha chool soo just makes me want him to kiss me. LOL.

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    5. also the kisses in Rooftop Prince worth to watch, at least i can feel passion in it, different with the cute kisses where either the girl or the guy stand stiff while the other do te kisses.
      And any recommendation where the lead actors not so helpless being tortured by the villains? in Rooftop, although got several holes, but it is nice to watch, they at least can be smarter that the bad guys.

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  9. Boys over flowers!!! City hunter... Faith.... Secret garden...youre beautiful...love rain... Playful kiss.. Personal taste.. Flower boy next door... Full house take 2 and much much more!!! But bof is my favourite

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    1. from your favs drama i can see that you are a fan of lee min ho, arent you? kekeke. btw ilove city hunter too! i think it's the best drama i've ever watched :)

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    2. hey they are also my fav dramas....m a huge fan of lee min ho...

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  10. What are the latest dramas you'll recommend? :D aside from the ones mentioned here?: http://theagogone.blogspot.com/ Thank you! <3

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    1. I would say check out Protect the Boss for sure if you haven't seen it already. That's one of my all-time favorites!

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  11. Awesome list! I've only seen City Hunter, Secret Garden and Rooftop Prince (in that order). I couldn't make it through an episode of Boys Over Flowers, 49 or Protect the Boss. What do I watch now since the first 3 were so amazing?

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    1. Hmmmm. Maybe My Girlfriend is a Gumiho? That's one we haven't talked about a lot, but the main actress in it was excellent. It has the magical element like Rooftop Prince and the really strong female lead like Secret Garden. For the beginning of the first episode, I thought I was going to hate it, and then I ended up really, really liking it.

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    2. Kept restarting the first episode for 6 months, seriously! But then finally pushed on. Beginning from the part where he's dangling from the rope above the gym floor and she's taunting him by standing under him opening her mouth saying she's just waiting until he falls... oh... I about died! And from there on she TOTALLY won me! GREAT drama! (How many times do I have to tell you not to eat stuff off the ground...or out of the garbage?) Seriously some funny stuff in Gumiho!

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    3. I woud try The moon that Embraces the Sun, Faith, Coffee Prince, and You're beautiful You're Beautiful is just a silly premise, but that makes for a good Kdrama right?

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  12. try SCENT OF A Woman, and Love Story in Harvard, City hall..kissing scenes are the sweetest, and real plus very good ending:) bump on your blog looking for a good drama..I almost finish every drama mentioned here..

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  13. ammmmmmmmmmmmmm...........??????????wala bang missing you????

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  14. i watched You're Beautiful, personal taste, shining inheritance, playfull kiss, 49 days, faith, flower boy ramyen shop,boys over flowers......and on and on but sadly i dont know what to watch anymore. will have to try city hunter i ges i'm also hard to please

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    1. Yeah, definitely go for City Hunter! It's good to add a little action into your kdrama experience once in awhile, and Lee Min Ho never hurts anything either :)

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    2. I agree all
      But ... Excuse me , you must see A gentleman´s dignity . Unforgetable
      I saw a laaaaarge list of kdramas, and these one I enjoy it a lot . Friends don´t like kdrama fall in love with this :)
      Don´t forget the other side of dramas : " Who are you " , and " I hear your voice " Fav Top.

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  15. Great post! I love watching the newer dramas but if you like oldies but goodies, try watching First Love (1996). This is what got me started in K-Dramas and it stars Hallyuwood stars Bae Yong-joon, Choi Soo-jong and Lee Seung-yeon. (^_^)

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    1. I'll have to check it out. I definitely need to widen my knowledge of old kdramas!

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  16. If you love Lee Min Ho, there is another drama that he is in - Personal Taste or Personal Preference. Another Park Min Young (City Hunter) and Micky Yoochun(Rooftop Prince) is Sungkyunkwan Scandal. And if you really want classic Joseon era dramas, you cannot beat the old Jewel in the Palace, Dong Yi or Jewel in the Crown and the newer one The Moon Embraces the Sun. You will looove the last one. Another modern day drama which is a romantic comedy is A Gentlemen's Dignity. Also very nice!

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  17. Full House should've been on the list

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  18. Don't forget Stairway to Heaven. An all time classic :)

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  19. Loved all kdrama series mentioned but have not finished with 49 days yet. Is it just me or do you also get depressed after finishing a series because you can't find guys in real life like most kdrama characters... Also I wish there were more seasons around then just 1

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  20. You forgot to include Queen In-Hyun's Man. Daebak!

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  21. So I usually watch k movies, but i decided to try my first drama which was Panda and Hedgehog. Afterwards, I thought to watch BOF, but now I'm really worried I won't like anything nearly as much as I liked that one... Man, BOF was great. Sad its over.. Any suggestions??

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  22. a must watch melodrama would be "Winter Sonata". THAT is a total classic. Of course, so many good dramas have come and gone after winter sonata. I just thot that at some point, any k-drama fan should watch this.

    For a more contemporary choice, maybe can try "Can We Get Married?"

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  23. I'm just a begginer.. I started with boys over flowers (( absolutely in love with it )) then watched city hunter, secret garden, and winter sonata.. But realy nothing compares to BOF I can't get over how awesome it was.. It really set the bar high for the others.. Still in search for something this amazing.. I NEED HELP PLZ!!!

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    1. You can try You're Beautiful, Mary Stayed Out All Night, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Arang and the Magistrate, Rooftop Prince, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, I Miss You, The Princess, The Princess' Man, Heartstrings...they are all very good dramas for me.

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    2. try "to the beautiful you" i bet you must like it. i also started k dramas with BOF

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    3. i've watched many kdramas..but personal taste is the best...i laughed and cried a lot...damn man its jut perfect....must must watch.....

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  24. I can't believe no one has mentioned "My Name is Kim Sam Soon" aka "My Lovely Sam Soon". It is also a classic and right up there with My Girl, Full House, SKKS, Secret Garden, You're Beautiful, City Hunter, That Fool and Coffee Prince. After watching these it's hard to find anything new and original. BTW, this is from a guy's POV. I love a good for romantic comedy. Any recommendations for kdramas with great chemistry between the two leads which all of the above have?

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    1. I agree with you about "My Name is Kim Sam Soon". It is so good. I liked Lie to Me and Greatest Love but they take longer than usual for the chemistry to ramp up. Pasta also has great chemistry between the leads. I liked A Gentleman's Dignity overall because of character development but I think the story is predictable. I surprised myself by enjoying Flower Boy Ramen Shop and What's Up so maybe you will too, since your list of favorites is the same as mine except I am now going to look for That Fool, which I have never heard of.

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    2. That Fool is my Favorite KDrama!Hwang Jung Min does a fantastic job.

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    3. Ur list is good and i did watch but I never like "My Name is Kim Sam Soon". Maybe it's just me. Snow Queen, Operation proposal and I'm Sorry I love you remain my 3 top favorites. Fashion King, Love rain, You are beautiful, Full house, Secret Garden, Hong Gil Dong, My Girl, My princess, Playful Kiss are great among my list

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  25. I really love the leads of LOVE RAIN. Is it worth watching???

