Korean

Jan

2022

Korean Dramas About A Fresh Start

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Redesigning your life is never easy. You need to have lots of courage and determination to even take that first step. That’s why many people would rather stay inside their comfort zone. However, change is inevitable. if you feel like your life is going around in circles, it is a sign that you need to have a fresh start in life. Sometimes, changes in your beliefs and your habits are necessary in order to move forward. If you are a Korean drama fan, here are some drama dramas about a fresh start in life.

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While some heroes / heroines made a choice to deliberately change their lives, others were forced into the situation. Whatever the original reasons were, the important lesson here is that they allowed themselves to experience change. The path ahead is difficult. There are many bumps along the way but they all persevered. In the end, these people were no longer the same person as before. Because they took on the challenge, they became better, happier and more successful individuals.

1. Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019)

A remake of American television series Designated Survivor, this is about Park Mu Jin, a man with no political ambition who suddenly found himself in the highest office of the country after an explosion took place and killed many high-ranking government officials including the President. He was appointed as the Designated Survivor on his last day as Minister of Environment. A professor of Chemistry, he was looking forward to going back to his life in the academe when the tragedy happened. Forced to become the Acting President for 60 days, his job was to stabilise the nation and to chase the people responsible for the bombing. As he overcame each challenge, he rose up to become a good and respected national leader.

2. The Entertainer (2016)

This drama is about the journey of two men whose lives were brought together by music. Shin Suk-ho is a hotshot music producer and talent manager in a top company who gave it all up to start his own company. He had troubles with his new company that he ended up losing everything. Jo Ha Neul on the other hand, is a talented high school student who was framed for assault. Suk-ho vowed to clear Ha Neul and turn him into a famous musician. Together with other band members, they conquered all the adversities that came their way to achieve their dreams and become the persons that they want to be.

3. Go Back Couple / Confession Couple (2017)

Choi Ban-do and Ma Jin-joo are a couple who are already tired and unhappy with their relationship. After 18 years as husband and wife, they decided to call it quits because it has become too emotionally painful to stay together. However, they suddenly woke up and found themselves transported to the year when they first met. Their journey back in time gave them a fresh start in life. It gave them a chance to explore what might have been and to remember the reasons why they fell in love in the first place.

4. Haechi (2019)

Haechi is based on the true-to-life story of King Yeongjo, known for the many reforms he did in the political, cultural and industrial state of the Joseon dynasty. His reign was also characterised with an economic boom and a peak in Confucian values. Despite his numerous achievements, the crown was not easily handed to him. Although born as the second son of King Sukjong, his mother was a maid in the palace. Due to his lowborn status, he had a hard time growing up. The nobilities resented him because of his low birth status while the commoners treated him as someone different from them. He spent his early years wandering and hiding the truth about his identity. The drama is about his transformation and journey from an insecure and unwanted prince to a respected king in Korean history.

5. Hospital Ship (2017)

Song Eun Jae is a talented and youngest chief surgeon in prestigious hospital who suddenly found herself being transferred to a hospital ship. A hospital ship is a medical ship that caters to rural villages in remote islands. She is very professional but cold-blooded. Her experiences and encounters with local patients and relationships with coworkers in the hospital ship slowly transformed her into a new person. She learned that life is not all about achievements and recognitions but rather it is about service, selflessness and at peace with one’s self.

6. My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)

A popular Korean webtoon that was turned into a drama, it is is about Kang Mirae who was an outcast growing up because she was perceived as ugly by the society. She wanted to have a fresh start in college so she had undergone several plastic surgeries. Although she became beautiful, she was now tagged as a Gangnam Beauty. A Gangnam beauty is someone who is attractive but no longer looks natural. This is about Mirae’s journey in overcoming her personal insecurities and learning that physical changes do not necessarily lift one’s self-esteem but rather it should come from the inside.

7. Romance is a Bonus Book (20c19)

Romance is a Bonus Book (2019) — Image Credit: UnitedKpop

In the drama, Kang Dan-i used to be a successful advertising copywriter. She gave it all up after she got married and had a family. After her marriage fell apart, she found herself broke and unemployed. This is about her struggle in trying to get back to the workforce after being a stay at home mother for so long.

