My Favorite Korean Dramas

my favorite drama of all time

The criminally underrated Miss Korea is a masterpiece of feminist storytelling. This 2014 show was unquestionably ahead of its time in its depiction of workplace sexual harassment, unsparing focus on the commercialization of femininity, and insistence that successfully meeting patriarchal beauty standards requires wealth and labor. It also contains one of the most authentically messy romances I've seen, with two (gorgeous!) lead characters whose feelings for each other are complicated by their own ugly flaws: greed, selfishness, & class prejudice. We also get a glimpse into a rarely-seen part of Korea's recent history -- the IMF crisis and the beginnings of the Korean beauty phenomenon.

my favorite mystery/thriller drama 

the only drama I've loved without a significant female character 

this drama also made me think in new ways about how righteousness is portrayed differently around the world, depending on an area's religious history and traditions

my favorite historical

my favorite melodrama

my favorite fantasy romance 

ferocious women intent on murder are a big part of my brand

my favorite contemporary romance

this drama made me think in new ways about how age (like gender) exists as a performance or social construct

my favorite workplace romantic comedy

one of the sweetest romantic comedies, as well as a refreshing take on the intersection of class and wealth

my 2nd favorite workplace romantic comedy

one of the healthiest relationships I've ever seen in a drama, as well as an incisive commentary on how society polices women's personal interests

my favorite high school drama

empathetic storytelling at its best

my favorite university drama

very subversive meta commentary on the behavior of cold male leads in romances as well

my favorite drama from the social realism subgenre 

also my favorite older woman/younger man drama 

the most original Korean drama I've seen

my 1st drama, so it's a genuine life changer for me

the 1st mystery/thriller that I loved

the 1st melodrama that made me weep

the 1st romantic comedy that made me laugh out loud (and cry!)

the 1st drama that kept me riveted from start to finish