Dramas 2011 – 2015

3 Days ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Park Yu Chun, Son Hyeon Ju & Park Ha Sun
Plot: Lee Dong Hwi is the President of South Korea. One night, three gunshots are heard in his house and he disappears. Han Tae Kyung is an elite presidential bodyguard. He’s missioned to find the President and to bring him back to the Blue House in 3 days. Tae Kyung starts a journey full of obstacles, dangers and secrets.

Review: Suspenseful, thrilling, action-packed are the perfect adjectives to qualify this drama. 3 Days is a drama full of breathtaking twists that will leave you panting at the edge of your seat. Written by the amazing Kim Eun Hee (to whom we owe Kingdom), the plot unravels at high speed and dark secrets are being revealed with perfect timing. My only criticism would be the end, as I felt the plot was getting out of breath. But all in all, this is a very good action drama that you should definitely add on your watch-list.

Adolescence Medley ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 4 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kwak Dong Yeon & Lee Se Young
Plot: Choi Jeong Wu is a high school student who constantly transfers schools due to his father’s job. One day, he joins a country school where he meets other students among whom Yang Ah Young. She is the shy class president.

Review: This KBS Drama Special is a nice school drama of only 4 episodes. Though the drama is short, it does its job well. It’s funny, cheerful and gives some Reply series vibe. A bit of nostalgia and a good depiction of friendships and relationships. On top of that, the cast has become quite famous now. So, it’s a good opportunity to see them at the beginning of their careers.

Akuryo Byoto ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2013 | Episode: 10 | Channel: TBS, MBS

Cast: Kaho, Eriko Moriwaki & Juria Kawakami
Plot: Runa Ogami has just started working as a nurse in an hospital located in the outskirts of town. Little by little, she realizes that strange phenomena are happening around her and endangering her life.

Review: For a horror drama, I think this Japanese show totally does the work. There’s suspense, mystery and tension; some screamers here and there with ghosts that pop up out of nowhere. The ambiance is dark and stressful. The ending is unfortunately a bit bland and disappointing, but if you’re in for a short horror story you may like this drama.

Angel Eyes ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 20 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Lee Sang Yoon, Ku Hye Sun & Kim Ji Suk
Plot: Park Dong Joo is a surgeon whose first love was a blind girl named Yoon Soo Wan. The latter also had a crush on him. By a twist of fate, Soo Wan received an eye transplant and thus became a 119 worker. They meet again 12 years later.

Review: I personally liked the drama, although there are some comments that I’m obliged to do. First, the lead actress. I’m sorry to all the fans of Ku Hye Sun, but I’ve always had a hard time watching her dramas. I don’t believe she’s a good actress who manages to convey emotions properly – but once again, this is just my opinion. Her character doesn’t help in the show either, as it’s not made very appreciable. Thankfully, the male lead compensates the heroine’s weakness. It’s a very melodramatic drama, so if you’re not into that genre I don’t recommend. Otherwise, plot was a bit weak, but it was okay-ish. I enjoyed watching the drama, but won’t watch it again.

Bel Ami ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013-2014 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Jang Geun Suk, IU, Lee Jang Woo & Han Chae Young
Plot: Dokgo Ma Te is the most handsome man in the world. He’s also arrogant and ambitious. One day, he meets Hong Yoo Ra the ex daughter-in-law of a rich family. She becomes his mentor and dares him to seduce 10 different women. Among them is Kim Bo Tong, an ordinary woman who has a crush on Ma Te.

Review: I watched the drama essentially for IU who plays a quirky and lovely character. But apart from that, I didn’t manage to really get into the vibe for various reasons. One, the premise of the story is rather odd to me. Dokgo Ma Te is the most handsome man in the world? Based on what please. Second, I didn’t like his personality: self-centered and arrogant, while Kim Bo Tong is just head over heels throughout the entire drama. Third, the plot is rather empty with no real purpose. It gave me the feeling that it was really rushed and not thought of. I was rather disappointed and expected more, but sometimes no matter how great the cast is, the story just doesn’t work.

Bride of the Century ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 16 | Channel: TV Chosun

Cast: Yang Jin Sung & Lee Hong Ki
Plot: Taeyang Corporation is one of the biggest companies of the country, but is allegedly under a curse: The first wife of the eldest son is doomed to die. Upon knowing this, Jang Yi Gyeong suddenly disappears. In her stead, Na Du Rim – her doppelgänger – is chosen to marry Choi Kang Ju. But Du Rim’s personality is nothing like Yi Gyeong causing Kang Ju to fall for her.

Review: This is my personal opinion, but I really appreciated the drama. Yes, it’s full of clichés (it’s a 2014 drama), the love story is full of twists, and the ending is not necessarily as great as I was expecting it to be. However, the drama just flows naturally. You don’t realize that you are clicking episode after episode to see how the romance will end. It’s quite addictive! The female lead did a great job at giving at good dynamic to the story, embodying two different characters at the same time. I’m also a huge fan of the OST. For all these reasons, I’ll put a 5/5.

City Hunter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011 | Episode: 20 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young, Lee Joon Hyuk & Kim Sang Joong
Plot: Lee Yoon Sung is a brilliant MIT-graduate who currently works at the Blue House (the presidential house) with the international communications team. But in the shadow he is the ‘City Hunter’, a man who takes revenge on the 5 politicians responsible for his father’s death.

Review: City Hunter is probably one of the most iconic action dramas in Dramaland! Not only does it star Lee Min Ho at the beginning of his stardom, but the story itself is quite catchy. I liked how Lee Min Ho’s character plans his revenge while trying to remain a ‘good person’- in a sense that he brings justice to people who have been wronged by politicians. But, the most interesting part of the plot is his relationship with his adoptive father, as well as the past the latter hides. Alongside Lee Min Ho, you also have Park Min Young playing the female lead. I appreciated that she was a strong-headed character with principles, who could sometimes sway our hero in the right direction. It made it even more complex for Yoon Sung to decide whether or not he wants to go through with his revenge.

Coffee & Vanilla ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2015 | Episode: 10 | Channel: MBS

Cast: Fukuhara Haruka & Sakurado Dori
Plot: Risa Shiragi has just arrived from her hometown in the countryside to the capital city for university. She’s pretty and attractive, but very shy when it comes to dating. One day, Hiroto Fukami helps her in a tricky situation. They start dating.