8. Second 20s / Twenty Again (2015)

This is about a girl, Ha No Ra who had to quit school and got married when she was just a teenager because she got pregnant. For almost twenty years, her life revolved around her husband and her son who both took her for granted. Her world shattered when her husband asked for divorce. She was also diagnosed with cancer. Thinking that she was already towards the end of her life, she made a bucket list and did everything she can to make her remaining years worthwhile. She went back to school and got a job. In the process, she ended up finding herself and re-experiencing life and love again.

9. Still 17 (2018)

The story is about Woo Seo-ri, a gifted aspiring violinist who fell into a coma when she was 17 years old. She then woke up 13 years later only to find out that nothing is the same anymore. It is about how to slowly overcome the tragedies and bitterness that happened in life, to be able to live and smile again and to have a fresh start despite the odds and the fears. It is a heartwarming journey towards acceptance, adaptation and maturity.

10. You are My Destiny / Fated to Love You (2014)

A remake of the 2008 Taiwanese Drama Fated to Love You, this is about a pushover girl named Kim Mi Young. Because she was so nice, she found it hard to deny anyone who asks something from her. As a result, she became vulnerable to other people who simply used her. Due to a drunken one-night stand, she got pregnant and was forced to marry a rich obnoxious stranger. The relationship was short-lived because of the circumstances and personality differences. The whole experience made the heroine change to become a confident, successful and better version of herself.

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Any other drama recommendations about Fresh Starts? Please type in the comments below.

Feature Image by NickyPe from Pixabay Images

First Published 01.29.2020

Special thanks to Lyrie and Isabel, members of YourLifeSketch Kdrama group on Facebook, for making some of the recommendations.

Sep

2021

Feel Good Korean Dramas

Reading Time: 6 minutes

It is now normal to feel down these days with all the negative things happening around us. It is okay to not be okay every once in a while but we cannot allow the negative emotions to control our lives. We have to do our part in turning our day into a good day. If you are a Korean drama fan, what better way to do it than watching lighthearted feel good Korean Dramas.

1. Crash Landing on You (2019)

Crash Landing on You is about a South Korean heiress who crash landed in North Korea. She was paragliding when a sudden storm blew her over towards the other side of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. She was then captured by a North Korean captain with his subordinates who were assigned to patrol the area. The story revolves around their adventure as the group tries to return her to South Korea without alarming local authorities.

Video Credit: The Swoon

Although the storyline sounds heavy because it touches a very sensitive topic. the relationship between North and South Korea; the drama proved to be quite the opposite. It is one of the few dramas wherein you will laugh so hard yet also cry so hard. The story is so good that it will be hard not to binge-watch. And then put two good-looking veteran actors with superb chemistry on the cast. They have the perfect formula for good Korean drama. No wonder, it is one of the most viewed Korean dramas of all time.

2. Full House (2004)

Based on a manhwa, it is about an inspiring scriptwriter who was tricked by her friends and lost her house named “Full House”, which was built by her father. The house was sold to a celebrity. In her desire to get the house back, she entered into a contractual relationship and they ended up living together. Initially, they don’t get along well but they later fall in love with one another.

This one is a classic romantic comedy. Although compared to dramas of today, this might seem a bit dated for some, the actors did a good job in making their actingMr Q believable. It is light, funny and romantic to see the leads finally give in to one another’s feelings after so much bickering. This is one of the first dramas responsible for starting the whole Korean wave thing.

3. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

The story is about a dentist who lost her job in the city and decided to move to a seaside village in the country. There she met a mysterious man, who is well-loved by the town people. He helps everyone around the town including the new dentist.

Video Credit: The Swoon

As of this writing, the drama is still showing but it has already become the highest-rated drama in cable television history. Although the whole story is yet to be revealed; so far, it is a simple heartwarming romantic story of ordinary people away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

4. Lie to Me (2011)

Lie to me is about a nice, beautiful and single since birth civil servant. In order to not lose face with her friend who she felt betrayed her after the latter married her long-term crush; she lied to she is already happily married. After another friend saw her with the male lead, a rich heir to a hotel conglomerate, rumors started circulating that she is married to the chaebol. One lie led to another and another which led to the two agreeing to pretend to be married.

