New K-Drama "Mine" Questions The Idea Of Happiness In A Life of Glam
K-Drama "Mine" explores the world of a chaebol family and their roles within their self-proclaimed hierarchy. Our leading ladies, however, want more than just a life of glam. Find out what happiness means to them and if it's possible to have it in a life filled with lies and deceit.
Kay Sesoko, Kpopmap Editor 4 min to read ·
Published : May 13, 2021
tvN
The new 16-episode K-Drama "Mine" proves that the grass is not always greener on the other side. The story focuses on a conglomerate family - the HyoWon Group family - and their complex relationship. Their world is a hierarchical web of status and each family member has to stick to certain rules to play their part. Money, power, and reputation are the pillars of their universe and the drama does not wait to show us that. The drama is set out in a lavish landscape. We get shown the HyoWon Group estate and the never-ending luxuries they have, down to the exotic pet peacock and custom oxygen levels in their house. Although we assume that wealthy and powerful people would be extremely happy, it seems not to be the case in this drama.
tvN
WARNING: This article may contain spoilers for Episodes 1 and 2 of "Mine"!
The two leading ladies play the most pivotal part in this drama despite their opposite personalities. Lee BoYoung plays Seo HeeSoo, who was a famous actress but gave it up to become the second daughter-in-law of the HyoWon Group. She is bright and outspoken, even when other members of the family oppose her. Seo HeeSoo seems to want to find happiness in terms of her connection with her husband, Han JiYong (the second son of the HyoWon Group) played by actor Lee HyunWook, and her son Han HaJoon (played by Jung HyunJoon).
She appears to want to regain her identity, which was forgotten along with her acting accomplishments when she joined the family. For the first couple of episodes, this is obvious in the small ways that she protests the family status quo; such as wearing a brightly colored orange dress to dinner when everyone else is dressed in neutral tones. It should be interesting to see how she goes about finding happiness without upsetting the family dynamic and balance.
Seo HeeSoo, played by Lee BoYoung, breaking the unofficial dress code. (tvN)
Kim SeoHyung plays Jeong SeoHyun, who is of a different nature. She rarely shows emotion in front of people and is strict about the personal and business dealings of the family. She seems to always be calculating the outcome of things. Jeong SeoHyun is the first daughter-in-law of the HyoWon group and prides herself in staying poised regardless of the circumstance.
Her desire seems to contradict the character that she shows us. She clearly longs for something or someone from her past. Her flashbacks imply that she is hiding a huge part of her identity, that used to make her happy. Perhaps she longs to go back to when she was free to be happy in that way again. Still, with the weight of the pressure on her, she'll have to fight very hard to be able to do so.
Jeong SeoHyun is played by Kim SeoHyung. (tvN)
However, there is one character that implies that she will become a huge obstacle to our leading ladies. Kang JaKyung is played by Ok JaYeon and works at the HyoWon Group annex as a tutor for HaJoon (Seo HeeSoo and Han JiYong's son). She's obviously hiding something. The moment she interacts with other characters, her first impression screams that she has an ulterior motive for taking this job. She doesn't look like somebody who needs to be working a tutor position at all, especially considering that she owns designer accessories that even get Jeong SeoHyun's attention.
Kang JaKyung is unapproachable and blunt. However, this energy changes when directed at HaJoon and his father Han JiYong. In fact, towards the end of the second episode, it becomes clear that she has some kind of connection with this family as she has the audacity to meet with the grandmother/wife of the head of HyoWon group Yang SooHye (played by Park WonSook) uninvited. What could she possibly be hiding? Does she have a history with this family? If so, what does she want from them?
Kang JaKyung, played by Ok JaYeon, meeting HaJoon for the first time. (tvN)
These are only a couple of the tensions visible in the K-Drama "Mine." Each character seems just as complex as the next. Each problem they face, just as complicated as the next. Each relationship is just as intricate as the next, too.
