Top Shows to Watch If You're New to KDRAMAS
A collection of my all-time favorites after delving headfirst into the KDRAMA universe at the start of COVID in 2020.
not in a particular order and with several genres to select from.
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1. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
A "slice of life" drama that focuses on Park Saeroyi's journey for a better life, for revenge, and for a piece of existence that he can call his. I found myself completely smitten and invested in what happened to Park Saeroyi and his close group of friends. I rooted for them, cried for them, laughed with them, and held my breath throughout the poignant moments and catalysts of their lives. Will always be one of my absolute top favorite shows, ever.
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2. O Palhaço Coroado
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Yeo Jin-Goo at his finest. He is so convincing in his dual roles, you could easily mistake him for 2 separate actors. Loved this series.
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3. Apenas Entre Apaixonados
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
HOLY ANGST. I could eat their delicious tears.
Lee Jun Ho is AMAZING in his first lead role. I had no idea he was an idol actor until after I looked him up. You believe every single moment of his screen time and root for him as a character.
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4. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
Hysterical. Heartbreaking. Beautiful. From the acting to the cinematography, to the OST - this show is so cleanly executed. I had so much fun watching the chemistry between everyone in this series.
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5. Rainha Cheorin
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
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6. A Juventude de Maio
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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7. Lutando Pelo Meu Caminho
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I didn't expect to love this series so much. I really love Park Seo Joon (especially after watching him in Itaewon class), but I was very pleasantly surprised by the strong storyline, strong cast, and even great supporting leads. I was very invested in the show, from start to finish.
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8. Goblin
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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9. Caçadores de Demônios
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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10. Tudo Bem Não Ser Normal
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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11. Desgraça ao Seu Dispor
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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12. Porque Esta é a Minha Primeira Vida
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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13. Além do Mal
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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14. D.P.
Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
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15. Amantes da Lua
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
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16. Mr. Sunshine: Um Raio de Sol
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Slow pace. Take's its time. Romance but zero skinship(which frustrated me but I understood given the age gap and the focus of the series). Really well done.
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17. Meu País: A Nova Era
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
This was my very first KDRAMA I watched when I first fell into watching foreign shows during COVID. TBH, I was drawn after seeing Woo Do Hwan in the trailer on Netflix. He's literally one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen, lmao. The show proved to be excellent and very well done.
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18. Meu Colega de Quarto é um Gumiho
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Some of the hottest, most unexpected chemistry between the two leads. The kiss scenes are *chef's kiss* and I loved the fantasy element of the series.
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19. Alguma Coisa na Chuva
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Slow burn. Friendship turn to romance with a bit of "slice of life".
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20. O Sorriso Deixou Seus Olhos
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
Sad. Melancholic. Gorgeous leads. Unexpected ending that floored me.
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21. Paixão Incontrolável
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
I *loved* this series. First time watching Kim Woo Bin and I'm obsessed. Suzy was pretty good in it too. ANGST. Romance. ANGST. Did I say ANGST? Definitely a heartbreaking drama that deals with terminal illness and the different stages of grief a young person goes through when they know they're dying young. Really loved this show.
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22. Vestido Com Mangas Vermelhas
Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes
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23. O Leitor de Memórias
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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24. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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25. Felicidade
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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26. Bad And Crazy
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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27. A Lição
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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28. Alquimia das Almas
Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
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29. O Imortal
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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30. Curador
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
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31. Hotel Del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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32. Alquimia das Almas 2: Luz e Sombra
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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33. My Dearest
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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34. Um Advogado Por Um Dólar
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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35. Em Movimento
Korean Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
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36. Nosso Destino
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes