5 K-Dramas That Serve As Inspiration For Writers Of All Backgrounds

Whether you're experienced or a budding writer in need of inspiration, add these K-Dramas to your watchlist!

Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
5 min to read · Published : Jun 16, 2023

5 K-Dramas That Serve As Inspiration For Writers Of All Backgrounds

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K-Dramas have a special allure that pull people in starting from the very first episode. Whether it's the heartwarming romance, thrilling action scenes, or tenderhearted drama, there's bound to be a series out there for you. These dramas can be many things, from pure, innocent entertainment to a source of inspiration.

Dramas cover a variety of themes and highlight a variety of different people, including writers. Writers of all backgrounds have been featured as a central character across multiple dramas. Although their own writing process and their daily life is dramatized for the sake of the show, there is some truth interwoven through their story.

So if you're a fellow writer yourself or aspiring to become one, here are a few K-Dramas you should definitely add to your watchlist.

1. "It's Okay To Not Be Okay"

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Cast: Kim SooHyun, Seo YeaJi, and others

Summary: Moon KangTae is a 30-year-old caregiver of a psychiatric ward who lost his parents at a very young age. When he lost his parents at a young age, he was left to take care of his older brother who has autism spectrum disorder, all by himself. In doing so, he shoulders all of life's burdens and refuses love of any kind. Ko MunYoung is a fairy tale writer who has a distorted image about love due to her upbringing. The two meet, overcome their traumas, and learn about the true meaning of love.

Reasons To Watch: At its very core, "It's Okay To Not Be Okay" is an ode to mental health and the importance of love, whether it be towards yourself, to family, and even to strangers you haven't even met. While this theme is prevalent throughout the series, we cannot forget the scenes of Ko MunYoung (Seo YeaJi) retreating to her study to write her next big hit. This very act hits home for some writers who require time away from home or a writers retreat to really hone in and complete their next manuscript.

2. "Romance Is A Bonus Book"

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Cast: Lee JongSuk, Lee NaYoung, Jung Eugene, Wi HaJun, and others

Summary: Kang DanYi was previously a successful copywriter, praised for her abilities. However, everything changed once she got married and had a child. In the present, she is broke, unemployed, and divorced, struggling to make ends meet. She tries to find a job, but due to her impressive career history, not one company will accept her. Cha EunHo is a genius writer, an accomplished chief editor at a publishing company, and one of DanYi's oldest friends. The two end up employed at the same company and begin to develop a romantic relationship.

Reasons To Watch: If the title didn't give it away, the sweet scent of romance in the drama is strong and will stir up every romantic cell possibly. While this is true, it also gives an inside look into the innerworkings of a publishing company. Despite the dramatized aspects, it's definitely a series many will love and appreciate. With the behind the scenes work of publishers and editors being recognized through this drama, writers will end "Romance Is A Bonus Book" with a smile on their face.

3. "Because This Is My First Life"

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Cast: Lee MinKi, Jung SoMin, and others

Summary: Yoon JiHo is a single woman who dreams of becoming the main scriptwriter for a hit drama. Nam SeHee is a single, IT-worker who owns a house but owes a large mortgage. In order to alleviate the costs, he rents out a room and unknowingly agrees to sign on Yoon JiHo as a tenant. After various happenings and pressures from outside sources, they decide to enter into

Reasons To Watch: "Because This Is My First Life" gives a realistic expectation for writers everywhere. The show sheds light on what happens when you put your writing dreams on indefinite hold. While its heartbreaking at first, sometimes a break is necessary to refresh and recharge. In doing so, just like JiHo, you will be able to create the scenario of you dreams, crafting the perfect masterpiece that the world will surely love.

4. "Run On"

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Cast: Yim SiWan, Shin SaeKyeong, and others

Summary:It tells the love stories of people from different worlds who communicate with their own languages and create relations in times where it is difficult to communicate even while using the same Korean language.

Reasons To Watch: The character's quirky personalities and sincere interactions will leave a lasting impression on your heart from the very first episode. For writers who are also multilingual, it shows another avenue they can pursue: writing translated subtitles. While it takes a lot to translate between two languages, seeing the end result on screen provides a type of euphoria. We witness this feeling of utmost joy at various moments throughout "Run On". If you're unsure what path to take as a writer, your mind will surely be racing with ideas after watching this drama.

5. "When The Weather Is Fine"

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Cast: Seo KangJoon, Park MinYoung, and others

Summary: It tells the heartwarming romance of Mok HaeWon and Im EunSeob. When HaeWon goes down to her hometown, a village called BukHyeonRi, she finds out that EunSeob runs an independent bookstore. They meet again, providing feelings of comfort and romance.

Reasons To Watch: "When The Weather Is Fine" provides the perfect atmosphere for any writer, as well as booklovers in general. The calm winter scenery wraps you in a blanket of peace, taking away all the worries that cloud your mind. The entire ambiance of the drama has a calming effect that will allow you to write all day long. Aside from producing the perfect writing conditions, the careful, yet steady romance between the two main leads will provide an indescribable warmth that stays with you, even hours after an episode ends.

Which K-Drama gives you inspiration as a writer? Are there more that you can think of? Let us know in the comments!