This K-Drama explores what the upper echelons of Korea live like. If you were a fan of "SKY Castle" or "The World Of The Married" then you will definitely love exploring the world of these upper-class characters.
Since "Mine" has taken over the "Vincenzo" time slot, it is anticipated to be one of the most popular new K-Dramas. It is airing on tvN (check out the television ratings here) and is currently available on Netflix Korea. See the Netflix ranking as of May 13, here.
Top 3 Korean Web Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist This March 2024
Find out the Korean web dramas you should be watching this March 2024. Which one will you add to your watchlist?
Kay Sesoko, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Mar 4, 2024
TVING / Coupang Play
Is your drama watchlist ready for March? If not, don't worry. We are here to help you make your selection for the new month.
Make sure to check out our K-Drama recommendations list, as well. Let's have a look at the web dramas streaming this month.
Here is a selection of 3 web dramas streaming in March not to forget to watch. (This list only includes web dramas).
Note: Web dramas starting on the final days of February have been included as they will air throughout March.
1. "Pyramid Game"
TVING
When: From February 29
Cast: WJSN's BoNa, Jang DaA, Ryu DaIn, Shin SeulKi, Kang NaEon, Jung HaDam, Ha YulRi
Genre: Thriller, Psychological Drama
Summary: A cruel survival hierarchy war unfolds among students at Baekyeon High School for Girls' 2nd grade class 5, where they vote for an outcast once a month through a secret ballot. In that place where 'perpetrators, victims, and bystanders' are all mixed, students gradually sink deeper into violence.
Why look forward to it?: Not only has the casting of this drama been generating buzz with a combination of fan-favorite actresses like WJSN's BoNa in the mix, and fresh faces in the form of rookie actresses, Jang Da A and Shin SeulKi; but the drama has also been getting hype for doing the webtoon that it's originally based on justice so far and giving viewers a riveting watching experience only 4 episodes in.
2. "Blossom Campus"
Strongberry
When: From March (exact date TBA)
Cast: Son ByeongHoon, Choi DongHo, Woo Hyeok
Genre: BL, Romance
Summary: "Blossom Campus" tells the story of Kim MinJae, a student who has just transferred schools and works part-time, and another student named Lee KyuHo. The two get their fates intertwined which results in a romantic relationship.
Why look forward to it?: The director of this drama, Kang Woo, has directed LGBTQI+ films and BL dramas throughout their career. They have gained a lot of adoration by fans of their works, raising anticipation for this upcoming drama and the promise that it holds. Not to mention, the cast consists of rookie and rising actors who are likely to give fresh energy to the viewing experience in this adorable campus romance.
3. "Hide"
Coupang Play
When: From March 23
Cast: Lee BoYoung, Lee MuSaeng, Lee ChungAh, Lee MinJae
Genre: Mystery, Drama
Summary: One day, after her husband disappears, a woman confronts an overwhelming truth as she traces the secrets entwined with his disappearance.
Why look forward to it?: Not only are Lee BoYoung and Lee ChungAh two of Korea's power actresses, which has fans looking forward to the character dynamics between the two, but the drama is also sparking interest as the synopsis already promises a mysterious and ominous story that will have us on the edge of our seats. Fans already have an affectionate nickname for the cast aka 'the Lee supremacy', too.
Which web drama will you be adding to your Korean web drama watchlist for March?
Find out about all the historical K-Dramas of 2024.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 5 min to read ·
Published : Dec 7, 2023
· Updated : Feb 6, 2024
KBS
Are you a fan of historical dramas? Then, you don't want to miss out on the historical K-Dramas announced for 2024.
A few historical dramas were announced for 2024. We will keep updating throughout the year, so stay tuned.
Web dramas are not included in this list and this is not a ranking.
This is not a ranking. Dramas starting in 2024 are included in this list.
1. "Love Song For Illusion"
KBS
When: January 2024
Cast: Park JiHoon, Hong YeJi, Ji Woo, Kim DongWon
Summary: It tells the story of a King with two opposite personalities and an assassin girl who wants to kill him but ends up falling in love with him.