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  26. i don't think i'm a kdrama addict because i give up whenever a drama just doesn't cut it, as i dont like wasting time on something that has been disappointing me. i spend 3-5 hours each weekend catching up on around 3 dramas each time. currently i'm watching gu family book, mandate of heaven and you're the best lee soon shin, which airs 2 episodes a week on different days of the week :)

    recommendations are helpful but there have been many times when i really dont like the plot and find that i've wasted time. i would suggest reading a synopsis and at least several reviews if you're like me - i hate time wasted on dramas that make me disappointed.

    Love: City hunter, fashion king, boys over flowers, dae jang geum, dong yi, and current ones: gu family book, mandate of heaven

    Dislike: Secret Garden, the innocent man, my name is kim sam soon, Bread Love and Dreams,Coffee Prince, Playful kiss (one of the worst), dream high 2, love rain, baby faced beauty, IRIS 2

    Neutral (Disappointed at some): IRIS, dream high, flower boy next door, Dr Jin, my daughter seo young, cinderella's sister, School 2013, cheer up mr kim

    Disappointed and gave up after ~5 episodes: Midas, heartstrings, the king 2 hearts, a gentleman's dignity, Prosecutor princess, Sungkyunkwan scandal, My girlfriend is a gumiho,protect the boss, rooftop prince, flower boy ramen shop, ad genius lee tae baek

    hope this helps you guys!

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  27. nice list! my favorite k-dramas are coffee prince and pasta, i love how they are lighthearted but romantic with good leads and stories, can you recommend any drama that is similar to these two?

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  28. im sara.. gr8 collections. this s first time to see kdrama..the best i ever found .... Boy of flowers took me to anothr world... i love to watch it. thanx for ur suggestions.

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  29. I agree with you on all of the show ratings you've given!
    I recently saw Summer Scent and barely made it through. The beginning is great, but the story really drags on, by the end I just didn't care anymore about the characters. It was dissapointing as it started out with a lot of potential.
    Great site, you have a new follower!

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  30. Im just a newcomer at KDrama. I recently started it and the first one i watched was Bridal Mask. I LOVED it. I then went on to watch City Hunter and it literally charmed me. It made me want to be part of all the action that was going on. Another one i watched after that was Full house which i loved too. Then i watched flower boy next door which inspired me to make a webtoon and inspired me to be independant. then i watched playful kiss which made me want to fall in love and i did fall in love. with Kim Hyun Joong!! LOL anyway the best drama i've watch is definately playful kiss, and flower boy next door, if you are into romance and melodrama and comedy.

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  31. So many great dramas I am a kdrama addict. I started with city hunter which was AMAZING lee min ho is hot and the plot is great. I then watched Boys over flowers and was hooked. Love that one! I like to watch dramas with strong male leads..pasta (one of my faves), youre beautiful, lie to me, stats falling from the sky, my princess. If u.like corny ROM com my faves run protect the boss. Like sex & the city.u will like the kdrama guy version gentlemans dignity. my top ten boys over flowers, shinning inheritance, pasta, city hunter, rooftop prince, gentlemans dignity, lie to me, heartstrings, youre beautiful, man in love (im watching now)

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  32. Oh and for the newbees check out fan videos on youtube. you might find ur next must see drama there

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  33. Fashion 70 .. Love it :)

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  34. I don't think I count as a newbie... 57 dramas and counting. But I mostly agree with your list. I'm not really a fan of historical dramas. But I am just about to start City Hunter (I finished Cinderella's Stepsister - one of my favorite dramas so far).

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  35. Lee Soon Shin is the Best. This is a really good kdrama, super love the characters and the story! :D

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  36. watch couple or trouble and my name is kim sam soon..hilarious

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  37. hi everyone im new at this blog but i've been watchin kdrama over 4 years :).
    i love and i watched all of Micky Yoochun's drama he is amazing *-*.hahahah so i have to say im a dramaholic hahahah XD. i love romantic commedy ..... so heyyyyyy everyone :)

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    1. Oh, i shoufd tell you i did like Park yoo Chun!!! i just saw him in rooftop prince and he is soooo coolllll!!

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  38. My all time fav drama is Innocent Man. It is the most intense yet captivating drama ever...

    For Classics: Spring Waltz, Summer Scent, Winter Sonata, Autumn in My Heart, Full House, My Girl

    For the Popular Ones: Dream High, City Hunter, Secret Garden

    Ones I like: Innocent Man, Monstar (kind of like Dream High, is still airing), That Winter the Wind Blows

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  39. omg..i watched secret garden n scent of a women coz of ur list...n omg..dese r so mch awsum dramas... :) :D i totally loved dem..thanks so mch 4 such a lovely list..

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    1. So glad you liked them and that we could help!

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  40. I suggest that you try watching Nine Times Time Travel. So far it's the best k drama for 2013. It's unpredictable and full of twist. After episode 4 your journey with nine will be an amazing experience. A lot of netizen online gives it a favorable or positive reviews. I hope you watch it.

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    1. Agree on the Nine Times Travel! I have been wishing for the lead guy to have his own drama after I watched Spy Myung Wol..with this one I actually waited every week for each episode :0 IMO, this is the best one so far in 2013. CYRANO DATING AGENCY is also interesting- although too early to tell if this will have a "complete" ending

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  41. i love 2 watch youre beautiful. i watched it 10x i think and still watching it again n again n again.......




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    1. specially the last ep and the music been used i love it. i even recorded those song and played repeatedly everyday since i watch the movie. call me crazy but its true. the most romantic movie i've ever seen in my whole life. i love and watch all jan guen seuk movies and you;re beautiful is the best for me

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    2. Same.
      I cried so much for Jeremy when he was on the bus.
      I cried even more though for Yonghwa (Shinwoo) on a daily (or episodely?) basis. Adorable people dont deserve to be sad.

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  42. Bridal mask - City Hunter. - Big - Cinderella's Sister- Cheongdam-dong Alice. - Flower Boy Ramyun shop. - Flower Boy Next Door. - A Gentleman's Dignity. - The Greatest Love. - Gu Family Book. Heartstrings. - The Innocent Man. - Lie to Me. - My Fair Lady. - Me Too Flower! - Moon Embracing the Sun. - My Princess. - Playful Kiss. - The Princess Man. - Protec the Boss. - Personal Taste. - Queen Hyun's Man. - Rooftop Prince. - Reply 1997. - Scent of A Woman. - Thorn Birds. - Temptation of an Ángel. - Wild Romance. - Arang and the Magistrate. - Ad Genius Lee Tae-Báez. - Ghost. - Goong. -

    Tdrama : devil beside you....... Why why Love.... Drunken ti Love You - ToGetHer.... Miss no Good

    ~~tutty~~

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  43. i'm a married guy with two young kids. my sister insisted that i watch dae jang guem and, surprise! surprise!, i loved it. since then, i've watched my share of kdrams. my absolute favorite is 'couple or trouble'...i think i like it because the roles reversed from the typical kdrama wherein the leading man plays the hard-working, earnest and heart-of-gold role and the woman starts off as a jerk instead of the man. 'lie to me' is my all-time number two and wins my award for 'best on-screen chemistry between the two lead actors'. as for the rest, i found them kind of hit-or-miss. i watched 'full house' to the end only because the lead actress was so pretty but rain was so mean to her throughout that it was tedious...luckily, it had a great ending. although i thought 'my girlfriend is a gumiho' was merely okay, i think it did have the cutest scenes in all of kdrama-dom when the lead actress did the double finger-guns thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never watched "Couple or Trouble" but if you like that kind of role reversal, "I Do, I Do" is similar in that regard.

