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        7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        Looking to start watching K-Dramas? This list recommends some recent K-Dramas that are perfect for beginners!

        Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor
        8 min to read  ·  Published : Nov 3, 2023 · Updated : Dec 15, 2023
        7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        KBS

        Are you new to the wondrous world of K-Dramas and need some help choosing your first watch? Well, you've come to the right place to start this magical journey of extraordinary stories, unforgettable characters, otherworldly OSTs, and more but remember, once you step into this K-Dramaverse, it's going to be impossible to get out! Keep reading for some recent K-Dramas that will be perfect for beginners to start their K-Drama journey with.

        If you are an international fan, the ratings of TV dramas in South Korea might not be the best yardstick for you as what's popular in South Korea doesn't always translate to global popularity, and similarly, there are a lot of K-Dramas that did not do that well in their home country but were hugely successful overseas. It is also a challenging task to recommend only a few K-Dramas when there are innumerable amazing ones that have been released over decades across a diverse range of genres.

        So, for this article, we will try to recommend some recent K-Dramas in different genres. Staple dramas such as "Boys Over Flowers" (2009), "Secret Garden" (2010), "The Moon That Embraces the Sun" (2012), "You Who Came From the Stars" (2013), "Goblin" (2016), and so on are simply amazing but may be considered old for some. Of course, such legendary K-Dramas cannot be forgotten, but for a first-timer, newer and more recent K-Dramas might be a good place to start.

        So, in this list, we will recommend some recent K-Dramas (from 2021 onwards) that are perfect for K-Drama beginners. If you're already a K-Drama connoisseur, you can also recommend other K-Dramas in the comments section down below!

        Note: This list is not a ranking.

         

        1. Romantic Comedy

        "Business Proposal"

         7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        SBS

        If you're looking for a romantic comedy, there's no better drama to start with than the K-Drama that ranked 4th overall on the Korean government's annual Hallyu survey, where thousands of people across 26 countries were asked to pick their favorite K-Drama of 2022. 1.9% of the total respondents picked "Business Proposal", which speaks volumes about its global impact.

        "Business Proposal" tells the story of Kang TaeMu (Ahn HyoSeop), an influential CEO who is forced to go on blind dates by his grandfather and an ordinary employee at his company, Shin HaRi (Kim SeJeong) who goes on a date with him in place of her rich best friend Jin YoungSeo (Seol InAh), who believes in love at first sight. Fate does its thing, and the two fall in love despite HaRi's multiple attempts to prevent it.

        The drama also stars Kim MinGue as Cha SungHoon, who works for Kang TaeMu and is his best/only friend. Cha SungHoon meets Jin YoungSeo by chance, and sparks fly as they realize they have more in common than they think.

        "Business Proposal" is a light-hearted watch that will make you roll over laughing but will also give you all the butterflies. It is the ideal mix of romance and comedy and hence, the perfect recommendation for this list.

         

        2. Thriller

        "Little Women"

         7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        tvN

        If you're looking to explore thriller K-Dramas, you need to dive into the masterpiece that is "Little Women". With a tight screenplay, an excellent cast, and subtle nods to the classic it is named after, this drama is iconic, to say the least.

        Starring Kim GoEunNam JiHyunPark JiHuWi HaJunKang Hoon & more, "Little Women" tells the story of three sisters, abandoned by the world and society, standing up for themselves and their ambitions against the most powerful family in South Korea. It is premised on the eldest sister, Oh InJu (Kim GoEun), suddenly coming in possession of a huge fortune, albeit one that is acquired by tainted means. Seeking to turn her life around, she takes a gamble but is mired in a dense web of conspiracy, threatening everything she has ever known.

        "Little Women" boasts some of the most brilliant acting performances by our cast, who amplify the viewing experience manifold. The drama is super compatible with binge-watching, and the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the runtime. There's truly no better thriller than "Little Women" for a beginner to get acquainted with the treasure that K-Dramas have to offer in this genre.

         

        3. Historical

        "The King's Affection"

         7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        KBS

        In 2022, "The King's Affection" became the first-ever K-Drama to win an Emmy for "Best Telenovela" at the 50th International Emmy Awards. It was lauded worldwide for its fresh theme, phenomenal cast, and quality of adaptation (it is based on a webtoon called "Yeonmo"). So, if you want a taste of all the good things that the K-Drama industry has to offer in the genre of fantasy, "The King's Affection" is a must-watch.

        "The King's Affection" tells the story of a young princess who was executed by the royal family because she was born as a girl among twins. However, she survived and was raised as an ordinary young woman until her twin brother, the Crown Prince, passed away. Ultimately, the princess is summoned to take his place in secret, where she must navigate the tricky palace politics as well as her own feelings for her first love, who is appointed as her royal tutor.

        Park EunBin and SF9's RoWoon as Lee Hwi and Jung JiUn, respectively, give us a dreamy, transcendent romance with the most stellar chemistry and heart-fluttering sweetness we've ever seen. In addition, the romance is fused with action, intrigue, and thrill, which makes the drama multidimensional. "The King's Affection" is not just a historical romantic comedy but also a gender-bending roller coaster ride that you do not want to miss.

         

        4. Fantasy Romance

        "Alchemy of Souls"

         7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        tvN

        2022 brought us the greatest fantasy romance K-Drama of all time, and we have to say, it will certainly be difficult to top this one. Now, K-Dramas offer a wide variety and spectrum of fantasy concepts in K-Dramas. However, the wonderful blend that "Alchemy of Souls" provides is exceptional. From the incomparable world-building to the unique characterization, costumes, and more - this drama is a marvel of Korean television. In addition, this drama has two parts, so you'll have a gala time, guaranteed!

