These past few weeks have been very difficult for most of us because of the pandemic. It is not yet over. It may still get worse before it gets better but that is just how life is. There will always be challenges in one form or another. We go through them because challenges are important for our growth and success. What is paramount is that we overcome and we rise above the storm. It is not going to be easy but it is doable. If you are looking for some inspiration, here are some Korean Dramas with lessons about overcoming challenges in life:
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1.Dream High (2011)
Popular among students and teens, Dream High is a school life drama about six aspiring arts students who entered a prestigious art school to pursue their dreams of becoming famous. It is a story about love, friendship, family and other issues related to school life. It also shows how the leads overcome challenges to achieve their goals.
2.Dr. Romantic Season 1 (2016) and Season 2 (2020)
Dr. Romantic is about a genius surgeon who lives his life in seclusion and works in a remote provincial hospital. He became a life mentor to young doctors who have problems in their careers and personal lives. It is an inspiring drama for those who are experiencing a slump in their careers. It shows lessons on not giving up and having the strength to move on.
3.Empress Ki (2013-2014)
Empress Ki is a true story of a woman from Goryeo (Korea) who was sent to the Yuan dynasty (China) as a human tribute. From a palace servant, she eventually rose to the ranks to become the last empress of the Yuan dynasty. To be able to rise from being a human tribute to becoming the most powerful woman in the Yuan dynasty is truly an inspiring story of a woman’s strength and determination.
4.Fight for My Way (2017)
Fight for My Way is about friends who started out with big dreams yet got caught up in life trying to make ends meet. It is about their journey from being miserable with their current jobs to finding their passion and fighting for their dreams. With little education and training, the way towards their goals was not easy. They had to overcome a lot of obstacles along the way. It is a good drama to watch if you want motivation to keep on going.
5.Good Doctor (2013)
Good Doctor is about a genius who suffered from autism. It is about his personal journey in overcoming his disability and his traumatic past. His father abused him and his mother abandoned him. He also suffered from bullying and hostility from others because of his disability. Yet despite all of it, he was able to rise above the storms in his life.
6.Itaewon Class (2020)
Itaewon Class is not just your typical revenge or chasing dreams story. It is actually a story of underdogs who are given second chances in life. An ex-convict, a transgender, and an orphan are just some of the characters in the story who are considered outcasts of today’s society. It tackles social issues such as gender and race discrimination and social injustices. It is a story about starting over in life amid all the adversities and taking small steps towards the achievement of goals.
7.Misaeng (2014)
Misaeng is a story about the everyday life of ordinary office workers who work at a multinational company. It talks about the realities of working in the corporate world from demanding bosses to long-work hours, incommensurate pay, power struggles and unfair practices. Misaeng is an inspiring drama to watch especially for those people who are struggling with their jobs. It is about persevering despite the hurdles in finding your own place not only in your work but life as well.
8.Search WWW (2019)
If you are looking for a story that celebrates women empowerment, independence and strength, then Search WWW is the drama for you. The story revolves around three women in their late 30s who are independent, witty, competitive and successful. It is about women being on top of their careers and their journey to attain happiness in their work, love and life.
9.She Was Pretty (2015)
She Was Pretty is a romantic love story about two childhood friends who met again after twenty years. The lead character who was once a beautiful girl from a rich family grew up not so pretty anymore. What’s worse, her family is now bankrupt. On the other hand, the once unattractive little boy is now a handsome and successful editor. It is a light comedy yet it has deep lessons about inner beauty and judging people based on appearances. The female lead is such a strong and inspiring character. She lives life with much courage and enthusiasm despite all the trials that she has encountered in the past.
10.Strongest Deliveryman (2017)
Strongest Deliveryman is a story about a noodle house delivery guy who later becomes the owner of his own company. The male lead is an example of a responsible and hardworking individual who remains true to his principles. It is about navigating and finding one’s purpose despite all the challenges and setbacks that life throws.