Mental health is a major topic in the world. As society changes and the weight of the world becomes worse, many people deal with mental health issues in different ways. A common but serious mood disorder is depression. Many people experience depression and the condition can sometimes be hard to deal with. Depression takes away your enjoyment of things you once loved and is much more than simply feeling sad. The representation in media is a vast spectrum.

K-Dramas have broken the taboo of discussing depression in shows. Increasingly, more shows choose to address topics of depression and many of them have it as the main focus of their series. Each series is different in how they display their characters' coping mechanisms and symptoms of depression. These 6 K-Dramas address depression throughout the series but all have their unique ways of doing it. Here is how they differ and how K-Dramas have juggled such a difficult topic in their series.

 

1. "Daily Dose Of Sunshine" Shows Anyone Can Feel Depressed

Probably one of the most realistic depictions of depression in a series, "Daily Dose of Sunshine" talks about a kind nurse who works in a psychiatry hospital and tries to bring sunshine to her patients. Setting in a psychiatry hospital, the series dives deeply into depression and mental health issues for each episode. One that stands out the most comes from the main character herself, Jung DaEun played by Park BoYoung. Jung DaEun sees the mistreatment of mental health patients in society's eyes and has to juggle a difficult job. A tragedy from a patient she was close with sent her into a spiral of guilt and depression.

The drama depicts her depression as various forms of self-sabotage and emptiness. She goes as far as overworking herself, even though she doesn't want to work, to try and ignore her depression. "Daily Dose Of Sunshine" was impressive with their depiction of depression and reminding everyone that it does not have a certain look. People may not expect mental health workers to feel a certain way since their main job is to help others but depression is not linear and anyone can experience it.

 

2. "Our Blues" Reminds Us Depression Isn't Just "Feeling Sad"

"Our Blues" focuses on a hometown in Jeju and the daily lives of its residents. As they navigate the ups and downs of life, they must also face the problems that life randomly throws at them. Min SeonAh, played by Shin MinA, is a character in the series who suffers from depression. A single mother whose husband left her, the series shows just how much depression can affect a person's time. She has no organization and has a lack of interest in life.

It gets so severe that she even forgets to pick up her son from school because of her mental health. What makes it even more interesting is the choice of colors for her as she is often shown in a blue hue, showing her "blues" and depression. The series shows that depression can have varying effects. It isn't simply feeling sad; sometimes people can not function normally because of it.

 

3. "Doctor Slump" Shows That Depression Doesn't Have One Look

"Doctor Slump" further reminds us that depression does not have a certain look to it and even if someone seems "perfect" you never know their struggles. The main character HaNeul, played by Park ShinHye, is a perfectionist and wants to succeed in everything she does. So when she realizes she is depressed, she wants to ignore it, resulting in her feeling worse than before. Despite HaNeul's perfect demeanor, she is battling with her mental health and finds comfort in the male lead of the series.

"Doctor Slump" gave some clarity on what depression looks like. Many people may have the image of someone who is untidy, lazy, and cries all the time but that is not always the case. Depression can sometimes be the hard-working doctor who comes into work smiling or your classmate who tends to keep to themselves. The K-Drama tackled the issues and taboos of depression in a wonderful way.

 

4. "Juvenile Justice" Shows Negative Effects Of Depression

"Juvenile Justice" has a devastating but realistic depiction of depression in the series. This K-Drama follows the story of a judge who does not look kindly on juveniles in the system and various cases of juvenile delinquency cases. One plot line focuses on a group of students cheating on a major exam soon being exposed and tried. Kang ShinWoo, played by Kim JunHo, is the son of the main character, Kang WonJung. His father also happens to be the chief of the Juvenile Justice Division.

When ShinWoo is found to be involved in the cheating scandal, his father chastises him to the point he tells him if he plans to end his life, he shouldn't involve his family. This results in ShinWoo attempting to end his life, leading his father to feel an immense sense of guilt. However, this arc in the series shows that ShinWoo was severely depressed with his academics. He never seemed to do well like his brother and being the son of a prominent figure only made him feel even more inferior.

