✩ kdrama challenge 2025

Challenge #02. Wheel of Chance: Korean Culture Highlight (Throws Salt)

Completed: June 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ tba ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Challenge #03. Wheel of Chance: Food Scenes (Drying food outside) — Fish, Meju, Squid...

Completed: March 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ tba ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Challenge #04. Wheel of Chance: Common Scenes (Yells "바다"! (bada/sea) at the ocean) 

Completed: June 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ tba ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Challenge #06. Wheel of Chance: Medical Emergency (Rips out their IV line) 

Completed: January 2025

Favorite OST: See The Light - Lim Hyunsik

Quote: ❝ Listen carefully, 406. I will never give you what you want. ❞  

Thoughts: From the start, this drama captivated me with its unique story. Though, the use of familiar makjang tropes made some moments look extremely absurd, the story was so engaging that I couldn’t stop watching. The highlight was the chemistry between the leads, their interactions ranged from intense and heartwarming moments, to even steamy tension that was visible through many different facial and body expressions. Even their romantic journey was captivating and charming, evolving naturally from hostility to mutual respect and love. And, their childhood flashbacks and complex family dynamics, added an extra layer of depth to their emotional connection. The supporting characters were also fantastic, especially the antagonists, with some easy to predict, while others allowed for some guessing and many thrilling moments. On the other hand, the secondary leads never took the spotlight, but still contributed with light and sweet moments that contrasted well with the lead’s intense dynamics. Finally, this was a great production, with beautiful cinematography and a soundtrack that fitted the mood perfectly. Overall, despite some flaws and unreasonable actions toward the end, I found this drama to be an exhilarating ride and one that I plan to revisit in the future. 

Challenge #07. Broadcast on one of Korea's terrestrial big 3 stations  (KBS2)

Completed: March 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ You need to talk about your dreams in order for them to come true. ❞  

Thoughts: tba...

Recommended: Sian

Challenge #10. Features a mentor-mentee relationship

Completed: May 2025

Favorite OST: When The Day Comes - TXT

Quote: ❝ Always ask if you don’t know something and check things that are unclear. ❞  

Thoughts: tba...

Challenge #11. Where a character has a pet — dog named Maru

Completed: February 2025

Favorite OST: Looking For My Life - Noel

Quote: ❝ If we worry about death everyday, that's barely living. ❞  

Thoughts: What a mind-blowing drama! I went in knowing little about the story, just a quick glance at the synopsis, and that turned out to be the best approach. From the start, the mystery had me on the edge. There were just enough clues to piece things together, but every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist changed everything, making me question what was real and what was a lie. I kept wondering why these people were chosen, who was behind it all, and why they were dying. Everyone seemed suspicious, but as new information came to light, I could understood their motives. This was something that truly stood out to me, these were really well-developed characters, they were interest and complex, each had their their own struggles and desires. The growing bond between certain characters made the story even more intriguing. Their friendships felt so genuine, which only added to the tension. Then we had the first big reveal about the killer. The writer had been playing mind games all along, so this twist didn’t feel as satisfying as I had hoped. Luckily, the mystery didn’t end there, and the final pieces fit perfectly into the story, making this such thrilling ride. However, as much as I enjoyed this journey, I can’t ignore the inconsistencies. Some plot points didn’t quite add up, especially the explanations about previous resets and how it all started. Still, for a short 12-episode thriller, this brilliantly explored the idea of rewriting fate. 

Challenge #12. Where changes in time are visible

Completed: March 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ Some go up mountains to live, and some go up to die. ❞  