Why Watch: The drama portrays a story of passionate romance and nail-biting suspense. It treads this line masterfully with an incredible performance from Park JiHoon and Hong YeJi.
This drama is based on the webtoon, "Love Song For Illusion".
2. "Flower That Blooms At Night"
MBC
When: January 12
Cast: Honey Lee, Lee JongWon
Summary: It is a comedy investigative historical drama that follows the story of a 15-year-long widow who is the daughter of a noble family and does not see anything of the outside world during the day, but crosses the fence at night to live a secret life.
Why watch: A mix of lightheartedness and mystery, "Flower That Blooms At Night" is a drama that will have you invested while smiling from ear to ear.
3. "Sejak: Charmed Deceit"
tvN
When: January 21
Cast: Cho JungSeok, Shin SaeKyeong
Summary: Depicts the cruel love story between King YiIn, who must face multiple dangers of power struggles, and Kang HeeSoo, who attempts to seduce the King in the name of revenge, but ends up falling for his charms instead.
Why Watch: A tale of romance and deceit, this drama is filled with various twists and turns that will keep audiences glued to their seats with every passing week.
4. "Tale Of Mrs. Ok"
RoseeDor / J.WIDE Company
When: TBA
Cast: Lim JiYeon and Choo YoungWoo (in talks)
Summary: Depicts the life of a female slave in the Joseon Dynasty and her passionate survival story.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the relase of the first teaser-
5. "Hong Rang"
Netflix
When: TBA
Cast: Lee JaeWook, Cho BoAh, Jung GaRam, Park ByungEun
Summary: A drama that follows a long-lost son of Joseon's elite whom resurfaces carrying a load of hidden secrets. Alongside him is his persistent step-sister who looks to discover the truth.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Based on the novel, "Tangeum".
6. "Queen Woo"
TVING
When: TBA
Cast: Jun JongSeo, Kim MuYeol, Ji ChangWook, Jung YuMi, Lee SooHyuk,Park JiHwan
Summary: Set in the Goryeo era, the drama revolves around Lady Woo, the first ever woman in history to become a queen twice. She will be on the hunt for her new King within 24 hours after her previous husband, the King died.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
7. "The Love Story Of Chunhwa"
Go Ara's Instagram / Star Village Entertainment
When: TBA
Cast: Go Ara, Chang Ryul
Summary: The romance historical drama follows HwaRi, the youngest princess of the royal family who decides to find her husband by herself. Among her potential husbands is Choi Hwan, the wealthiest merchant with handsome good looks. He seems to hide a secret.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
8. "Handwritten"
The Star
When: TBA
Cast: Seo InGuk (in talks)
Summary: The drama is set in the Joseon Dynasty and the story revolves around Kwon SooYoung, his journey to find his identity after losing his memory, and how he gets caught in a power struggle.
Why watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Adapted from the novel, "Jikpil".
9. "Haesi's Sinru"
Arena HOMME+
When: TBA
Cast: Ahn BoHyun
Summary: In an extra space of the Joseon Palace, a burning triangle romance takes place between a mysterious woman and the monarchs of Korea and China.
Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Adapted from the webtoon "Haesi's Sinru".
10. "Missing Crown Prince"
MBN
When: March 9, 2024 premiere
Cast: EXO's SuHo, Hong YeJi, Myung SeBin, Kim JooHeon, Kim MinKyu
Summary: A romantic comedy set in the Joseon era. Revolves around a crown prince who is kidnapped by the woman who is meant to become his wife.
Why Watch?: Enjoy the great chemistry between EXO's SuHo and Hong YeJi in this historical romance drama. Gte a chance to see more breathtaking Korean landscape, and dive into the beauty of Korean traditions.
