15 Kdramas SO AMAZING They Make Everything Else Seem Like Trash! [Ft HappySqueak]
Summary
TLDRThis video highlights 15 must-watch K-dramas that have left a lasting impression on viewers. The list includes iconic titles such as 'The Glory,' which tackles school bullying, '25 21,' a heartwarming coming-of-age story, and 'Crash Landing on You,' a romantic action-comedy. Each drama is praised for its standout performances, captivating storylines, and unforgettable scenes. From historical dramas to heart-wrenching tales of revenge, survival, and love, these K-dramas have gained high ratings and continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
Takeaways
- 🎬 **Introduction to Top Kdramas**: The video highlights 15 must-watch Kdramas that stand out for their captivating storylines, excellent acting, and memorable scenes, making them essential viewing for fans.
- 😱 **The Glory**: A revenge-driven melodrama about a woman seeking justice against her high school bullies, shedding light on the often overlooked issue of school violence.
- 🏆 **25 21**: A nostalgic coming-of-age drama set in the 90s, focusing on two leads navigating life transitions, with themes of friendship, determination, and budding romance.
- 🕵️♂️ **Healer**: An action-packed mystery thriller featuring a skilled night courier who navigates hidden identities, past traumas, and a developing romance, captivating viewers with its intense storyline.
- 🧟♂️ **Happiness**: A survival drama set in an apartment complex under quarantine due to a zombie-like disease, highlighting themes of humanity, fear, and the fight for survival.
- 📻 **Signal**: A crime drama with time-altering elements, where a criminal profiler communicates with a past detective to solve cold cases, often inspired by real-life events.
- 🎢 **Crash Landing on You**: A romantic comedy-drama about a South Korean woman who ends up in North Korea and falls in love with an army officer, blending action, comedy, and tension between the two Koreas.
- ⚖️ **Extraordinary Attorney Woo**: A legal drama about an autistic attorney with a brilliant mind, highlighting her challenges in socializing and her undeniable talent in law.
- 👩👧 **Mother**: An emotional story about a teacher who abducts an abused student to protect her, exploring themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the blurred lines of morality.
- 👑 **Mr. Queen**: A historical comedy-drama with time travel and gender-swapping elements, focusing on a modern chef who finds himself in the body of a queen in the past, filled with humor and palace politics.
Q & A
What is the main theme of the K-drama 'The Glory'?
-'The Glory' focuses on the brutal bullying of a teenage girl and her journey of revenge against her classmates who tormented her. It highlights the theme of school violence and its lasting impact on victims.
What time period and events are depicted in '25 21'?
-'25 21' is set in the 1990s during the Korean financial crisis. The story follows two main characters as they navigate life transitions, with one focusing on fencing and the other dealing with personal family issues.
What makes the K-drama 'Healer' unique?
-'Healer' combines mystery, action, and romance. The male lead, portrayed by Ji Chang-wook, is a night courier skilled in parkour and self-defense, which adds thrilling elements to the show.
How does 'Happiness' differ from typical zombie dramas?
-'Happiness' features a slow-burn romance set against a zombie-like disease outbreak. The plot focuses on the survival of characters trapped in an apartment building and explores how crises bring out the best and worst in humanity.
What is the central plot device in 'Signal'?
-In 'Signal,' a police officer uses a special walkie-talkie that allows him to communicate with a detective from the past. Together, they attempt to solve cold cases, creating a 'butterfly effect' with their time-altering actions.
What is the premise of 'Crash Landing on You'?
-'Crash Landing on You' tells the story of a South Korean woman who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and is discovered by a North Korean army officer. The plot revolves around their attempts to safely return her home while developing a romantic relationship.
What is unique about the character of Attorney Woo in 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'?
-Attorney Woo, played by Park Eun-bin, is on the autism spectrum and is highly intelligent with an exceptional memory. Her unique thought processes and social struggles are central to her character development, making her an endearing figure in the drama.
What controversial subject does 'Mother' address?
-'Mother' deals with child abuse and the moral dilemma of abduction for the child's safety. The story follows a teacher who takes a young girl away from her abusive mother to provide her with love and care.
How does 'Mr. Queen' blend genres?
-'Mr. Queen' is a historical drama with time-travel and comedic elements. The male lead, a modern-day chef, finds himself trapped in the body of a queen in the Joseon era, leading to humorous and politically charged situations.
What message does 'Move to Heaven' convey?
-'Move to Heaven' tells a heartfelt story of an autistic young man and his ex-convict uncle who run a trauma cleaning business. The drama explores themes of loss, grief, and healing as they help families process the belongings of deceased loved ones.
Outlines
🎬 Introduction to K-Drama Gems
This introductory section sets the stage for a list of must-watch K-dramas, emphasizing that not all dramas are created equal. It highlights the top dramas that leave a lasting impression with stellar acting, captivating storylines, and unforgettable scenes. The section teases the viewer by promising a collection of outstanding K-dramas that every fan must watch.
💥 The Glory: Revenge and Justice
Set in 2022, 'The Glory' tells the story of a woman who seeks revenge against the classmates who brutally bullied her as a teenager. Played by Song Hye Kyo, the adult female lead meticulously plots her vengeance. The drama touched on serious social issues like school bullying and violence, reflecting real-life scenarios where such problems are often overlooked. The story received high praise for its intense storyline and strong performances by both the young and adult cast members.
🏅 25 21: Coming-of-Age and Nostalgia
This drama is a heartwarming tale of two young people navigating life during the 1990s, set against the backdrop of the Korean financial crisis. The female lead pursues her dream of becoming a fencer, while the male lead grapples with the fallout of his father's abandonment. Their bond deepens as they support each other through life’s transitions. Nostalgic elements, such as fashion and manga references from the era, add charm to this feel-good romance drama starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk.
🦸♂️ Healer: Action-Packed Thriller with Romance
'Healer' features a male lead known for his night courier services, parkour skills, and self-defense prowess. Played by Ji Chang Wook, the character 'Healer' becomes entangled in a mystery-action plot filled with hidden identities and past trauma. His romance with a hard-working female lead, played by Park Min Young, adds emotional depth to this intense and captivating thriller. The supporting cast’s performances further elevate the excitement of the show.
🏢 Happiness: Surviving a Zombie-like Apocalypse
'Happiness' is a survival drama set in an apartment building quarantined due to a zombie-like disease outbreak. The female lead, a special agent, teams up with her detective friend, with whom she has a fake marriage to secure a home in the building. Together, they must battle the infected and navigate the challenges posed by both the virus and other survivors. The drama explores the darker sides of humanity as the characters fight to stay alive.
📻 Signal: Time-Travel Crime Solving
'Signal' follows a criminal profiler who, after witnessing a kidnapping as a child, becomes disillusioned with police work. Fifteen years later, he uses a magical walkie-talkie to communicate with a detective from the past, allowing them to solve cold cases together. The show blends real-life crime with supernatural elements, inspired by actual cases like the Hwaseong serial murders. The series has inspired remakes in China, Japan, and Thailand due to its gripping true crime-like atmosphere.
🪂 Crash Landing on You: Romance Across Borders
This action-packed romantic drama begins when a South Korean woman, after a paragliding accident, ends up in North Korea. There, she is discovered by a handsome North Korean soldier, played by Hyun Bin, who helps her navigate the dangers of her new environment. As they develop a romantic bond, the story offers a glimpse into life in North Korea, while the chemistry between the leads both on-screen and off captivated audiences. The show features a lovable friend squad that left a lasting impression.
⚖️ Extraordinary Attorney Woo: Genius and Heart
'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' stars Park Eun-bin as a brilliant lawyer on the autism spectrum. Despite her genius IQ and photographic memory, she struggles with social interactions. The show follows her journey through her law career, highlighting the support she receives from her family and colleagues, particularly her love interest. Her unique perspective and love for whales won over viewers, as did the show's heartwarming depiction of her personal and professional growth.
👩👧 Mother: A Teacher's Act of Compassion
'Mother' is a heart-wrenching drama about a teacher who decides to abduct her young student after discovering the child is being abused by her biological mother. The show, adapted from a Japanese drama, explores the bond between the two as they face hardships together. The lead’s decision to become the child’s surrogate mother, despite the legal and ethical challenges, puts the young girl’s well-being first, delivering a powerful emotional narrative.
👑 Mr. Queen: Time-Travel Hilarity in the Royal Court
'Mr. Queen' is a comedy drama where a modern-day male chef is transported back in time and wakes up in the body of a queen during the Joseon Dynasty. The show explores the humorous and awkward situations that arise as the character adjusts to life in a woman's body while trying to navigate palace politics. The chef's rivalry with the royal cook and his developing relationship with the king provide both comedic and romantic moments, while the time-travel element adds intrigue.
🌂 Under the Queen's Umbrella: A Mother's Fierce Love
In 'Under the Queen’s Umbrella,' the queen does everything in her power to protect her sons and prepare them to become crown princes. Despite the royal setting, the queen's fiery temper and use of swear words make her a standout character. Her deep love for her children, combined with the palace’s political intrigues, creates a compelling narrative about family, power, and the lengths a mother will go to for her children.
💔 My Mister: Slice of Life Drama with Emotional Depth
'My Mister' is a poignant drama that delves into the struggles of midlife crises, familial burdens, and emotional despair. The male lead, played by Lee Sun-kyun, faces unemployment, infidelity, and family woes. He forms an unexpected connection with a younger woman, played by IU, who is dealing with her own difficulties. The drama touches on psychological and social issues, portraying how small acts of kindness can make a significant impact on someone’s life.
🧙♀️ Alchemy of Souls: Magic, Romance, and Destiny
Set in the fictional country of Daeho, 'Alchemy of Souls' features a forbidden spell that allows mages to transfer souls between bodies. The show follows a young female mage who is hiding her true identity, as she bonds with the male lead who takes her under his wing. Their love story, along with the show’s beautiful set designs, special effects, and strong supporting cast, captivated viewers. The drama ranked among the top K-dramas of 2022.
🖤 Flower of Evil: Dark Secrets and Suspense
'Flower of Evil' is a crime drama about a husband with a mysterious past, whose wife, a detective, begins to suspect him in connection with a series of serial murders. As she investigates, she uncovers unsettling details that test their marriage and their family life, putting their love to the ultimate test. The show’s thrilling plot, cliffhangers, and suspenseful twists kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
👊 Weak Hero Class 1: A High School Fight for Survival
'Weak Hero Class 1' is a gritty school drama that centers on a seemingly weak male lead who uses his intelligence and precise timing to fend off bullies. Supported by two other students, the trio forms a strong bond as they navigate dangerous situations both inside and outside the classroom. The show's fight sequences and intense plot earned it high ratings, and fans eagerly await the next season.
📦 Move to Heaven: Healing and Heartfelt Moments
Based on the essay 'Things Left Behind,' 'Move to Heaven' follows an autistic young man who runs a trauma cleaning business with his father. After his father passes away, his ex-convict uncle steps in as his guardian. Together, they help people process the belongings left behind by deceased loved ones, while also confronting their own emotional struggles. The show is a tear-jerker, filled with touching moments of healing and hope.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡K-drama
💡Bullying
💡Romance
💡Revenge
💡Autism
💡Time Travel
💡Crime
💡Survival
💡Historical Fiction
💡Melodrama
Highlights
The Glory: A powerful melodrama about school bullying and revenge, with an intense story that resonated with audiences.
25 21: A heartwarming tale about coming of age, featuring a strong bond between two leads amidst challenges.
Healer: A mystery action thriller, blending parkour, self-defense, and romance, featuring a hidden identity and past trauma.
Happiness: A survival drama with a zombie-like disease trapping residents in an apartment, showcasing human struggle and resilience.
Signal: A true crime-inspired drama featuring a detective and criminal profiler connecting through time to solve cold cases.
Crash Landing on You: A romantic action drama set in North Korea with comedic and emotional moments between the leads.
Extraordinary Attorney Wu: A story about a genius attorney on the autism spectrum, delivering a heartfelt performance that captivated audiences.
Mother: A deep, emotional drama about a teacher who abducts her student to save her from an abusive home, focusing on the theme of surrogate motherhood.
Mr. Queen: A comedic time-travel drama, where a modern male chef ends up in the body of a queen in the Joseon era.
Under the Queen's Umbrella: A historical drama about a queen protecting her sons amidst palace politics, balancing fierce love and royal duty.
My Mister: A somber slice-of-life drama exploring midlife struggles and the unexpected bond between a man and a young woman.
Alchemy of Souls: A high-fantasy historical drama involving mages, forbidden spells, and intense chemistry between the leads.
Flower of Evil: A crime melodrama with a hidden identity, as a detective's husband is suspected of involvement in a serial murder case.
Weak Hero Class 1: A high school drama about bullying, with intelligent and strategic fight sequences.
Move to Heaven: A heartfelt drama about an autistic boy and his ex-convict uncle, inspired by the work of a trauma cleaner.
Transcripts
[Music]
15K drama gems that are so good they
make everything else seem like trash if
you're a kdrama fan you know that not
all dramas are created equal some just
stand out Above the Rest and leave a
lasting impression in this video we'll
be showcasing some of the best kdramas
out there these are dramas that you
absolutely must watch if you haven't
already they've got everything great
actors captivating story lines and
Unforgettable scenes that will keep you
coming back for more so without further
Ado let's get started
foreign
the glory beginning in late 2022 the
glory shook viewers with its raw and
terrifying story of the brutal bullying
of a teenage girl who suffered at the
hands of her ruthless classmates the
adult version of our female lead was
played by songhe Kyo she then devised
and plotted to get her revenge against
these terrible humans who even now show
No Remorse and still have the same vile
personalities as when they were teens
the thrilling melodrama received high
ratings and reviews across many
platforms and social media by netizens
who were disturbed by the story but
empathized for our female lead and hoped
she'd succeed in her revenge the subject
of school bullying and school violence
and dramas often appears to be
overlooked by teachers and even other
students who may not wish to become
targets and this may also reflect some
real life situations as well the dramas
shed more light on the topic and brought
it out into open discussions the cast
did a phenomenal job both the younger
cast and the older adult versions of the
care characters as the story transitions
our female lead will have others
supporting her actions and helping to
take a stand against her bullies
[Music]
number 14 25 21 in this heartwarming
tale we explore the challenges of coming
of age into young adulthood Through The
Eyes of our two main leads who are
facing different life transitions our
female lead uses her fencing talent to
meet her athlete Idol while our male
lead struggles to keep his simple life
together after his father abandons her
family due to the Korean financial
crisis set in the 90s viewers can look
forward to nostalgic fashion and
settings not to mention a glimpse into
the popular manga of the time what
exactly were they reading back then our
female leads friends portray a group of
high school students who come together
in pursuit of their dreams and exhibit
their independent determination as our
two main leads Bond strengthens over
time their friendship will later blossom
into a heartwarming Romance the drama
Stars Kim tari and Nam hack this is a
youthful romp with deep Slice of Life
undertones that will leave viewers
feeling warm and fuzzy
foreign
[Music]
healer the KBS 2 Drama head fans tuning
in weekly for new episodes which
featured everyone's favorite night
Courier Savvy and parkour and also
displaying some incredible self-defense
moves the male lead known as healer to
his clients was portrayed by The
Talented ji Chang look stealing our
hearts and attention in this mystery
action thriller which also woven an
element of romance between him and his
love interest played by Parkman young
with elements of hidden identity past
trauma and intelligent male lead and a
sassy but hard-working female lead a
hidden past might also make things
dangerous for those who now become
involved with healer our screens were
lit with their amazing performances not
just about
OTP but The Supporting Cast as well
[Music]
number 12 happiness a survival drama
with a slow burn romance we'll follow
our leading characters who will now find
themselves trapped in an apartment
building due to a terrifying disease
that appears zombie-like will have our
characters fighting for their very lives
our female lead is a special agent
gifted with quick reflexes and sharp wit
after gaining the opportunity to move
into an apartment complex that is just
for civil servants by orchestrating a
fake marriage to her high school friend
played by Park young chick who's now a
detective it will turn out the very
disease he's investigating is the same
one that now has some trapped within the
building alongside other residents it's
not long until this particular building
is sealed off from the rest of the city
our characters will face challenging