Thoughts: For once in a drama about emergency services, the focus is on teamwork and communication rather than hierarchy-driven conflicts and workplace tension. These characters recognize that their real enemy isn’t their colleagues, but the forces of nature. They understand that while nature provides them the best in life, it can also take it away in an instant if not treated with caution. So in order to survive and help others, their teamwork, communication, and training are exceptional, making this drama stand out among others with similar settings. However, to show that not all emergencies are caused by nature, the story introduces different types of visitors. Some climbed the mountain with good intentions and found themselves in dangerous situations, while others exploited it for illegal activities and even to hide their atrocious crimes. This is where the story takes a thrilling turn. Beneath the breathtaking views of Jirisan, a series of seemingly accidental deaths are discovered to be premeditated and connected murders. This mystery perfectly unfolds across two years with intriguing fantasy elements that reminded me of the communications in Signal, which isn't surprising given both were written by the same screenwriter. Despite this slight similarity, the breathtaking setting of Jirisan, combined with an intriguing mystery and compelling characters, makes the story fresh and unique. My only minor issues were with the CGI in some natural disaster scenes, which felt unnatural, and with the serial killer plot. While it was intriguing, I expected a bit more thrill in the final reveal. Still, I really enjoyed this drama, the breathtaking setting along with the beautiful OST made this story unforgettable.

Recommended: Wei

Challenge #16. Featuring a character wearing a nondescript black cap

Completed: March 2025

Favorite OST: Eternal Love - Michael Learns To Rock 

Quote: ❝ The question has to be clear, in order for the answer to be clear. ❞  

Thoughts: While this drama is praised for its romance and action, what stood out to me was the historical backdrop and the realistic portrayal of freedom of the press. The flashbacks offered a glimpse into a time when people were fighting for democracy and free speech. In contrast, the present day shows that while those battles were won, deep-rooted values and business interests still hinder journalists from informing the public. Leading this fight for justice are our fearless leads, each playing a crucial role, Healer quietly gathers information in the shadows, Young Shin with her warmth and determination relentlessly seeks the truth, and Kim Moon Ho uses his influence to share it. Together, with a group of honorable people, they form a courageous team determined to expose a system that protects the powerful and silences the truth. On the other hand, the antagonists are driven by selfish ambitions, manipulating the media and law enforcement to maintain their power. While I found their motives interesting, they were also predictable. However, Kim Moon Shik stands as one of the most complex antagonists. Unlike others, his motives were a blend of selfish love, ambition, and tragic vulnerability. I felt sorry for how his life turned out and wondered if things had been different, would he have been a different person. Even his downfall felt tragic, yet it was a fitting end to the path he chose. Overall, despite having some minors issues with the lack of sound in parkour scenes and the large number of characters introduced early on, I really enjoyed this drama and how it reminds us that the fight for justice and freedom of speech never ends.

Recommended: Wei & Miwiargh

Challenge #17. Features two characters wearing matching items 

Completed: March 2025

Favorite OST: Connect - RIOT KIDZ 

Quote: ❝ Instead of worrying about other people think, I'll do what truly makes me happy.  ❞  

Thoughts: This is a perfect drama for when you're in the mood for something simple and sweet. It’s a light romcom with a straightforward story. The biggest twist is that the chaebol male lead, who usually has a polished image, secretly loves things most adults consider "childish." The female lead is his opposite. They are both workaholics, but she has no interests outside of excelling at her job. Their romance is fun and well-paced. It starts with bickering, but quickly turns into mutual respect and love. There is a past connection, but for once, it’s not a childhood link, and it actually makes sense. As expected in kdramas, they go through a breakup, but like Love Scout, their misunderstandings are quickly resolved, which I find to be a perk of these new shorter formats. That said, not everything was great. The grandmother’s storyline felt rushed and should have had more depth. The resolution made sense, and the grandson’s growth as he finally freed himself from his emotional “prison” was satisfying, but from her perspective, her change lacked emotional depth. I also wasn’t a big fan of the secondary couple. They supported the leads well, but their romance lacked spark. I think this was mostly because the secondary male lead was annoyingly bland, while the female lead was far more captivating. Despite its flaws, I really enjoyed this drama. The leads were perfectly cast, they had great chemistry, and even added a special spark to their characters. Plus, I loved those rock-punk OST tracks.