11. "Won Kyung"
BB Lab / Netflix
When: TBA
Cast: Cha JooYoung, Lee HyunWook
Summary: A story about Queen WonKyung and King TaeJeong. They work together to create a brand new regime, but eventually experience a downfall in their relationship.
Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
12. "Serenade"
JFull Entertainment
When: TBA
Cast: Yeo JinGoo (in talk)
Summary: Follow the love story between the prince of the JoSeon dynasty, who wants to escape from the nation and find happiness, and a maiden from a poor family who wish to find happiness by becoming a successful woman in the nation.
Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
-to be updated-
BONUS
36. "Dae JangGeum" 20 years later
MBC
When: 2025
Cast: Lee YoungAe (Dae JangGeum)
Summary: In the continuity of the 2003 MBC drama "Dae JangGeum" (also known as "Jewel In The Palace"), this sequel will dive into the life of Dae JangGeum as she becomes a female physician.
Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Which historical K-Drama are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.
13 Best Fantasy Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)
Check out the best fantasy romance K-Dramas to have on your watchlist.
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 8 min to read ·
Published : Nov 9, 2023
· Updated : Dec 21, 2023
MBC
For new K-Dramas fans, it is often hard to make a great watchlist from the start. If you are looking for fantasy romance Korean drama recommendations, you are at the right place!
Fantasy is one of the most popular genres. It includes time travel, supernatural powers, supernatural beings, or fantasy settings.
If you are a K-Drama beginner, you might want to look out for the dramas that suit your taste the most among the ones selected below. For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all the dramas listed below, if not, it is time to add to your watchlist.
Note: This list was first published in 2020 and updated in 2023. This is not a ranking.
Summary: It tells the romance of an alien that arrived on earth 400 years ago and a blunt top Hallyu actress star.
Why watch?: After that show, you will never see aliens the same way. The adventure of the silent and handsome alien (with special powers) and a loud and funny superstar who are facing a ready-to-kill bad guy is definitely a must-watch. The plot and chemistry are just perfect. It is no wonder the drama has been a hit all across the globe.
Summary: Do BongSoon was born with superhuman strength. Her ideal type is her friend In GukDoo. Thanks to her skills, she got to be the bodyguard of the rich CEO Ahn MinHyuk. Their relationship evolves as a series of kidnapping cases escalate in her neighborhood.
Why watch?: With this drama, you can be sure to laugh a lot and make your heart burst with comedy and cheesy romance. The key character of this drama is Do BongSoon acted by Park BoYoung. She is a cute, petite girl who has superhuman strength and a straightforward personality. She is so strong that she can make humans fly high in the sky and she is also the one who protects Ahn MinHyuk acted by Park HyungSik.
Summary: It tells the story of a girl who realizes that she is a supporting character inside a romance manga named "Secret". She tries to change the fixed story for her love and life.
Why watch?: The plot of this drama is interesting and the storyline is full of fantasy and mysterious elements that keep the viewers stuck to their screen until the end. The love story is also one of the best with great acting and good chemistry. The surrounding characters also bring entertainment. If you are looking for a cute love story with fantasy, it is a must-watch.
Summary: It tells the story of a snobbish lawyer, a mysterious boy who reads people's minds, and a the story about an incident that happened after meeting a police officer.
Why watch?: In this drama, Lee JongSuk's character gained the special ability to reads people's minds after witnessing his father getting murdered at a young age. The well-written story of this drama touches on justice and his father's murder. The flawless acting, touching love story, and suspense make the drama memorable.
Summary: It tells the unpredictable fantasy romance of a strong ballerina that has no interest in love and a trouble maker angel who claims to be Cupid.
Why watch?: It is the forbidden love story of an angel and a human. The story is emotional and heart-wrenching. The lead female character is also quite unique with her arrogance and cold personality at the difference of the angel who is kind and positive. If you are interested in ballet and fated romance, you might watch to watch it.
Summary: It is the fantasy romance drama in which Lee Gon, the Emperor of Corea, and Jung TaeEul a detective from the Republic of Korea try to protect's lives and love through cooperation between the two parallel worlds.
