The new year is in and so are a host of K-dramas! From mystical beings like demons and fairies to cosy small-town stories, there is a mix of everything going on in K-drama world right now. Here is our list of the best K-dramas to watch right now:

1. Welcome to Samdal-ri

Set in the small, fictional neighbourhood of Samdal-ri in Jeju Island, this drama is full of warm and nostalgic vibes. Samdal (played by Shin Hye-sun) and Yong-pil (played by Ji Chang-wook) are childhood friends who were born on the same day to mothers who themselves were best friends. Despite being in a relationship for many years, Yong-pil and Samdal had broken up eight years ago. The drama follows them as they find their way back to each other after Samdal is accused of workplace bullying and has to return to her hometown. What makes the drama even more interesting is how it upholds the unique cultural identity of Jeju Island and its population, especially the lives of haenyo divers (female deep sea divers of South Korea) and other environmental issues.
Available on: Netflix

2. Marry My Husband

Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, this thriller rom-com is equal parts gripping and funny. Kang Ji-won (Park Min-young) is suffering from cancer with only her best friend and demanding husband by her side. However, after a tragic turn of events, she is murdered and gets reincarnated 10 years before her death, to 2013. This time, she is determined to change everything to not meet her tragic fate. With many episodes still to go, the drama follows Ji-won as she strategically maneuvers her second life, to not repeat her previous mistakes and have a more fulfilling time. It is especially interesting to watch Ji-won interacting with the people who she knows will betray her later as well as forge new alliances. The drama also features a talented cast, helmed by the amazing Park Min-young.
Available on: Prime Video

3. My Man is Cupid

What if Cupid lives among us and really does help humans fall in love? In this drama, we find Cupid, named Cheon Sang-hyuk (played by Jang Dong-yoon), along with his fellow Cupids, stuck on Earth as punishment for Sang-hyuk’s love for a human. Enter Oh Baek-ryeon, a veterinarian who is without a red string of fate tying her to her destined lover. Circumstances bring Sang-hyuk and Baek-ryeon together who soon start caring for each other — while Baek-ryeon is vocal about her attraction, Sang-hyuk repeatedly tries to keep her at a distance but takes pity on her. At the same time, a serial killer is on the loose, potentially targeting Baek-ryeon who was the witness to his last murder. Another exciting mix of thriller and romance, it is a must-watch if you like tropes like fated lovers!
Available on: Prime Video

4. Death’s Game

This multi-starrer two-part series is a subtle yet profound story addressing suicide. It revolves around Choi Yee-jae (Seo In-guk), who commits suicide after countless failures and setbacks. But Death (personified by Park So-dam’s character) lays out a unique punishment for him in the afterlife — he will be reincarnated 12 times in different bodies, in all of which he will be destined to die in excruciating circumstances. However, with each reincarnation, Death also elevates the level of pain to be experienced by twofold. Yee-jae’s punishment is meted out as a result of his casual attitude towards death as illustrated by his decision to commit suicide. The drama then follows the multiple lives of Choi Yee-jae as he suffers in each one. Although the drama is graphic and violent, the stellar performance by the cast (including Lee Jae-wook, Lee Do-hyun, Choi Si-won, Oh Jung-se and many more) as well as the intricate and thoughtful plot makes this a must-watch!
Available on: Prime Video

5. My Demon

A centuries-old demon gets together with a young CEO entangled in a battle for inheritance in this toe-curling romantic supernatural K-drama. Jeon Gu-won (Song Kang) is a devilishly handsome demon with an appetite for desserts and human souls. On the other hand, Do Do-hee is the brilliant CEO of an F&B company, who is not interested in marriage. The two come together when Gu-won’s powers accidentally transfer to Do-hee and the two have to stay near each other for the former to survive and sustain himself. At the same time, Do-hee is under mortal threat from adversaries who want to eliminate her due to inheritance issues. If you are looking for some magnetic chemistry paired with gorgeous visuals, make sure to catch this K-drama. However, fair warning that this drama tends to drag and the plot loses its way halfway through.
Available on: Netflix

6. Gyeongsang Creature

Steeped in a historical narrative, Gyeongsang Creature features a monster hospital in 1940s Seoul and the horrors of colonial rule. Under the Japanese occupation, human experiments are being carried out in a hospital at the heart of then-Korea. With mysterious disappearances mounting up, pawnbroker Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-joon) is called upon to find the missing mistress of a Japanese high-ranking official. At the same time, Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee) comes to town looking for her mother. As Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok team up to uncover the mysteries of the city, Korea hurtles towards an independence movement rife with political tensions and conflicts. With a second season of the drama already on the way, watch this exciting K-drama for a unique combination of thrill and history.
Available on: Netflix

7. Like Flowers in Sand

Like Flowers in Sand is a gripping new K-drama that follows Kim Baek-doo (Jang Dong-yoon once again), a former ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) prodigy whose life takes a mysterious turn after a championship loss and a coach’s unexpected death. The series seamlessly combines sports, mystery and romance as Baek-doo, who is aimless post-retirement, reconnects with childhood friend Oh Doo-sik (Lee Joo-myung) in the midst of a complex murder mystery in the small town of Geosan. What makes it stand out? Well-developed characters who form a tight-knit community, and the chemistry between Baek-doo and Doo-sik that feels authentic. The series, beautifully shot with engaging ssireum scenes, effortlessly switches between thriller and philosophical moments. If you’re after a nuanced K-drama with a compelling plot and relatable characters, this is an underrated gem you must uncover!
Available on: Netflix

Sudarshana Ganguly
Have a K-drama recommendation? Tell t2@abp.in