When life gets hard, we love ending the day by watching a good K-drama! But while we enjoy dramas that take us to other worlds and help us escape our everyday problems, we sometimes want something more realistic—proof that others have it tough, too, and are able to get past their suffering.
This list of K-dramas on Netflix, Viu, and iQIYI will make you laugh and cry, and recall memories from your younger years (or a normal day at the office). Which one is your favorite?
1. Misaeng (2014)
Who’s in it: Im Si Wan, Lee Sung Min, Kang So Ra, Kang Ha Neul, Kim Dae Myung, Byun Yo Han
Where to watch it: Netflix, iQiyi
Misaeng tells the story of Jang Geu Rae (Si Wan), a new intern at a trading company. All these years, he’s only known how to play baduk (Go), so he’s in for a tough work life filled with gossip and drama. But Geu Rae is a hard worker, so he doesn’t give up. The story also follows the lives of other company workers like Geu Rae’s fellow newbies, so we get a window into other workplace issues like gender discrimination. This drama is so realistic that it’s painful, so you might find yourself wanting to pace your ep viewing.
2. Reply 1988 (2015)
Who’s in it: Lee Hyeri, Park Bo Gum, Ryu Jun Yeol, Go Kyung Pyo, Lee Dong Hwi
Where to watch it: Netflix, Viu, iQiyi
There’s nothing more satisfying than watching the hilarious and all too real 1988 gang deal with growing up and appreciating their timeless friendship. The five friends deal with different types of hardship like not having a dream for the future, being pressured to be perfect, and feeling neglected by parents. They deal with the perks and perils of romance, too, of course (are you Team Taek or Team Jung Hwan?). The other Reply series are worthy slice-of-life tales as well, so make sure to check out Reply 1997 and Reply 1994.
3. Hello, My Twenties (2016)
Who’s in it: Han Ye Ri, Han Seung Yeon, Park Eun Bin, Ryu Hwa Young, Park Hye Su, Ji Woo, Choi Ara
Where to watch it: Netflix
This charming series has two seasons and follows a group of young women living in the same sharehouse as they navigate their 20s. They go through all sorts of things like handling crushes and abusive boyfriends, fighting friends, and starting their work lives. At times sweet and at times heartbreaking, the drama will make you see yourself in the girls and reminisce your own firsts.
4. Because This Is My First Life (2017)
Who’s in it: Jung So Min, Lee Min Ki
Where to watch it: Viu, iQiyi
The premise might sound like your normal rom-com trope—a man and a woman accidentally living together and deciding to have a contract marriage—but its tone and treatment of life and relationships is very realistic. Se Hee (Min Ki) and Ji Ho (So Min) are such an odd couple with different goals in life, and we get to see their personal struggles from dealing with a hopeless career to getting over relationship trauma. The show also follows two other couples and their own stories.
5. Live (2018)
Who’s in it: Jung Yu Mi, Lee Kwang Soo
Where to watch it: Netflix, iQiyi
This time, the spotlight shines on police officers and their daily plight. Their work is harrowing and stressful. These officers didn’t want to be police in the first place, but because of their circumstances in life, this was where they ended up. Taking center stage are Han Jung Oh (Yu Mi), a female officer who deals with misogyny every day, and Yeom Sang Soo (Kwang Soo), a male officer with really bad luck when it comes to cases.
6. My Mister (2018)
Who’s in it: IU, Lee Sun Kyun
Where to watch it: Netflix, iQiyi
This drama tackles heavy issues, but trust us when we say that watching it is worth it (this is also our fave drama starring solo artist IU!). It even won the Best Drama Award at the 55th Baeksang Awards. This haunting show revolves around Dong Hoon (Sun Kyun), a nice guy of the office, and Ji An (IU), a blunt office assistant just trying to survive life (FYI, this isn’t actually a romance). It’s a heart-wrenching tale of friendship, family, survival, and healing, one that will have you hooked from ep one.
7. Diary Of A Prosecutor (2019)
Who’s in it: Lee Sun Kyun, Jung Ryeo Won
Where to watch it: Viu
When we think of prosecutors in South Korea, we think of them solving (or aiding) corruption or chasing after serial killers. Diary Of A Prosecutor shows us the real deal: Prosecutors are exhausted and overworked just like other office workers. They handle a lot of paperwork, and they take plenty of mundane cases. The prosecutors of Jinyoung district are hilarious and relatable. We love them so much we wish this series had a second season!
8. Hospital Playlist (2020-2021)
Who’s in it: Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, Jeon Mi Do
Where to watch it: Netflix
From the same writer and director of the Reply series comes a tale of five doctors whose friendship has stood the test of time. Aside from being an awesome ode to friendship, the series also shows the daily hardships doctors and other medical personnel face. The patients’ stories will touch your heart, too. But don’t worry because there’s a lot of kilig-inducing romance and laughter here to balance out your tears.