Korean Dramas

LEILA’S drama cravings:

In no particular order, I have chosen all the Korean dramas that I’ve enjoyed, uberly obsessed of, love and learned a lot from. I’ve been watching Korean dramas since 2004. It all started when Lovers in Paris was shown in our local television. I only relied on what was shown in our country since then. 2009 came and gave Boys Over Flowers that really changed my viewing habits.

2010 was a very special year for me because I became a Kdrama addict. I certified myself. LOL. I just took advantage of our 24/7 internet server. I’m even sleep deprived now since my time infront of my laptop occupies most of my waking moments when I’m at home. Heh.

So let me give a rundown of Kdramas I’ve enjoyed all through the years starting from 2004,  that I would gladly recommend to anyone.

*You can click on the title for links of recaps/reviews *

1. Lovers In Paris

“I’m not a Cinderella. I’m just a woman in love with a man.” Is a line of Kang Tae-young that’s vivid in my mind up to now. Her character is adorable and the love between her and Ki-joo is simply beautiful. Park Shin Yang’s performance is one of the best I’ve seen from a male actor. I was completely touched during his break up scene and the part where he played the piano is simply captivating.

FYI, Lee Dong-geun is the primary reason why I love second lead guys more than the male lead.

2. Save the Last Dance For Me

Eugene and Ji Sung is such a perfect match! The kind you’d root for no matter what.

I love it when they started to move to Seoul. It is where the growth of their characters begin. When Ji Sung started to live his own life again as Hyun Woo, not knowing Eun Soo. They started from scratch again. And since the heart can tell, they still fell for each other.

Ji Sung is so adorable! The OST of this series is love too.

3. My Girl

The two LEE! Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae is one of the cutest pair the HONG Sister’s created! Lee Da Hae’s portrayal of Yoo Rin is so lovable! And Dong Wook was a dashing debonair! The “lie” theme of their pairing was an added charm in their relationship.

Just pure cuteness on screen!

4. Princess Hours / Goong

A stellar performance from Yoon Eun Hye as she became a Princess. She successfully made Chae Kyeong come to life. Eun Hye’s chemistry with Joo Ji Hoon is off the charts, IMO. The settings, the overall feel of a modern day Royal set up was beautiful.

A must watch series!

5. Coffee Prince

Another series from Yoon Eun Hye. From a lady in Goong, she transformed herself as a boyish barista. She plays Go Eun Chan, a bread winner who had no choice but to work in a shop where only men are allowed. I enjoyed her with Gong Yoo. Their scenes are just the sweetest. Eun Hye is adorable and passable as a guy!

But honestly, it was really Mr. Voice, Lee Seun Kyun who really captured my heart in this series.

6. Boys Over Flowers / Boys Before Flowers

The drama that changed my Kdramaworld and catapulted Lee Min Ho to super stardom!! Not only did this show spread Kdrama virus around Asia, it made every cast known, worldwide.

Who would forget this? Four HOT guys in one screen. Enough said.

Lee Min Ho and Goo Hye Sun are enough reason for me to repeat this to the nth time. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this series already. I think there’s no explanation why I loved it, it’s illogical. LOL

7. You’re Beautiful

Jang Geun Suk’s adorable face and wonderful singing voice was shown multiple times. Sold.

Geun Suk’s paring with Park Shin Hye is simply sweet and fluffy! Shin Hye became his twin brother and joined AN.JELL. The story focused on the life of a band in showbusiness and how pig-rabbit melted Tae Kyung’s heart. The love triangle is cute. Shin Woo’s character reminded me so much of Ji Hoo (Boys Over Flowers) since it is obvious that he won’t get the girl. And yet he’s always been there for her. Typical story but fun and with heart.

8. Pasta

The story is simple and the plot has no-frills at all. But here are the reasons why I still love this:

a. Dearest Chep is endearing.

b. The on screen pairing is cute and charming.

c. Noh Min Woo is delightful.

Enough for me.

9. Personal Taste

Lee Min Ho. Need I say more?

Kidding aside, what I really enjoyed about this series is Gae In’s weather forecast that’s like her personal diary. I can always forego flaws especially when dearest Min Ho is concern.. so the issue of the Sang Go Jae can happily go down the drain.. I enjoyed most parts rather than the whole.. watch it since Lee Min Ho is the hottest architect in the face of Kdramaland. His chemistry with Sohn Ye Jin can make you wish to have a roommate like Jin Ho..

10. Coffee House

Perfect 10! Highly recommended.

It IS Kang Ji Hwan and Park Si Yeon’s sizzling chemistry exploding! They are by far the best couple who had the most passionate kiss I’ve ever seen. The story itself may drive you nuts, or I mean Lee Jin Soo. But at the end of the day, you can really learn something fruitful from this. Great laughs mixed with powerful emotions. Simply a brilliant display of talent and a different level of Kdrama experience.

11. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho

If you want to spend one of the best 16 hours of your life, watch this! Lee Seung Gi is lovable and he’s paired with the gorgeous Shin Mina, no more to ask for. The Gumiho myth is mixed with reality making this series a story with heart. Most people I know loves the Hoi couple to bits. I can’t blame them! Not only did this couple show the cutest and sweetest things ever but they’ve managed to show that the best kind of love is living with that person and enjoying every given moment to the fullest.