      Delete
    2. I just finished Couple or Trouble and I absolutely loved that one! It ended well too, with everything tied up quite nicely. 5 stars! (and thankfully, the main man is actually my age, so I didn't feel so creepy drooling over him, haha)

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  44. My list of my ALL-TIME FAVOURITE KDRAMAS <3
    1. Love Rain - This was my first, and most loved kdrama ever!! I know, there is some controversy around this one, but I really loved it! I started midway when the drama was airing(ep 9? It has 20 ep in total), and I WAS TOTALLY HOOKED. MY MUM TOO. WE STAYED UP LATE TO WATCH IT, GOT UP AT 5AM TO CATCH THE ENCORE, IT WAS AMAZING! After that I rewatched it from the beginning :) The first four episodes is set in the 1970s(really unique for a kdrama, since most are either ancient or modern), it is beautiful! Some people may find it boring, but it is very fresh, sweet and gives you a happy, light-hearted feeling to start off! If you find it boring though, DON'T GIVE UP! Skip to ep5(modern times) and give it a chance till at least ep 7/8. IT IS AWESOME, ESP THE SOUNDTRACK, BEAUTIFUL BEYOND WORDS <3

    2. Secret Garden - This one is just hysterical(no matter how many times i rewatch it, I can't stop laughing), emotional(I can't stop crying at the sad scenes either), and just amazing! Hyunbin, the lead actor, is kinda the typical snobbish rich guy, BUTTTT YOU CAN'T HELP BUT FALL FOR HIM AND THE COUPLE! THEIR CHEMISTRY...GOSHHHH<3 THE SOUNDTRACK IS BEAUTIFUL TOO!!!!! I shot through this one in a few days, even though I told my mum I would wait for her hehe. THISIS A CLASSIC. MUST WATCH :D

    3. Boys Over Flowers- don't sigh at the same name appearing over and over, there's a reason why it does! This drama is DANGEROUSLY HOOKING HAHA ;D It has its many hysterical and emotional scenes too though (and ofc, ROMANTIC HEHE) Comeon, a rich guy and his poor lover, HOW CAN IT NOT BE SWEET! Awesome soundtrack too :)

    4. Heartstrings - this drama started off a little slow for me, but I still loved it and suffered the POST-HEARTSTRINGS ILLNESS <3 THIS SOUNDTRACK IS JUST DAEBAK. REALLY. AND JUNG YONGHWA IS THE EYE CANDY! School life is usually consistently engaging, this drama is no different! :)

    5. Playful Kiss - Again, a drama with controversy around it. I LOVED IT THOUGH! Kim Hyunhoong was fantabuously awesome and hottt in this show, though his character is pretty mean. I liked the girl, idk why, she's gets charismatic after a while:) Really nice, shot through this in a few days too!

    6. Dream High - Awesome music drama too!!! LOTS OF EYECANDY (KIM SOOHYUN, OK TAECYEON AND JANG WOOYOUNG FROM 2PM, SUZY FROM MISSA, EUNJUNG FROM TARA, IU THE CUTIE) TYPICAL KOREAN TOP STARS! SINGING AND DANCING AND ACTING TGT!! <3 As expected of a musical drama, amazing soundtrack too(sorry, soundtracks are usually very impt to me hehe) this drama started a little slow too, for me, but give it a chance, it is ENGAGING AND MAKES U MISS IT!


    7. You're Beautiful - classic too, to me it's like a flower boy drama, with Jang Keunsuk (<333333), Jung Yonghwa, Lee Hongki and Park Shinhye!! Awesome music too:)

    8. To the Beautiful You - it wasn't that particularly good with the acting and soundtrack, but it will make u smile, laugh(quite alot, HAHAHA),and cry too(YES). Minho from Shinee, Sulli from fx, Kwanghee from ZEA, LEE HYUNWOO!!

    9.Baker King, Kim Tak Gu - Fantastic drama. The more noticeable part is how the lead actor overcomes his struggles, very touching and awesome, still has melodrama though! The breakthrough drama for Yoon Shi Yoon(flower boy next door) with Joowon and Eugene, i assure you, YOU WILL CRY ALOT. PREPARE LOTS OF TISSUE BOXES.(TEARS OF JOY I MEAN)

    10. God of study - YOO SEUNGHO! <3 LEE HYUN WOO AND JIYEON! Very touching and cool, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR STUDENTS (ESP IF YOU DISLIKE STUDYING). DAEBAK SOUNDTRACK. WILL HAVE U HOOKED

    I would spaz about Tdramas too, but better not:) these are my top 10!I wasn't able to include Rooftop Prince, that would be 11, really daebak too! Currently Watched Gu Family Book too, pretty good too! Shark's first 2 episodes alr made me cry, seems quite promising too! :) Sorry for the long post :P Hope it helps though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great list! So glad you mentioned God of Study. Such an underrated show. It doesn't seem to get a much love as some of the others because it is more a coming of age story rather than the traditional kdrama love story.

      As a guy I also really liked City Hunter and Special Task Force 10 (crime drama).

      Of course I also enjoyed Secret Garden, Lie to Me, Your Beautiful, Heartstrings, and My Girlfriends a Nine Tail fox and Protect the Boss.

      Delete
    2. i recommend shark... but prepare for the sad ending, as always kim nam gil makes me cry













      Delete
  45. I just finished That Winter the wind blows, Jo In Sung has stucked in my mind for days now kekeke. Strong acting really, great emotion and cute face of course keke

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  46. //city hunter, flower boy next door, operation proposal, perfect match, spy myung wol, king 2 hearts, cheeongdamdong alice, innocent man, queen inhyun man. dream high, prosecutor princess, my princess, love rain , he's beautiful, romance town, rivals, mary stayed,shining inheritance, faith, miss you, big, ure the best lee soon shi, ,flower boy ramen shop. greatest love, heartstrings, to the beautiful u, school 2013, shes the boss, oh my lady, lie to me,surgeon bong dal hee, last romance , my girl, baker king, secret garden, princess hours, i do i do, 49 days, reply 1997, greatest love,iris, sungkyunwan scandal, rooftop prince//


    -♥yvessa♥-

    ReplyDelete
  47. I just want to add two of my favorite dramas:
    City Hall - Loved Cha Seung Won
    That Fool - Where is my fool? Its been mentioned already but it is my #1 drama

    these are fun ones too have I haven't seen listed here:
    Once Upon a Time in Saengchori - fun comedy/murder mystery/ romance
    Harvest Villa - I loved Shin Ha Kyun in this.

