Drama List

Here's a list of Korean dramas to watch after binge-watching Squid Game.

Thanks to the phenomenal global popularity of Squid Game, the vast ocean of Korean drama (also known as "K-dramas") is being explored by the Western world more than ever before.

Even before the advent of the cruel yet enthralling survival show on Netflix, Korean television and movies have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with a deluge of programming coming on streaming sites. With so many possibilities, where do you even begin? To help you navigate the world of K-dramas, use our binge-watching guide...

Romance:

I'm Coming Down Hard on You (2019-2020)

Because it was so popular when it initially came out, with over 1.75 billion views, you've probably seen it on Netflix's main page. Yoon Se-ri, a successful South Korean entrepreneur, crashes her paraglider into North Korea, but army captain Ri Jeong-hyeok saves her. In a classic tale of opposites attracting, the show follows the two as they try to return Se-ri to South Korea. With its capacity to shine in both difficult melodramatic sequences and hilarious relief, there's a reason why the series has become such a worldwide hit.

The series follows Moon Gang-tae, a loyal crazy ward attendant, and Ko Moon-young, a secretive and aloof children's writer, in another strange relationship. The key character of the series is Sang-tae, Gang-older tae's autistic brother. The show covers taboo topics in Korea, such as mental illness stigma and how society treats persons with impairments. Set in a coastal community far from Seoul's busy streets, the series also explores the countryside and its more traditional population, revealing a distinct side of Korea.

Horror:

The monarchy (2019 - Present)

Kingdom is a fresh take on the weary zombie genre, following crown prince Lee Chang as he investigates a terrible virus sweeping his kingdom. As he travels around a fictionalized version of Korea, he meets new allies from all walks of life, all while fighting with powerful opponents that want to see him fail - all while dealing with bone-chilling zombie enemies. With a wonderful cast and fantastic production value, the series is a joy to watch; and there is much to enjoy, with two series and a recently released prequel film.

Home is where the heart is (2020)

After living into a run-down flat block following the murder of his family, Cha Hyun-life takes another dramatic turn for the worst when he sees his neighbor transform into a deformed monster. The entire structure is quickly transformed into a hellscape populated by terrifying duplicates of the building's people, while those who haven't turned strive desperately to evacuate. The story starts out terrifying, but as the survivors learn to fight back, it gradually becomes more action-oriented. While the series' future is uncertain due to Netflix's failure to announce a second season, it is a must-see for every horror movie fan.

Crime and Punishment:

The Message (2016)

Signal isn't your average police drama. A bizarre walkie-talkie that allows connection with the past, a criminal profiler troubled by an unsolved case from his boyhood, and a 1980s hard-boiled detective are the driving forces behind this intriguing series. Despite the fact that Signal is a work of fiction, many of the crimes it investigates are based on true events, giving it a more authentic feel.