 

5. "Weak Hero Class" Shows Us Outside Forces Can Cause Depression

In a similar fashion to "Daily Dose Of Sunshine", "Weak Hero Class" addresses the main character's depression and his forms of self-sabotage. Our protagonist, SiEun played by Park JiHoon, comes from a broken home with neglectful parents. They are too busy to deal with him and most times they are not even at home. Without any guidance or support from them, he chooses to isolate himself from the world. He studies despite not enjoying it anymore.

He doesn't have friends and feels a sense of emptiness in his everyday life. SiEun's reasons for his depression show that many things can trigger someone into depression. "Weak Hero Class" did an amazing portrayal of how outside factors can negatively impact an individual to the point they can fall into depression.

 

6. "Sweet Home" Shows How Depression Is Not Linear

"Sweet Home" shows the many layers of depression and how sometimes people fall into it due to various factors building up over time. "Sweet Home" is about a boy who has to deal with mysterious monsters after a strange incident in his apartment. Our main character, Cha Hyunsoo played by Song Kang, intentionally isolates himself and plans to end his life due to his depression. Bullied in school, and isolated from his classmates and family, he has many layers to his depression and what led him to his decision. The major turning point in his mental health was when he was the only survivor of a car crash that ended the lives of his family.

The drama shows how this has built up over time with all of the tragic events in his lifetime. There was not one main reason for him to feel depressed but various factors affected him mentally. What makes "Sweet Home" so interesting is the use of horror and monsters as battles of mental health issues. Confronting and battling his inner monster in this series gives the illusion of tackling his inner turmoil and depression. The series hits the nail on the coffin when HyunSoo chooses to help himself. No one forces him out of his depression and it is not magically cured, it's something he will need to improve on because he wants to.

 

As more and more K-Dramas discuss the topic of depression, many of them will choose to talk about it in their unique ways. Whats important is that these series are bringing to light a serious topic that needs to be discussed more in media.

Did you know that there is a word in Korean to describe men who are so good-looking that they're compared to flowers? This Korean word is "kkotminam".

'Kkotminam' (꽃미남) literally translates to "flower-like handsome man". It is a combination of 꽃 (kkot), meaning flower, and 미남 (minam), meaning handsome man. It is definitely a compliment and praise of a man's beauty.

Some popular Korean actors who are called 'kkotminam' include Lee JoonGi (the OG), Park BoGum, Song Kang, Ji ChangWook, Lee MinHo, and Song JoongKi, among others. Some idols who are called 'kkotminam' include ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Ong SeongWu, NCT's HaeChan, TREASURE's JunKyu, RIIZE's WonBin, and ZEROBASEONE's Zhang Hao, among others.

You can use 'kkotminam' in a sentence (informally) as follows:

그 아이돌은 꽃미남이야

Geu aidol-eun kkotminam-iya

That idol is a kkotminam!

Who do you think is a kkotminam idol or actor? Tell us on X!

Stay tuned to Your Korea Tutor - Kpopmap to learn Korean in fun ways!

2024 is proving to be an amazing year for K-Dramas and we love to see it. With the screen comebacks of top stars, rising actors making their mark on the industry, and the increasing versatility of genres, 2024 will undoubtedly give renewed impetus to Hallyu. As we step into April 2024, a number of exciting K-Dramas await.

From thrillers and fantasy to historical and crime, there's something for everyone this month. So, we compiled some of the most highly anticipated April 2024 K-Dramas in a watchlist for you!

Here are 5 April 2024 K-Dramas that you absolutely do not want to miss!

Note: This watchlist is not a ranking. It includes select K-Dramas airing on Korean national television as well as Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ original series.

