Want to start watching K-dramas but don't know where to start? We got you covered!
With the maaaany titles to choose from, we understand that it can get a bit overwhelming, and maybe even a little intimidating for you.
Don't worry, though, 'cause we're here to help ease you in.
Since you're basically a beginner, you should start with the ~classics~ (aka dramas that aired from the 2000s to the early 2010s) to be able to understand and enjoy this new experience.
We asked Pinays via Cosmo Mixers on what classic K-drama recos they could give, and these are their picks.
Here's a fair warning: K-dramas are incredibly addictive. (No regrets, lol.)
1. Princess Hours
Year aired: 2006
Starring: Yoon Eun Hye, Ju Ji Hoon, Kim Jeong Hoon, Song Ji Hyo
Ask any hardcore K-drama fan what their first K-drama was and 99.9 percent of the time they'd answer Princess Hours. You'd either swoon over Prince Gian or fall victim to the charms of second lead Kim Jeong Hoon.
2. Secret Garden
Year aired: 2010 to 2011
Starring: Ha Ji Won, Hyun Bin
Honestly, who can ever forget the iconic ~milk on the upper lip~ scene? Who didn't squeal in delight when Kim Joo Won did a sit up and stole a kiss from Ra Im? And not to mention all the body-switching fun! Please, do yourself a favor and watch this classic.
3. Full House
Year aired: 2004
Starring: Song Hye Kyo, Rain
You can never go wrong with a drama starring Song Hye Kyo and Rain! Jesse and Justin stole the hearts of many Filipino fans and you can say that Full House was one of the first K-dramas to made a mark in Philippine TV history.
4. Boys Over Flowers
Year aired: 2009
Starring: Lee Min Ho, Ku Hye Sun, Kim Hyun Joong
We're going to be honest with you: There's really nothing like the love story of F4 bad boy Gu Jun Pyo and his feisty schoolmate Geum Jan Di. Yup, Boys Over Flowers is the Korean remake of the mega-hit Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden. We won't spill too many deets 'cause we think it's better if you experience this one on your own!
5. Lovers In Paris
Year aired: 2004
Starring: Kim Jung Eun, Park Shin Yang, Lee Dong Gun
Who can forget all the restaurant parody names that sprung from Lovers In Paris? But seriously, nothing beats this drama of two people who naturally fall in love in spite of being forcefully torn apart by others.
6. City Hunter
Year aired: 2011
Starring: Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young, Lee Joon Hyuk, Hwang Sun Hee
Let's take a break from light romances, shall we? If you're looking for something a little more intense, try out City Hunter. It's full of action, government secrets, and even romance. There's no doubt that Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young will keep you on edge the whole time!
7. Stairway To Heaven
Year aired: 2003
Starring: Kwon Sang Woo, Choi Ji Woo, Shin Hyeon Jun, Kim Tae Hee
Who doesn't love the plot twist of the lead character suffering amnesia? And take note, was before the amnesia plotline became an unbearable cliché in almost every drama. They did it so beautifully that you're definitely going to end up in tears.
8. Jewel In The Palace
Year aired: 2003 to 2004
Starring: Lee Young Ae, Ji Jin Hee, Hong Ri Na, Lim Ho
Who says women sat back and watched as men built a male-dominated social structure? This K-drama is set during the Joseon Dynasty and revolves around Seo Jang Geum who fought against social discrimination to become the first female supreme royal physician.
9. Coffee Prince
Year aired: 2007
Starring: Gong Yoo, Yoon Eun Hye
Before Gong Yoo became Kim Shin, the great and lonely god in Goblin, he was Choi Han Gyul, the coffee prince who refused to be a part of the family business.
10. Winter Sonata
Year aired: 2002
Starring: Bae Yong Jun, Choi Ji Woo, Park Yong Hwa, Park Sol Mi
Another staple in the K-drama beginners list, Winter Sonata became so popular that up to this day tourists flock Nami Island in South Korea to reenact the famous first kiss in the drama.
11. Rooftop Prince
Year aired: 2012
Starring: Park Yoo Chun, Han Ji Min, Lee Tae Ri, Choi Woo Sik, Jung Suk Won
If you feel like you're not ready for historical dramas (known as sageuks), but have been wanting to dive into it, you can give Rooftop Prince a try! It's a romantic comedy that's mixed with the drama of a sageuk.
12. Dream High
Year aired: 2011
Starring: Kim Soo Hyun, Bae Suzy, Taecyeon, Ham Eun Jung, Woo Young, IU
K-pop fan or not, Dream High is a must-watch. Not only will you be serenaded by the actors' voices (some of whom are actual K-pop idols), but you'll also get a look into the competitive school system as the characters strive to graduate from Kirin High School Of Art and become superstars.
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