A major reason K-dramas are so popular is unpredictable and fast-paced plots. They also have well-devised characters who can emotionally connect with the audience and plot twists that can take viewer emotions all over the place. A typical drama lasts around 16-20 episodes, a perfect length for building a strong storyline and a satisfying ending.

K-dramas are also sources of information on traditional Korean values and societal norms. The Korean work ethic, eating etiquette and a lot more can often be learned just by following a drama's characters.

Another major factor is cinematography. An eye-catching picture is needed to keep the audience watching, and K-dramas never fail in this respect. And just hearing the first notes of a drama's soundtrack is often enough for fans to remember what series it is, attesting to the crucial role music has in a Korean series.

A major reason K-dramas are so popular is unpredictable and fast-paced plots. They also have well-devised characters who can emotionally connect with the audience and plot twists that can take viewer emotions all over the place. A typical drama lasts around 16-20 episodes, a perfect length for building a strong storyline and a satisfying ending.

K-dramas are also sources of information on traditional Korean values and societal norms. The Korean work ethic, eating etiquette and a lot more can often be learned just by following a drama's characters.

Another major factor is cinematography. An eye-catching picture is needed to keep the audience watching, and K-dramas never fail in this respect. And just hearing the first notes of a drama's soundtrack is often enough for fans to remember what series it is, attesting to the crucial role music has in a Korean series.

 

The following are lists of K-dramas to watch depending one's mood or situation. 
 

 

-Alleviating stress or sadness 

"Welcome to Waikiki" Seasons 1 and 2; "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon"; "Prison Playbook"; "Sound Of Your Heart"; "Sound Of Your Heart Reboot"

-Coming-of-age, melo- and musical dramas showing varying forms of love 

"Heartstrings"; "The Heirs"; "School 2015"; "Dream High"; "Shut Up Flower Boy Band"; "Man from the Equator"; "My ID Is Gangnam Beauty"; "About Time"; "Where Stars Land"; "Love Alarm"; "Hospital Playlist"

-Rom-coms to feel love again with a little fun

"Full House"; "Secret Garden"; "Playful Kiss"; "My Love From the Star"; My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (Nine-tailed Fox)"; "Goblin"; "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim"; "A Korean Odyssey";
"Hotel Del Luna"; "My Secret Romance"; "Her Private Life"; "Extraordinary You"; "Because This Is My First Life"; "Fight for My Way"; "Legend of the Blue Sea"

- Challenging the brain or feeling thrilled, scared or nervous

"Voice" Seasons 1-3; "The Guest"; "Watcher"; "Memorist"; "Kingdom" Seasons 1-2; "The Cursed"; "Tunnel"; "Signal"; "W: Two Worlds"; "Tell Me What You Saw"; "365: Repeat the Year"; "Extracurricular"; "Strangers From Hell'

-Filled with intense drama that will cause tears

"49 Days"; "Uncontrollably Fond"; "Hi Bye Mama"; "Stairway to Heaven"; "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo"; "Light In Your Eyes"

-Releasing anger or getting inspired

"My Mister"; "Itaewon Class"; "At Eighteen"; "Master of Study"; "Weightlifting Kim Bok Joo"; "Sky Castle"; "WWW: Search"; "The Third Charm"; "Pinocchio"; "Remember"; "While You Were Sleeping"; "Miss Hammurabi"; "VIP"; "World of the Married Couple

-Gaining optimism via action & medical dramas

"City Hunter"; "Vagabond"; "Descendants of the Sun"; "K2"; "Doctors"; "Dr. Romantic" Seasons 1-2, "Rugal," "Soul Mechanic (Fix You)"

-For vintage, history or nostalgia fans

"Reply 1988"; "Reply 1994"; "Reply 1997"; "Mr. Sunshine"; "Chicago Typewriter"; "100 Days My Prince"; "Crash Landing on You"; "Mystic Pop Up Bar"

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.
Source: www.korea.net