4 Reasons To Watch Suspenseful Thriller K-Drama "Pandora: Beneath The Paradise"
Check out these 4 reasons why you should add "Pandora: Beneath The Paradise" onto your watchlist!
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Mar 15, 2023
tvN
With all the love triangles and first loves in the K-Drama world, there is no short supply of dreamy romance. But sometimes your romantic cells deserve a rest and you just need to look for something different. Those searching for a change of pace should set their eyes on tvN's newest nail-biting series, "Pandora: Beneath The Paradise".
The drama stars a veteran cast in E JiAh, Lee SangYun, Jang HeeJin, Park KiWoong, and Bong TaeGyu. The series revolves around Hong TaeRa (E JiAh), a woman looking to become the First Lady of Korea. However, she has no recollection of her past and harbors a life-altering secret. The drama is looking to err on the side of makjang, or over-the-top and unrealistic, but will keep you enthralled into the action like no other. With only two episodes in, viewers are already being treated to multiple servings of suspenseful excitement. But don't just take our word for it!
Here are 4 reasons why you should add "Pandora: Beneath The Paradise" to your watchlist!
From the outset, Hong TaeRa might seem like the ordinary wife of tech-savvy developer, Pyo JaeHyun (Lee SangYun). But she has a fighting spirit — literally and figuratively! She has an ingrained battle prowess that all the bad guys should be wary of. She was previously trained to become a fighting machine, a fact that became lost along with her memories. As more dire situations come her way, we will be able to see fighter Hong TaeRa, a version that will surely get everyone's blood pumping!
2. Main Characters Shrouded In Mystery
tvN
Everyone loves a good mystery. We, as the audience, gets the chance to play detective along with the rest of the cast as they try to figure out all the little secrets that have been laid out throughout the drama. "Pandora: Beneath The Paradise" has only just begun, but there are so many questions that already need to be answered! And those answers can only be discovered by watching the tvN series. It seems the drama was successful in reeling people in, because we've been caught; hook, line, and sinker.
3. Intense Family Drama
At the start, everything seems fine for the family of Hong TaeRa and Pyo JaeHyun. They have an impressive career, a lovely daughter, and are surrounded with enormous support from colleagues and loved ones. But it wouldn't be a K-Drama without some, well, drama. Family secrets become unearthed and a tense argument between sisters makes one wonder: how can things possibly get worse? With family dynamics shaken, it will be interesting to track how situations unfold in future episodes. Get the popcorn, because more drama is yet to come.
4. A Studio Dragon Production
The cast is made up of a wonderfully, talented ensemble of actors who are known for their impressive performances. But Studio Dragon is a name that many associate with great success and entertainment. The production company is responsible for worldwide hits like "The Glory", "It's Okay To Not Be Okay", and "Twenty-Five, Twenty-One" to name a few. The list is absolutely endless and should be convincing enough for you to add "Pandora: Beneath The Paradise" onto your watchlist.
Are you watching "Pandora: Beneath The Paradise"? Let us know what you think about the tvN drama in the comments!
Top 10 Hottest Korean Actors And Must-Watch K-Dramas Dominating Discussions In The 5th Week Of February 2024
Curious which K-Dramas and Korean actors are trending in Korea at the moment? Check them out here!
Kay Sesoko, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Mar 8, 2024
MBC / tvN
Reflecting on the fifth week of February, the K-Drama landscape sparkled with series that intricately spun enchanting narratives and introduced memorable characters. These shows infused an additional layer of thrill into the new year, transforming the fifth week of February into a period brimming with endearing on-screen tales.
By the use of extensive data collection that involves analyzing netizen's reactions to various online platforms such as news websites, online communities, social media platforms, and videos, Good Data Corporation shows an insight into the Korean entertainment industry by providing a weekly ranking of the most talked about actors and dramas in Korea.
Wondering which K-Dramas and actors are trending in Korea at the moment? Read on to find out!
Hottest Korean Drama (On TV & OTT) For The 5th Week Of February
The most talked about drama was...
"Wonderful World"
MBC
The K-Drama "Wonderful World" aired on March 1st and has been receiving praise for the casting and the actors' brilliant acting skills and portrayals. Many are on the edge of their seats in anticipation of how the drama will play out.
Here is the full ranking of the Hottest Korean Dramas for the 5th week of February:
1. "Wonderful World"
2. "Pyramid Game"
3. "Wedding Impossible"
4. "Korea-Khitan War"
5. "Captivating the King"
6. "Doctor Slump"
7. "The Impossible Heir"
8. "Flex X Cop"
9. "Queen of Tears"
10. "A Killer Paradox"
Good Data
Hottest Korean Actor (On TV & OTT) For The 5th Week Of February
The most talked about actor was...
