In the past few years, Korean dramas have become incredibly popular in the West. A few things that have really become hits with the western population are the handsome Korean men, dreamy lifestyle, and even the delicious food often sown in the dramas. Compared to other popular Asian dramas, let us say C-dramas and J-dramas, Kdramas have far surpassed them in a lot of aspects, but especially in terms of popularity. Korean dramas have become one of the things that has boosted South Korea even more into the limelight, along with K-pop. A major thing that makes kdramas different than other dramas, even in the West, is how good they are at getting watchers and fans attached. Whether it be to the characters, the dream of that lifestyle, or even the idea of meeting someone who could give you that “enemies to lovers” romance, Korean dramas do a great job of getting you attached and almost addicted.

I have watched quite a few kdramas in my time even before they became popular in the West. I’ve dabbled into different types of Kdramas, watched some just because of the handsome actors, some just because of the plot, and even others just because I saw a scene in passing. I’ve seen some I loved, some I hated, and some I have mixed feelings over. All in all, I have seen more than enough Kdramas to know some really good ones out there and where to find them.

Here are my top 4 favorite Kdramas and my thoughts on them.

Sweet Home

I think Sweet Home is my favorite Korean drama yet. When I first saw a clip of the TV series, I wasn’t interested at all. I’m not a fan of scary things, and I immediately thought Sweet Home was a horror TV show of some kind. However, when I finally watched the first episode I was proven wrong. I mean, it does have some horror themes to it but not the way I pictured it. It’s an apocalyptic horror theme, which is one of the only horror themes I like enough to watch. I’m a huge fan of the plot in many aspects, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t down-bad for the man character, Cha Hyunsoo. I love his character arc, and especially love his monster side and how it carries itself. It’s slightly annoying how pure-hearted he is as a person but I digress. Another thing I found fascinating is how peoples’ monsters physically manifest from their internal desires. Witnessing humans’ treatment of things they fear and view as different really is a major aspect of the plot that pulls me in.

Rating: 11/10

All Of Us Are Dead

I think All Of Us Are Dead was one of the first kdramas I got invested in almost immediately. It also has a zombie-apocalyptic theme, which is also a horror theme I’m okay with. I am a huge fan of the cast and the plot of the show, especially the relatability of it taking place at school. I thought it was interesting how the villains of the show weren’t all one kind of bad person. The show showcased different types of villains and I thought that was cool. Seeing the different story plots of each character was fascinating throughout the TV show and complimented each other. The main characters also go through a “friends-to-lovers” romance which I was a fan of. I think overall, I liked that All Of Us Are Dead is a lot more than just the typical zombie apocalypse situation.

Rate: 10/10

My name

When I first saw My Name I wasn’t sure what it would be like and how I would feel about it. However, once I saw the main character’s strength, I knew this show would become one of my top favorite kdramas. I love a good TV show where the main female in the show demonstrates some real mental and physical strength, especially in a show that also involves gangs and a character seeking revenge. I also am a fan of a villain who is obsessed with the main character, which he was. I think the plot of this drama is absolutely delicious and the character dynamics are interesting, a lot more than any other crime kdramas that I have watched. The fight scenes were also so cool and thrilling to watch! Maybe it was because the main character is played by the infamous Han Sohee, but I was invested in the show instantly. I also really liked how quickly it got into the plot, a lot of the time I see kdramas ease into the plot but I felt like this show got right into it.

Rate: 10/10

The glory

I also had no clue what I was getting into when watching The Glory. I had thought it was going to be the typical story of a victim getting revenge on a bully. The Glory was so much more than that. It had a psychological aspect that immediately drew me in. Again, I’m a sucker for the main female character being strong, but I’m also a sucker for when she’s also a little crazy. The main character, Moon Dongeun, was great at showing a slightly morally grey side and I loved it. I also absolutely loved how down-bad her love interest, Joo Yeojeong, was without shame. There’s just something about having a significant other so in love and devoted that they’re also more than willing to join in your plans of terrorizing the group of bullies who ruined your childhood and literally scarred you. I thought it was fascinating how the different character arcs and individual storylines came together, especially when it came to the group of bullies. I think the fact that the series was based on a true story also makes it very different and intriguing.

Rate: 9.5/10

Hopefully, you go and check out these kdramas. I think a lot of people watch certain kdramas just because they are popular, I have too, and sometimes it is a letdown. I can firmly say these kdramas are popular but are definitely worth watching if you’re interested in more than just the average kdrama.