Review: This drama is a pure mess. There are so many issues that I don’t even know where to start. But let me try. First, the female lead is a simpleton who sounds like a 10-year old girl. She never knows what she wants, has zero self-esteem or self-confidence, and is always saying she’s sorry to people even when they are in the wrong. Second, the male lead gave me chills at times. He’s so brutal and has some gestures that would have made me crazy, had I been the female lead. Third, there is no chemistry between both actors. Their love scenes are either robotic or not consented according to Risa’s face of utter disgust. When scenes are supposed to be romantic, it suddenly becomes cringe and uncomfortable. Fourth problem is the absence of plot. In 10 episodes of 24 minutes each, they managed to show all the clichés ever encountered in Dramaland but with no real red thread, evolution of characters or else. Fifth, side characters and even main ones have a weird moral compass. Between the rival who kisses the female lead whenever he wants, the best friend who asks for a date with her friend’s lover and the man who just doesn’t understand what a ‘NO’ is, everything is wrong. From this drama I would only remember these few elements: People telling Risa she’s cute, Risa saying she’s sorry, the back hugs (there were so many with poor timing) and the head-to-head between Risa and Hiroto that was thought to be romantic, but just wasn’t. If situations were not that crazy I would’ve put less, but the drama was so absurd that I couldn’t help laughing. The only interesting part arrived at the end literally in the last minute when the female lead finally became worth cheering. Unfortunately, that’s also when the drama ends. Utter chaos and laughter await you with this drama. Although they went to great length to explain the title throughout the episodes.

Dream High 1&2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011/2012 | Episode: 16 (1) + 16 (2) | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Bae Suzy, Ok Taecyeon, IU, Ham Eun Jung, Wooyoung, Kang So Ra, Jinwoon, Park Ji Yeon, Hyo Rin, Ailee & Park Seo Joon
Plot: The drama follows the lives of Kirin High School of Arts’ students, who aspire to become superstars.

Review: If you haven’t heard about Dream High once in your life as a drama-fan, well now it’s time to catch up on that classic of Dramaland. Everything in the drama is iconic, starting with its A-list cast whether it’d be in Dream High 1 or Dream High 2. The plot is relatable, and shows the realistic side of fame. It showcases perfectly how one can dream of becoming a superstar, and either succeed or fail. You also get a nice overview of friendships and romances that bloom or get destroyed in a complex and competitive environment. I personally preferred the first Dream High, although the ending kind of broke my heart (but I won’t tell you more). Even if you’re bittersweet at the end, it’s really a drama that you should know and watch. It’s definitely worth a shot, and the OST will linger in your mind for the rest of your life (I may be exaggerating, but you get the idea!).

Emergency Couple ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 21 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Song Ji Hyo, Choi Jin Hyuk, Lee Pil Mo & Choi Yeo Jin
Plot: Oh Jin Hee and Oh Chang Min got married despite the disapproval of Chang Min’s parents. Over the years, they became resentful towards each other and finally decided to get a divorce. They meet again in the emergency room of an hospital. Both have became medical students.

Review: Well, the least I can say is that this is a funny couple. Their bicker and banter is really out-of-this-world as you can literally feel how much the leads hate each other. Add medical emergencies and interested second leads, and you kind of get what to expect from this drama. The drama is good, but it didn’t bring me novelty or made me eagerly wait for the next episodes. It’s fun to watch, but the plot is expected, characters are more or less likable and the ending obvious.

Empress Ki ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 51 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Ha Ji Won, Ji Chang Wook, Joo Jin Mo & Baek Jin Hee
Plot: The drama depicts the life of Seung Nyang/Empress Ki, a woman of low birth in Goryeo who becomes one of the most powerful people in the Yuan Dynasty.

Review: The drama may be 50-episode long, but each of them is worth the watch. Empress Ki is like Mulan, rising to the top using her inner strength, skills and determination. She’s the heroine of the drama and you will love following her journey. The love triangle is also quite interesting and really well done. I particularly love the romance between the Emperor and Seung Nyang, as he turns out to be entirely devoted to her. He loves her to death, so you kind of forget that he’s supposed to be the enemy at first. As for the villain played by Baek Jin Hee, she’s is amazingly annoying and hateful; exactly what we expect a villain to be. You should definitely watch this masterpiece!

Fabulous Boys ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Taiwan | Year: 2013 | Episode: 20 | Channel: FTV

Cast: Lyan Su, Jiro Wang, Jacob Hwang and Evan Yo
Plot: Gao Mei Nu and Gao Mei Nan are twins. Mei Nu wants to become a nun, but is forced to disguise herself as her twin brother to join the idol band A.NJELL, as her sibling has to undergo surgery in the US. While trying to keep her secret, she gets entangled with the other male members of the band.

Review: This drama is the Taiwanese version of the famous Korean drama You’re Beautiful. Though remakes tend to generally be bland compared to the original, this one was a pleasant surprise. The story is good (even the small changes are well woven into the plot), the characters are interesting, and the romance is nice. I didn’t feel bored once even if I already knew the story. So, if you want to watch a good remake (and if you liked the original version), go with this one! It won’t disappoint.

Fated to Love You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 20 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Jang Hyuk, Jang Na Ra, Choi Jin Hyuk & Wang Ji Won
Plot: Kim Mi Young finds herself having a one-night stand with Lee Gun, the successor of a large company. Later on, she discovers that she’s pregnant with his child.

Review: This drama is such a classic! So, if you’re new to Dramaland you must watch Fated to Love You. Not only is the main setting of the drama super fresh for a Korean show from the 2010s, but it also gives way to a good number of funny situations. The male lead is eccentric and absolutely hilarious, while the female lead is warm and innocent. They are a perfect match. Despite all obstacles, I found myself rooting for their romance. I would however point out that Daniel was an annoying second lead. I didn’t like his tendency to put himself between the two lovers and create misunderstandings. That being said, he’s kind of your typical secondary character of the 2010s: pushy and annoying. Apart from that, the drama is extremely good. Also, if you like pregnancy plot as much as I do, you will definitely be served. Highly recommended!

Flower Boys Next Door ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Park Shin Hye, Yoon Shi Yoon & Kim Ji Hoon
Plot: Ko Dok Mi is an ordinary woman living in her apartment. As part of her routine, Dok Mi has taken on the habit of peeping at her neighbor Han Tae Joon. Until one day Enrique Geum discovers it. He thus decides to move in next to Dok Mi’s house just like 3 other of her male neighbors.

Review: Like all the other dramas of the Flower Boys series, this is quite the lighthearted and enjoyable story. Nothing extraordinary to mention about the drama, but it’s a nice romance. The female lead is used to being alone and confined in her apartment, not confronting the real world outside. But her encounter with these eccentric men helps her overcome this. It’s also crazy to see how young Park Shin Hye, Yoon Shi Yoon and especially Kim Ji Hoon were in that drama, knowing how they are today. If you’re looking for something entertaining and not too complicated, then you can definitely watch this show. 

