12 Best Korean Dramas from 2020 That Will Blow Your Mind! [ft. HappySqueak]

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to the top 12 Korean dramas of 2020, providing an escape from reality amidst the pandemic. It features a range of genres, from mystery crime in 'Memorist' to the fantasy-comedy 'Mystic Pop-Up Bar'. Dramas like 'Itaewon Class' and 'Extracurricular' address contemporary issues with strong narratives and character development. The list also includes sequels such as 'Dr. Romantic 2' and 'Stranger 2', promising more intense and engaging storylines. Notable mentions include 'Start-Up', 'Kingdom', and 'Hospital Playlist', with the latter already confirmed for a second season. The video concludes with 'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay', highlighting its exploration of mental health issues and the return of Kim Soo Hyun to the small screen.

Takeaways

• 📺 The video discusses 12 of the greatest Korean dramas of 2020, providing an escape from an unexpected reality.
• 🧠 'Memorist' is a mystery crime drama featuring a detective with the ability to read memories through contact.
• 👨‍🦰 'Itaewon Class' showcases a student turned pub owner seeking revenge, emphasizing diversity and a strong love triangle.
• 📚 'Extracurricular' presents a dark high school drama where a model student turns to crime to pay for tuition.
• 🍹 'Mystic Pop-Up Bar' is a fantasy-comedy about a bar owner and her staff who solve customer problems through dreams.
• ⏳ '365: Repeat the Year' offers a mystery drama where ten people travel back in time, leading to changes and discoveries.
• 👩‍⚖️ 'Stranger 2' continues the story of the prosecutor's office and police, with conflicts over investigative authority.
• 🥼 'Dr. Romantic 2' returns with a chief surgeon and his former students, exploring the challenges of running a hospital.
• 💡 'Start-Up' features a female lead aiming to become Korea’s Steve Jobs with the help of a math genius.
• 🤴 'Kingdom' Season 2 intensifies with the crown prince and others fighting a mysterious plague and political intrigue.
• 🎸 'Hospital Playlist' tells the story of five doctor-musicians and their raw, emotional experiences in the hospital.
• 👨‍❤️‍👩 'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay' features a community health worker and a children’s book writer with contrasting personalities, addressing mental health issues.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The main theme of the video is to introduce twelve of the greatest Korean dramas of 2020 that provided an escape from the unexpected reality of the pandemic.

What type of drama is 'Memorist'?

'Memorist' is a mystery crime drama that features a detective with the supernatural ability to read people's memories through physical contact.

What is the premise of the show 'Itaewon Class'?

'Itaewon Class' is about a student whose life takes a dramatic turn and seeks revenge on those who wronged him, opening his own pub with a diverse staff.

What makes 'Extracurricular' different from typical high school dramas?

'Extracurricular' is different because it presents a dark and sinister high school drama story, moving away from overly cute and cliché scenes.

What is unique about the characters in 'Mystic Pop-Up Bar'?

The characters in 'Mystic Pop-Up Bar' are unique because they include a very old woman who appears young, her manager, and a part-time worker with a special ability to help solve customers' problems through their dreams.

How does '365: Repeat the Year' differ from other mystery dramas?

'365: Repeat the Year' differs by offering a chance for ten people to go back in time by one year, leading to changes and mysteries that unfold over the subsequent seven years.

What is the conflict in 'Stranger 2'?

In 'Stranger 2', the conflict revolves around the prosecutor's office facing off against the police, with both sides wanting control over investigations.

What is the main focus of 'Dr. Romantic 2'?

'Dr. Romantic 2' focuses on a chief surgeon running a hospital and meeting two people who remind him of his former students, leading to a story with a balance of drama and romance.

What is the central theme of 'Start-Up'?

The central theme of 'Start-Up' is the journey of the female lead striving to start a business and become Korea's Steve Jobs, with the help of a math genius facing investment issues.

What makes 'Kingdom' a unique zombie drama?

'Kingdom' is a unique zombie drama due to its superb cinematography, plot, acting, and production value, as well as its engaging story involving a crown prince, a physician, and a mysterious plague.

What is the plot of the drama that took the third spot in the list?

The drama in the third spot features an ideal husband with dark secrets unbeknownst to his wife, who is a detective, and the story revolves around her uncovering the truths of her own family.

What is the main appeal of 'Hospital Playlist'?

'Hospital Playlist' appeals to viewers with its relatable story revolving around friendships and life inside a hospital, offering raw and emotional day-to-day life encounters.

What significant aspect does 'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay' tackle?

'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay' significantly tackles mental health issues and presents them in an entertaining and insightful way.

How does the video encourage viewer interaction?

The video encourages viewer interaction by asking them to rate their favorite dramas on mydramalist.com and by inviting them to share their top 2020 Korean dramas in the comment section.