The story is a classic old-fashioned type of romance that is just light and sweet. With a charming female actress, great chemistry among the leads and a simple plot, it is one of those dramas that you can rewatch again and again.

5. Mr. Queen (2020)

The story is about an overconfident male chef in the Blue House who got transported back in time. He suddenly found himself in the body of a queen during the Joseon period. He did his best to get out of the chaos but had no choice but to make the most of the situation. It is all about his struggle with his identity and at the same time his discovery of the power struggle happening around him during that time.

Mr. Queen is not just your typical time travel romantic comedy. It has an intense historical plot but at the same time very hilarious. Some scenes will make you laugh uncontrollably. It succeeded in making the viewers feel a roller coaster of emotions.

6. My Love From Another Star (2017)

This drama is about an actress who fell in love with her next-door neighbor who happens to be from another star. Yes, literally an alien who has been in Korea since Joseon dynasty who is finally completing his mission on earth and is set to go back to his planet in 3 months’ time. The self-absorbed, beautiful and crazy actress kept on getting involved with his neighbor that he was forced to save her multiple times using his supernatural powers. And before they knew it, sparks began to fly.

The drama is sweet, silly and very funny. The lead actress is very beautiful yet outrageous and very hilarious. The lead actor is handsome, cold yet very knowledgeable. He has all the characteristics of an ideal man plus more given his extraterrestrial vision, hearing, speed and strength. The drama became so popular that even luxury fashion items worn in the drama got sold out because of high demand. Even sales of food and restaurants that were featured in the drama also reported increased in demand.

7. Oh My Ghost (2015)

Imagine what happens when an ordinary, shy and timid girl gets possessed by a lustful, virgin ghost. The ghost died a virgin. She believes that the only way to move on to the afterlife is to lose her virginity. She then takes over the female lead’s body every now and then to seduce the male lead to sleep with her.

The drama is romantic, hilarious and very entertaining yet creepy at the same time. Although the show gets too dark for your typical romantic comedy; viewers will get a good laugh and definitely enjoy the show. Moreover, it is not just about the main leads; one will also enjoy the friendship developing between the ghost and the female lead. It is a must-watch for those who are seeking something new.

8. Oh My Venus (2015)

Oh My Venus is a story about a lawyer who was once considered Daegu’s Venus or the prettiest girl in her hometown. But she had became obese and unattractive causing her boyfriend of 15 years to break up with her. The male lead is a personal trainer to Hollywood stars who reluctantly agrees to help her lose weight.

Video Credit: KBS World TV

It has a simple storyline but it deals with real issues on obesity and self-image. These are serious issues that can greatly affect an individual’s health and concept of one’s self. It is light, heartwarming and interesting enough to watch.

9. So, I Married An Anti-Fan (2021)

This is about a magazine reporter who unintentionally witnessed the rude behavior of a famous celebrity. She subsequently got fired from her job. After assuming that the celebrity was the one responsible for her dismissal, she later did some crazy things that made her infamous for being known as his number one “anti-fan”. A television production team saw this an opportunity to come up with a new show wherein the famous star will be forced to live with his anti-fan. After the two started to get to know each other, they begin to realize that their initial perception of one another is actually just a misunderstanding and they end up falling in love.

Video Credit: iQIYI

Although the storyline is generic and typical of romantic comedies, this drama is quite relaxing and funny. Its romantic scenes and little surprises along the way will keep you hooked. And before you know it, you are already binge-watching. The lead’s chemistry is real. Viewers will find themselves rooting for them.

10. Weightlifting Fairy Kim-Bok-Joo (2016)

Weightlifting Fairy is about a young college student who works on pursuing her dream into becoming a professional female weightlifter. As she navigates through college life, she falls in love with a handsome doctor and begins to question herself on whether she should pursue her dream or just be a regular girl.

Video Credit: Viu Philippines

Inspired by the life story of a Korean Olympic Gold Medalist, Weightlifting fairy is a good coming of age drama. It is heartwarming as you go through the character’s journey and discovery of herself. It is light but full of life lessons especially for those who are yet to discover their passion or calling in life.

Is there anything that you want to add?

Special thanks to Pia Angelica Gabriel, Ma Ganda Yap, Anna Dolor Fernandez, Kit Andaya, Peachy Viniegra-Lin and Cha Flores Encina; members of the YLS Kdrama Group for their drama recommendations.