Flower Boy Ramyun Shop ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Jung Il Woo, Lee Chung Ah & Lee Ki Woo
Plot: Cha Chi Soo is the son of a rich conglomerate family specialized in food products. He’s immature and childish which caused him to be employed as a waiter in a restaurant. There, he meets Yang Eun Bi and falls in love with her.

Review: I loved that drama! I know that it’s super cliché and super cheesy, but it’s exactly the kind of rom-com that I adore. The dongsaeng-noona relationship, as well as the rich guy-poor girl trope may be the norm in Dramaland, but I was embarked in the love story. Many scenes were really hilarious, Jung Il Woo’s character was childish and capricious at times, while the female lead was super clumsy. But it’s definitely worth the watch. Also, the drama was not that much of a stereotype for a 2011 drama. For instance, the second male lead was not pushy, and desperately hanging onto the girl. He understood when to back down. Finally, if you like food, it’s definitely a good show to watch!

Full Sun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Yoon Kye Sang, Han Ji Hye, Cho Jin Woong & Kim Yoo Ri
Plot: Jeong Se Ro is unfairly incarcerated for the murder of a man after diamonds have been stolen in Thailand. Five years later, he’s released from prison and endorses a new identity as Lee Eun Su. Like his father, he’s become a scammer. One day, he meets Han Yeong Won who’s the heiress to a jewel brand and the fiancée of the man Se Ro supposedly killed. They start falling for each other making things even more complicated.

Review: If I were to say that this drama is underrated, that would clearly be an understatement! I am actually quite surprised it didn’t gain more notoriety over time. The plot is full of betrayal and melodrama with exactly the touch of romance it needs. Both leads are extraordinarily credible, you really feel for them. The drama comes off strong right from the beginning with murder, unfair incarceration, vengeful scheme, stolen diamonds and so many more twists in Thailand. And the story just gets even better episode after episode. If you’re looking for a melodramatic drama in which characters are torn between justice, revenge and love, this is perfect for you. I highly recommend this drama!

Gu Family Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 24 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Bae Suzy & Yoo Yeon Seok
Plot: Choi Kang Hee is half-gumiho (a legendary 9-tailed fox) and half-human. Because of that, he struggles to fit in and live his life among people. One day, he meets Dam Yeo Wool and falls in love.

Review: Before blessing us with Where Stars Land and the Romantic Doctor Kim series, screenwriter Kim Eun Kyung offered us Gu Family Book. I really loved that drama to be honest. First, the cast is made of A-list actors/actresses even in secondary roles. Second, the mix between fantasy and historical is well balanced, and there’s also enough romance added to the lot to make the story entertaining (and a bit bittersweet). My only frustration would only be in regards to the open end. Apart from that, there’s nothing else to say. For the record, I still hope one day we’ll get a second season.

Heartstrings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011 | Episode: 15 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Park Shin Hye & Jung Yong Hwa
Plot: Lee Kyu Won is a skilled gayageum player who belongs to the Korean traditional music department of her college. Lee Shin is a talented guitarist who applied to the music department. Though they are from different worlds, the two meet and start falling in love.

Review: First of all, I have to say that this drama introduced me to two of the most famous traditional Korean arts: gayageum (that Park Shin Hye actually plays in the drama) and Pansori (traditional singing). It was a true immersion in this part of the Korean culture I didn’t know of and I liked learning new things while being entertained. Now back to the drama. The clash between the two worlds is well portrayed and I liked how they explained the differences between the protagonists that could lead to them not being together. Of course, it’s a 2010s drama so they exaggerated the dramatic side of it. But both leads are cute and attaching. The story is straightforward: both want to fulfill their dream. As for the OST, my lord. It’s still stuck in my head many years later. I loved it. Oh and bonus for those who’ve seen You’re Beautiful, both actors were in the hit drama as well! If you’re looking for a nice coming-of-age romance with an amazing soundtrack, then that’s the perfect drama for you.

Hormones: The Confusing Teens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Thailand | Year: 2013 | Episode: 13 | Channel: One 31

Cast: Pachara Chirathivat, Suttata Udomsilp, Ungsumalin Sirapatsakmetha & Supassara Thanachart
Plot: The drama revolves around 9 teenagers from the same high school, as they go through friendship, love, sex, violence and family problems.

Review: Hormones is a drama that I adored. I don’t watch a lot of Thai dramas in general, but this one really took me by surprise. It’s a bit provocative, as it deals with tough subjects like violence, sex, bullying, and many others. Yet, these topics are very interesting to see depicted on screen with such openness. I will admit that this is something that I really appreciate in Thai dramas; their ability to handle some serious themes with absolutely no taboos. The pace of the drama is perfect, as it gives enough screen time to the 9 main characters and their respective stories/problems. It’s hard to pick which one is the most interesting because all of the issues depicted are typical ones of teenagers. Anyway, if you’re looking for original content, a bit of tension, and a coming-of-age vibe, this one is surely a good one!

I Can Hear Your Voice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 18 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Lee Jong Suk & Lee Bo Young
Plot: When Lee Soo Ha was a kid, he almost died in a car accident. That same day, he started hearing people’s thoughts, especially those of the driver who tried to kill him. Thanks to Jang Hye Sung who witnessed the accident, the killer was arrested and trialed. 10 years later, Soo Ha is a student with telepathic abilities and reunites with Hye Sung who works as an attorney. He falls in love with her while trying to protect her from the killer who’s just been released from prison.

Review: This drama is such a classic in Dramaland! When it comes to fantasy, crime and investigation mixed with romance, there’s no better show. I remember the OST as if I had watched the drama yesterday, that’s enough to tell you how much this drama marked me. As for the plot, it’s super well woven. The romance is cute and we love a good age gap sometimes. I highly recommend it.

I Miss You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 21 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Yoon Eun Hye, Park Yoo Chun, Yoo Seung Ho & Jang Mi In Nae
Plot: Lee Su Yeon and Ha Jung Woo met when they were 15. At that time, Su Yeon was being bullied because of her father (considered as a murderer), while Jung Woo always protected her. They got separated after an accident, but reunite years later as detective and fashion designer.

Review: Let’s not lie, one of the first reasons you should watch this drama is its stellar cast, delivering top-notch performances. Yoon Eun Hye and Park Yoo Chun, portrayed by young Kim So Hyun and Yeo Jin Goo, are brilliant and credible in this intense melodrama. Yoo Seung Ho as the villain is as great as the others. The story will put your through a lot, you will shed many tears, and wish some twists would never happen, but, well it’s the genre. So, if you don’t like this kind of stories, don’t watch. Otherwise, I can only recommend you go ahead.