Outlines

00:00

📺 Top 2020 Korean Dramas Overview

This paragraph introduces a list of twelve top Korean dramas from 2020, offering viewers an escape from reality amidst the unexpected events of the year. It mentions a previous video on the same topic and encourages viewers to like the video as they explore the list. Memorist is highlighted as a mystery crime drama with a lead character possessing a unique memory-reading ability, teaming up with a capable superintendent to solve a murder case. The paragraph also teases the diversity and strong love triangle in Itaewon Class, the dark high school story in Extracurricular, and the fantasy-comedy elements of Mystic Pop-Up Bar featuring a K-pop idol's acting debut. The list continues with 365: Repeat the Year, a mystery drama about time travel and its consequences, and Stranger 2, a thriller involving the prosecutor's office and police with a focus on discretionary power over investigations.

05:02

🎥 Diverse Drama Themes and Returning Favorites

The second paragraph delves into a variety of drama themes, starting with Dr. Romantic 2, which presents a relatable story with a balance of drama and romance. It then introduces Start-Up, an ongoing drama featuring the chemistry between two lead characters and their journey to achieve business success. The paragraph also discusses Kingdom's second season, intensifying the zombie survival narrative with superb cinematography and plot twists. It mentions an ideal husband with dark secrets in a drama that keeps viewers on edge, and Hospital Playlist, a relatable drama about friendships and hospital life that's set to have a second season. Finally, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is highlighted for its portrayal of mental health issues and the pairing of contrasting personalities, with the paragraph concluding by inviting viewers to share their top Korean dramas of 2020 in the comments section.

Keywords

💡Korean Dramas

Korean Dramas refer to television series produced in South Korea, known for their engaging storylines, high production values, and cultural appeal. In the context of the video, these dramas serve as a form of escapism for viewers during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic mentioned. The script lists several Korean dramas that have been released in 2020, indicating their popularity and the variety they offer to audiences.

💡Memorirst

Memorirst is a specific Korean drama mentioned in the script, which is described as a brain-exerciser with a constant mind game and well-thought-out twists. It falls under the genre of mystery crime drama, where the main character has a unique ability to read people's memories through contact. This concept is central to the plot and contributes to the video's theme of diverse and engaging storylines in Korean dramas.

💡Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class is another Korean drama highlighted in the script, focusing on themes of revenge and diversity. The story revolves around a man who opens his own pub with the help of a staff of diverse personalities. The script emphasizes how 'Itaewon Class' stands out due to its contemporary issues and a strong love triangle, showcasing the depth and complexity of characters and plots in Korean dramas.

💡Extracurricular

Extracurricular is a Korean drama that deviates from typical high school drama clichés by presenting a dark and sinister narrative. The script mentions a model student who gets involved in crimes to pay for his tuition, indicating a departure from the usual portrayal of school life and highlighting the willingness of Korean dramas to explore darker themes.

💡Mystic Pop-Up Bar

Mystic Pop-Up Bar is a fantasy-comedy drama based on a popular webtoon. The script describes a bar with a mysterious old woman, her manager, and a part-time worker with a special ability. Together, they solve customers' problems through their dreams. This concept illustrates the creative and supernatural elements often found in Korean dramas, enriching the narrative and viewer experience.

💡365: Repeat the Year

365: Repeat the Year is a mystery drama that offers a chance for ten people to go back in time by one year. The script mentions how life changes for the better for a detective, but after seven years, he uncovers mysterious things about the group. This premise reflects the video's theme of exploring unique and intriguing storylines in Korean dramas.

💡Stranger 2

Stranger 2 is the second season of a mystery thriller drama that the script describes as worth binge-watching. It involves the prosecutor's office facing off against the police over investigative authority. The script emphasizes the importance of watching the first season to appreciate the second, indicating the interconnected and evolving narratives in Korean drama series.

💡Dr. Romantic 2

Dr. Romantic 2 is a sequel to a popular Korean drama, featuring a chief surgeon and his former students who join him in running a hospital. The script notes that not all second seasons are great, but this one delivers a story that captures hearts, suggesting the video's theme of the enduring appeal and quality storytelling in Korean dramas.

💡Start-Up

Start-Up is an ongoing drama that has made the list due to its promising beginning, as mentioned in the script. It tells the story of a female lead striving to start a business and become Korea's Steve Jobs, with the help of a math genius. This drama exemplifies the video's theme of showcasing Korean dramas that feature relatable dreams and aspirations.

💡Kingdom

Kingdom is a zombie drama that the script describes as having superb cinematography, plot, acting, and production value. It involves a crown prince and others trying to survive a mysterious plague and zombie outbreak. The script emphasizes that despite the abundance of zombie stories, Kingdom stands out, reflecting the video's theme of highlighting unique and high-quality Korean dramas.

