If you were on the lookout for some feel-good Korean dramas, here we have got a list for you.
The Hallyu culture has taken the world by storm. From popular music to jajangmyeon, the world is busy embracing the South Korean vibe. Amidst all these, what encapsulates the ambiance of South Korea in its entirety is the dramas and films produced there. Last year Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
Needless to say, we did find mind-blowing Korean dramas. While some have the potential to race your mind, others will shake your heart. Every genre brings something different yet palatable to the table. This cinematic universe has something for everyone.
Being said that, here, we are going to recommend five feel-good Korean dramas that will simply make your day. If you are on the lookout for funny, emotional yet happy flix, have a look down the list.
Reply 1988
This is one of the very favorites of K-drama fans. Reply 1988, directed by Shin Won Ho, is a television series that aired in the year 2015. This series is a nostalgic glance at 1988, a year that had seen a major transition in South Korean history. Set against the political turmoil and pop culture, the neighborhood of Ssangmungdong is filled with the friendship, chaos, and romance of five friends who go through life together. A pleasant series mostly filled with the bickerings of five friends Doek-sun (Hyeri), Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun-yul), Sun-woo (Go Kyung-pyo), Dong-ryong (Lee Dong-hwi), and Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum). As these friends, belonging to different family statuses, go through the ups and downs of life, they find each other to lean upon. This series will definitely make you cry and yearn for your childhood; nonetheless, it will help you shirk your tiredness and want to rejuvenate your past memories.
Strong Woman Do Bong-soon
Do Bong-soon (Park Bo-young) is a very strong woman. Women in her family are vested with the blessing of strength that gets passed on through generations. Our kind-hearted protagonist has always found her strength to be a hindrance until she met Ahn Min-hyuk (Park Hyun-shik), who helped her gain control over her powers. There is also In Guk Do, played by Ji-soo, who is also Bong Soon’s love interest. Meanwhile, Bong-soon is hired by Ahn Min-hyuk, the CEO of a gaming company, as his bodyguard. Soon enough, a sweet love story ensues with multiple comic scenes to ease your nerves as you want for more. There is also a serial killer on the run, in case you are looking for some thrill.
Weight Lifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
This is a romantic comedy based on sports and athletes. Directed by Oh Hyun-jong, the drama was first released in the year 2016. This 16-episode drama revolves around Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung), a twenty-year-old aspiring weightlifter who juggles her duty towards her father and her dreams. Meanwhile, she finds herself falling in love with her childhood friend Jung Joon-hyung (Nam Joo-hyuk). He, a talented swimmer, has his own demons to battle. Amidst all these adversities, this coming-of-age story is full of friendship and sweet romance.
Hospital Playlist S1 & S2
One of the most beautiful series revolves around five friends who meet at different junctures of student life and eventually decide to stick together. Directed by the same person as Prison Playbook, Shin Won Ho, Hospital Playlist rapidly became the most-watched of all dramas. Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do), Ik-jun (Jo Jung-suk), Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho), Jeong-wan (Yoo Yeon-seok), and Seok-hyun (Kim Dae-myung) are established doctors of their respective fields, and they work at the same hospital. Throughout the series, we find them being the shoulder for each other as they move through thicks-and-thins of life. With strong character development and heartfelt scenes, the actors brought out the very essence of life. A slice of life that is flavored with pure friendship, comedy, and romance is a must-watch.
Hometown Cha Cha Cha
This is one of the dramas that caused quite an uproar last year for all the right and wrong reasons. Directed by Yoo Je won and released last year, it is set along a sleepy sea shore. A city-based dentist opens a clinic for the sake of the villagers and, most important, for her keep. Yoon Hye Jin (Shin Min-a) meets Hong Du Sik (Kim Seon Ho) in the town of Gongjin. What began as an irksome encounter at first transformed into friendship and romance later on. Interestingly, as in Reply 1988, this town of Gongjin, along with its characters, add value and worth to the storyline. A breezy tale of the town comes with its own baggage of emotion. Feel-good indeed.