I Need Romance 3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Kim So Yeon, Sung Joon & Namgoong Min
Plot: Shin Joo Yeon is a 33-year-old woman who works at a home shopping network. She used to be bright and warm, but turned cold. She doesn’t believe in love anymore because of a failed relationship. One day, she meets Joo Wan, who dreams of pure love.

Review: Back in the days (not so long ago) when dramas were not really displaying a lot of ‘hot’ (and I am using quotation marks) romantic scenes with real kisses for instance, this drama totally took me by surprise. It’s a mature love story with adults, not teenagers or people who act like ones. The story is warm, the couple is cute, and the cast is awesome. I really loved this drama, and can only recommend if you’re in the mood for love.

I Summon You Gold ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 50 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Han Ji Hye, Yeon Jeong Hoon, Lee Tae Sang, Baek Jin Hee & Park Seo Joon
Plot: Jeong Mong Hee is a poor woman who financially supports her family, while dreaming of becoming a jewel designer. One day, she meets Park Hyeon Su, a rich man who possesses a jewel company. He’s married to Yu Na, an arrogant heiress who looks just like Mong Hee. When Yu Na disappears, Hyeon Su asks Mong Hee to take her place and to pretend to be his wife in order to get his father’s trust back. A romantic relationship unfolds.

Review: Although the main couple was interesting, I was living for the secondary one made up of Baek Jin Hee and Park Seo Joon. Their bickering and love-hate relationship were just the best in the drama, sometimes overshadowing the leads. On top of that, it’s one of my first Park Seo Joon’s dramas, so it feels so good to see how much his career evolved ever since. That being said, I liked the storyline. Yu Na became particularly annoying at some point, but it was bearable compared to some other dramas. Although the basis of the narrative is far-fetched (2 women looking exactly the same), the show is quite entertaining and pleasant to watch. It has all the twists you would expect – especially for the 2010s – that keep you watching the next episode waiting for the final resolution. I also really like all the actors, so I may be biased here! Not to mention the OST that is forever stuck in my head.

Ikemen Desu Ne ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2011 | Episode: 11 | Channel: TBS

Cast: Miori Takimoto, Yuta Tamamori, Taisuke Fujigaya & Hikaru Yaotome
Plot: Sakuraba Miko is a young girl who is about to become a nun. Before her departure to Rome, she meets the manager of the famous group named A.N.JELL. He tells her that her twin brother is now part of the group, but he broke his nose after a fight. To cover up the story, she’s asked to take his place and live undercover with the rest of the group endorsing her brother’s identity. In the meantime, she meets the lead vocalist and starts falling in love.

Review: I obviously preferred the original version of this drama which is the Korean drama You’re Beautiful starring Park Shin Hye. However, I have to admit that the Japanese remake was not bad at all. It managed to convey the essence of the story and tweaked some parts of the intrigue to really avoid a simple copy-paste. I appreciated that because it gave some novelty to the plot I already knew and it didn’t give me the impression that I was watching the same drama only with different actors. This version is also way shorter than the Korean one (11 eps vs. 16), so if you want to discover more of the drama without spending too much time on it, this could be a good alternative.

It’s Okay, That’s Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Gong Hyo Jin & Jo In Sung
Plot: Jang Jae Yeol is a mystery writer and radio DJ. Ji Hae Soo is a doctor in her first fellowship year in psychiatry. They both suffer from something. They meet and heal together.

Review: A must-watch drama! If you are into K-Dramas, there’s no way you haven’t heard of this gem. The story is amazing, focusing on mental health and the healing journey of two people who have a lot on their plate and don’t even know where to begin to get better. The fact that Hae Soo works as a psychiatrist allows us to see a variety of conditions and treatments that add an emotional touch to the already highly emotional main plot – even the side characters (and their stories) are endearing. Jang Jae Yeol’s backstory probably broke my heart in thousand pieces, but the way they explained his past was so clever and moving. I will never forget that scene. As for the romance, it’s absolutely fantastic. The chemistry between Gong Hyo Jin and Jo In Sung is top-notch and I love how they go from haters to lovers. I seriously recommend you watch this drama, you won’t be disappointed.

K-POP Ultimate Audition ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2012 | Episode: 14 | Channel: Channel A

Cast: Ko Eun Ah, Park Yoo Hwan& Lee Si Kang
Plot: Ji Seung Yeon dreams of becoming a hip-hop idol. After a series of unexpected events, she ends up dressing up as a boy and auditioning to join an idol group. Meanwhile, she meets Kang Woo Hyun who’s the arrogant leader of M2.

Review: The drama was enjoyable to watch! I’m generally a big fan of stories revolving around aspiring idols who showcase their talent and win against all odds. K-POP Ultimate Audition follows that vibe. However, it didn’t make an impression on me whether it’d be the actors, the music, or the story. Still, it’s an entertaining drama if you like idol-centered ones.

Killer K ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011 | Episode: 3 | Channel: CGV

Cast: Han Groo, Kim Jeong Tae & Park Hyo Joo
Plot: Cha Yeon Jin looks like a normal high school student. But behind her innocent façade hides a skilled assassin in search of her biological father to avenge her mother.

Review: Only 3 episodes, and that’s the worst part of the drama! Honestly, I thought it was really well executed. The action, the plot, the revenge. The main character is super badass and she doesn’t get swayed. If you’re looking for an intense short drama to watch, this one is made for you!

Kingyo Club ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2011 | Episode: 10 | Channel: NHK

Cast: Jingi Irie & Yuiko Kariya
Plot: Haru Hiiragi is a popular student, who has no interest in love or studies. One day, he protects Koto Harukawa who is being bullied. Together, they create the Kingyo Club as their shelter, but there are still some problems threatening their relationship.

Review: Kingyo Club is a cute love story between 2 students, who become close against all odds. The drama tackles bullying (as in most school dramas), and shows how one person is enough to survive it and/or put an end to it. Liked the drama though it didn’t leave me with a deep impression.

Liar Game ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 12 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Kim So Eun, Lee Sang Yoon & Shin Sung Ruk
Plot: Genius swindler Cha Woo Jin and naive college student Nam Da Jung take part in a game with a prize money of 10 billion won. To win, contestants have to cheat others.

Review: Although I was very excited to see the Korean remake of the excellent J-drama of the same name, this version fell very short to my expectations. It’s a pale adaptation I would say. I believe my first problem resided in the female lead. She sure looks innocent and naive, but she doesn’t express any other emotions. She’s bland compared to the two male leads which makes her quite uninteresting. As for the plot, it was weak and just dismissed the main purpose of the show: mind games. I was expecting genius and mind-blowing twists, but was met with disappointment. If you really had to watch one version, I would definitely recommend you watch the Japanese drama instead.