 

Top 5 April 2024 K-Dramas

1. "Parasyte: The Grey"

When & Where: April 5, Netflix

Cast: Jeon SoNee, Koo KyoHwan, Lee JungHyun, Kwon HaeHyo

Summary: Based on the popular manga "Parasyte" by Hitoshi Iwaaki, "Parasyte: The Grey" will tell the story of how humans fight back against strange parasitic creatures trying to feed off of human hosts and steal their consciousness. While these worms try to expand their power and take over the control of society, can co-existence be possible?

Reasons To Watch: If you're a fan of the anime "Parasyte: The Maxim" or the manga "Parasyte", you have to tune into the April 2024 K-Drama "Parasyte: The Grey". The fact that the show is created by Yeon SangHo, and stars outstanding actors like Koo KyoHwan, Jeon SoNee and Lee JungHyun is reason enough to be hyped and we cannot wait to see what they have in store for us.

 

2. "Lovely Runner"

When & Where: April 8, Viki

Cast: Kim HyeYoon, Byeon WooSeok

Summary: "Lovely Runner" follows the story of Ryu SunJae (Byeon WooSeok), a popular star who passes away unexpectedly. However, a twist of fate gives him a second chance at life when his devoted fan, Im Sol (Kim HyeYoon), travels back in time to prevent the tragedy.

Reasons To Watch: "Lovely Runner" is arguably the most highly awaited romance drama among April 2024 K-Dramas. Kim HyeYoon and Byeon WooSeok are an absolute dream pair, and their heart-fluttering chemistry (especially the height difference) is giving us all the butterflies already! We cannot wait for this show to start airing.

 

3. "Blood Free"

When & Where: April 10, Disney Plus

Cast: Han HyoJoo, Ju JiHoon, Lee HeeJun, Lee MuSaeng

Summary: BF (Blood Free) is a company dominating the genetically engineered cultured meat market but when CEO Yoon JaYoo's (Han HyoJoo) vision starts being questioned, she realizes that her life is on the line. JaYoo meets the mysterious Woo ChaeWoon (Ju JiHoon), who starts working as her bodyguard.

Reasons To Watch: Much like other Disney Plus originals recently, "Blood Free" is a star-studded K-Drama with a novel premise. Viewers' expectations are sky high for this April 2024 K-Drama, and why wouldn't they be when some of the best actors have come together for this project? Besides, Disney Plus has established a reputation for its high-quality originals and we're hoping that this one is going to be no exception.

 

4. "Chief Detective 1958"

When & Where: April 19, Disney Plus

Cast: Lee JeHoon, Seo EunSoo, Lee DongHwi, Choi WooSung, Yoon HyunSoo

Summary: The story of a passionate young detective, Park YoungHan (Lee JeHoon), who cannot stand injustice. He teams up with his colleagues at Jongnam Police Station in Seoul to fight crime in an age where technology wasn't as advanced as it is today.

Reasons To Watch: Lee JeHoon fighting crime again? Sign us up! This April 2024 K-Drama is one of the most highly anticipated K-Dramas of the year, and for good reason! With a retro setting, this K-Drama is going to evoke nostalgia for an age many of us have never experienced and make us fall in love with it. Besides, the cast - which combines experienced stars and rising young actors, is sure to draw your attention.

 

5. "Missing Crown Prince"

When & Where: April 13, Viki

Cast: EXO's SuHo, Hong YeJi, Kim MinKyu

Summary: The crown prince of the nation has been kidnapped by a woman fated to be the princess! As they flee, a gentle romance blooms between the two.

Reasons To Watch: SuHo of EXO captivated global K-Drama audiences with his performance in "Behind Your Touch," heightening anticipation for his upcoming lead role in "Missing Crown Prince." Joining him is super rookie Hong YeJi, celebrated for her role in "Love Song For Illusion," garnering a devoted following, and rising star Kim MinKyu, making fans curious about the characters' relationships. You don't want to miss this one!