Challenge #19. Stars a lead actor with a stage name — Ji Sung

Completed: July 2025

Favorite OST: Auditory Hallucination - Jang Jai In & NaShow

Quote: ❝ No one is here to live your life for you.  ❞  

Thoughts: 

Challenge #19. OST by a K-pop group member 

Completed: February 2025

Favorite OST: Surfing in the Moonlight - TXT

Quote: ❝ Do movies reflect life? Or does life resembles movies?  ❞  

Thoughts: What a beautiful drama! It was relatable, heartfelt, and absolutely perfect. The story follows young adults navigating love, dreams, and past emotional scars. The slow-burn pacing never felt tedious and allowed the characters to grow naturally. The chemistry between the characters was undeniable, both main and secondary couples delivered heartfelt performances that made their relationships feel deeply emotional and real. Their interactions were filled with unspoken emotions, and while that can be frustrating at times, it stayed true to the intensity of young love. To keep the emotions balanced and not too overwhelming, the story moved smoothly between the lead couple’s heartwarming romance and the second couple’s painful past, giving both the depth and space they needed to grow. While both romances were the main focus, this story also explored friendships, family bonds, growth, and grief. The male lead’s bond with his older brother was both beautiful and heartbreaking, shaping the story and his outlook on life, while other friendships offered warmth and humor, creating a perfect balance between the drama’s heavier moments. Finally, the cinematography and soundtrack were stunning, when combine with the script, it created a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere that pulled me in instantly. Not for a moment I was bored, I enjoyed this so much, that I might watch it again very soon.

Challenge #20. Features a main characters who is a celebrity — Yeo Ha Jin, Actress

Completed: January 2025

Favorite OST: Here We Are - Jooyoung

Quote: ❝ I just want to live simply counting up to about five or six. ❞  

Thoughts: This drama captivated me with its heartwarming romance and breathtaking scenery. The leads, with their contrasting personalities, complemented each other perfectly. Their unlikely relationship unfolded gradually as they supported each other in overcoming the attacks and past traumas caused by several obsessive individuals. Through this difficult time, their bond blossomed into something so beautiful and adorable. While this was at times too convenient, it was also surprisingly realistic, which added a lot depth to the story and transformed it into a sweet melo-romance with a dash of intriguing mystery elements. The supporting characters were also essential to drive the plot forward and offer some needed emotional support to the leads. The added bonus was a cute romance between two of their friends. On the other hand, the antagonists, especially the obsessive stalker, brought enough tension and conflict to the story, even making me feel uneasy whenever he pretended to be a "good person". That said, the biggest flaw of this drama was its length. Once the main mystery was resolved, the extra conflicts to stretch it to 16 episodes were unnecessary. Still, I appreciated how the ending managed to tie all the loose ends, and delivered an incredible story with such strong performances and stunning visuals. For me, it was the perfect lighthearted melodrama, with a good dose of romance, comedy and mystery. 

Recommended: Miwiargh

Challenge #21. Features a sibling relationship 

Completed: June 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ True lonely people are the ones who can’t even say they’re lonely.  ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Challenge #22. Features a main character with a part-time job — Nam Soo Hyun (multiple)

Completed: May 2025

Favorite OST: Bom Bom Bom - Punch 

Quote: ❝ The world doesn't want to see what youth really looks like. ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Challenge #23. Features a character preparing or taking an exam — High School Exam

Completed: March 2025

Favorite OST: A-YO - Lucy

Quote: ❝ You think and worry about something in the future that hasn't even happened yet. ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Challenge #25. Features a traditional market —

Completed: April 2025

Favorite OST: Closer - Sugarbowl

Quote: ❝ What changes a man isn't the world. What changes a man is the girl he loves. ❞  

Thoughts: This drama was such a pleasant surprise. The story follows the love lives of four guys (three brothers and their uncle) between the ages of 9 and 39, each dealing with different personal or professional struggles. The boys don’t think much of it, but their mother is convinced they’re all affected by the curse of the nines, a Korean superstition that says ages ending in nine bring bad luck. At first, I thought the story would focus heavily on that, but it stayed down-to-earth and relatable. Even though the superstition remained an important part of the story, for the most part, it was used as a comedic element or as a way to reflect on how people tend to search for deeper meaning during difficult times in their lives. The real focus of this story was the growth journey of these boys. Throughout the episodes, we see them face their own personal challenges, learn from their past mistakes, and become better people, all without letting an old superstition control their lives. That said, what really made me love this drama was its message about resilience and personal growth, reminding us that at every age, life presents new obstacles, but we can overcome anything if we’re willing to try. Plus, I loved all the indie music they used as background music. It gave the whole drama an extra cozy and heartwarming vibe, especially that adorable Standing Egg appearance.