Lie to Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Yoon Eun Hye, Kang Ji Hwan, Sung Joon & Jo Yoon Hee
Plot: Tired of being asked why she’s not married yet, Kong Ah Jung decides to lie to all her friends by announcing she tied the knot. One misunderstanding leading to another, she ends up entering a contract marriage with Hyun Ki Joon, the rich CEO of World Group. Will the lie turn into reality?

Review: Lie to Me is another drama starring the Queen of the 2000s Yoon Eun Hye. During her golden age, she played the role of the clumsy and daring Kong Ah Jung who fakes a marriage with a rich CEO to impress her friends. I think the synopsis is enough to give you an idea of the crazy situations both leads encounter while lying to everyone. Add to that their rather eccentric personalities and you get an explosive cocktail of misunderstandings, romance and drama. I personally loved it!

Limit ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2013 | Episode: 12 | Channel: TV Tokyo

Cast: Nanami Sakuraba, Tao Tsuchiya, Katsuhiro Suzuki, Ayano Kudo & Yuka Masuda
Plot: On the way to a school event, a bus transporting a class of high school students falls off a cliff. Most students die except 5 of them. They try to survive despite their differences.

Review: Really loved this survival drama! I’m a huge fan of this genre in general and this drama is one of the first of a long list. Apart from the usual inner strifes between students, the drama sheds light on the need to work together when in the face of danger. This intense short story confronts individualism with the necessary collective mindset a group requires in those moments, which is sometimes difficult to find. Between that and the survival instinct and skills students find in themselves to stay alive, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, it’s the first drama that I watched with Tao Tsuchiya who you may know if you have seen Alice in Borderland, yet another survival drama. 

Line Romance ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Country: Korea, China | Year: 2014 | Episode: 3 | Channel: iQiyi

Cast: Lee Min Ho & Kuo Bea Ting
Plot: Ling Ling is a Chinese woman who flies to South Korea for tourism. She meets music producer Min Ho but can’t communicate with him due to the language barrier. So, they decide to use the app LINE to translate.

Review: First of all, the drama is a ‘long’ commercial for the app LINE, so it really feels as if you’re watching an advertisement. However, the romance is cute, but nothing extraordinary. There’s no real plot per se, and not going to lie I watched the mini-drama for Lee Min Ho. If you have about 45 minutes of your time to spend because you’re bored, you can watch it. Otherwise, you can surely skip it. It will not change your life. It’s nice and cute. Period.

Love Rain ⭐ (1/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2012 | Episode: 20 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Jang Geun Suk, Im YoonA, Jung Jin Young & Lee Mi Sook
Plot: The drama revolves around the love story of Seo In Ha and Kim Yoon Hee in the 1970s, that is entangled with that between Seo Joon and Jung Ha Na in 2012.

Review: I guess many fans will be shocked by my grade for this drama, as it’s once again a classic. I apologize in advance, but the story was just not for me. Of course, I really liked the memorable yellow umbrella scenes, but the rest was so low and complicated. I really couldn’t get into the story, characters were in a constant push-an-pull situation, always swayed by others. I don’t know how I manage not to give up halfway through it honestly. I guess I believed it would get better at the end. Unfortunately, it got worse with characters’ entanglements. Not a good drama for me, but maybe you’ll love it.

Ma Boy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2012 | Episode: 3 | Channel: Tooniverse

Cast: Kim So Hyun, Kim Sun Woong & Min Hoo
Plot: Jang Geu Rim dreams of becoming a singer, so she joins the best arts school in South Korea. There, she shares her room with Irene, a female MC. But, it turns out that Irene is a boy named Hyun Woo.

Review: Positive points of the drama were the cast (especially Kim So Hyun), and the fact that the gender-bender was reversed. For once, it was a male character cross-dressing, and not a female one (like so many dramas before such as You’re Beautiful or To The Beautiful You to quote a few). However, the drama was a tad too short. This gave me the impression that the story was rushed and/or incomplete. The plot was funny, but completely crazy too. Anyway, if you want to see a young Kim So Hyun, and an atypical gender-bender go ahead. You will surely laugh and be entertained.

Man from the Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013-2014 | Episode: 21 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji Hyun, Ahn Jae Hyun, Shin Sung Rok, Park Hae Jin & Yoo In Na
Plot: Do Min Joon is an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago. But he got stuck on the planet and had to wait the next big phenomenon to go back home. In the present days, he meets top star Cheon Song Yi who also happens to be his eccentric neighbor. They become involved romantically.

Review: So, if you have never heard of Man from the Stars you are either super new in Dramaland or you’ve lived in a cave for many years! This is THE most iconic drama of the decade (and one of the top dramas ever). Of course, the reasons behind his success are valid. First, the cast. Jun Ji Hyun is hilarious and amazing in her role, as much as Kim Soo Hyun as the cold and aloof alien or even Shin Sung Rok playing the villain. Second, the humor. Yes, it’s a romance. But it’s a romance between an alien who’s never really lived and a woman who’s seen too much. Their chemistry and synergy are over-the-top and both get entangled in really funny situations – considering also that they are neighbors. Third, the ambiance. Thrill and action, fantasy, romance, comedy. You have a little bit of everything mixed together with perfection. I highly recommend you watch this drama!

Marry Him If You Dare ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 16 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Yoon Eun Hye, Lee Dong Gun, Jung Yong Hwa & Choi Myung Gil
Plot: Na Mi Rae works at a broadcasting station. One day, her future self travels back in time to prevent herself from marrying news anchor Kim Shin and have herself go down a different path.

Review: Marry Him If You Dare is what I would qualify as a bittersweet drama. From the get-go, the plot was promising. Na Mi Rae’s future self travels back in time to prevent her romance with Kim Shin from happening. Seeing how good other dramas on rewriting love stories are (like Go Back Couple, or Familiar Wife), the plot sounds entertaining. If Mi Rae goes back to influence her younger self, who will the actual Mi Rae choose? Will the couple still be together? Any chances they reconcile? Intriguing right!? But the more I watched, the more chaotic it turned out to be. Future Mi Rae was just keen on destroying everything and everyone. She became the main obstacle in the plot (and seriously made my blood boil). As for the ending, it was rather disappointing, as I felt nothing of that huge mess had been solved. It’s a shame considering how appreciable characters were, and how nice the story sounded. However, I’m a huge fan of the OST ‘My Lady’ by Kim Tae Woo! It’s still stuck in my head until this day!

Mimi ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 4 | Channel: Mnet

Cast: Moon Ga Young & Shim Chang Min
Plot: Han Min Woo is a 28-year-old webtoon artist. One day, he finds a note on his desk calendar that inspires to draw his hit webtoon ‘December 8’. But the more successful his webcomic becomes, the more pressure and headaches he starts getting. So, he decides to seek out his first love from high school.

