Korean series

LIST: Classic K-Dramas to binge-watch on Netflix

Ysa Abad

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LIST: Classic K-Dramas to binge-watch on Netflix

LIST: Classic K-Dramas to binge-watch

Photos courtesy of Viki and IMDb

Whether you’re a K-drama newbie or a long-time fan, any of these classic series would be perfect for you!

Even Parasite made history by winning Best Picture at the 2020 Academy Awards, the popularity of Korean films and series has been growing steadily. For those who’ve been able to stay at home, diving into the vast universe of K-drama has been a means to cope during a pandemic.

There’s no denying that recent releases such as Hotel De Luna, Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class, Kingdom and True Beauty became instant favorites. Netflix’s lineup of upcoming South Korean film and series is looking good, too.

But with the news of Princess Hours having a remake 14 years after its 2006 release, it’s safe to say that even now-classic releases haven’t lost their charm. 

Whether you’re a K-drama newbie or a fan wanting to visit old classics, any of these decade-old series might be perfect for you! Don’t worry, they’re all available on Netflix right now.

Full House (2004)
Full House starring Rain and Song Hye Kyo
Photo courtesy of Viki

Considered one of the pioneers for the romantic comedy genre in K-dramas, Full House is about writer Han Ji-Eun (Song Hye Kyo) and actor Lee Young-Jae (Rain), who enter into a platonic but mutually beneficial marriage contract. We all know how this will end, but it’s the kilig-inducing love story of the two that’s a must-watch! 

Coffee Prince (2005)
Coffee Prince starring Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye
Photo from Viki

Without spoiling too much, this series falls under the classic falling-in-love-with-a-mistaken-identity trope. But even with all the clichés, the chemistry between Gong Yoo (known for Goblin) and Yoon Eun-hye (from Princess Hours) never fails. 

Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Boys Over Flowers starring Ku Hye Sun, Lee Min Ho, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum, and Kim Joon
Photo from Viki

K-drama fan or not, we’re pretty sure you know Boys Over Flowers. Aside from being Korea’s version of Taiwan’s Meteor Garden, it is also the project that catapulted Lee Min-ho into stardom. If you’re up for the usual high school drama, then go for it. 

Secret Garden (2010)
Secret Garden starring Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won
Photo from IMDB

Before he became “Captain Ri,” Hyun Bin was “Kim Joo Woon,” the arrogant and eccentric CEO who is in constant feud with stuntwoman Gil Ra Im, played by Ha Ji Won. Their bickering gets worse when they wake up in each other’s bodies. Yes, it might be familiar to some, as a Tagalized version of this was aired on GMA. 

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010)
My Girlfriend is a Gumiho starring Lee Seung Gi and Shin Min Ah
Photo from Viki

There’s just something about K-dramas and their creativity and execution for fantasy-themed series. Helping a nine-tailed fox navigate the human world might sound too whimsical, but the way Lee Seung-Gi and Shin Min-ah did it is so endearing, you can’t help but empathize with them all throughout the drama. 

Dream High (2011)
Dream High starring Bae Suzy, IU, Ham Eun Jung, Ok Taecyeon, Jang Woo Young and Kim Soo Hyun
Photo from Viki

Dream High follows the story of six students as their fulfill their dreams. Played by second generation idols Bae Suzy, IU, T-ara’s Ham Eun-jung, 2PM’s Ok Taecyeon, Jang Woo-young, and Kim Soo-yun,  rest assured that the singing, dancing and performing segments are top-notch. This coming-of-age drama is just full of music, teen romance, drama, and a glimpse into the sacrifices of being a K-pop idol. 

From rom-com, fantasy, drama, angst and coming-of-age themes, this list has pretty much what you need to start binge-watching classic K-dramas. And once you’re done with them, let us know which series would you’d like to see as a remake! – Rappler.com

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