Cho JungSeok - "Captivating the King"
tvN
Cho JungSeok literally captivated the hearts of many K-Drama viewers with his role in "Captivating the King", earning him well-deserved buzz as he topped the ranking this week. With his endearing King persona in the drama, there's no question about how he became the talk of the figurative K-Drama town.
Here is the full ranking of the Hottest Korean Actors for the 5th week of February:
1. Cho JungSeok - "Captivating the King"
2. Jun JongSeo - "Wedding Impossible"
3. Kim Nam Joo - "Wonderful World"
4. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - "Wonderful World"
5. Shin SaeKyeong - "Captivating the King"
6. Park HyungSik - "Doctor Slump"
7. Lee JaeWook - "The Impossible Heir"
8. Park ShinHye - "Doctor Slump"
9. E Jiah - "Queen of Divorce"
10. Moon SangMin - "Wedding Impossible"
Good Data
It looks like "Wonderful World" generated quite the buzz in the fifth week of February. Other popular dramas included "Pyramid Game", "Wedding Impossible", and more.
Make sure to check out these shows and their talented cast members!
18 Best Romance Historical K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)
If you are looking for historical romance K-Dramas to watch, here are 10 you should add to your watchlist and why.
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 11 min to read ·
Published : Nov 8, 2023
· Updated : Dec 21, 2023
SBS
For new K-Dramas fans and non addicts to K-Dramas, it is often hard to make a great watchlist. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read the reviews online to make your selection, but sometimes it is not enough. We hope this list will help you find the dramas you are looking for!
After listing up, the best romantic comedy and best action thriller romance dramas, here are the best romance historical dramas. If you are a beginner to K-Dramas, historical dramas might look unattractive to you. It is a question of taste but Korean historical dramas are very diverse. Some have few historical elements and are easy to watch. It is simply like another drama but with a pretty historical background. While some are approachable and easy-to-understand, some have complex and political plots. Your only task is to choose wisely according to your taste!
For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all of the drama listed below, if not, it is time to add to your watchlist.
Note: This list was first published in 2019 and updated several times with new releases. Latest update: November 2023. This is not a ranking.
Summary: When they were young, Crown Prince Lee Hwon falls in love with Yeon Woo who is chosen to be the Crown Princess. However, because of political schemes, a shaman put a curse on her. People think she is dead but she resurrected with memory loss. Eight years later, she becomes a shaman and the Crown Prince still cannot forget his -dead- true love. They ended up meeting in the palace. The young King starts to investigate her death and she starts to remember her past.
For: Viewers looking for an unforgettable romantic drama.
Why watch?: This drama's plot and acting are just perfect. Viewers are hook from the beginning to the end. The drama mixes genre with romance, fantasy, and comedy. You will be on a roller coaster of emotions and dearly attached to the characters.
Summary: It tells the story of one of the most famous -villain- royal concubines in the Joseon Dynasty. The story takes place before and after she becomes queen.
For: Viewers looking for a romantic drama with deadly political fights.
Why watch?: The first part focuses on the romance of the two main characters and the latter part of the drama is more political with the various political schemes and relation with the King, the Queen, and the concubines. The story is addictive and viewers want to know to which extent the characters' greediness can go.
Summary: This drama has themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and honor in the middle of political schemes in Joseon by the Crown Prince, assassin guilds, and others.
For: Viewers looking for an epic historical drama with bromance, swords fight, and beautiful cinematography.
Why watch?: More than romance, it is a drama that focuses on brotherhood. For those of you who like sword fights, assassins, and friendship, this is for you! Both actors acting are perfect and the surrounding actors too. Viewers are held onto their universe from the beginning to the end and it deeply touches viewers' hearts.
Summary: The regent of the Kingdom of Silla is hiding her son. She also creates a new elite name Hwarang - a group of young people. Inside the trained Hwarang, her son (the future king) and a commoner have a secret.
For: Viewers looking for a cute and light historical drama with handsome and funny male leads.
Why watch?: It is easy to watch for all the public. The plot is cute and fresh. Moreover, it might be a nice first step into Korean historical dramas for those unfamiliar with Korean history.
Summary: During a solar eclipse, Go HaJin is transported from modern to Goryeo times. She wakes up in the middle of the numerous royal princes. Her story then begins. She first falls in love with the kind 8th Prince but later changes to the 4th Prince. This prince is known for being fearless and hides his face with a mak. She is trapped in the princes' rivalry over the throne.
For: Viewers looking for drama bringing viewers on a roller-coaster of emotions.
Why watch?: Lee JoonGi is one of the actors whose acting in historical dramas is not to miss. The other actors in supporting roles are also popular. The drama while being eye-candy and is quite complex in its addictive plot and numerous characters. It is well balanced between cute and dark.