    Other Favs are: Protect the Boss, SKK, Queen In Hyun's Man, Pasta, A Man Called God(it starts slow but gets better, romance sucks but revenge is fun), Greatest Love, The Man Who Can't Get Married. Love & Marriage, and Secret Garden along with Vampire Prosecutor and many more. I've been enjoying a Hundred Year Inheritance, I've started liking the longer ones, mainly because I am running out of the 16-24 ep dramas. I can't wait to start I summon You Gold - Mainly because of Yun Jung Hoon.

    ReplyDelete
  48. The dramas that started my love for Kdramas
    Goong, Coffee Prince, You're Beautiful, Full House, Heartstrings, Reply 1997, Sungkyumg Scandal, Daejang Geum, giant, My princess, Boys over flowers, lie to me,

    ReplyDelete
  49. My Fave Kdramas so far:

    Boys Over Flowers (It's the first one I watched and got me crave for more. If you want to watch kdrama this is a requirement to watch)

    Dream High (if you think first episodes are boring please dont give up! You must watch til the end! This is prob the best school theme musical I watched EVER because of the great storyline throughout the series from beginning to end. I even think this has the best story out of all kdramas I watched so far. I feel nothing in this show was absurd or got me mad..All the cast are genuinely talented. This made me cry so much, made my smile and LOL so much, and made my heart flutter so much!)

    You Are Beautiful (At first I didn't like the actors, but after a while, surprisingly, the characters really grow deep on you! Definitely a must watch!)

    Playful Kiss (this really makes me want to fall in love. After you watch the series go watch a 7 part special continuation on YouTube-YOU MUST WATCH THOSE after watching the show! If you don't know this, you'll thank me later!)

    Flower Boy Ramen Shop for me wasn't that good because I didn't like how it ended, but I still really enjoyed watching it.

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  50. Newbie to k-dramas here. I just started and and I only watched Big, 49 days and Playful Kiss. All of which I loved. After this, I think I'm a official k-addict now. Seriously, these shows will stay with you long after the last minute finished buffering lol.

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  51. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  52. i watched a number of kdramas already and these are my favorites: Goong/princess hours, Save the last dance for me (my forever favorite kdrama), My Girl, 49 days (sad story tho), Boys Over Flowers (one of the best), My Gf is a Gumiho (I love the female lead here), Love Rain (interesting Plot + heavy kissing scenes :D), My princess.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I loved Pasta - I haven't seen that one mentioned here. The chemistry between the main characters was great. Loved Boys over Flowers, Secret Garden, Flower Boy Ramen Shop (although the female lead picked the wrong guy!), Lie to Me, and Playful Kiss (You can like only me!). My husband watches with me and we giggle about how the female lead's wrist is always getting grabbed and then she's dragged off by the guy. It's nice to read comments from others who share my Korean Drama obsession. I love the dramas because they capture that feeling of first falling in love. Makes me smile ever time!

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  54. This list is shit. Where is Rooftop Room Cat? Mr. Q? Tomato?

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  55. The best has to be Rain's Full House. It's funny, dramatic, and there isnt "too much drama" in the show.

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  56. Who likes The Third Hospital? My first K-drama ever and really enjoying it so far! Oh Ji Ho and Sooyoung are the best!!

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  57. OMG you guys should have put Iris wich I must include T.O.P (from Big Bang) is on it!!!!!!

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  58. My TOP 10 Fave Kdramas
    1. My Fair Lady
    2. My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox
    3. Love Rain
    4. Spring Waltz
    5. Nine Tailed Fox
    6.Queen In Hyun Man
    7.When a man loves
    8. Princess Ja Myung Go
    9. Donyi
    10.Gu Family Book

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  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. Has no one seen Beautiful You or Heartstrings?
    All girls should fall in love with my adorable Jung Yong Hwa instantly in both

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anyone who loves kdrama should try Kpop.
      Its amazing.
      Jung Yonghwa is from Kpop band CNBlue.

      Delete
  61. Cheongdamdong Alice was my first Kdrama, and it was seriously like crack! Have you seen it? I really want to watch more like it, but I have to wait until school is out (1 more week yaaaayyyyy) because I seriously don't want to do anything else but watch these addictive shows! Maybe I'll watch Coffee Prince, since it's your favorite.

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  62. Heartstring...even though the beginning of the story is quite boring...i was hooked to it...especially episodes 9 and 10

    Love Rain...i love this because of first love...

    You are beautiful ....jang geun suk!!!

    Rooftop prince

    City hunter


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  63. My Korean Drama List are :

    1. That Winter, The Wind Blows ..(<3 Song Hye Kyo and Zo In-sung their chemistry is so intense, they are perfect match i hope they get together for REAL!)... i finished this 16 episodes for 2 days and i still cant move on xD
    This drama i would want to watch over and over again!^^,

    2. Moon Embracing the Sun

    3. Personal Taste ( my fav lee min ho ) =p

    4. My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox

    5. Beethoven's Virus

    w8ng for more Drama that can touch my Heart for real hahaha

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  64. Here are the classics that propelled Korean Dramas to international level: Dae Jang Gum, Winter Sonata, Stairways to Heavens, Midas, Dong Yi.

    These are high-rated and my favorites (should start ROUGHLY in this order, some are melodramas some are romantic comedies): My name is Sam Soon, Secret Garden, Attic Cat, Lovers from Havard, Lovers, Lovers in Paris, Phoenix, the Moon Embraces the Sun, the Princess Man, My Princess, May Queen, Cheongdamdong Alice, Scent of a Woman, Gentleman's Dignity, Prosecutor Princess (slow at first), Queen of Reversal, Color of A Woman, Boys Over Flower, East of Eden, Innocent Man, 49 Days, My Girl, Bad Love, Queen of Ambition, Brilliant Inheritance, A Thousand Days' Promise, What Happened in Bali, That Winter the Wind Blows.

    Other high rating/popular, but I haven't seen, and not listed anywhere on this site: Yi san, Damo, Autumn in My Hearts,

    ReplyDelete
  65. O wow a very informative blog about korean drama >.< , im doing reviews as well for a small sch project and was looking for a korean drama to recommend too hopefully i can write as awesome as you :3

    Pretty please could you help to support us: http://excitingshows4boredpeople.blogspot.sg/ >.<

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds like a fun project! I wish I were doing this blog for school!

      Delete
  66. No "Full House" on your list?? Eyyyyy~

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  67. If you are into a drama that makes you fall in love I would definitely recommend Queen In Hyuns Man.

    This is by far an underdog and deserves to get lots of attention. The two leads do an awesome job. After episode 3 it takes off running and you wont be disappointed with all the lovey dovey stuff.

    Another recommendation would be Shut up Flower boy band - this one is a gritty coming of age/romance/action/drama type story that will capture your heart and plus the soundtrack is amazing.

    My next favorite is King to Hearts - Action/Romance/Comedy/Drama

    BOF is great but also watch the Japanese version. Hana Yori Dango (the cast is not as happening as BOF but they do a great job and you will fall in love with them)

    I also loved It started with a kiss Kdrama. So cute and love the chemistry !!