💡It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a drama that takes the number one spot in the script's list, featuring Kim Soo Hyun as a community health worker and a selfish, arrogant children's book writer. The script highlights the drama's bravery in tackling mental health issues in an entertaining way, showcasing the video's theme of Korean dramas addressing serious topics with sensitivity and creativity.

Highlights

Discovered twelve of the greatest Korean dramas of the year, offering an escape from the unexpected reality of 2020.

The drama 'Memorist' is a mind game that keeps viewers engaged with its well-thought-out twists, making it an excellent mystery crime drama.

A male lead with the unique ability to read a person's memory by contact, combined with a senior superintendent, solve murders, making it a captivating mystery.

The show 'Itaewon Class' showcases diversity and a strong love triangle, dealing with issues of today and standing out from repetitive revenge plots.

A student's life takes a sharp turn, leading to a quest for vengeance and the opening of his own pub, with a diverse and successful staff.

The webtoon-based drama 'Mystic Pop-Up Bar' features a mysterious bar and its staff solving problems through the dreams of customers, a fantasy-comedy filled with emotional stories.

The drama '365: Repeat the Year' offers a chance to go back in time for ten people, exploring the changes and mysteries that unfold in a year, with excellent acting.

Season 2 of 'Stranger' continues the story of the prosecutor's office and police, with a focus on discretion and investigative authority, a mystery thriller worth binge-watching.

Dr. Romantic 2 returns with a story that captures hearts, balancing drama and romance, and featuring an unlikely group of people working together in a hospital.

The drama 'Start-Up' is promising, with cute scenes and developing chemistry between characters, as a female lead strives to become Korea's Steve Jobs.

Season 2 of 'Kingdom' offers intense challenges, a cure search, and queen-induced twists, with superb cinematography and production value.

The drama 'My Ideal Husband' explores secrets beneath the surface of a perfect husband, with a female lead as a detective uncovering truths.

A drama with intense scenes, keeping viewers on the edge, with a male lead delivering a role so well that viewers wish the drama didn't end.

Five med school friends become doctors and form a band, delivering music and emotional storytelling.

The top spot goes to 'Hospital Playlist', a drama that delivers raw and emotional life inside a hospital, focusing on friendships and daily encounters.

'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' takes the number one spot, tackling mental health issues in an entertaining way, featuring Kim Soo Hyun and a community health worker's role.

Transcripts

2020 might not be our year but thanks to these new Korean Dramas, we found an escape from

the reality we all didn’t see coming.

Some of you might think this topic is familiar. Well, you’re right! We have a previous video

on the same topic and if you haven’t watched it yet, we’ll leave the link in the description

below. Now let’s dive right in and check out twelve of this year’s greatest dramas

that South Korea has gifted us.

First on our list is a drama that will exercise your brain. Memorist will put viewers through

a constant mind game and pique your curiosity. The twists in this drama are well-thought-out

and makes for an excellent mystery crime drama. Join two highly skilled professionals combining

their talents to solve a murder case. Our male lead has a unique ability to read a person’s

memory just by being in contact with them. His supernatural power definitely helps him

become a famous detective. Entering his life is a senior superintendent who doesn’t need

special powers to excel in her work. So while the pandemic surely has people feeling like

they have no control over their lives, but you know what you have control over? Giving

this video a like! Now click that like button as we move on with the rest of our list!

Earning a spot on our list is a show about an adorable chestnut-haired man. The life

of a student unexpectedly takes a sharp turn that will change everything. Trying to get

back on his feet and get vengeance on those who wronged him, our male lead will open his

own pub. Helping him create a successful business is his staff that consists of different personalities.

Who’s wishing that they can be part of the DanBam squad? We are! Itaewon Class will show viewers that

diversity is not a hindrance. Revenge plots may seem repetitive sometimes

but Itaewon Class stands out because it deals with the issues of today and has a strong love triangle

that may have the citizens of DramaLand choosing sides.

A student who excels in his studies keeps himself busy outside of class, and no, it

isn’t because he has extracurricular activities at school. Instead, our model student gets

involved in crimes in order to pay for his tuition. Not something you would expect him

to do, but desperate times have brought him to this situation.

Extracurricular has gotten rid of the overly cute and cliché high school scenes and brings

forth a dark and sinister high school drama story.

Next on our list is a drama based on a popular webtoon, Mystic Pop-Up Bar. If you think the

pop-up bar in this drama looks suspicious, you are definitely right. Inside this bar

is a very old woman who appears like a normal young person, and her manager. Joining them

is an innocent part time worker with a special ability that will help the bar owner. Together,

they solve the problems of their customers through their dreams.

Yook Sung Jae worked on a drama before he entered the military, and that drama was Mystic

Pop-Up Bar. This K-pop idol showed us how talented he was through his excellent acting

in this show. Mystic Pop-Up Bar is a fantasy-comedy drama filled with the different stories of

the lead characters and customers that make viewers emotional.

