LEGAL DRAMA
The Devil Judge
Plot: Madness in a bottle. Watch chaos erupt in a world where the judicial system is revolutionised and televised and every individual is given the choice to vote on the fate of those on trial. Hosted by the ruthless judge Kang Yo-han, trouble ensues when government structures are challenged and each case’s result gets wilder. In the middle of all this, Kim Ga-on infiltrates ranks to find out Yo-han’s real motive and hold accountable those who had aided the death of his parents. Adding to the watch is a conflicting ride that brings into question morality and humanity’s infinite greed.
You’ll love it if you love: Revenge drama, an extremist dystopian world, an eccentric anti-heroesque protagonist and extravagant world-building.
Law School
Plot: Want to watch something grounded in reality? Law School is a gripping legal show. Kang Sol is a student at the elite Hankuk University Law School, who isn’t as wealthy or intellectually gifted as some of her peers, but hustles her way through with unmatched resilience. The steely Professor Yang, popular among his students as “Yangcrates”, handpicks her in a special admission round. After the death of a college faculty member, Yang is arrested under charges of murder and it is up to Kang Sol and her peers to put their legal skills to the test and help their professor out.
You’ll love it if you love: A murder mystery that compels you to wrack your brains.
DARK COMEDY
Vincenzo
Plot: Descendants of the Sun star Song Joong-ki returns to the small screen with the twisted Vincenzo. One of the biggest
K-Dramas of the year, Vincenzo has notched over 54 million views in South Korea alone. Following the story of Vincenzo, a lawyer and consigliere for the mafia in Italy, who returns to Korea in pursuit of one-and-a-half tonnes of gold that he had secretly stowed away. His biggest problem? A group of annoying, impossible-to-get-rid-of tenants of a worn-down building, in the basement of which Vincenzo’s treasure lies. The viewer cruises through a hilarious yet dark journey as Vincenzo creatively tries to obtain the gold even as time runs out.
You’ll love it if you love: A heady concoction of crime, chaos and comedy and an awkward but fun trio.
HISTORICAL
Mr Queen
Plot: Tired of historical dramas ripping your heart out over and over again? Mr Queen provided a breather that we did not realise we were looking for. Chef Jang Bong-hwan is served a fillet with a bone, when an accident transports him back to the Joseon era and into the body of Queen Cheorin. Strap in for this ride that will have you doubling over with laughter. Mr Queen knocks the air out of your lungs as you watch Bong-Hwan trapped in the queen’s body, not only bringing in his advanced culinary skills but also his very “woke” and “scandalous” 21st-century mannerisms that aren’t deemed fit for a queen of that era.
You’ll love it if you love: Soul-swapping, time travel, period comedies and girl-bossing.
The Red Sleeve
Plot: Adapted from the novel The Red Sleeve Cuff, this 18th-century period drama follows the tale of King Jeongjo, who ascends the throne after the passing of his merciless grandfather who was responsible for Jeongjo’s father’s death. The death of his father leaves Jeongjo in trauma, though he relentlessly follows his pursuit of becoming the compassionate king that his nation needs. Seong Deok-im, a court lady with firm ideas of her individualism and choices, catches his fancy and he wants her to become his royal concubine. But Deok-im is well aware of the fact that prestige and position come at the cost of her freedom.
You’ll love it if you love: Historical romance and a free-spirited female lead.
ROMANCE
Nevertheless
Plot: If you are a sucker for complicated love stories involving scepticism, discovery and acceptance, this mini-series is just for you. This has been a year of dynamic roles for Hallyu stars Han So-hee and Song Kang, and Nevertheless ties the two together in a complex relationship, with their characters journeying through heartbreak and exploration. The show has gained a following for its bold portrayal of realistic relationships among youngsters and their struggles with commitment. Join So-hee’s Na-bi and Jae-eon, played by Song Kang, in their blossoming relationship is sure to make you feel the butterflies in your stomach.
You’ll love it if you love: An enticing blend of love and drama.
Youth of May
Plot: This one teases your tear ducts like no other. Set during the Gwangju Uprising of 1980, the drama showcases the love story between a nurse named Kim Myung-Hee and Hwang Hee Tae, a carefree medical student who wants to pursue his passion for music. Fate brings the two together after they meet on a blind date. Follow the heartwarming yet gut-wrenching journey of the two as they fall in love, promising to stay together for at least that month of May, and maybe beyond. Keep a box of tissues close as you watch this tearjerker, which will leave you with a broken heart and a beautiful experience.
You’ll love it if you love: A touching romance and tragedy.
MAINSTREAM
Squid Game
Plot: It is impossible to deny the colossal impact Squid Game has had on the world. The Netflix show provided one of the most immersive experiences of the year, with viewers around the world betting on their favourite players. Squid Game follows the story of Gi-hun, pressured by debt, who receives an offer to join a mysterious game. Competing alongside him are 455 other debtors in a life-or-death series of games for a massive cash prize... and a shot at a better life. What makes the nine episodes all the more binge-able are its contrasting dreamcore aesthetics against its violent themes of gore, greed and desperation. The Hunger Games-like settings paired with its morally conflicting plot adds to the appeal, compelling viewers to feel trapped in similar dilemmas.
