여러분, 안녕! 잘 지내서? 

Feeling a bit bored because my blog keeps talking about Korean dramas? Well, what can I say? They’re one of my go-to stress relievers! Every year, there’s always a new Korean drama that might just add to your watch list. But have you ever found yourself in that situation where you don’t know what to watch next because your queue is all empty?

I totally get that! I’ve been through this so many times. After finishing King the Land, I dove into all the dramas featuring Jun Ho, even the ones outside my usual taste, like The Red Sleeve. And then there was Good Manager, where he played the antagonist one. It happened again after I watched Taxi Driver—I ended up binge-watching all of Lee Je Hoon’s dramas, from the older Fashion King to the latest Chief Detective 1958. It’s a wild ride trying to explore every role they play!

If you find yourself in the same situation I often do, don’t worry! I’ve got a solution for you. I’m here to recommend some Korean dramas that are not only exciting but also have high ratings on IMDb. I wonder if any of these dramas will be ones I’ve already watched!

1. The Red Sleeve - 2021 (Rating 8,5 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest/Viih

Main Cast: Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Young

The genre I usually avoid in Korean dramas is historical. I’m just not a fan of royal-themed stories. In my K-drama journey, I’ve only watched two saeguk dramas: Lovers of the Red Sky and, of course, The Red Sleeve—mostly because of Lee Jun Ho. For him, I’d dive into a saeguk! I’m really grateful to him because this drama turned out to be quite good; it even brought me to tears in the final episodes.

Crown Prince Yi San (played by Lee Jun Ho) falls in love with a palace maid named Sung Deok Im (played by Lee Se Young) after a series of amusing encounters (at least, that's how I see it). When Yi San becomes King Jeongjo, he wishes for Deok Im to become his concubine, but she turns him down.

Even as a palace maid, Deok Im longs for a life of freedom—something she can't have as a concubine. After going through various events, she eventually agrees to become Yi San’s concubine, even knowing that life in the royal court rarely brings happiness.

2. Move to Heaven - 2021 (Rating 8,5 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest/ajeng Kurnia

Main Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Tang Joon Sang, Hong Seung Hee

It’s no surprise that this drama has such a high rating on IMDb! Its unique storyline and truly heart-wrenching themes make it stand out. I’ve already written a review about it, and now I’m diving into the book because I’m really curious about the touching stories from Kim Sae Byeol (the author), who runs the first organization in Korea for sorting through the belongings of the deceased.

Together with his father, Han Geu Ru (played by Tang Joon Sang) runs a business called Move to Heaven, which helps organize the belongings of those who have passed away. After losing his father to a heart attack, Geu Ru, who has Asperger's Syndrome, is left to manage their business on his own.

One day, Cho Sang Gu (played by Lee Je Hoon) suddenly appears, claiming to be Geu Ru’s guardian at his father’s request, revealing that he is actually Geu Ru’s uncle. Sang Gu is an illegal boxing athlete with a very brash way of speaking. Despite their contrasting personalities, Geu Ru has to team up with his uncle to keep Move to Heaven running.

3. Signal - 2016 (Rating 8,5 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest/Jay Santos

Main Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, Cho Jin Woong

I told you, right? Lee Je Hoon’s dramas are really good! He’s had two dramas with high ratings on IMDb. There are actually a few more of his dramas that score above 8, but to keep it aligned with the article's title, I’ve only included these two.

If you’re on the hunt for a mystery drama with a touch of fantasy, this one is a must-watch! It follows a criminal profiler named Park Yeong Han (played by Lee Je Hoon), who solves numerous cold cases with the help of detective Cha Soo Hyun (played by Kim Hae Soo) and Lee Je Han (played by Cho Jin Woong).

What’s intriguing is that Lee Je Han has been missing since the last time Soo Hyun saw him, and everyone thinks he’s dead because there’s been no word from him. Yeong Han is able to connect with Je Han through a walkie-talkie he accidentally finds. Together, the three of them work to change the future by preventing various cases from happening in the past. 

4. Extraordinary Attorney Woo - 2022 (Rating 8,6 on IMDb)

Foto: Allkpop.com

Main Cast: Park Eun Bin, Kang Tae Oh

Woo to the Young to the Woo...

Dong to the Geu to the Rami...

If you’re a TikTok scroller, you’ve probably heard that sound before, right? Or maybe you’ve even used it for your own reels?

Before diving into heavier legal dramas like Confession, I started with this one because its concept is much lighter. Not only does it have a more relaxed vibe, but I also love this drama because the main character is 'special' in a unique way.

Despite being on the autism spectrum, Woo Young Woo (played by Park Eun Bin) is incredibly intelligent. She has a photographic memory, able to remember everything she’s seen after just one glance. Unfortunately, she struggles with social skills and empathy.

One day, Young Woo lands an internship at a prestigious law firm. Just like in real life, she faces biases, but thanks to her unique way of solving cases, she proves that people on the autism spectrum are just like everyone else.