moments as they struggle to stay alive
while discovering that some of the
living could be deadlier than and those
infected as the situation will bring out
the best and worst of humanity
[Music]
number 11 signal the success of this
kdrama which has gone on to have
adaptations in China Japan and even a
Thai remake has true crime-like Vibes
the story follows our male lead who is a
child witnessed a kidnapping of a young
girl the girl was later found deceased
our main character is later played by EG
hoon and as he grows up he's very
dissatisfied with how the police have
handled things and it seems like nothing
was accomplished within the cases for
True closure 15 years later he is now a
police officer himself and a talented
criminal profiler the drama also adds in
a touch of time altering through a
special walkie-talkie which enables him
to get in touch with a detective in the
past they try to make some Butterfly
Effect like changes while trying to
solve these cold cases together some of
the cold cases presented in this drama
were based around the actual croissant
serial murders
[Music]
number 10 crash landing on you if
anything the romantic action and pinch
of Comedy kdrama gave viewers an Insight
in what not to do while paragliding in a
tornado just kidding Sonia Jin stars as
our female lead and after this
paragliding incident she has been blown
all the way into North Korea stuck in a
tree and discovered by an incredibly
handsome North Korean army officer who
happens to be played by none other than
Hyun bin crashing down right into him
thus matching the title of Crash Landing
on you she'll have to hide under a fake
Alias until he's able to safely get her
home but the journey will be full of
challenges and danger fans and viewers
were gifted with an incredible friend
Squad in this drama whose unique
personalities stood out long after the
drama ended despite the stress and
tension between North and South our
leads fall for each other both in the
drama and in real life
[Music]
thank you
number nine extraordinary attorney Wu
adorable attorney Wu is played by the
lovely park and Bin delivering a
character full of genius and Charming
personality attorney Wu is also a person
who is on the autism spectrum and it was
her heartfelt enthusiasm and whale
stories splashed throughout which really
touched viewers Hearts this bright
attorney graduated at the top of her
class at the prestigious Seoul national
university for law adding to her talents
she has an incredible memory also an IQ
of 164. although her demeanor and
thought process might seem a little
unusual for her co-workers at first as
attorney Wu has struggles in socializing
they will come to recognize her talent
and ability in law our female lead is
much loved by her family and she's also
strongly supported by our male lead who
also works in the same law firm and
played by Kong taeyo his gentle and
supportive manner netizens really felt
the warmth of his character during the
Airing of the drama he drew in a lot of
attention even after filming wrapped the
drama itself went on to gain very high
rate things
[Music]
number eight mother tbn's drama mother
comes highly recommended but covers some
deep subject matter adapted from the
Japanese Drama of the same name mother
also known as okasan also inspired a
Chinese remake and a Thai remake an
emotional story as depicted in the
original about an elementary school
teacher who makes a choice to abduct one
of her students as the young girl is
being badly abused by her actual mother
the Korean adaptation mirrors this where
our female lead is also a teacher and a
bird researcher in an attempt to raise
and look after her student as a
substitute mother the young girl now has
a sense of love and care for the first
time these two will face many hardships
and situations together in this
thrilling melodrama that blurs the lines
but ultimately put a child's life first
no matter the consequence
[Music]
number seven Mr Queen this drama was the
drama we all needed while some viewers
might not be interested in the
historical genre but Mr Queen
consistently receives rave reviews for
its time-altering time travel action and
hilarious Antics it also includes a
pinch of comedic romance with its fair
share of Palace politics our male lead
is an attractive and famous sous chef
but he has an incident and when he wakes
up he'll find himself in the body of a
young Queen in a Joe sunset time period
confused and with all the mannerisms of
a modern alif guy he'll come to terms
with his now female form and his overall
situation despite not being able to make
sense of it for a few episodes viewers
will catch his voice over as the
thoughts of the female lead but when she
speaks we'll hear her natural voice and
at times very unfitting for her royal
things also heat up in the kitchen
between her majesty and the Royal cook
not frantically but in a rivalry
cook-off sense the visuals here might
appeal to Foodies the young king will
also come to fall for our Strange Queen
[Music]
number six under the Queen's umbrella
another historical here with under the
Queen's umbrella which symbolizes how
much love and effort the queen extends
