So, you’ve finished the final season of Squid Game. How are you feeling after that bloody final round? Player 456 may have played his last game in the Front Man’s horror house of hijinks, but your journey into Korean dramas, or K-dramas, doesn’t have to end here. Whether Squid Game was your first taste of Korean screen content or you’re already a fan of other mega-hits like Parasite and Culinary Class Wars, welcome! You’re among friends eager to explore more.
The ‘Secret Sauce’ of Korean TV
Squid Game is part of Hallyu, the "Korean wave" of pop culture that encompasses music, screen content, literature, performing arts, and even food and cosmetics popularized on social media. But what has propelled Korean pop culture to such heights?
According to Jo Elfving-Hwang, director of Curtin University’s Korea Research and Engagement Center, the rise is partly serendipitous and partly due to government support for creative industries that began in the late 1990s. This backing laid the groundwork for South Korea’s current pop cultural dominance.
Elfving-Hwang describes the "secret sauce" of Korean TV as a blend of industry creativity and the international audience’s relatively lower awareness of Korean traditional culture compared to countries like Japan. This unique combination is evident in Squid Game, which effectively communicates themes of societal inequality and debt—issues that resonate universally.
As one of Netflix’s most-watched series, Squid Game exemplifies how Korean TV and movies have become the most-viewed non-US content on the platform, according to research by Ampere Analysis. Elfving-Hwang notes that Korea serves as a neutral ground where audiences can project their ideas about the country, making it both a real place and a fantasy land.
A Starter Kit for the K-Drama Curious
K-dramas are a treasure trove of genres, ranging from deeply romantic and melodramatic to fantastical and suspenseful. If you’re K-drama curious, here are some recommendations to help you dive deeper into this captivating world.
Action Thrillers
South Korea has produced numerous hit action thrillers, such as Oldboy, The Chaser, and Train to Busan. In K-drama form, these series have the space to develop complex narratives and are unafraid to blend genres, offering unexpected side stories and moments of comedy.
A Shop for Killers
In A Shop for Killers, loner orphan Jung Ji-an becomes the target of mercenaries after her guardian’s death. This action-packed series, based on the novel The Killer’s Shopping Mall, is filled with violent scenes but also explores Ji-an’s emotional journey as she uncovers her uncle’s past. The series is available on Disney+.
Mask Girl
Mask Girl is a wild cautionary tale about the consequences of impossible beauty standards. Kim Mo-mi, who dreams of becoming a K-pop star, leads a double life as ‘Mask Girl’, live-streaming her performances while hiding her true self. The series takes unexpected twists, leading to an intergenerational tale of revenge. You can find Mask Girl on Netflix.
Rich People Problems
The term chaebol refers to the ultra-wealthy conglomerate families that dominate South Korea’s economy. Their immense wealth and influence, along with the corruption and infighting that sometimes accompany it, provide rich material for K-drama storylines.
Crash Landing on You
In this hit series, prominent chaebol businesswoman Yoon Se-ri falls for North Korean army captain Ri Jeong-hyeok after accidentally paragliding into enemy territory. The chemistry between the leads made Crash Landing on You a smash hit, and its secondary storyline involving family feuds adds depth. Available on Netflix, this series is a must-watch.
Queen of Tears
Queen of Tears follows the tumultuous journey of a glamorous department store boss and her corporate lawyer husband. Their seemingly perfect life is marred by personal and professional challenges, leading to a rollercoaster of K-drama tropes, including corporate espionage and secret relationships. You can catch this series on Netflix.
Eternal Love
K-dramas often explore the concept of inyeon, or fate, which suggests that relationships are formed over many lifetimes. This theme is prevalent in many series, adding a layer of depth to romantic narratives.
Guardian – The Lonely and Great God
This award-winning series features Gong Yoo as General Kim Shin, a 939-year-old immortal goblin cursed to wander the earth until he finds his "goblin bride." The intertwining fates of Kim and his love interest Ji Eun-tak create a captivating narrative that explores love across lifetimes. Available on Rakuten Viki, this series is a fan favorite.
Tale of the Nine-Tailed
In Tale of the Nine-Tailed, Lee Dong Wook plays a gumiho, or nine-tailed fox, who searches for the reincarnation of his lost love. This series combines supernatural elements with a modern storyline, making it a unique addition to the K-drama landscape. You can watch it on Netflix and Rakuten Viki.
As you navigate the world of K-dramas, each series offers a unique blend of storytelling, cultural insights, and emotional depth. Whether you’re drawn to action thrillers, romantic tales, or stories of societal challenges, there’s a K-drama waiting for you to discover.