Review: This is a short drama of only 4 episodes that is very easy to watch. Though the first episode may drag a little, the story gets better afterwards. Acting performance is very good – it’s my very first drama with Moon Ga Young – the plot is well-thought and the music on point. If you’ve got some time to watch it, go ahead.

Misaki Number One!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2011 | Episode: 10 | Channel: NTV

Cast: Karina, Taisuke Fujigaya, Hiromitsu Kitayama, Aya Omasa and Tomohiro Ichikawa
Plot: Misaki Tenoji is the number one hostess of a prestigious club. One day, her boss asks her to become a teacher at the prestigious Mido High School for 3 months. The class she takes care of is made up of bullies and people who failed. Misaki needs to bring them back on the right track.

Review: I liked this drama so much! The synergy between Misaki and her students is so great. Despite her background and current job, Misaki is a self-confident and resourceful woman, who’ll go very far to help and protect her students. I also found the relationships very well woven into the intrigue. And I’ve never seen someone run so fast with such high heels. Poor Karina spent most of her time running around. Still, this was a convincing story with attaching characters. So, I recommend you take a look. It’s kind of a classic.

Miss Pilot ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2013 | Episode: 11 | Channel: Fuji TV

Cast: Maki Horikita, Saki Aibu & Takumi Saito
Plot: Haru Tezuka is a bright and honest young woman who struggles to find a job. One day, she sees an offer for the airline company ANA. Indecisive and not convinced this path is made for her, she still manages to pass the test. Now, she needs to undergo training with passionate pilots-to-be and choose whether she wants to pursue this career as a pilot.

Review: Miss Pilot is a nice drama that describes very well the lack of purpose one can have when starting in life. Though some people have always been passionate about something, others struggle to find their own path. It’s exactly what happens to Haru. She’s unsure, indecisive and not super motivated at first, but she finds a real meaning, her inner talent and a family while training to be a pilot. The drama also focuses on the flip side of the coin: Passionate people who can’t achieve their dreams for various reasons. Add to that the competitive spirit, romantic entanglements, and hardships of such a training and you get an idea of what this drama is like. I honestly liked it, as it made me feel like watching a coming of-age story set in the adult world. Plus, I discovered the world of pilots which was super interesting and unknown to me to say the least. Only criticism would be Haru’s lack of ambition at times and the romance that wasn’t pushed to the end. But this was not the main topic, so I am not that disappointed. 

My Lovely Girl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: RAIN & Krystal
Plot: Lee Hyun Wook is a composer, music producer and the president of an entertainment company. His girlfriend died in a car accident. One day, he meets her younger sister Yoon Se Na and they start falling in love.

Review: Though the synopsis of the drama may disturb some of you at first (a man falling in love with his dead girlfriend’s younger sister is not common!), I didn’t feel like this connection was problematic in the drama. On the contrary, main characters are able also to heal because the root of their pain is the accident that took the life of Se Na’s sister. I liked their uncertain and shy blossoming romance to be fair and despite the age gap, the chemistry was there for me. The use of music and songs in the drama to tell characters’ feelings was just the best. Music matches the romance and emotions. It’s also another connector between the leads. The more you see the drama, the more you realize that they are actually made for each other. I personally loved the show and would really recommend it. There are some sad parts, but also and mainly positive vibes.  

Never Give Up Dodo ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: China | Year: 2013 | Episode: 10 | Channel: tv.sohu

Cast: Godfrey Gao & Yin Hang
Plot: Dodo and Yu Fei are engaged and soon to be married, but Dodo is afraid her engagement won’t last. Indeed, her 2 previous fiancés left her for someone else. Despite the many obstacles on the way, will Dodo and Yu Fei succeed in tying the knot?

Review: Never Give Up Dodo is my first Chinese drama ever, and I admit, it’s a good introduction to Chinese sitcom. Though the plot is not necessarily the most inventive, it’s quite funny and relatable. I found the female lead and her romantic/couple struggles heartwarming and cute at the same time. On top of that episodes are not that long (20 minutes), so it’s ideal if you just want to relax and be entertained.

Once More Heartbeat ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Taiwan | Year: 2012 | Episode: 5 | Channel: TVBS

Cast: Rainie Yang and Sho Luo
Plot: Wei Cheng studies photography. When he arrives in Sydney, he discovers that his friends booked a hotel room to share with another person. Convinced that her roommate was going to be a woman, Xiao Yu first refuses to accept Wei Chang until she mistakenly believes he’s gay.

Review: I’m not so sure why I watched this drama in the first place, I guess it’s entirely due to its cast (the leads were in Hi My Sweetheart). Honestly, for such a short format (5 episodes of 10 minutes), it was not bad at all. The love story is cute, actors have good chemistry, and the plot is relatively well written. If you’re looking for a short show, then you can definitely go with this one. It’s not the most memorable drama, but it does the work.

Protect the Boss ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011 | Episode: 18 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Ji Sung, Choi Kang Hee, Kim Jae Joong & Wang Ji Hye
Plot: No Eun Sol is a 30-year-old woman, who struggles to keep a job because of her strong character. One day, she becomes the secretary of Cha Ji Heon, an immature man from a chaebol family. The story gets more complicated, when Ji Heon’s cousin and rival, Cha Mu Won, enters the game.

Review: I generally love office romance, but I have mixed feelings about Protect the Boss. I like the leads’ constant bickering, especially because they both have strong personalities. The story was funny, and typical for the genre with a ‘haters-turned-into lovers’ narrative. But, I didn’t like the main actress – Choi Kang Hee – and the second male lead, whether it’d be the character or the actor, was really annoying. The character was pushy, cunning, and sometimes vile., which destroyed the light-hearted atmosphere of the drama. Just for that, I won’t watch it twice honestly.

Reply 1988 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2015-2016 | Episode: 20 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Hyeri, Ryu Joon Yeol, Ko Kyung Pyo, Park Bo Gum & Lee Dong Hwi
Plot: Set in the 1988, the dramas depicts the lives of the inhabitants from a typical neighborhood in Seoul.

Review: Reply 1988 is one of my favorite dramas ever, and by far the best of the series! First, I am a huge fan of the 1980s in South Korea, as it is a pivotal period of economic, social and political changes. That’s exactly the kind of setting you have in the background of Reply 1988. The neighborhood is friendly and filled with amazing personalities from parents to children. As for the romance/love stories, I was not necessarily satisfied with how it ended, but it made sense so I accepted it. The drama and its characters are iconic, impossible to forget. I 100% recommend!