to our sons to cover and shield them
making her actions of that of an
umbrella which seems to be reflecting
the meaning within the title however her
sons often have troubles surrounding
them and many disruptive situations her
goal is to have them transition into
proper young Crown princes despite any
mistakes they make along the way this
queen has a big temper and an even
bigger heart but she's been known to
cuss and use swear words so not the
typical refined royalty you might expect
as such this made her stand out and we
rooted for her and the princes through
the Sea of Palace politics
[Music]
number five my mister well it would seem
that TBN has a lot of gems making our
list my Mr Stars IU and isan kyun in a
brooding Slice of Life drama with some
sad insights and how the small Silver
Lining of thoughtfulness from another
person can really make a huge difference
our male lead might just be facing his
midlife struggle he has the burden of
two unemployed brothers and a wife who
is cheating on him he'll then cross
paths with our female lead who is
struggling to look after her sick
grandmother she's also a witness to a
certain incident within the company a
bribe will be presented to him in
regards to her so the office
entanglements and drama will thicken but
the situation will bring him and our
female lead closer together the drama
also has some psychological and
thought-provoking moments
[Music]
number four Alchemy of souls season one
and two were so successful on Netflix
and loved by viewers so much it's no
question that this drama would make our
drama gem list a fantastic historical
set in the fictional country of dejo
Mages will battle it out against one
another as they try to maneuver around
their Fates all because of a forbidden
spell known as the Alchemy of souls
transferring who casts a spell into the
body of another which is exactly what
happens to our female lead noticing
something special about her eyes our
male lead presently has her as a servant
but also Mentor when discovering her
true identity their bond in chemistry
stole everyone's hearts and their love
made this one of the most watched
kdramas in 2022 continuously ranking
High among viewers and netizens The
Supporting Cast set designs special
effects were all so well done season two
had everyone in anticipation foreign
[Music]
number three flower of evil crime
romance and melodrama are the main
themes within this drama depicting a
male lead with a hidden and secret
identity he was a gifted metal worker
and his wife is a detective currently
working a Serial murder case which took
place 15 years ago but unnerving
implications and signs seem to point in
the direction of her loving husband who
has secrets of his own the couple also
have a daughter together the love they
have cherished might not be all that it
seems and the challenges of the case
will definitely test our female lead as
new developments begin to unfold which
has things starting to unravel for our
male lead viewers might initially wonder
if he really is responsible for the
crimes connected to the cases thrilling
and at times with a cliffhanger ending
the star-studded cast features ijin GI
and moon taewon as our OTP
[Music]
number two weak hero class 1 this school
set drama focused on pretty much student
bug lives and dangerous associations
outside of the classroom our male lead
might not look very strong but is
intelligent calculations have him
throwing punches with perfect timing and
needing to use his fists when he has no
choice but to defend himself he'll get
befriended by two other students who
will make a huge impact in his life with
a strong sense of bonding and having
one's back the success of the first
drama has fans eagerly waiting for the
next installment to see where the story
will take our male lead played by Park
jihoon the first season also starred
chehan work and Hong kyung the drama
featured brilliant fight sequences
between the characters which led to its
high rating for its action and plot
[Music]
number one move to Heaven move to heaven
was one of the most cherished and
heartfelt dramas of 2021 based off the
essay called things left behind it was
written by a professional trauma cleaner
known as kimsabial the drama follows our
autistic young lead who loses his father
together they had operated a company
that assisted with the moving and
cleaning of items left behind by those
who had passed away when his ex-convict
Uncle returns and becomes his Guardian
the size of Life moments between the two
and those they involve with were very
emotional here we'll have an inside look
into the reactions of the characters
depicted who have lost someone and how
they each differently handle themselves
in these heartbreaking situations the
drama inspired hope the touching moments
between the characters might bring you
to tears so be sure to keep a box of
tissue handy
[Music]
and that wraps our list do you agree
with these gems and do you have any more
that you would add to this list you can
let us know in the comments section down
below follow us for more recommendations
and top lists
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