        Starring Lee JaeWookJung SoMin, Go YounJung, Hwang MinHyunOH MY GIRL's ArinYoo InSoo, and Shin SeungHo, "Alchemy of Souls" tells the story of the sorcery of soul shifting, a rightful heir's claim to the throne and a shadow assassin's search for the truth. Lee JaeWook plays Jang Uk, the eldest son of the influential Jang family, Jung SoMin plays MuDeok, a lowly blind peasant girl who houses the soul of Naksu, who is played by Go YounJung. Bound by destiny, they join forces to save the world.

        One of the strongest merits of "Alchemy of Souls" is its flawless progression and masterful cast. You will inevitably find yourself getting attached to the characters and rooting for them as you finish episode after episode without ever needing a break. Not to spoil it for you, but the ending will blow your mind!

         

        5. Revenge Drama

        "The Glory"

         7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        Netflix

        "The Glory" is a breathtaking saga of revenge told in epic proportions, starring Song HyeKyoLee DoHyun, and Im JiYeon in the leading roles. Witness greatness at its finest - from the writing to the acting, the cinematography, symbolism, and everything in between. "The Glory" is a work of art where each scene is a masterstroke delicately placed to form the larger canvas of unparalleled splendor. Revenge has never looked this good.

        "The Glory" tells the story of Moon DongEun (Song HyeKyo), who dreamed of becoming an architect but was forced to steer her life in a different direction after being bullied viciously in school. Now, she has dedicated her life to revenge, taking judgment and divine retribution into her own hands. There's no forgiveness, so there will be no glory.

        If you're looking for catharsis, an emotional cleanse, or a purging of sorts, "The Glory" would be the perfect K-Drama for you. You'll also be lucky to be ushered into the world of K-Dramas by legendary actress Song HyeKyo and the representative star of the current generation, Lee DoHyun, working together to create the coolest K-Drama couple you'll ever see. So, what are you waiting for? Check out "The Glory' on Netflix now!

         

        6. Action

        "My Name"

         7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        Netflix

        Starring Han SoHee in the leading role, "My Name" makes action look better than it ever has before. It is entirely a female-driven narrative that posits revenge in the forefront and underlines it with a poignant romance. The drama will draw you in with its riveting plot, exposing the gritty underbelly of crime and corruption that our heroine confronts with unwavering fortitude.

        "My Name" tells the story of Yoon JiWoo, a young woman who helplessly witnesses her father's murder but is left in the dark about how or why it happened. To find out the truth and enact her revenge, JiWoo accepts the guidance of druglord Choi MuJin (Park HeeSoon) and joins a dangerous crime ring before going undercover as a police officer in the Drug Investigation unit. However, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected variable - her partner in the police force, Jeon PilDo (Ahn BoHyun). JiWoo doesn't know who she can trust, and betrayal lurks right around the corner, making her question her reality. With love, loyalty, and vengeance on the line, will JiWoo be able to uncover the secrets behind her father's untimely passing?

        "My Name" is immensely well-written and fast-paced, which means there's not a dull moment in the whole series. As there are only eight episodes, it is a bite-sized watch that amply conveys the appeal and originality of K-Dramas. This is one of those dramas that will have you hooked in no time, especially with the cast's remarkable performance. You're going to love this one!

         

        7. Horror

        "Revenant"

         7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)

        Disney+

        "Revenant" is easily one of the most visually stunning, well-written, and brilliantly executed horror K-Dramas to have ever come out of the Korean entertainment industry. Starring acting powerhouses Kim TaeRi and Oh JungSe with rising star Hong Kyung, this K-Drama is a mesmerizing nightmare, and we promise you, you will not want it to end.

        "Revenant" tells the story of Gu SanYeong - a hard-working young woman who might look unperturbed by life's disturbances on the outside but represses her vulnerabilities and weaknesses on the inside. After the passing of her estranged father, she unwittingly gets possessed by a demon and is plagued with unwanted spirit sight. Things get progressively worse when she experiences sudden gaps in her memory and striking behavioral changes. The absence of scientific understanding gives way to doubts about the paranormal as she meets Professor Yeom HaeSang. Together, they decide to confront the evil within and possibly unravel an age-old mystery.

        Kim TaeRi's portrayal of Gu SanYeong has to be one of the best performances of the actress' career. Oscillating between this world and a dark other, Gu SanYeong's consciousness is frayed, and her resilience is relentlessly tested. Yet she remains unmoved, even in the face of self-loss, determined to purge not only herself from the diabolic but also her world.

        Oh JungSe, as the mysterious professor of Korean folklore, Yeom HaeSang, is equally brilliant as Yeon HaeSang struggles with his own demons while simultaneously battling the generational malevolence that has haunted his family for ages. At the same time, Hong Kyung's character - lieutenant Lee HongSae, stands in as the audience surrogate, investigating the strange cases around Gu SanYeong in his own way. Hong Kyung brings a marked freshness to the story with his resonant performance, proving his status as a rising star.

        The plot of "Revenant" branches out into episodic paranormal encounters while the centre unravels slowly and steadily, giving us the most cathartic and satisfying ending possible. This K-Drama is timeless, and we highly recommend you add it to your watchlist.

         

        For more recommendations, check out some of our genre-centric watchlists below!

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