Reply 1994 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 21 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Go A Ra, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon Seok, Son Ho Jun, Kim Sung Kyun, Sung Dong Il and Lee Il Hwa
Plot: Set in 1994 the drama depicts the lives, friendships and romances of 5 students living in a boarding house.

Review: When Reply 1997 focuses on making us discover the soft power of South Korea, Reply 1994 deep dives into the relationships and family ties of the 1990s. The drama emphasizes the impact friendship can have on your life, even years after. Out of the three, I would say that this season is the least good, but it’s still 100% worth the watch. I loved all the characters, especially the parents; and the romance between the residents of the boarding house. And again, you get to see glimpses of the culture here and there that bring about nostalgia and fun.

Reply 1997 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2012 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Jung Eun Ji, Seo In Guk, Shin So Yul, Eun Ji Won, Lee Ho Won & Lee Si Eon
Plot: Set in the 1990s, the drama revolves around the lives of fangirl Sung Si Won and her 5 high school friends.

Review: Loved this drama, especially the 1990s vibe! The Reply series is the best way to discover the South Korean culture of this time such as the most famous K-Pop bands, TV shows, and lifestyle of youth at that time. The group of teenagers is adorable, though immature. The love triangle and the mystery surrounding Si Won’s future husband allow to keep the tension until the final reveal. You really should watch it!

Sabadol ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Japan | Year: 2012 | Episode: 12 | Channel: TV Tokyo

Cast: Mayu Watanabe, Ryuya Wakaba, Tamae Ando, Riki Miura & Wataru Murakami
Plot: Mayu Watanabe is a popular member of idol group AKB48. But, she also hides a secret. She has a second life as Shijimi Usa, a 38-year-old high school teacher. Juggling between schedules, it’s becoming more and more difficult for Shijimi to hide her real identity.

Review: The plot of Sabadol is nice and somehow fresh, but also so far-fetched and unrealistic. The short format doesn’t allow for big and tangible characters’ development, which I thought was disappointing. But, if you manage to overcome that, then you may find it entertaining and enjoyable. However, I’ll never forget the OST: ‘Synchro Tokimeki’ by Mayu Watanabe.

Splash Splash Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2015 | Episode: 2 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Kim Seul Gi & Yoon Doo Joon
Plot: Jang Dan Bi is a senior in high school. On the day of her exams, she runs away, unable to withstand the pressure. It is raining outside. Jumping into a puddle, she is then transported to the Joseon era, traveling through times. There, she meets King Lee Do, who encounters some difficulties (drought and epidemic). 

Review: This mini-drama (only 2 episodes) is an absolute must-see! My only regret is that it is too short. The cast for starters is incredible, Kim Seul Gi playing Jang Dan Bi is hilarious, Yoon Doo Joon has the true aura of a King, and even the supporting characters have now a great career; Jin Ki Joo playing Queen Sohun was the main lead in Come and Hug Me and The Secret Life of My Secretary and Ahn Hyo Seop playing Chaejik landed incredible roles in Romantic Doctor Kim 2, Still 17, Abyss and My Father is Strange. 

Sunshine Angel ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Taiwan | Year: 2011 | Episode: 14 | Channel: GTV, Hunan TV and TTV

Cast: Rainie Yang & Wu Chun
Plot: Yang Guang is a young woman living in Japan with her irresponsible parents who cause her constant troubles. One day, she meets Di Ya Xin after an accident. Both end up arguing and going their separate ways. In order to pay her family’s debts, Yang Guang is forced to move to Taiwan and become the housekeeper of a rich man who’s none other than Di Ya Xin. Little by little, romantic feelings get involved in the relationship.

Review: Although the drama is full of clichés and unrealistic situations, like the shower scene at the beginning – let’s not forget that it’s a 2011 drama, so full on stereotypical – the plot is fine and entertaining. The relationship between the leads starts off the wrong foot leaving room to a series of misunderstandings and petty arguments that slowly develop into attachment. Of course, it’s sometimes too much, overly dramatic, and we have the same expected twists that annoy us at times, but thankfully the drama is short (14 episodes). I also absolutely adored the choice of OST ‘Sunny’ by Boney M which gave so much light, life and happiness to the drama.

Surplus Princess ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 10 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Jo Bo Ah, Oh Joo Wan & Song Jae Rim
Plot: Hani is a mermaid. She becomes human for the man she loves and starts living at Ingyeo House where people prepare for their first job. In order to become fully human, Hani has 100 days to make the man she likes fall in love with her.

Review: I really liked the idea that the drama was a rewriting of The Little Mermaid set in modern days. I’m a huge fan of fairytale stories, so I wanted to see how they would translate it with the codes of modern societies. I will admit that I was quite satisfied with the result. Hani is clumsy and acts randomly which has a tendency to startle people and create unexpected situations. She’s also super naive and innocent. That’s part of her charm, and you get attached to her rapidly. However, I was not really content with the ending and the person she ends up with. Moreover, the finale is so abrupt. I thought there would be a second season but nothing has come out yet. That’s a bittersweet taste.

The Greatest Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2011 | Episode: 16 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Cha Seung Won & Gong Hyo Jin
Plot: Gu Ae Jung used to be part of a famous girls band and is now trying to survive in the industry. Dok Go Jin is a capricious A-list actor. He had a heart surgery some time ago and thus is very wary of his heartbeat. Unfortunately for him, his heart seems to lose control every time he’s in Ae Jung’s presence. What could be the reason?

Review: The Greatest Love is one of the best dramas written by the Hong Sisters! The plot is super original – I mean, we’re talking about a man who falls in love with a woman because his heart heard her sing during his heart surgery! – but the romance is really A-MA-ZING! The leads may have nothing in common at first, but they are a perfect match. I liked how quirky the male lead is which doesn’t prevent him from seducing the female lead. The latter may be unsuccessful and bullied by her industry, but she’s got a certain strength and courage that was great to see. All in all, the drama is romantic, cute; the storyline is straightforward; and the acting performance top-notch. Really recommend you watch the show. Oh, and the OST is definitely stuck in my head forever.

The Heirs ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 20 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, Krystal, Kang Min Hyuk, Kang Ha Neul, Kim Ji Won, Park Hyung Sik & Choi Jin Hyuk
Plot: The drama tells the love stories and friendships of students going to the same high school. Among them there is Kim Tan, a rich student who falls in love with Cha Eun Sang, a girl from a poor background.

Review: The Heirs is probably one of the most iconic schools dramas ever. A simple look at the cast is enough to understand why. Despite its great cast though, the plot is kind of lagging behind. You have the typical ‘rich-guy/poor-girl’ trope, with scenes that almost reminded me of Boys over Flowers, and tons of clichéd moments. If this doesn’t bother you, then you will surely appreciate the drama otherwise…. Among the different relationships, I thought that the one between Kim Tan and his older brother was the most interesting (and the most reflected upon). But, you have a bit of everything to satisfy your needs: romance, friendship, rivalry, family drama… If you haven’t watched it, I would recommend you take a look to understand the success of the drama, but don’t expect an amazing pot!

