By: Queenie Resmundo
Popular streaming service Netflix has been producing Asian movies or series alongside western flicks. It’s a pretty smart move to attract wider audience especially K-drama fans.
Some of the most popular Netflix-produced K-dramas are Crash Landing On You, Itaewon Class, Kingdom, and the on-going The King: Eternal Monarch. If you are a beginner or an avid fan who’d like to watch other quality K-dramas created by Netflix, here’s our High Five suggestion:
Love Alarm
Photo from Netflix.
If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy but short K-drama series, Love Alarm is a great option. Love Alarm is an eight-episode Netflix original series starred by Kim So-Hyun, Song Kang, and Jung Ga-Ram. It originated from the popular webtoon of the same title.
The story revolves around the popular mobile app called “Love Alarm” which allows people to receive an “alarm” whenever someone within a 10-meter radius has feelings for them. The twist, however, is that, childhood friends Hwang Sun-Oh (Song Kang) and Lee Hye-Yeong (Jung Ga-Ram) happen to like the ring the alarm of the same girl, Kim Jo-Jo (Kim So-Hyun).
Note that this is only the first season of Love Alarm, and the second one is set to be released in August 2020. So expect that this ends with a cliffhanger.
Vagabond
Photo from Sony Pictures Television and Celltrion Entertainment.
“Vagabond” is an action-packed and espionage-theme K-drama starring Lee Seung-Gi and Bae Suzy. The high-rated Netflix series depicts the story about Cha Dal-Geon (Lee Seung-Gi), a stuntman who got involved in a tragic airplane crash and ends up discovering its connection to a national corruption scandal in the process.
“I’m completely drawn into this drama! There’s nonstop action, great acting, and exciting plot twists. I can’t say it’s the best drama ever, because many scenes are so far-fetched, but I still greatly enjoy it,” said Anna on her Google review.
This may be your typical action drama, but every episode leaves viewers wanting for more, not to mention the tension buildup as the story progresses.
Arthdal Chronicles
Photo from K-Drama Pal.
Arthdal Chronicles offers a fresh and unique theme for your K-drama list. The 18-episode drama is Korea’s first ancient times fantasy series, starred by top actors Song Joong-Ki and actress Kim Ji-Won.
Divided in three parts, Arthdal Chronicles focuses on the story set in mythical land of Arth. The kingdom is reigned by leaders of tribes, who mutually contend with power struggles. Eunseom (Song Joong-Ki) is an Igutu (half human, half Neanthal) and was born with the destiny of bringing destruction to Arthdal. Because his mother fought to save him, he goes hardships as he grows up. Years later he returns to Arthdal to fulfill his destiny.
This series boasted a big budget, enabling its beautiful cinematography that enhances the magical world of Arthdal.
Hi Bye, Mama!
Photo from Hello Kpop.
“This K-drama leaves a subtle feeling to the viewers—peace. It teaches us with so many life lessons and that is to be thankful for every circumstance we encounter and to see every obstacle as a lesson,” shared Krystin, a K-drama fan.
After years of being hiatus on screen, actress Kim Tae-Hee returned with this tear-jerking Netflix K-drama.
Hi Bye, Mama! tells the story of a Cha Yu-Ri (Kim Tae-Hee) who died in a tragic accident five years ago and refuses to be reincarnated to look after her daughter and family members. She is then given the chance to become human again and reconnect with her family for 49 days – however, her husband is now remarried.
Make sure to have a tissue box on the side while binge-watching this!
When the Camellia Blooms
Photo from SBS.
When the Camellia Blooms is another Netflix original K-dramas that earned recognition from its viewers.
Single mom Dong Baek (Gong Hyo-Jin) settles to a new town with her son. She puts up a bar that becomes popular with its delicious food and Dong Baek’s innate beauty. However, with this favorable situation, she turns out to be a target of envy of other women in the neighborhood. Until Hwang Yong-Sik (Kang Ha-Neul) appears and falls in love at first sight to Dong Baek.
According to Rina, a fan of the When the Camellia Blooms, the drama is highly recommended as it breaks all stereotypes revolving around single mothers as well as the reality of life.
“I can’t even count the countless of time I cried and laugh along with this drama. The struggle of raising a child as a single mother who has nothing, but her son is clearly portrayed perfectly. And the perseverance of the male lead really had me gushing how perfect the lead’s relationship is,” she added.
What’s your favorite Netflix K-drama series? Comment below!