    Some more drama's I recommend

    My Girl!!!
    A love to kill
    Full House
    Secret Garden
    Personal Taste
    City Hunter!!!


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  68. These are some great suggestions! Secret Garden is my absolute FAVE thus far, then comes Rooftop Prince.
    I have a Korean Drama/culture blog also, check it out!

    http://loveskdramas.blogspot.com/

    Annyeong! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We love finding other kdrama bloggers! Welcome!

      Delete
  69. -gu family book is the best :)
    i cried a lot in the ending because of what happened to yeo wool. for me its so heartbreaking.
    -love rain
    this is good too. i'm especially touched in the first 4 episodes.. (1970 theme)
    -city hunter
    wah lee min ho and park minyoung they are the best couple. <3
    -secret garden
    -dream high 1
    -reply 1997


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  70. May I add some? For less than one month, I've completed several Kdramas. I'll list them, and grade them according to my taste. I'll include some other dramas that I've watched long ago:

    1. Secret Garden - 9/10
    2. Flower Boy Ramyun Shop - 8.5/10
    3. Shut Up! Flower Boy Band - 9/10
    4. You're Beautiful - 9/10
    5. I Hear Your Voice - 9.5/10
    6. Dream High - 9.5/10
    7. Dream High 2 - 6.5/10
    8. K-POP: Extreme Survival - 6.5/10
    9. My Name is Kim Sam Soon - 9/10
    10. Flower Boy Next Door - 9/10
    11. To the Beautiful You - 9/10
    12. Fashion King - 7.5/10
    13. Goong (Princess Hours) - 8.5/10
    14. Coffee Prince (Yoon Eun Hye) - 8.5/10
    15. Scent of A Woman - 8.5/10
    16. School 2013 - 8.5/10
    17. Mandate of Heaven - 7.5/10
    18. Gu Family Book - 8.5/10
    19. Monstar - 8/10
    20. Innocent Man - 8.5/10
    21. Rooftop Prince - 9/10
    22. Sungkyunkwan Scandal - 9/10
    23. King 2 Hearts - 9/10
    24. Boys over flowers - 8.5/10

    Also, my friends keep recommending "The Moon Embracing the Sun". I've started it (ep1), but when half of the episode passed, I found it boring (compare King 2 Hearts), so I didn't finish it. Also, they recommend "That Winter the Wind Blows" and "when a Man Loves".

    Dream High is the only drama of music genre that I wouldn't stop watching again and again (watched it 5 times the week the last episode aired). For those who is up for suspense, I recommend King 2 Hearts. It's kinda heavy, but the story is really good. I Hear Your Voice is the best for me (so far) because it's not that ordinary. For "Go-Mi-Nyu-turned-Go-Mi-Nam" genre, well, You're Beautiful is good, as well as Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I know My Name is Kim Sam Soon is kinda old (2005). I've just finished watching it (because of Hyun Bin :D), and keep watching the last episode for several times now. I think this is the drama where the parents (well, parent) of the lead actor is NOT that strict when it comes to her son's relationship [the type where the parents give money to his/her son/daughter's partner (watch Secret Garden, Boys over Flowers)].

    Sorry, I have no blog. Just wanna share my experiences with the K-dramas above. Again, it's purely based on my preference. So haters, begone. Joke. :D

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  71. I HEAR YOUR VOICE IS THE BEST.
    you must watch it guys. this is complete.
    and you will learn a lot in this story

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  72. yah i agree.. i hear your voice..super

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Have to agree I hear your voice is amazing...

      Delete
  73. I actually don't really like romantic comedies or melodramas. Is there still hope for me to find some kdramas to watch?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! Even though most dramas tend to have a romantic aspect to them, there are a lot of dramas where that isn't necessarily the main focus. You could try one of the action dramas like Iris or City Hunter, or you could try a historical drama.

      Delete
    2. Try City Hunter, moon Embracing the Sun, Prosecutor Princess, Bridal Mask, Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Innocent Man. I think they are all pretty good.

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    3. Try City Hunter, moon Embracing the Sun, Prosecutor Princess, Bridal Mask, Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Innocent Man. I think they are all pretty good.

      Delete
    4. I'll also toss in a vote for City Hunter, though it definitely has a strong romantic story in it. As Viv says, that's pretty common. I've actually never been a particular fan of rom-coms. With the exception of, say, The Baxter, Gavin and Stacey, and a few Nora Ephron options, most American (or, in general, Western) ones just seem ridiculous to me. People think Westerners have this great penchant for realism but I find their rom-coms in general to be too saccharine. I know that makes it seem odd that I'm a K-drama fan, because they have a rep for being cornier, but I find their themes more valuable, the playful banter is better because it's more ironic -- often playing up the opposite of what they feel or are thinking, and the family and friend dynamics are so much more enjoyable despite being often "unrealistically" more healthy than Americans tend to like. There are other distinctive differences that set K-dramas apart and, to me, make them better than Western choices, but I'll leave it at that for now.

      And if you're a Gordon Ramsay fan, or the equivalent of, then definitely, definitely go with Pasta. Definitely.

      Delete
  74. just want to share my list :)
    for my best comedy = The Greatest Love
    for best drama = King to Hearts

    here are the others:

    Lie to Me
    My Name is Kim Sam Soon
    A Gentleman's Dignity
    Secret Garden
    Coffee Prince
    Shining Inheritance
    Full House
    Scent of a Woman
    Dong Yi
    Jewel in the Palace
    Lovers in Paris

    if you want to laugh try The Greatest Love, i laughed in all episodes :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Here's my top ten list (Based on how many times I rewatched the dramas, which means, so likable)
    1. Hearstrings (cute, makes you giddy giddy)
    2. You're Beautiful (funny and cute)
    3. Coffee Prince (love their love story)
    4. Lie to Me (sweet)
    5. Secret Garden (love everything about it)
    6. City Hunter (touching)
    7. Boys Over Flowers
    8. The Moon that Embraces the Sun (the love story is so great)
    9. Give me the Stars (funny but touching)
    10. Rooftop Prince (super funny)

    ReplyDelete
  76. Here's my top ten list (Based on how many times I rewatched the dramas, which means, so likable)
    1. Hearstrings (cute, makes you giddy giddy)
    2. You're Beautiful (funny and cute)
    3. Coffee Prince (love their love story)
    4. Lie to Me (sweet)
    5. Secret Garden (love everything about it)
    6. City Hunter (touching)
    7. Boys Over Flowers
    8. The Moon that Embraces the Sun (the love story is so great)
    9. Give me the Stars (funny but touching)
    10. Rooftop Prince (super funny)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, and I forgot to add Reply 1997. The first part might confused you but when you get to the story, you find it pretty addicting. I've watched a lot of Kdramas and my drama list above are for now my favorites. Honorable mention to Prosecutors Princess, Playful Kiss, Innocent Man, Personal Taste and Sungkyunkwan Scandal. they're all pretty good.

