5 Most Bingeable Coming-Of-Age K-Dramas

South Korean dramas are known for pushing genre boundaries, often mixing comedy, romance, drama, horror – you name it – into one show. And frankly, we think this is a successful approach, because sometimes you have to go beyond the given standards to tell a story.

Such shows include coming-of-age K-dramas as well. It’s always fun to watch the main characters finding themselves in different life scenarios – and maybe even learning a thing or two yourself, without having to go through similar ups and downs.

Here are five coming-of-age K-dramas that are perfect for your next bingewatch session.

1. Reply 1988 (2015-2016)

The crown jewel of the Reply series, Reply 1988 is more than just a nostalgic trip: it’s a heartfelt portrait of family, friendship and growing up in a close-knit Seoul neighborhood during the late '80s.

Centered on Deok-sun and her four childhood friends, the show blends slice-of-life drama with warm humor and touching life lessons. Its realistic portrayal of adolescence and family dynamics struck a national chord, leading to massive viewership and a retro fashion boom in South Korea.

2. My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)

Another classic K-drama, My ID is Gangnam Beauty tackles South Korea’s intense beauty standards through the story of Mi-rae, a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery to escape years of bullying.

While she starts college with a new face, she quickly learns that beauty doesn’t shield her from judgment or even from her own insecurities. Honest, smart and surprisingly emotional, this K-drama is very fun and easy to watch – you'll likely binge it in a day or two.

3. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)

Full of heart and charm, this sports-centric drama follows Kim Bok-joo, a talented weightlifter, as she navigates the pressures of competition, self-discovery, and, of course, first love. Alongside her best friend, swimmer Joon-hyung, she stumbles through awkward crushes and personal setbacks with humor and resilience. Uplifting and endearing, this drama is a fan favorite for a reason. It's also a light and rather feel-good binge.

“It was such a great portrayal of parenting. Parents often live their dreams through us. Or they sacrifice it all. It was a story of reel parents who were more caring than the real one, in Jun-Hyung's case. When Bok Joo or Jun Hyung cried, I cried with them. It was such great acting, and so on point. The writing blew me away,” Redditor whimsicallyours said.

4. At Eighteen (Moment of Eighteen) (2019)

Though quiet and slow-burning, At Eighteen is an emotionally powerful K-drama, largely due to Ong Seong-wu's vulnerable and touching performance, that captures the loneliness and uncertainty of adolescence through the eyes of Joon-woo, a misunderstood transfer student with a troubled past. It is a heartfelt series that feels authentic and cozy.

As Joon-woo begins to bond with his classmates (especially the sweet and perceptive Soo-bi), the drama offers an intimate look at the emotional lives of teenagers. The story of self-discovery and coming out of one's shell is at the heart of the drama, which can help the struggling teenagers overcome their fears in real life.

5. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

This K-drama chronicles the lives of five young people from 1998 to 2021, focusing on fencing prodigy Hee-do and Yi-jin, a young man whose life is derailed by the IMF financial crisis.

As they chase their dreams, fall in love and face adult realities, Twenty-Five Twenty-One beautifully captures the fleeting magic of youth and the heartbreak of growing up. The show has become a smash hit thanks to its emotional depth and nostalgic tone that keeps you invested in the fate of its characters.