2022 is such a good year for K-dramas in the PH. Whether it's a zombie thriller, a webtoon-based rom-com, or a heartwarming legal series, Korean shows have received so much love from Pinoy fans—and it's evident in the number of searches on Google! You might be wondering which of your faves made it to the top-searched list and so...
Here are the 10 most Googled K-dramas of 2022 in the Philippines:
10. Happiness
Who's in it: Park Hyung Sik, Han Hyo Joo, Jo Woo Jin
Where you can watch it: Netflix, Viu
This apocalyptic thriller will have you on the edge of your seat as it makes you think about the ~real monsters~ in the world. What's even more memorable are the lead characters who have that kind of relationship where there's not a lot of kissing or hugging involved but the kilig is *real.* A year after and they're still trending on the internet (Yi Hyun and Sae Bom forever)!
9. Shooting Stars
Who's in it: Lee Sung Kyung, Kim Young Dae, Yoon Jong Hoon, Kim Yoon Hye, CNBLUE's Lee Jung Shin
Where you can watch it: Netflix, Viu
If you're working in the entertainment industry, you'll SURELY relate to this series. Shooting Stars puts the spotlight on those who look after celebrities—think of people who are in public relations (PR), broadcasting, and management. Their jobs might look fancy but behind all the glitz and glamour are the sacrifices that are needed to ensure an artist's thriving career.
8. Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area
Who's in it: Yoo Ji Tae, Park Hae Soo, Jeon Jong Seo, Lee Hyun Woo, Kim Ji Hoon, Jang Yoon Joo
Where you can watch it: Netflix
The Korean remake of the Spanish series Money Heist is set in 2025 and it follows a group of anonymous robbers who came from different backgrounds. With the plan to pull off a heist at the Mint (a.k.a where the currency is printed), Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area shows the tension between the North and South and has the idea of a unified Korea in mind. If the first season feels ~bitin~, we're happy to report that you can now watch the sequel on Netflix!
7. Our Beloved Summer
Who's in it: Choi Woo Shik, Kim Da Mi, Kim Sung Cheol, Noh Jung Ui
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Our Beloved Summer is *that* K-drama with characters that are so relatable, you can see yourself in them. More than its plot about a high school couple who broke up and got reunited when their documentary went viral, it also shows how everyone is struggling differently and we all find ways to survive. Pair that with an equally comforting OST and you have a remarkable show that will instantly become your fave.
6. Big Mouth
Who's in it: Lee Jong Suk, Girls' Generation's Yoona
Where you can watch it: Disney+
For his most-awaited comeback on the small screen, Lee Jong Suk made sure it's a project that K-drama fans will love. Big Mouth tells the story of a lawyer named Park Chang Ho and how he became a genius con artist after getting involved in a murder case. Now known as "Big Mouse," Chang Ho must reveal a shocking conspiracy related to the elite in order to protect his family.
5. Twenty Five, Twenty One
Who's in it: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk, WJSN's Bona, Choi Hyun Wook
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Although the ending received mixed reviews, Twenty Five, Twenty One urged its viewers to express all their ~*feels*~ on social media. The coming-of-age K-drama (with scenes that are mostly set in 1998) highlights the different areas in life—family, friends, romance, and career—with aspiring fencer Na Hee Do and university student Baek Yi Jin as the main characters.
4. Alchemy Of Souls
Who's in it: Jung So Min, Go Yoon Jung, Lee Jae Wook, Hwang Minhyun, Shin Seung Ho, Yoo In Soo
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Alchemy Of Souls is penned by the same writers who created cult faves like Hotel Del Luna and My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho. A well-loved fantasy K-drama among Hallyu fans, the show has the fictional land of Daeho as its backdrop and it revolves around young mages whose souls were swapped due to magic. Season one ended in August this year with 20 episodes, while season two is currently ongoing and will run for 10 eps.
3. Business Proposal
Who's in it: Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Sejeong, Kim Min Kyu, Seol In Ah
Where you can watch it: Netflix
TBH, we miss K-dramas that are chock full of classic tropes and clichés. Good thing Business Proposal was released this year! *cues "Love Maybe" by MeloMance* Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, the rom-com starts with senior researcher Shin Ha Ri who disguised as her friend and went on a blind date with a guy. Little did she know that he's actually the CEO of her company! If that's not surprising for you, here's the catch: Her sajangnim has a ~proposal~ for her that might change her life.
2. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Who's in it: Park Eun Bin, Kang Tae Oh, Kang Ki Young, Ha Yoon Kyung
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is centered on Woo Young Woo, a rookie lawyer with Asperger's Syndrome who works at a top law firm. The K-drama was so popular that there was never a day when a video clip of "Woo to the Young to the Woo, Dong to the Geu to the Ra Mi!" was not part of our social media feed. We will always remember the legal series for delivering such insightful messages—from raising awareness on autism and shedding light on LGBT rights, among others.
1. All Of Us Are Dead
Who's in it: Park Ji Hu, Yoon Chan Young, Cho Yi Hyun, Park Solomon, Lee Yoo Mi, Yoo In Soo
Where you can watch it: Netflix
There's no doubt about it: All of us were curious about this zombie thriller! With the number of years spent creating this masterpiece + the effort made by the production team to make it come to life, All Of Us Are Dead had everyone searching about the series' plot, cast members, and most unforgettable scenes on Google. The Netflix Original K-drama also had many feats this year, which includes topping the streaming services' charts for months. Aaaaand ICYMI, a sequel is already confirmed! Repeat after me: Buhayin si Cheong San.
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