Recommended: Sian & LcLou

Challenge #26. Calls someone by their professional title — "대표님" (Daepyonim / CEO)

Completed: February 2025

Favorite OST: Test Me - Paul Blanco

Quote: ❝ It’s just work. No need to be symbolic. ❞  

Thoughts: This romance felt like something out of a fantasy, it was written to sweep female viewers off their feet, but that didn’t stop me from being completely enchanted. The leads' undeniable chemistry was built on sweet and meaningful gestures rather than steamy tension, which made their relationship feel more mature. Flipping typical gender roles also added an extra layer of charm, showing that women can be confident and successful in their careers, while men are also capable of being charming, yet caring and loving fathers. Their contrasting personalities perfectly complemented each other. The supporting cast also added some charm and humour to the story. Their strong friendships made this story more enjoyable, though the romance between the second leads felt unnecessary. While they had great chemistry as friends, they had zero romantic chemistry. Still, I loved most relationships, my favourite being the beautiful bond between the female lead and the male lead’s daughter. However, this story wasn’t as perfect as many claimed. While the core romance was beautifully written, the conflict with the rival company and the connection between the female lead and the antagonist felt underwhelming. I’m unsure if this was due to the 12-episode format or a writing choice, but this and other subplots felt rushed and unsatisfying. On the bright side, the pacing for the main plot was perfect, the performances were all amazing, and the direction was spot-on. Plus, the OST was amazing and added much depth to every scene. Overall, this drama was a refreshing experience! 

Challenge #30. Features a character that is a part of the LGBTQ 

Completed: May 2025

Favorite OST: Family - Bumkey

Quote: ❝ Because we're family, there are some memories we can't just brush off like dust. ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Recommended: Wei

Challenge #31. Aired before 2010

Completed: May 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ I tried getting rid of my feelings, but I couldn’t. So let’s go, as far as we can go. ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Recommended: Wei

Challenge #32. Aired in the 2010s 

Completed: May 2025

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ tba ❞  

Thoughts: tba

Recommended: Sian

Challenge #36. Featuring a Truck of Doom™

Completed: January 2025 (Season 1) & April 2025 (Season 2 & 3)

Favorite OST: tba

Quote: ❝ In life, you will run into more people you don’t get along with than the ones you do.❞  

Thoughts: Since I watched all three seasons without having to wait years between releases, I was able to enjoy it as one continuous story rather than viewing them as separate seasons. This turned out to be the best approach, since some of the issues I had with season 1 were later resolved, but I also found other issues. What stood out the most to me over the seasons was Kim Sa Bu’s growth as a mentor. He started off as a hot-tempered teacher who often yelled and criticized his students harshly, but over the seasons, he became more thoughtful and patient with them, even taking more of a fatherly role than just mentor. Another thing that stood out and actually surprised me, was how the antagonist remained the same across the seasons. Though, his presence wasn’t as prominent in these seasons as in season 1, I still found it strangely entertaining to see a villain who never gives up and will likely keep coming back with new ridiculous schemes to bring down Doldam Hospital and Kim Sa Bu. His persistence, even though absurd, became one of the story’s most interesting dynamics I've seen in a villain. My only complaint is how season 3 was structured. The first 12 episodes focused too much on another villain, that initially made sense to help the individual growth of a few characters, but quickly felt like it dragged for longer than necessary. The story should have focused on showing how they secured the funds for the Trauma Center, and luckily, the final 4 episodes did just that, and now I’m excited for the next season. Well, as long as SBS manages to bring back all the mentees in lead roles and finishes this story with a bang. 

Recommended: LcLou & Miwiargh