Rudolf’s List #1: Top 10 Korean series that I personally like
Korean series (also known as Korean dramas) will always have a special place in my heart. I know, for sure, that it’s a little weird and awkward for a guy like me to watch this kind of stuff, but bro, who cares?! Korean dramas are just some of the cutest things I’ve ever seen in my whole entire life.
So in this blog post, my objective is to somehow provide suggestions and recommendations to my fellow Korean drama viewers. Listed below are 10 of my most favorite Korean series.
To be honest, I watched this series because of Shin Min Ah. This one felt fresh for me because it is not the usual Korean dramas that we all see. Surprisingly, despite its flawed storyline, the drama contains no arrogant male lead; a bubbly-and-a-little-bit-annoying female lead and an evil mother (or father, or whatever it may be). The chemistry between So Ji Sub and Shin Min Ah is undeniable. I was so hooked that I finished this in just 2 and a half days (personal record, lol). So, if you’re looking for a light, feel-good series, then this one is for you. And oh, in this drama, I never thought that “erotic” scenes could be that cute. See it for yourself!
Yoon Eun Hye, Joo Ji Hoon, Kim Jeong Hoon
So, I must say, this one is the oldest Korean drama in the list. It’s weird, really, because I watched this series only this June 2016, ten years after its actual airing in Korea. This drama had gained massive success here in the Philippines that it had numerous re-airings. I may say that all that you see in K-dramas are here – a grumpy male lead, a bubbly, yet, slightly annoying female lead and a charming and kind-hearted second male lead. I, myself, don’t actually know what made me like this drama beside its awesomeeee OST. This drama has given me soooo much feels that until now (it’s already July 9, 2016), I still keep on listening to “Sarangingayo,” the official theme song of the drama. This one’s old but gold!!! If you haven’t watched this yet, please watch it now.
Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young
I watched this series when I was only 12 years old. Story-wise, the drama is excellent. The characters, cast and the OST were undeniably good. This action-packed series will never give you a dull moment. One unique quality of this drama is that it will always leave you hanging. There are a LOOOT of cliffhanger scenes that you should look forward to. So, if City Hunter is a book, it will surely be a page-turner!
Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin
To be honest, I watched this series because back then, everyone was talking about it and some suggested this to me because of the OST. Based on some reviews that I’ve read before watching the series, it’s overrated and boring. However, I enjoyed the series. Although most of its content is very similar to other Korean dramas -- the rich-boy-meets-poor-girl cliché love story, the evil parents trying to ruin the lead characters, and the give-her-up-or-the-company’s-doomed type of drama, I still liked this series a lot. Considering the powerhouse ensemble of cast and the very natural chemistry between Korean superstars Park Shin Hye and Lee Min Ho, this drama is still worth your time.
6. To the Beautiful You (2012)
I watched this series because I liked its Taiwanese version (Hana Kimi) so much. In my opinion, this remake of a successful manga series didn’t disappoint, just don’t mention some of its flaws like the unconvincing portrayal of Sulli as a guy here. Overall, this one’s still a goodie. And oh, did I mention that this drama has one of the best OSTs, like ever?
5. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
I’m guessing that we all have already watched this as this is the reason why we are here in the k-drama world. I watched this when I was only 10, and re-watched this for n times. Though the female lead tends to be kind of annoying, the series still didn’t disappoint its viewers.
4. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo
I think this is one of the most in demand k-dramas of today. Since everyone’s talking about it and my friends kept on suggesting this to me, I gave it a try. With its massive phenomenon and its immense success, I find this drama a little bit overrated. But guys, don’t get me wrong. It’s still good – considering the impressive telling of a story of a doctor and a soldier, its production value, its impressive cinematography and its eargasmic OST. So guys, you better see this one now if you still haven’t!
3. Who Are You: School 2015
Kim So Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Yook Sung Jae
This drama introduced Kim So Hyun (my future wife) to me. Hihi. The plot of this series is beyond excellent. Though the series has flaws and a little bit underdeveloped, it still managed to captivate its viewers. You may experience extreme second male lead syndrome here, so beware. The OST is soooo good that I used to sing “I WANNA RESET I WANNA RESET” outta nowhere and I also memorized Remember by Byul and Love Song by Sung Jae. Lol.
2. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010)
Shin Min Ah, Lee Seung Gi
This is the reason why I liked Shin Min Ah. Her child-like, bubbly yet fierce portrayal here of a legendary Gumiho is what made me love this series. This modern fairytale made me experience a roller coaster of emotions. The storyline, the characters, the cast and the OST are the reasons why it’s very hard not to love this drama. It’s soooo good that I watched this 4 times already. Hahahaha.
Nam Gyu Ri, Lee Yo Won, Jo Hyun Jae, Jung Il Woo
Sooooo, topping the list is 49 DAAAAYS! This drama is sooo good that it had never left my mind for I think a year (?) since I finished the series. I cannot even count how many times I watched this drama. The casts’ acting is incredible. The plot, with its twists and turns and its theological perspectives gave a whole new flavor to Korean dramas. The finale’s such a tear-jerker, so don’t forget to have a tissue paper beside you while watching Ep 20. So, if you’re looking for a series that has a lot of plot twists, I recommend this one for you!
Below are some Korean dramas that were not included in my Top 10 but still worth watching.
Arang and the Magistrate (2012)
I also watched this series because of Shin Min Ah (my love). I also liked the idea of her being a ghost in this series. I never really watch period (or historical) dramas but this drama, somehow, had changed my genre preferences. The plot, the cast, the production value and the OST will not disappoint you. Take my word for that.
Bae Suzy, Taecyeon, Kim Soo Hyun
This was one of the reasons why I liked watching Korean series. The story-telling here was brilliant, and so were the characters who took part in this series. More than those mentioned, I also liked the music a lot. I can clearly remember my 2012 self (I watched this drama in 2012 lol) replaying its theme song for countless times. Though I was not satisfied with how this series ended, I still highly recommend this to you guys!
Aaaaand there you have it folks! These are my Top 10 most favorite Korean dramas. I hope that somehow, I convinced you to watch some of the series that I listed above. So, if you have any questions, suggestions, opinions and reactions regarding this post, I’m only one TA away! And you can also get in touch through my socials. Annyeong!
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