      Delete
  77. I loved Saved the last dance for me.Ji Sung is such a handsome guy. I fell in love with him. It was so romantic and I really like the story. I also really liked The King 2 hearts. Lee Seung-Ki did an amazing job.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Interesting approach. I've always thought of recommending a first show based on how Western/American it seems. Korean dramas have a distinctly more upbeat, corny approach that might be tough to overcome for an audience craving anti-heroes, dysfunctional families, and scandal.

    To me, Pasta seems like the closest to a Western sensibility, so I usually recommend that one as a starter. City Hunter also seems like a good candidate. Since it has great action, which has universal appeal, that helps balance out the newness of the Korean approach.

    That said, my first one was Playful Kiss, and I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. But I also came with a predisposition toward Koreans anyway, so I might have been much more forgiving, allowing it time to fully blossom.

    I'm pleased to see that it seems Secret Garden is so widely loved. That one took me a while, and I was extremely skeptical about the body switch conceit. As it turns out, I disliked that particular element as much as I thought, but pleasantly surprised to see how resoundingly everything else made up for it. LOVELY show!

    Of all the ones you two recommended, I've only seen SG, BOF, and City Hunter, so at least I have an idea of where I might go next. Coffee Prince is at the top of my list b/c I've heard such great talk about it, but viewing logistics at home make it easier to watch stuff on Netflix than from anywhere else, so it may have to wait.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And just incidentally, my top ten(-ish) (although, I've only seen about that many):

      1. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho
      2. Boys Over Flowers
      3. My Fair Lady
      4. Secret Garden
      5. Pasta
      6. Playful Kiss (this was the first one I saw; completely sold on the genre well before the end)
      7. Brilliant Legacy/Shining Inheritance
      8. Padam Padam
      9. City Hunter (I think this one falls behind all the others (again, I still really like it, though) just because there's a lot more action (which IS fun), so less time spent on the emotion / heart focus the others have more of)

      I'm almost done with Operation Proposal, and that might crack the top five, despite the fact that, unlike most of these others, it didn't make me cry once until episode 14. Great time-travel option.

      Delete
    2. UGH!! How could I forget The Musical! Watched it after Boys Over Flowers for more of that lovely lead actress. That might be at number 9, nudging City Hunter to 10. I kinda hate ranking them, though, because I really, really enjoyed them all, and would, without hesitation sit down to watch any of them again. And in that respect, City Hunter is well placed at the bottom of the list for me, even though I'd enjoy seeing it again.

      Delete
  79. i love boys over flowers and i love ji hoo!!! <3

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    Replies
    1. I know <3 he is just great :) love his smile :) <3

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  80. Delighted to see I Hear Your Voice getting lots of love - I think it's an ideal series for beginners to K Dramas. I'm not going to rank my top ten, because the order might vary with my mood, but here are my other nine favourites. Subjective of course, mostly determined by number of rewatches, but some these are widely considfered to be well-made series:
    Queen In Hyun's Man
    Coffee Prince
    Lie To Me
    Reply 1997
    City Hall
    Sungkyunkwan Scandal
    My Name is Kim Sam Soon
    Flower Boy Ramyun Shop
    Goong

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  81. I really really liked lie to me <3 <3 the kiss scenes and the romance was fab. <3 could u suggest some more dramas like that <3 plzzz ..........

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  82. even though I already have a year and a few months being a Kdrama fan i think i know a bit about them. i've already watched about 40. But this year i wasnt as proactive as last year. when i started i started with the basic ones that were already out and would dedicate good 3 days and as soon as i finished i would start the other one. now im a little more patient. Right now in watching the new ones that are also airing in korea so i have to wait a week to watch the next episode. that way i wont obsess over it as i used to. its nice to get your life back. lol but i still do weekend marathons. anyway here is the list of the ones i started with.and the couse of many, many sleepless nights.

    Playful Kiss
    Boys Over Flowers
    Dream high
    City Hunter
    Personal taste
    Secret Garden
    My girlfriend is a Gumiho
    Coffee prince
    Flower Boy Ramyun Shop
    I am sam
    The moon embraces the sun. (this was my first historical drama)

    also to get used to historical dramas
    rooftop prince is a good option but there is also
    Queen Inhyun's Man I think this one is better to get started. it's just my opinion but i loved this drama!!
    also my some of my favorites are
    Faith ( as you can tell, after BOF, i became a very die hard fan of Lee Min Ho)
    Master's Sun (this one is very recent)
    and
    you are the best lee sun shin / Nail shop paris
    i put these togehter because of two reasons.
    even thought i really enjoyed both of them lee sun shin was TOO long and
    nail shop was TOO cheese. But nonetheless i LOVED them both!!
    I wouldve kept going with my list but its to long and my "must watch" list is even longer. so ill just stop now.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Hi.. I want to share my list :

    Winter Sonata (must watch)
    Full House
    Coffee Prince
    Boys Over Flowers
    Lovers In Paris
    Stairway To Heaven
    Jewel In The Palace
    My Sassy Girl ChunYang
    One Mom and Three Dads
    Hotelier
    My Name is Kim Sam Soon
    Personal Taste
    Goong

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  84. I just started watching a few months ago and am totally addicted and obsessed. Here's my list of all I've watched. from the best on down (keeping in mind even the ones at the end I still liked--the ones nearer the top I adore!)
    1. When a Man Falls in Love (I don't see this one listed by many people but it's still my fave--can you say Song Seung Heon?)
    2. Faith
    3. The King 2 Hearts - (Lee Seung Gi!!!)
    4. Full House
    5. My Princess
    6. I Do, I Do
    7. Shining Inheritance
    8. Protect the Boss
    9. Dal Ja's Spring
    10. The Greatest Love
    11. Secret Garden
    12. Boys Before Flowers
    13. Cheongdamdong Alice
    14. Haeundre Lovers
    15. Coffee Prince
    16. Pasta
    17. Dr. Jin (I don't think this was very popular but I really liked it--and...Song Seung Heon!)
    18. City Hunter
    19. Queen and I
    20. Gu Family Book
    21. Couple Fantasy
    22. A Gentleman's Dignity
    23. Dating Agency Cyrano
    24. Spring Waltz
    25. History of a Salaryman
    26. Can Love Become Money
    27. Summer Scent
    28. That Winter, the Wind Blows
    29. Autumn in My Heart

    I'm currently watching Nice Guy and I adore it. I'm sure it will end up in my top ten.

    There is a very small handful that I tried to watch, didn't care for and stopped--maybe about five or six tops. Strangely some very popular, famous ones fell into that small group. But overall, I am addicted and can't drag myself away from them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I left out Rooftop Prince. It should have been #12.

      Delete
  85. K-Dramas:
    City Hunter
    My Princess
    Pasta
    Personal Taste
    Playful Kiss
    Boys Over Flower
    Shut Up! Flower Boy band!
    Secret Garden
    Me too, flower!
    Flower Boy Next Door
    My Boy
    Reply 1997
    You’re Beautiful
    To The Beautiful You
    My Fair Lady
    Style
    Dating Agency Cyrano
    Gu Family Book
    Coffee Prince
    Dream High 1 & 2
    Master’s Sun (2013) (One of the best ever)
    Reply 1994 (2013)
    Heirs (2013)
    Medical Top Team (2013)
    Marry Him If You Dare (2013)
    Queens Of Classroom (2013)
    Monstar (2013)
    School 2013
    My pet!