5. Mr. Queen - 2020 (Rating 8,6 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest/CatCat

Main Cast: Kim Jung Hyun, Shin Hae Sun, Choi Jin Hyuk

Jang Bong Hwan (played by Choi Jin Hyuk), a chef at the Blue House, somehow finds his soul transported into the body of Queen Kim So Yong (Shin Hae Sun) during the Joseon era. Trapped in this unfamiliar situation, Bong Hwan must pretend to be the Queen while dealing with King Cheoljong (Kim Jung Hyun), a leader with a gentle and easygoing nature.

6. Mouse - 2021 (Rating 8,6 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest/skyblue

Main Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Lee Hee Jun, Park Ju Hyun, Kyung Soo Jin

When I asked for recommendations for a Korean mystery drama with a plot twist, my bestie suggested this one. But... I still haven’t watched it because I just haven’t been in the mood. I know the lead actor and have already seen three of Lee Seung Gi’s dramas: Brilliant Legacy, My Girlfriend is A Gumiho, and Gu Family Book.

In this drama, Lee Seung Gi plays a junior police officer named Jung Ba Reum. One day, Ba Reum finds himself facing off against a psychopathic killer who has rocked South Korea. His once peaceful life turns upside down as he seeks to uncover the murderer’s identity.

7. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - 2016 (Rating 8,6 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest/JG_norishio

Main Cast: Lee Ji Eun (IU), Lee Joon Gi

Aside from The Heirs, Dream High, You're Beautiful, and Goblin, this drama definitely counts as a star-studded drama, right? The two main leads are already super well-known, but the supporting cast is just as popular! We have Baek Hyun from EXO, Nam Joo Hyuk, Seo Hyun from SNSD, Kang Ha Neul, Kang Han Na, Ji Soo, Kim Sung Kyun (who played Sajang Kim in Reply 1988), Park Ji Young (the head concubine in The Red Sleeve), and many others. For me, this is definitely a star-studded drama! What do you all think, 여러분?

At 16, Hae Soo (played by IU) suddenly experiences an event that sends her back to the Goryeo era. There, she meets the royal family and gets involved in the intrigues and conflicts among the princes. One of them is known as the "Wolf Prince" because of his scars, Prince Wang So (Lee Joon Gi).

As Wang So and Hae Soo grow closer amidst various obstacles, Hae Soo tries to find a way back to her time while also grappling with complicated feelings of love and loyalty, as well as the consequences of her choices.

8. It's Okay to Not be Okay - 2020 (Rating 8,6 on IMDb)

Foto: Herworld.com

Main Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Yea Ji, Oh Jung Se

Moon Kang Tae (played by Kim Soo Hyun) is a health worker at a mental hospital, dedicating his life to caring for his older brother, Moon Sang Tae (Oh Jung Se), who has autism. Kang Tae spends his days trying to avoid conflict while supporting his brother.

One day, he meets Ko Moon Young (Seo Yea Ji), a famous children's book author with psychological issues and a complex personality. Moon Young has a dark past and struggles to form relationships with others.

As their complicated relationship unfolds, Kang Tae has to confront his feelings and the shadows of his past. Meanwhile, Moon Young works to understand herself and battles the trauma that haunts her.

9. Twenty Five Twenty One - 2022 (Rating 8,6 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest.com

Main Cast: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk

A lot of my friends have been recommending this drama, and I keep seeing comments about it on other drama posts. Naturally, I got curious because the reviews say it has one of the most relatable endings to real life. As I was writing this article, I was already on episode 7!

Na Hee Do (played by Kim Tae Ri) is a member of her school’s fencing team. However, due to the financial crisis in South Korea, the fencing team has to disband. After facing numerous challenges, Hee Do eventually makes it to the national fencing team.

This financial crisis also causes Baek Yi Jin’s (played by Nam Joo Hyuk) family business to go bankrupt, temporarily separating his family. He moves to the area where Hee Do lives and takes on part-time jobs as a newspaper delivery person and a bookstore clerk. Overcoming various obstacles, Yi Jin ultimately becomes a sports reporter for a national TV station.

P.S. I’ve finished watching this drama, by the way!

10. Goblin - 2016 (Rating 8,6 on IMDb)

Foto: Pinterest.com/Cristina Huamani

Main Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na

This drama is so popular that even non-K-Popers know the song Stay With Me. It’s like back in my day when you couldn’t call yourself a K-Lover unless you had watched Boys Before Flowers and Full House. Now, it seems that no matter how many new Korean dramas you’ve seen, if you haven’t watched Goblin, you still can’t claim the title of K-Lover! 😂

Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo) is a goblin who was a general cursed to live eternally after dying on the battlefield. This curse leaves him trapped between life and death, and the only way to find peace is by locating his goblin bride, who can see his sword and free him from the curse.

On his journey, Kim Shin meets Ji Eun Tak (played by Kim Go Eun), a teenage girl with the ability to see ghosts. Eun Tak turns out to be the goblin bride he’s been searching for. Their relationship blossoms into a deep love, though it’s challenged by various obstacles.

There are still many more high-rated Korean dramas on IMDb, but to keep this article from getting too long, I’ll continue with the recommendations in part 2!