If I Had to Hook Someone on K-Dramas, I’d Show Them These 5 First
With so many K-Dramas out there, it's important to show newcomers the ones that will instantly turn them into fans. Here are 5 that will definitely do the trick! See for yourself!
There’s simply no other genre than K-drama that offers so much at the same time. They have lighthearted slice of life comedies, dark and complex thrillers, even fantasy shows with absolutely unimaginable plot twists.
I have no idea why anyone would not be hooked on K-dramas already, but if I were to introduce them to this universe, here are the 5 standout series I would pick for the perfect starter pack.
1. ‘Queen of Tears’ (2024)
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Unlike many romantic K-dramas that start with a budding romance, Queen of Tears begins at a different point: with a married couple on the brink of collapse. This drama follows Hong Hae-in, a chaebol heiress, and Baek Hyun-woo, a humble lawyer from a farming family, as they navigate the trials of marriage and rediscover their love for each other.
The series doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations about love, loyalty, and hardship, making it feel mature and deeply moving. The phenomenal performances by Kim Ji-won and Kim Soo-hyun add to its emotional weight, turning what could have been a standard romance into a powerful exploration of relationships. Definitely a perfect starting point for anyone new to K-Dramas.
2. ‘Goblin’ (2016)
A true classic in the K-Drama world, Goblin (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) mixes fantasy, history, and romance into a genre-defining story. Gong Yoo plays Kim Shin, a 1,000-year-old goblin cursed with immortality, who is searching for his human bride to end his eternal life.
“To me, Goblin is far above and beyond any other kdrama that I have ever watched. It’s a work of art in a class by itself. I have seen over 125 k-dramas and this one remains my number one. I love the story, the actors, the art direction, the sublime music, the humor, the mystical philosophy of life and death, and the way life, the Divine, and Fate intertwine,” Redditor Sharjoy3 said.
3. ‘Flower of Evil’ (2020)
For those who love crime dramas and psychological thrillers, Flower of Evil offers a dark and gripping experience. The story centers on detective Cha Ji-won, who suspects her seemingly perfect husband Baek Hee-sung might be hiding a horrifying secret from his past. As she investigates a string of cold murder cases, the mystery deepens, and their family’s stability begins to unravel.
This drama stands out for its intense emotional stakes and tightly-woven plot. Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won's riveting performances seriously made me question how well you can ever truly know someone.
4. ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim’ (2018)
If you're in the mood for something light-hearted yet emotionally grounded, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim is an excellent pick. The show revolves around the hilariously narcissistic CEO Lee Young-joon and his highly competent secretary, Kim Mi-so, who decides to resign after years of loyal service.
As she tries to break free, their dynamic begins to shift, revealing hidden traumas and romantic feelings. While the setup is classic rom-com, the drama goes deeper by exploring mental health themes, including PTSD. The chemistry between Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young is electric, and their banter feels refreshing. I had a lot of fun watching it, but I was surprised at how insightful this K-Drama was. That’s what makes it perfect for any newbie.
5. ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ (2020)
What I like is how this drama breaks many of the traditional K-Drama molds by tackling mental health and trauma through a fairy-tale lens. It’s Okay To Not Be Okay follows a psychiatric caregiver and a children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder as they help each other heal. For those who want a more thoughtful introduction to K-Dramas, this is a brilliant place to start.