    J-Drama:
    Mei’s Butler
    Atashinchi no Dansi
    Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge
    Yamada-kun no Nananin no Majo (2013)
    Switch Girl
    Hana Yori Dango
    Ikemen desu ne
    Kimi wa Pet!
    Ouran High school host club
    Shiritsu Bakaleya KouKou

    T-Dramas:
    Hi! My Sweetheart!
    Devil Beside You
    Skip Beat!

    안녕하세!

    ReplyDelete
  86. There is only one DRAMA i like mainly because of incredible acting by one actress. LE DA HAE - super actress. Every one else 10 step down. I can not stand boys over flowers stopped after 6 episode. try to watch coffe prince..full house , all sucks arse. Seriously people. I watch these drama because i am bored..even if i am bored i am not gona waste my time on drama where lead actress do not have charisma.

    My best actress
    1. LEE DA HAE
    2. HA JI WON
    3. MY SASSY GIRL actress
    4. HAN GA IN
    5. GO ARA

    all other actresses may look photogenic and even playboy look but acting is really bad. For me you need to live ur characters. Others are just try to act hard ..it shows..can not waste time on people who can not act.

    Sometime i wonder what is people critieria for choosing who is better actress. For me you have to have charisma , acting then look good doing it.

    ReplyDelete
  87. 1. MY GIRL
    2. SECRET GARDEN
    3. BAD GUY
    4. WITCH YOO HEE
    5. WHO ARE YOU.
    6.ATHENA GOD OF WAR

    Thats all i watched...completely...order by my liking

    Watched and stopped: Boys over flowers , Full house , coffee prince , shining inheritance, Kim sam soon , iris 2 (bad production - kinda look like kid show because script is awful) ..many many...

    I may need more actress who has some charisma not looking good and smiling instead of acting.


    ReplyDelete
  88. There is only one Good DRAMA. Nothing compares to that in acting. MY Girl. Best korean drama ever. Its is better you watch last. Because if you watch that first you may not watch others. Most dramas are formulaic , with bad acting but good comedy. MY GIRL is only drama where acting was above excellant. You see something new that you do not see in others. LEE DA HAE is scene stealer.

    I doubt there is one actor or actress can do what LEE DA HAE does. She is a chamelon. She can be villain , cute and boring ...everything else... She is only korean actress who is oscar worthy.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Another really great drama that I recently watched is Queen In Hyun's Man. It deals a bit with the Joseon era and time travel. But, it's so fun and sweet. The chemistry between the two leads (Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na) is so apparent because they're actually a couple in real life!! I seriously loved that drama. A great watch, indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  90. My favorites list goes like this (in no particular order):

    1. Coffee Prince- this one is so amazing, I rewatch it sometimes. It's a definite classic and a must watch

    2. Reply 1997- this drama has a completely realistic feel that didn't make it feel as if I was watching a drama, but that I was in the plot living it with them. It's so fun! I definitely recommend this one!

    3. Secret Garden- this drama handles fantasy topics really well. It's entertaining, and worth the watch.


    4. I Hear Your Voice- I love this drama. So much. Sooooooooooo much. Seriously. It has suspense, crime, court room scenes, love, laughter, friendship, and Lee Jong Suk ;) Please do yourself a favor and go watch it. I promise you won't regret it.

    5. Reply 1994- this is sort of like a second season of Reply 1997, so watch that one first, but you don't have to to understand the plot. This drama has so much nostalgia and charm. I literally laughed out loud at many of the scenes in this drama. And, the romantic scenes are heart palpitating!

    6. Queen In Hyun's Man- It deals a bit with the Joseon era and time travel. Definitely a great drama to get you introduced to the Joseon era. But, it's so fun and sweet. The chemistry between the two leads (Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na) is so apparent because they're actually a couple in real life!! I sincerely loved that drama. A great watch, indeed

    ReplyDelete
  91. 49 Days was my first Kdrama. It is very well made but prepare to cry. Padam Padam is excellent but another one you'll sob as you watch.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Haha you're still a newbie! Most of us have watched above 100 kdramas but don't worry you can catch up to us in a month or two. Kinda depends on strong your addiction is xD

    ReplyDelete
  93. No offense but what a weird "liking" you have there...I know everybody has their opinions but you love Fashion King and dislike Innocent man? I don't even know what to say...what a joke...

    ReplyDelete
  94. OMG ... more to drool over!

    ReplyDelete
  95. If you liked City Hunter... I suggest Three Days, God's Gift (14 Days)

    If you liked Secret Garden... I suggest Rooftop Prince, Queen In Hyun's MAn
    If you liked Winter Sonata... I suggest Stairway to Heaven, Spring Waltz
    If you like BOF, I'm guessing it's because of LMH, since you mention City Hunter as one that you watched too. In that case you might want to try Heirs or Faith, both starring LMH.

    ReplyDelete
  96. It was fun to reminisce how I
    was hooked 10 years ago, though I couldn’t tell every episode in details but
    yes I’d say I was a Meteor Garden tagalog fan. It feels great that the said
    Taiwan series with the famous F4 and Shan Cai is finally back on Philippine TV.
    This is one series the teens these days would surely love to watch. I am also
    checking on other Asian series so I came to your blog. Thanks for sharing some,
    I wish to watch them all soon. =) Cheers!!!

    http://meowchie.snydle.com/meteor-garden.html

    ReplyDelete
  97. i have watched many korean drama series and the most entertaining for me is THE GRATEST LOVE, SUNGKUNKWAN SCANDAL ( you'll catch the geol oh virus, thats for shure! hahah), for korean historical action, i love ILJIMAE and DAE JANG GEUM best.. most romatic for me is GOONG, COFFEE PRINCE, AND MY NAME IS KIM SAM SOON.. for romantic comedy, i suggest SWEET 18, FULL HOUSE, SECRET GARDEN and MY FAIR LADY

    ReplyDelete
  98. Favorite shows 5 out of 5 stars: Gentleman's Dignity; When a Man Loves; Boys Over Flowers
    4 stars: Lie to Me; Coffee Prince; City Hunter; Personal Taste; 100 Year Inheritance
    3 stars: Rooftop Prince; Secret Garden; Faith; The Heirs; Can You Hear My Heart
    Watched but not particulartly liked: Pasta; Dr. Jin; My Princess; Flower Boy Ramen Shop; My Lovely Sam Soon; Baker King Kim Tak...

    ReplyDelete
  99. @Coco...Coffee Prince and Lie To Me are on my beginner list, too. I also added My Lovely Sam Soon, Heirs (for melodrama) or Master's Sun (quirk) and He's Beautiful for a requisite Gender Bender...with a HUGE side of Second Male Lead Syndrome...that can only be resolved by watching Heartstrings.

    ReplyDelete
  100. For those of you who liked BoF and Coffee Prince, watch You're Beautiful.
    I am also a hard to please kdrama fan so I only watch dramas I really like.