Summary: It tells the love story and political ambition of Empress Ki, a lady from Goryeo taken against her will as a palace woman that ended up as Yuan Empress.
For: Viewers looking for an intense love story and breathtaking political fights.
Why watch?: The drama is long of 51 episodes. Some might think at first sight that it is too long but it is not. The memorable love story and political schemes have enough time to develop. The viewers can only root for the strong lead female character. The superb acting of the main actors is a plus.
Summary: It covers the transition from Goryeo to Joseon. It tells the story around the foundation of the new dynasty and especially young prince Lee BangWon.
For: Viewers looking for an epic and political drama about one of the most captivating periods of Korean history.
Why watch?: First of all, the drama has romance but it is minor, and second, the drama has over 50 episodes. Despite a solid cast and strong plot, the drama might not be for everyone. However, if you like great historical and political plot, this is for you and highly recommended.
Summary: It is the Korean version of a superhero during Imperial Japanese rule. It tells the love story of a hero without a name that has to throw away love because of his fate and the woman who tries to protect him.
For: Viewers looking for a cliffhanger drama when Korea was under Japanese rule with romance.
Why watch?: If you want to learn about this period of Korean history, the drama might be a good reason to watch. The plot is catchy. Viewers hold their breath throughout the show. The love story and brotherhood make it even more intense.
Summary: It tells the story of the Crown Prince fighting the Pyeonsuhwe society that controls the water supply thanks to their power. In this battle for the people, the Crown Prince and the girl who is popular among the people develop their love story.
For: Viewers looking for a love story with an appealing plot and action scenes.
Why watch?: Acting is good and the characters made it worth watching. The love story is touching and the development of the story is interesting.
Summary: A half-man and half-gumiho loves one ordinary woman and he will try his best to live like a human.
For: Viewers looking for a mysterious and fantastical love story.
Why watch?: The fantasy genre is intriguing and there are plenty of action scenes to enjoy. The love story is pure and will make you smile and cry. It is also easy to watch for viewers not used to historical dramas.
Summary: The story is set in the 19th century where men and women are not seen as equal. A woman will try to become a historian and try to 'change' society. And it tells the romance between her and the prince.
For: Viewers looking for a cute and fun romance historical drama about women's social issues with a handsome lead.
Why watch?: This historical drama is quite new in the sense that it gives light to women's social issues in Joseon (and still relatable to some extent in the modern time). The lead female character is strong, smart, and dependent while the lead male character is cute and has many things to learn. They have a lot of cute and lovely romantic scenes.
Summary: It tells the romance between a man who is disguising as a woman to infiltrate a community for widows and a girl that hates the idea of becoming a gisaeng.
For: Viewers looking for an exciting historical drama with perfect chemistry.
Why watch?: "The Tale of Nokdu" is a must-watch historical romance drama. It has the whole package to be a captivating drama: romance, comedy, action, mystery, and politics. The male character is cross-dressing which is the opposite of the usual frame. The plot will hook you from the beginning to the end and you will end up rooting for the lead couple.
Summary: Due to a sudden accident, the soul of a wild man from modern Korea entered Queen Kim SoYong's body in Joseon. It tells the scandalous story of a soul that ran away from its body and the King CheolJong who has two faces.
For: Viewers looking for a hilarious historical drama with perfect acting.
Why watch?: This drama has received a lot of love due to its hilarious characters and story. Shin HyeSun, one of the most talented actresses, took on the role of a man from modern time who arrived in the body of the Queen in Joseon. She portrayed the character flawlessly making viewers connect with the arrogant man pretending to be a woman. Aside from it, you can expect political fights and a not-so-easy to understand king.
Summary: It is the comic investigation story of late Joseon secret royal inspectors who are the secret ears of the palace. They actively and cheerfully eradicate corruption and help victims of injustice.
For: Viewers looking for an easy-to-watch and funny historical drama with a bit of romance.
Why watch?: The most fun and lovely trio (funniest bromance ever) are going for adventures across the country. This drama will put you in a good mood and make you laugh hard. But at the same time, their investigations are also nerve-breaking and captivating. It is the perfect ratio of comedy and action.
Summary: A man who kidnaps widows for remarriage life is turned upside down when he kidnaps a princess by mistake.
For: Viewers looking for an emotional romance touching on the women's condition in Joseon with politics.
Why watch?: The background of this drama about widow and women in Joseon make it memorable. The overall atmosphere is quite serious and emotional as the lead characters' situations are far from being happy once. Complex love relationships, dangerous situations, and politics are keywords.
Summary: It is the secret court romance drama of a woman who was abandoned because she was born as a girl. When her twin brother died, she began to pretend to be him: the crown prince while trying to keep her identity and affection for her first love.