12. Shining Inheritance / Brilliant Legacy

From the start this captured me since I find it very poignant.. I’m very weak when it comes to family stories.. so when Eun Sung arrived having such love for his father, I’m owned!! Han Hyo Joo’s character made me stick to watch this 28 Kdrama. The Granny, oh how I love her story of success that made me hate Hwan for few episodes. Though, I truly enjoyed the spoiled brat that is Lee Seung Gi (Hwan), especially those scene while he was working under Eun Sung.. I was completely on a laughing spree though I shouldn’t have felt that way.. Haha! Bad me 

I guess, the premise of the show is to teach Hwan what to VALUE.. that money is hard earned even when he has plenty..  that life is still better even with less of it.. that we can enjoy the simplest things and be truly HAPPY.. that we can have true value that even money can’t buy.. that a person’s character is more important than anything..

This show made me fall for Lee Seung Gi, even more.. He’s a genuine actor that can make a simple scene uber sweet with him in it. He has this ability to make audience have this “blind spot” when it comes to him.  That in itself is very unique. He has his own pull that can draw you in.  Or maybe I’m just so easy to get!! LOL

13. Sungkyunkwan Scandal

I am crazy for crazy horse YOO AH IN, forever. It is a sageuk drama, yes a historical set up. It may appear boring, but it isn’t! Since Moon Jae Shin is on fire every time he appears! The story has a beautiful premise, with wonderful cinematography to boot. The Jalgeum Quartet is love. And KBS even awarded the best couple in this series. It’s NOT Yoo Chun and Min Young.

14. Dream High

I love that Dream High showed that we can stand up each time we fall and that mistakes are made to teach us to become a better person. It’s a recurring theme for each and everyone in DH not only the students but the Professor’s as well. Everyone made a wrong decision or had said something wrong that influenced others as what happened to Kyung Jin and Baek Hee. But I love that everyone learned from their mistakes and stood up. Fallen and bruised, as most characters had been but they still managed to reach out for a brighter tomorrow.

Dream High is not just about aspiring to be an artist/singer or about reaching for their dreams. It’s about becoming a better version of one’s SELF. Such a great drama find in 2011!

And memorable too since Sam Dong and Hye Mi made it special ♥ SamMi FTW!

15. 49 Days

Hands down for actress Lee Yo Won as she portrays two roles brilliantly and had chemistry with two actors as well!

I really enjoyed the lessons learned here, not trying to sugar coat this series but it was well written and I’m content with the open ending. It must be because I’m a true blue Ji Kyung and Han Kang shipper! Jo Hyun Jae is back from his military service and it’s good to see him again with such manly aura. And Jung Il Woo is simply extraordinary as he plays the Scheduler.  

I was  a content camper watching this because Kang is LOVE!

16. Best / Greatest Love

I have a soft spot for Gong Hyo Jin and eversince Pasta I find her adorable. Her simplicity makes her unlike any other actress and she uses it to connect herself to her character making it relatable. Her chemistry with Cha Seung Won isn’t to be questioned because they have it. But among all the Hong Sisters drama I’ve watched they’ve managed to make me fall deeply inlove with its second lead more than the OTP. I have to blame my undying love for Pil Joo because it’s my main reason for watching this.

Yoon Kye Sang is the epitome of a perfect guy. And he’s memorable in my Kdrama book. 

17. City Hunter

Another hit drama for Lee Min Ho. He’s now paired with the adorable Park Min Young. It’s an action packed drama with heart. Yes, they were able to combine violence with humane bonds that is present on each relationship and pairing. Father and Son is not just present in genes but more because of love. Yoon Sung and Jin Pyo may live in a cruel world but they’ve managed to fight for their own beliefs. I shed a tear or two in this series and it managed to capture me during times when the story simply tackles on love, family and friendship. It has subtle moments amidst the chaotic theme that truly captured me.

Lee Min Ho is brilliant as he has never been before. His Royal Hotness made spoon and bottled water the best weapon, yet. He managed to break my heart and revive it all over again with his action scenes! Lee Min Ho is proving to be the most versatile actor of his generation.

18. Heartstrings / You’ve Fallen For Me

Silence and music are beautifully woven in scenes that can make you feel nostalgic.. here you can experience how scenes are much better without words.. just a smile, just a stare,  just that sound of raindrops can bring you the feeling of comfort and the magic of love..

So if you are into stories of youth, watch this.. it is a melodrama but you can still simply seat back, relax and feel the love more than words can say..

BTW, Jung Yong Hwa is a sweetheart.. he surely made me crazy in love with him.. though Lee Shin can be a pabo (fool) sometime, but he really makes up for it since his love for Kyu Won is the sweetest thing to have in Kdramaland.. the immense chemistry of the Dooley Couple successfully brought to life how good a feeling is having to love for the first time..

Also, the OST is love! The songs are awesome! Even the mix of modern and traditional instruments is pleasant. Hear it for yourself.

19. Flower Boy Ramyun Shop

20. The Moon That Embraces The Sun