Feature Photo by Asad Photo Maldives from Pexels

Feb

2021

Korean Dramas About Pursuing Dreams

Reading Time: 4 minutes

What is your dream life? How will you describe your perfect spring day? If you want to have a better life, you must always start with defining your goals and dreams. Once you have figured out what you want, then you are now ready to pursue your dreams. However, pursuing dreams and goals is never easy. You need to focus. You also need to persevere. It helps if you have passion for what you are doing. To have a clear idea on what it takes to achieve your goals, take inspiration in these some Korean dramas about pursuing dreams.

1. Dream High

Video Credit: KBS World T V

Dream high is about a group of young talented kids who entered the toughest art school in the country in order to achieve their dreams. It is a story of growing up, friendships and competitions among peers. It is about dedication and passion for the arts. Most importantly, it is about the desire to be successful in their chosen fields.

2. Dr. Romantic 1 & 2

Video Credit: Viu Singapore

Unlike the rest of the dramas where people had to start from the bottom to achieve their dreams, the dramas Dr. Romantics 1 and 2 are different in the sense that the leads are already doctors. However, something happened in their lives that got them reassigned to a small unknown hospital in the countryside. There, they met Dr. Kim, a genius surgeon who became their mentor. Dr. Kim helped them achieve their dreams of becoming better doctors. In addition, they also become better persons in the process.

3. Itaewon Class

Video Credit: The Swoon

Pursuing dreams is always a challenge. More so, if you have to start at the bottom. If you love stories about underdogs, then Itaewon class is for you. An ex-convict, sociopath, transgender, gangster, illegitimate son and a foreigner teams up together to open a bar in Itaewon. These misfits were able to overcome challenges together and rose to become the biggest in the food industry in the country. It shows the importance of a dream team in achieving success in life.

4. Last Empress

https://youtu.be/cepBlvRMgtA

Video Credit: Viki Global TV

The Last Empress is a fictional drama set in a premise of a modern-day South Korea under a constitutional Korea. It is about a man who wants to find out the reason for his mother’s death and vows to take down the corrupt monarchy. Although the goal of revenge is something that should not be advocated, the drama shows how a weak person can rise to become a palace bodyguard who will be responsible in bringing about justice to a lot of people.

5. Record of Youth

Video Credit: Netflix Asia

This drama is about the lives of young individuals struggling in the world of entertainment. Known as the most cutthroat industry, it is notoriously hard to break and become a success in the entertainment industry. Find out how three ambitious young people from different social classes navigate their way in the industry to pursue their dreams.

6. Remember: War of the Son

https://youtu.be/e_qG3vPgtPw

Video Credit: Viki Global TV

Although it is a sad story that shows the dark and corrupt side of the law, Remember: War of the Son is a story of a 22-year old man whose main goal is to prove the innocence of his father. He becomes a lawyer in order to achieve his goal. It is a courtroom suspense drama that will bring tears and some laughter in your eyes.

7. Revolutionary Love

Revolutionary love is the story of a prodigal son who was able to rise above his sheltered and privileged life to become an advocate for workers’ rights in their own company. Although he started not knowing what he wants in life, he was able to find love and purpose in the story.

8. Start-Up

Video Credit: Netflix Asia

Start-up is drama about the challenges and struggles in putting up a start-up company. It shows how young individuals work together in order to achieve their dreams. The drama also shares business lessons for young entrepreneurs who are starting their businesses.

9. The Entertainer

The Entertainer is about a man who is already on top of his field as a music producer and talent manager who gave it all up to start his own business only to end up losing everything. It is a story of how he was able to get back right up on his feet and restart pursuing his dreams again. You will also see the character development of the main protagonist from an arrogant jerk to a respectable and kind-hearted person. The drama depicted how every adversity can make a person change for the better.

10. WWW

WWW is all about girl power. The three female leads have very strong characters. They are focused, strong-willed and successful in their own careers. It is not so much about romance but rather the advancement and job security of women in their professions. it is all about women empowerment in the workforce.The drama is a realistic portrayal of women trying to pursue their dreams in their professional lives in a male-dominated society.

Video Credit: Viu Singapore

Do you know of any other Korean drama titles about pursuing dreams?