For: Viewers looking for a good plotline and a sweet love story.
Why watch?: The plot of the drama is woman-centered and mainly focuses on Park EunBin acting as the king. On one side, you have beautiful flowery sets and her affection for RoWoon, and on the other side, her being scared of being caught and all the political schemes. This combination makes this drama a good one to watch.
Summary: A record of a mournful court romance between a court lady who wanted to protect the life she had chosen and a king who put the country ahead of love.
For: Viewers looking for a touching drama that makes them cry.
Why watch?: It is a sad love story (better to know before starting) that moved the heart of countless viewers. This is not only the acting and chemistry of quality but also the thoughts on what is love compared to your personal life's aspirations that make this drama stand out. It is by far a high-quality historical K-Drama you don't want to miss.
Summary: “The Forbidden Marriage” is a delightful and exhilarating palace fraud drama about a marriage scammer who claims to be possessed by the spirit of the king’s late wife.
For: Viewers looking for a hilarious romantic comedy
Why watch?: The king (Kim YoungDae) can't forget his late wife but the scammer (Park JuHyun) pretends to be possessed by her spirit and this is all how they got closer. The drama is full of comic moments and gives watchers comfort and a happy time. Really entertaining! The drama directing and set were also very romantic and pretty giving us beautiful scenes. Note that this drama added a modern twist to its old story making it even more relatable.
*Note: "Alchemy of Souls" is not a historical drama. It is complete fiction and is not set in any time in Korean history. However, this drama might interest fans of historical drama so we are adding it as a bonus.
Summary: “Alchemy of Souls” is set in a great country that does not exist in history or on maps; a fantasy romance drama in which the protagonist's fates have been twisted due to magic.
For: Viewers looking for an unforgettable drama full of twists and addictive elements
Why watch?: This drama has a lot of addicted and passionate fans for a reason. This drama has no miss and has become a new classic drama! Action, fantasy, romance, bromance, mysteries, shocking twists, beautiful costumes and sets, high-quality CGIs, etc all make this drama truly unmissable! Between tears, laugh, and smiles, this drama has all to steal your heart.
You can also recommend to readers through the poll (opened on June 23, 2021) and the comments. (Note that "The King's Affection", "The Red Sleeve", "The Forbidden Marriage", and "Alchemy of Souls" were added later than the other dramas in the poll)
What is the best romance historical K-Drama according to you?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.
The Forbidden Marriage
Alchemy of Souls
The Moon Embracing The Sun
Jang OkJung, Living by Love
Warrior Baek DongSoo
Hwarang
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Empress Ki
Six Flying Dragons
Bridal Mask
The Emperor: Owner of the Mask
Gu Family Book
Rookie Historian Goo HaeRyung
The Tale of Nokdu
Mr. Queen
Royal Secret Agent
Bossam: Steal the Fate
The King's Affection
The Red Sleeve
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
Summary: A drama with an undetermined schedule, where the story unfolds as a fairy, using cupid arrows to connect love, accidentally hits herself with one of her own arrows. This leads to a tangled narrative involving a woman, creating a unique tale of love.
Why look forward to it?: The fact that the direction of love's arrow is misguided already makes for a plot-twist-like story filled with anticipation. Many fans are also anticipating this drama due to its unexpected but pleasantly surprising casting. The main actors are a combination that is fresh and fans are curious what the chemistry between the cast will be like.
Summary: A life-transfer drama where Lee Jae, just before falling into hell, experiences 12 deaths and lives.
Why look forward to it?: It's a story about the cruel judgment that awaits after death begins - which is definitely a tagline that we haven't seen in K-Dramas as of yet. Not only does it promise to yield a thought-provoking and fresh storyline, but the drama already promises an adventurous viewing experience. Based on a webtoon with a similar title directly translatable to 'I Will Now Die Soon', the drama makes a spin on the webtoon name but centers the title around the main character's name (Lee Jae), turning the title into the direct translation 'Lee Jae Will Die Soon'. This already shows how the drama will give a unique spin to the existing story in the original webtoon.
Summary: "If You Just Snap Your Fingers" is a high-teen drama that portrays the frustrations of students at the Korea Arts High School who want to experience pink love in a world where popularity turns into hierarchy, and not receiving hearts makes you a loser. Centered around students, the drama promises to unfold unfamiliar yet bold and diverse stories about their social status, desires, love, and growth in this challenging world.
Why look forward to it?: Not only will this web drama provide some much-needed social commentary and discourse, but it will also show a relatable story that many young people are dealing with today as they seek approval from society. The star-studded idol cast in this romantic youth drama also promises some great visual chemistry!
Which web drama will you be adding to your Korean web drama watchlist for December? Let us know in the comments!
Comments