A chance to go back in time is offered to ten people

to go back in time 1 year. So life changes for the better for a detective

but after seven years, he discovers mysterious things about the group of people he travelled

back in time with. 365: Repeat the Year is a mystery drama that

will surely capture the interest of its viewers. A lot can happen and change in one year. Another

reason to watch this drama is the excellent acting the actors serve us. Viewers will love

the chemistry and connection the characters have.

Stranger is up for another season. In the second season of this drama, we’ll be watching

the prosecutor’s office come face to face with the police. Discretionary power over

investigations is what the prosecutors want, but the police want to be independent of the

prosecutor’s office and gain complete investigative authority. With this ongoing problem, let’s

all watch how this drama will unfold. Here’s a mystery thriller drama that is

worth binge-watching. Of course, you have to watch Season 1 first to truly appreciate

the second season. With an amazing cast that brings the story to life, here’s a drama

that brings our watching experience to a whole new level with its well written plot. Now

go and experience the suspense in every episode of Stranger 2.

Dr. Romantic is back with the iconic white suits of doctors. Trying to run a hospital, a chief surgeon finds himself meeting two people who remind him of his former students.

These two, a man who’ll do anything for money and a woman who has problems with performing

surgeries, will join the surgeon in his work. With this unlikely group of people, what will

happen to this hospital? Not all second seasons are great but Dr. Romantic

surely delivered us a story that captured our hearts. With the right balance of drama

and romance, Dr. Romantic 2 presents viewers with a story that many are able to relate

to in real life.

Start-Up is an ongoing drama that has made our list because of the promising beginning

it showed its viewers. Indeed, this K-drama has become one of the most anticipated dramas

of this year. K-drama fans are loving the drama so far, especially the cute scenes and

developing chemistry between the characters played by Nam Joo Hyuk and Suzy.

Everyone wants to have a successful business. Dreams will become a reality for our female

lead as she puts forth her best effort to start a business and become Korea’s Steve

Jobs. Not a lot of money is in her hands but this won’t stop our dedicated adventurer.

Joining her is a math genius facing problems with his company’s investments. So just how will

these two achieve a successful business? Be sure to watch to find out!

In Season 1, rumors of the King’s illness spread, and we also find out that there is

a mysterious plague going on. Now in Season 2, the crown prince and everybody are still

on their feet trying to survive the zombies, but now things are getting more intense. The

crown prince will face twice as many challenges, the physician will look for a cure, and the

kingdom’s queen will cause even greater twists in this drama.

This drama features superb cinematography, plot, acting, and production value – what more can we ask for? The first season

had our mouths wide open and this season continues to deliver us a jaw dropping story. You might

be bored of all the zombie stories out there, but let me tell you, Kingdom is definitely

a zombie drama you shouldn’t miss!

Three more dramas left on our list. Have you seen your favorite Korean drama of 2020 yet?

If not, it could be one of the three left on our list, but there’s no assurance. So,

if you want your faves to land a spot in our videos, make sure to rate them on our website,

mydramalist.com

An ideal husband comes into the picture, but do we ever truly know the secrets that lie

beneath every person? Providing a good life for his wife and daughter, he may seem like

the perfect husband, but is he really? Deep down inside, he keeps dark secrets his wife

is unaware of. Our female lead works as a detective, so will she be able to uncover

the truths of her own family? Taking the third spot is a drama that will

keep you on the edge of your seats. Your screen will surely be filled with intense scenes.

As the thrill begins and the story unfolds, each episode will have you hooked. Our male lead delivered his role so well, we had ourselves wishing for this drama not to end.

Five doctors who became friends during med school will find themselves working in the same hospital. Other than being skilled in the medical field, they are also musically

talented. They will form a band and serenade us with some great music.

Landing the top spot is a drama that is truly relatable. Revolving around friendships and

the life inside the hospital, Hospital Playlist ignores those sugar-coated scenes we are so

used to seeing, and delivers us raw and emotional day to day life encounters. This drama is

such a hit that we're already getting a second season soon!

Did you guess it right? It's Okay To Not Be Okay takes its place in the number one spot. The long wait is over because Kim Soo Hyun is back on the small screen and ready to capture

our hearts. Let’s watch him play the role of a community health worker in charge of

taking care of patients. Our male lead will be paired up with a selfish and arrogant children’s

book writer. So with two totally different personalities on one screen, how will this drama give us

an OTP to love? It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a drama that

has interested many viewers. The show bravely tackles topics such as mental health issues, and

delivers it in an entertaining way. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a drama that will show viewers how

some people deal with their personal battles.

Thank you for reaching the end of our video. How about you? What are your top 2020 Korean

dramas? Let us know in the comment section down below.