Want to Get Into K-Dramas but Don’t Know Where to Start? These 5 Series Are Just What You’re Looking For

While Hollywood seems stuck in a loop of reboots and sequels, K-Dramas are pushing boundaries, blending genres and creating stories that'll make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. They are original (finally!) and the production quality is off the charts.

Well, I bet you already know all that good stuff already. However, I understand that it can be overwhelming to search for that first series that’s going to open the doors for you. And that starting point is different for everybody. It highly depends on what genres you like in general.

That's why this list contains all kinds of genres so that you can find something that is more familiar to you. Yet even if you're not that kind of person to experiment, I highly advise you giving a chance to something you won’t normally watch.

Healer (2014-2015): A Perfect Blend of Genres

Comedy, action, crime, drama, romance and thriller–these all meet in the middle of Healer.

If you're looking for a show that'll keep you on the edge of your seat while delivering a nice romance, this is your perfect entry point.

Healer treats us with three great protagonists. Kim Moon-ho, a celebrated reporter who tries to uncover a long-buried truth behind the incident that happened in 1992. Chae Young-shin is an aspiring writer who struggles with her past trauma. And the undeniable star of the show is Seo Jung-Hoo (also known as Healer), who takes on Moon-ho's dangerous mission to protect Young-shin.

Why is it great for a beginner? Well, it's got a little bit of everything for everybody. Whether you're a fan of action, romance or thriller, the show has it all and more. The pacing is great, the actors do an excellent job, and overall the story is engaging and unpredictable.

Available on Kocowa Healer is perfect for your weekend binge-watching plans.

Kingdom (2019-2020): Historical Drama Meets Zombie Apocalypse

The drama that somehow combined Game of Thrones with The Walking Dead. And did so brilliantly.

The story follows a prince who discovers that an unknown plague is turning people into the undead. But that's just the beginning. This is more than just your average zombie horror, in Kingdom we get political intrigue, class warfare and survival on top of that.

The production value rivals any HBO show, and the zombie makeup is terrifyingly good (gave me nightmares). And if you're already a fan of zombie shows, this familiar element makes it easier to dive into this Korean masterpiece. Though even if you're not, I'd advise you to give Kingdom a chance. That 98% Rotten Tomatoes score doesn't lie.

All two seasons are available on Netflix, but fair warning: you might want to schedule a sick day after starting this one, binge-watching is inevitable.

Oh My Venus (2015-2016): The Cute Rom-Com Story

I know there's one thing missing in your life right now. And this “one thing” is a swooning romance that Oh My Venus delivers with special charm.

Meet Kang Joo-eun, a lawyer who's lost her mojo, and Kim Young-ho, a popular trainer with his own emotional baggage. It starts as a simple trainer-client relationship, but soon evolves into something much deeper, teaching both characters (and viewers) something valuable about true self-worth.

This show is perfect for K-drama newbies because it feels familiar yet fresh. The chemistry between the leads is electric, the humor is genuinely funny, and the story tackles real-life issues without losing its charm. It also avoids many over-the-top tropes that might turn off first-time viewers.

Perfect for rom-com lovers. Oh My Venus is waiting for you on Kocowa.

Itaewon Class (2020): The Great Underdog Story

Ever felt like the world was against you? This show takes that feeling and turns it into the most satisfying story you'll ever watch.

Our protagonist, Park Sae Ro Yi opens a street bar and at the same time seeks revenge on those who wronged him before. Yet, unlike many dramas centered around the topic of revenge, Itaewon Class takes a different approach and shows you that the best revenge is success.

It's a modern and relatable show that deals with some real issues while delivering a compelling story. The diverse cast of characters breaks K-Drama stereotypes and the soundtrack is absolutely top-tier.

Available on Netflix right now, this series will have you cheering, crying, and everything in between.

Big Mouth (2022): Consequences of Misunderstanding

A not-so-successful lawyer suddenly gets mistaken for a genius con artist. An already intriguing start, don’t you think?

This thrilling series follows our protagonist as he navigates a murder case while trying to clear his name of being the infamous fraud known as Big Mouse. Lee Jong-suk delivers a performance that will keep you guessing until the very end.

This series is perfect for K-Drama beginners who love complex plots and aren't afraid of shows that make you think.

Catch Big Mouth right now on Hulu or Disney+ and prepare for some serious mind games.