The King 2 Hearts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2012 | Episode: 20 | Channel: MBC

Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Ha Ji Won, Yoon Je Moon, Lee Yoon Ji & Cho Jung Suk
Plot: Lee Jae Ha is a troublemaking South Korean Prince. He has no intention of becoming King. During his military training, he meets North Korean instructor Kim Hang Ah. After a series of events, they end up getting married. 

Review: By far, The King 2 Hearts is my favorite drama of all time. The cast is top-notch with a badass duo made up off Ha Ji Won (that girl can fight, gosh) and Lee Seung Gi. The plot is intelligent, full of twists and turns, and intense. I loved the fact that they imagined South Korea with a monarchy, and the idea to make the King’s lover a North Korean woman was pure genius. It really gave way to a lot of possibilities story-wise with some focused on love, others politics, and a few on difference. Even the side love stories are great. I watched that drama twice, and I would be more than willing to watch it again. Highly recommended!

The Master’s Sun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 17 | Channel: SBS

Cast: So Ji Sub, Gong Hyo Jin, Seo In Guk & Kim Yoo Ri
Plot: Tae Gong Sil is a young woman who has the ability to see ghosts. One day, she meets Joo Joong Won, the CEO of a shopping mall named Kingdom. Every time she touches him, Gong Sil realizes that she doesn’t see ghosts anymore. So, she sticks around him while helping him solve the mystery related to a past incident. 

Review: I was pretty reluctant to watch this drama at first. Don’t ask me why, but I was not really into the whole ghost thing. Nevertheless, I chose to give a chance to the drama. And I am glad I did! This Hong Sister’s masterpiece is the perfect blend between fantasy and romance with a touch of thrill (whether it’d be with the ghosts or the suspicious accident the male lead had years ago). The duo works perfectly. Joo Joong Won asks like a cold man, but he’s wounded inside; while Tae Gong Sil is not afraid to show her vulnerability and bravely confront ghosts. Even the OSTs have been imprinted in my mind for years! I can literally remember them all. Highly recommended.

The Prime Minister and I ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013-2014 | Episode: 17 | Channel: KBS2

Cast: Lee Beom Soo & Im YoonA
Plot: Kwon Yul is the youngest Prime Minister ever nominated. He’s upright and hard-working, but struggles to raise his 3 children alone after the death of his wife. Nam Da Jung is a reporter focusing on celebrity scoops. One day, her boss asks her to investigate the Prime Minister, but they get caught up in a love scandal. To protect his reputation, Da Jung accepts to pretend she’s his girlfriend.

Review: This contract relationship is a bit atypical compared to what you usually expect in dramas. First, Beom Soo is an important political figure – and not your typical idol/actor. Second, there are children involved in the story, which rarely happens. Third, there is a certain age gap between the leads which makes their relationship even more complicated. Despite all that, the drama does a good job at giving away family vibes and romance. The whole dynamic is enjoyable and heartwarming. A nice drama to watch alone or with your people. 

To the Beautiful You ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2012 | Episode: 16 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Choi Minho, Sulli, Lee Hyun Woo & Kim Ji Won
Plot: Koo Jae Hee lives in the US. One day, she sees high jump athlete Kang Tae Joon on TV and falls in love. So, she decides to disguise herself as a man, an enroll in his high school in South Korea.

Review: To the Beautiful You is the Korean remake of Hana Kimi, and for those who have seen the Japanese version first (like me), then this reboot may be a bit ‘bland’. Still, if you’re new to the story, you will surely laugh, root for the clumsy and lovely Jae Hee, and hope she gets the guy in the end. I would always recommend you watch the J-drama, but if you want a nice, funny, and entertaining school story, then this one just does the work.

Twenty Years Old ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 4 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Lee Gi Gwang & Lee Da In
Plot: Kim Hye Rim has a crush on her schoolmate Kim Tae Wu. Her roommate is head over heels for Lee Gi Gwang, who’s the singer of the band BEAST. But she doesn’t know that Hye Rim and Gi Gwang are each other’s first love. They meet again and rekindle the flame.

Review: The drama is cute, cheesy and sweet. I would say that you watch it for the cast first, especially if you like BEAST. But don’t expect an amazing plot, acting performance or anything. It’s only 4 episodes, so you get easily distracted by the lighthearted story and romance.

Who Are You ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2013 | Episode: 16 | Channel: tvN

Cast: Seo Yi Hyun, Ok TaecYeon & Kim Jae Wook
Plot: Detective Yang Shin On discovers she has the ability to see ghosts after a 6-year coma. So, she tries to help them by solving their cases. She ends up working with detective Cha Gun Woo, who only believes what he sees. Together, they handle cases related to a lost and found center.

Review: If you like ghost stories, then the drama is all right. You have a fair share of mysteries, especially related to the female lead’s past, her previous lover and the reason why she was in a coma. The way the plot is written gave me the impression that I was in characters’ shoes trying to puzzle pieces of the plot back together. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a bad thing (when it’s well done it’s incredible!), but in that case it made me a bit confused and lost at times. Characters are okay, but the chemistry between main leads could’ve been better. The real show stealer (as always!) is Kim Jae Wook, even if he’s only a second lead. Watch it if you want to give it a go, but don’t expect anything formidable from the drama.

You’re All Surrounded ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Country: Korea | Year: 2014 | Episode: 20 | Channel: SBS

Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Go Ara, Cha Seung Won, Ahn Jae Hyun & Park Jeong Min
Plot: Eun Dae Koo, Eo Soo Sun, Park Tae Il and Ji Kook are 4 rookie detectives who have just joined the Gangnam Police Station. Seo Pan Seok is the Chief Investigator of Team 3. The young recruits learn to work on cases alongside the veteran detective and grow more mature.

Review: First of all, the cast of that drama is stellar. All 4 rookie detectives are big names in the industry with a good number of dramas in their pocket. Even veteran actors are pretty popular Korean actors. That’s what really drew me to the show at first. Then, the plot is quite interesting and intriguing. It’s entertaining to see these rookies learn the basics of the job, but also make mistakes and gain valuable lessons from them. The synergy between the male duo Lee Seung Gi and Cha Seung Won is great to watch. Finally, You’re All Surrounded ensures also a good blend between crime drama, romance and humor which makes it enjoyable to watch. It’s not the best crime drama I’ve seen due to its lighthearted content at times, but will make you spend a good time.