    I have tried watching more than I can remember (here's some: Playful Kiss, Secret Garden, Goong, Heartstrings, Innocent Man, Love Rain (2nd Half), Monstar, Answer Me 1994, Bride of the Century, Personal Taste, Beautiful Man). I intend to try to watch some of them. I don't like high school dramas that seem really immature (Playful Kiss, Goong, although Goong seemed more interesting)


    Newbies be aware the first episodes are often misleading and usually totally different from the rest of the drama.


    Here's the ones I've seen and like:
    BoF (first and favorite), City Hunter, Coffee Prince, You're Beautiful, Heirs, Love Rain (1st half)



    I love Lee Min Ho and I tried to watch Faith but I don't like historical dramas or crossovers as much. My personal favorites are BoF, City Hunter, and You're Beautiful. (recommendations based on this?)


    Also call me old fashioned but I preferred the first part of Love Rain to the second part. I loved the 70s art school setting and innocent heartfelt love of In Ha and Yoon He that seemed more passionate and honest than the fickle playful bickering of their successors. Once the drama turned to the modern day I immediately lost interest and stopped watching. I became a fan of Jang Geun Suk after You're Beautiful and it was refreshing to see him play a role like the shy and modest In Ha as opposed to his usual type casted roles of arrogant flower boy chaebol.

    ReplyDelete
  101. You both work for Dramafever, be honest with your readers and tell them that. There are a lot of other free sites to watch kdramas on like Hulu, Viki etc if you really care about sharing good korean dramas with fans you'd list all the places to find them - not just your employer. It's dishonest

    ReplyDelete
  102. Susan, Thanks for being open with your concern. Actually, if you look on our sidebar, you'll see that we have listed almost all of the places where people can stream Kdramas (including Hulu). I didn't include Hulu in this particular post because even with a paid subscription, you have to watch commercials, which is difficult for drama newbies. We included Viki.com for a long time, but we actually had a pretty negative personal experience with them that made us decide that, while we would still link to them on specific reviews, we didn't want to be affiliated with them on th sidebar. Kdrama.com came along after we published this post, but thank you for the reminder that I needed to add it!

    To your question of dishonesty, let me say this: This blog existed well before either of us worked for Dramafever (and I don't even work for them full time--I just happen to freelance for them), and we always wanted to keep this as a place where we could be open and honest about our drama opinions. For example, we wanted to be able to say that Heirs (a Dramafever exclusive) was kind of terrible without getting Coco into trouble at work. That being said, our work for Dramafever has never been a secret, especially to people who follow us regularly on the blog or on social media. I hope that helps clear up your concerns.

    ReplyDelete
  103. indeed still a newbie.. but will surely can catch up!Try watching between these list: Princess Hours, Heartstrings and He's Beautiful if you're looking for a stress-reliever or light drama. And if you're looking for a heavy drama(for me) try Innocent Man, Memories in Bali and Missing You. But ofcourse there are so many great kdramas out there and with the existence of taiwanese, japanese and american series, it was just so addicting!

    ReplyDelete
  104. My Fully watched drama

    1.Spring waltz *****
    2.You are beautiful ****
    3.My girl *****
    4.Love rain ***
    5.Shining inheritance ****
    6.Greatest Love ****
    7.Secret Garden ****
    8.Protect the boss ****
    9. Secret (2013) *****
    10. My daughter in law 19 ****
    11. Bad guy***
    12. Shark**
    13. Witch yoo hee ***
    14. Who are you ( go ara ) ***
    15. Athena god of war **
    16. Cruel city (2013) **
    17. Goong****
    18. Coffee prince***
    19. woman who want to marry ****
    20. Hearstrings***
    21. heirs*
    22. Lover in paris ***
    23. 49 days *****
    24. Lie to me****
    25. Romance town*
    26. Queen InHyun's Man***
    27. Flower boy next door***
    28. Take Care Of The Young Lady*
    29. A love to kill****
    30. Heartstrings***
    31. Me To flower****
    32. What happened in bali**** (Slow beginning , middle to end good) - Zo In-sung acting was awesome.
    33. My lovely fool*
    34. When a man in love*****( i hated the role played by Shin Se Kyung , she was perfect bitch )
    35. woman of the sun**
    36. Smile You***
    37. Dongyi*****
    38. birth of rich man ( watched for lee bo young , this drama is bad , bad acting overall )*
    39. her legend*
    40. The Legend*****
    41. Queen seonduk***
    42. Jumong***
    43. The kingdom of the winds*
    44. Prime Minster & I**
    45. My love from stars**
    46. Can we love***
    47. Bride of century****
    48. Dae Jang Geum*****
    49. Warrior Baek dong*
    50. one percent of anything**
    51. Fashion King***
    52. My princes*
    53. incarnation of money**
    54. Secret agent miss oh/call of country***
    55. chuno*
    56. Oh my lady*
    57. City hunter - zero stars.
    58. yi San***
    59. Kings daughter****************
    60. Three days***

    ReplyDelete
  105. my girl, goong, sassy girl choon hyung, what's up, dae jang geum, queen seon duk

    ReplyDelete
  106. Lol, so my addiction must be pretty strong considering i've watched over 200 dramas...XD

    ReplyDelete
  107. Can I recommend one? Not sure if you have seen it but it's called "To the beautiful you" TTBY is the first kdrama I have seen and it's the one that got me hooked on them. The soundtrack and plot is so cute. Some of the drama can be intense but you will love it.

    ReplyDelete
  108. okay...100 and 200 dramas! wow! you guys REALLY don't have a life, your life must not be interesting or exciting but rather boring actually....the way it sounds to me...
    wasting hours and hours on dramas! GET A LIFE PEOPLE!
    yah i've watched dramas, and i thought the amount that i watched was alot...but now looking at the comparison...i'm not a drama addict! thank goodness!
    dramas are there for entertainment not using every second to watching a drama, there is so much more to life, don't waste your time...thank you!
    here are my recommendations:
    1. Your'e beautiful
    2. City Hunter
    3. my love from the stars
    4 Heirs
    and btw I DID NOT LIKE BOYS OVER FLOWERS! i wasted 25 hours sitting and watching 1 of the most boring dramas on my life!!!!! it was..........i just did not like it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Wat abt lie to me....i need some romantic fledged happy ending

    ReplyDelete
  110. These are the dramas that really registered in my memory & touched my heart.... Kill Me, Heal Me. The Healer. It's OK, It's Love. Secret. Time Slip Dr. Jin. My Princess. East of Eden. Tree of Heaven. My Spring Days. Valid Love. Secret Garden. Autumn Tale. Winter Sonata. Spring Waltz. Summer Scent. Personal Taste. Gu Family Book. 49 Days. City Hunter. High School, Love On. That Winter the Wind Blows. Full House. Coffee Prince.

    ReplyDelete
  111. I have seen, like, 6/9 of those kdramas! I watch korean dramas daily. Why? Because I LOVE KDRAMAS!!! Who also loves kdramas??!

    ReplyDelete

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