You’ll love it if you love: A constant adrenaline rush tempered with a strong emotional and moral core.
SLICE OF LIFE
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Plot: This special show invited us to take a break from the hustle and seek respite in its quaint and homely atmosphere. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha did not only become one of the most loved K-Dramas of the year, it also defined the beauty of simplicity through its sublime cinematography and feel-good soundtrack. Set by the beach, in a small town called Gongjin, humanity works its finest magic to spin the story of an ostracised city dentist seeking refuge in this space that opens up to accept her despite their differences. Humour meets philosophy when the stuck-up city dentist crosses paths with the village freelancer who is anything but her type.
You’ll love it if you love: Heartwarming and breezy shows to cuddle up with, and poetic escapism.
Navillera
Plot: After swooning over Song Kang in Nevertheless and Love Alarm, we got to watch him soar on stage as a ballerino in Navillera. The show follows the story of 70-year-old Shim Deok-chul who has spent almost his entire life looking after those he cared about, after completely giving up on his own dreams of being on stage one day as a ballerino dancing to Swan Lake. Fate leads him to Song Kang’s Lee Chae-rok practising in a ballet studio, and he is immediately entranced upon seeing the younger dancer in action. Navillera promises to pirouette into your watchlist with a wholesome and heart-wrenching tale about how it is never too late to follow your dream. While we love the dynamic between Chae-rok and Deok-chul, a bonus is Taemin’s honey-sweet voice in the ending theme My Day.
You’ll love it if you love: A story about following your dreams and breaking stereotypes.
CRIME NOIR
My Name
Plot: Netflix brought out a fine list of
K-Dramas this year and despite the raging success of Squid Game, My Name stood its ground and found its way to the top of the charts. We loved Han So-hee’s portrayal of Yoon Ji-woo, a high-school student who witnesses the brutal murder of her father. Driven by guilt, Ji-woo enlists the help of a drug lord in her quest for vengeance as she goes undercover to uncover the truth behind the death of her father. The eight-episode series will have you at the edge of your seat.
You’ll love it if you love: Action, neo-noir, a strong female lead and an edgy, pacy plot.
Beyond Evil
Plot: One of the most critically acclaimed dramas of 2021, this crime show is perfectly paced and marries brilliant storytelling with jaw-dropping cinematography, topped off with a layered and intriguing soundtrack. Beyond Evil will make you feel part of the team and also have you debating on whose side you are on. A town up for redevelopment is haunted by disturbing cases of serial murders from over 20 years ago. Things go haywire when the murderer strikes the town following the same pattern. And the unspoken rumour in town? That the culprit may be our protagonist.
You’ll love it if you love: A good murder mystery.
Taxi Driver
Plot: We have seen cab drivers do some crazy things in films (remember Ryan Gosling in Drive?) Taxi Driver took it to level next with its edgy plot. Kim Do-gi, following the murder of his mother, finds himself as a taxi driver at Rainbow Taxi Company — that offers a unique “revenge-call” service, essentially helping clients who want to take revenge. Dark and gritty in its social commentary, you are definitely in for a ride with this one.
You’ll love it if you love: Dark, chilling rides that will take you down alleys you wouldn’t normally go to.
SUPERNATURAL
Doom at your Service
Plot: If Be Careful What You Wish For was a K-Drama, this would be it. When the unfortunate Tak Dong-kyung discovers that she has a brain tumour and has roughly 100 days to live, she wishes doom upon the world. And ‘Doom’ listens. Myul Mang, the personification of Doom, shows up at her door with a deal to make her wish come true. The show is an immensely watchable fantastical tale, with Dong-kyung regretting her impulsive wish and falling in love with Doom himself so that he vanishes and the world is saved, as per the terms of their contract. But will she be ready to watch him dissipate into nothingness?
You’ll love it if you love: Supernatural romances and a prominent subplot.
My Roommate is a Gumiho
Plot: If you are craving romance with a dash of fantasy, this show is perfect. It revolves around the life of Lee Dam, a lively college student and Shin Woo-yeo a nine-tailed fox who is 999 years old and has only a year left to turn his life around and become human, or transform into something evil. After accidentally swallowing the bead belonging to Shin Woo-yeo, upon which his life relies, it becomes Lee Dam’s responsibility to keep it safe while aiding Woo-yeo’s journey to transforming into a human. The comedic sequences, endearing romance and catchy storyline are bound to keep you tied to this show.
You’ll love it if you love: Asian mythical creatures and a feel-good romance.
Which is your favourite K-Drama of 2021? Tell t2@abp.in