Photo by Nadi Lindsay from Pexels

Special thanks to Lyrie , Sher and Isabel, certified Kdrama fanatics, for recommending some of the titles.

Jun

2020

Korean Dramas About Having a Support System

Reading Time: 5 minutes

The presence of a support group in your lives is an essential factor to success. Your support group will serve as your driving force for success. You need people who will believe in you when no else would and will stay by your side when all others left. If you are a Kdrama fan, you might want to check out some dramas about having a support group. These dramas illustrate the importance of having people around that served as the wind beneath the wings of the leads. Here are the list of Korean Dramas about having a support system for success:

1. Birth of a Beauty (2014)

Overweight and kind-hearted Sa Geum-Ran spent years being maltreated and abused by her in-laws while her husband had an affair. To make matters worse, his husband was the one who asked for a divorce. To get revenge, she underwent an extreme makeover. She worked together with Han Tae Hee as her life coach. Han Tae Hee is an heir to a large corporation who is suffering from a broken heart syndrome.

2. The Doctors (2016)

The Doctors is a medical drama about a troubled teenager Yoo Hye-jung. She changed her delinquent ways when she met her mentor, Dr. Hong Ji Hong. He is a neurosurgeon who played a major role in influencing the life of the heroine and transforming her from a troublesome youth to a compassionate and successful doctor.

3. Dr. Romantic I (2016) & II (2020)

Boo Yong-ju was once a famous doctor who gave it all up to live in a small town. There, he became Teacher Kim and served as mentors to young doctors who lost their way in their professions. He taught them skills. He also served as inspiration for them to remain righteous in their careers and not become doctors who merely aspire for fame, wealth and power.

4. I’m Not a Robot (2017)

The male lead, Kim Min-Kyu is a very rich man but lives in isolation because he has a severe allergy from human contacts. He becomes interested in a humanoid robotic project called Aji3. When the robot Aj3 malfunctioned on the scheduled demonstration, the inventor sent Jo Ji-ah to pretend and act like the robot. Through Aji3, the male lead was slowly able to overcome his mental and health issues and began trusting humans again.

5. It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014)

The drama is about two broken and flawed individuals who found each other and helped heal one another in the process. It is not your typical romantic comedy because it deals with mental health. A bestselling mystery novel writer and psychiatrist both have traumatic pasts. The story is all about their journey towards healing, love and acceptance.

6. Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)

Cha Do-Hyeon is a third generation billionaire who suffered from multiple personality disorder because of a traumatic childhood. He was able to regain control of his life, despite his seven different personalities through the help of Oh Ri-Jin, a first year psychiatric resident.

7. Protect the Boss (2011)

Protect the Boss is a workplace romantic comedy between a boss and his secretary. The boss, Cha Ji Heon, is an immature youngest son of a conglomerate. The male lead is the exact opposite of the strong, tough, independent and strong-minded female lead, Noh Eun-Sol the secretary. Trust and friendship were formed as two started working together. Because of Noh Eun-Sol’s support and belief in her boss; Cha Ji Heon finally got his act together, overcame with his fears and managed to prove himself worthy of becoming the successor of the business.

8. Reply 1988 (2016)

Reply 1988 is a story about five people who live in the same neighborhood and have been friends since childhood. It is a story of family, friendship, and dreams in life. It shows the ups and downs of their everyday lives and their journey towards happiness and success. The drama depicts the importance of having a support system around you, those people who will accept you for who you really are.

9. School 2013 (2012)

This is a teen drama that depicts the life, struggles and dilemmas of students. It is about friendship, growing up and having hope for the future. Kang Se Chan and Jung In Jae are school teachers in the story who have a class of tough teenagers. They are two teachers who greatly influenced the lives of the their students in more ways than one. They were able to help the students overcome their struggles and start dreaming of a better tomorrow.

10. The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)

The Secret Life of My Secretary is about a cold boss who fired his overworked secretary despite her efficiency and his overly dependence on her. He ended up needing her help again when he lost his ability to recognize faces. Together, they solve the mysteries and challenges of the mobile media company and in their lives.

Feature Image by Helena Lopes from Pexels

Special thanks to Lyrie, Sher and Isabel, certified Kdrama fanatics, for making some of the recommendations.