Why watch?: It is one of the hit dramas of 2020 and it is no wonder why. With an exciting and intense plot, beautiful cinematography, interesting characters, and heart-fluttering romantic moments, the drama garners a lot of love. The drama is full of fantasy elements with two parallel worlds, time travel, and other fantastical elements.
Summary: It is three young adults with the ability to see the future through their dreams: a field reporter, a rookie prosecutor, and a police officer. The field reporter sees upcoming accidents and the prosecutor does everything he can to stop them.
Why watch?: With suspense, fantasy, and romance, this drama has gained a lot of fans. The three lead characters have the ability to see the future when they dream and they try their best to stop bad events to happen in a thrilling storyline. The drama is addictive from the beginning to the end with cliffhangers and mystery.
Summary: A doctor from the real world got sucked into the hit webtoon "W" and encounters the main character, leading to various events.
Why watch?: The drama "W" is catchy and has an original plot making this drama a must-watch. The fantastical elements of the drama are centered around the webtoon where the lead female is sucked into and where the lead male character lives in. They are traveling in and out of this webtoon and encounter deadly events. This addictive story will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Summary: It tells the story of an elite hotelier that gets to run the Hotel del Luna by a fateful event. Because of this, he got to run the hotel with the beautiful and aloof but ill-tempered boss. Hotel Del Luna is a hotel in downtown Seoul. It is looking old and shady from the outside but it is a fancy place for wandering ghosts. They are the only one to see the place as amazing.
Why watch?: The universe of "Hotel del Luna" and the lead female character are the main reasons for watching. They are intriguing and original. The fantastical elements of this drama are centered on ghosts, the afterlife, and paying for your previous life's mistakes. The whole drama has perfect cinematography and good special effects. If you are looking for a drama with ghosts (not scary), it is definitely for you.
10. "Goblin" / "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God"
Summary: A goblin who needs a human bride to end his immortal life and a grim reaper who can't remember his past start a strange cohabitation. It tells their mysterious romantic tales the happens when the girl who thinks she is "the bride of the goblin" appears.
Why watch?: The two couples Gong Yoo/Kim GoEun and Lee DongWook/Yoo InNa move the heart of the viewers with their intense and fateful romance. The bromance of the drama is also one key element of "Goblin". The drama is full of fantasy with Gong Yoo being a goblin, Lee DongWook a grim reaper, the ghosts, reincarnation stories, and much more grabbing viewers' curiosity.
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 a high-quality and unique fantasy drama.
Why watch?: It is a rare pearl if you are looking for a whole package of romance, action, thrills, mystery, magic, politics, martial art, etc. A talented and handsome cast adds to the fun of this unique story and concept for K-Dramas. The high budget and high quality of this production are also spectacular shows for the eyes.
Summary: A drama that follows a reckless romance of a woman who remembers her past lives and is living her 19th life.
For: Viewers looking for an emotional fantasy drama
Why watch?: This drama revolves around themes like past lives, destiny, true love, and healing from trauma, making it a captivating blend of mystery and romance. The two main couples and their touching love stories keep us engaged with a mix of tearful and heartwarming moments.
Summary: The drama follows Lee HongJo (Cho BoAh), a ninth-grade civil servant who's overlooked by her co-workers and Jang ShinYoo (RoWoon), a competent yet cold lawyer who becomes the legal advisor for the city government. He is affected by a curse that has plagued his family for centuries. Through an act of fate, they meet and their lives become intertwined.
For: Viewers looking for a fun and romantic show with mysteries
Why watch?: What makes this drama a must-watch are the charming main couple, cute moments, and memorable lines. It's a delightful and enjoyable show with some unexpected twists and interesting elements. The fantasy aspects are well woven into the story. If you're seeking something both surprising and heartwarming, this is the one for you.
You can also recommend the dramas you liked to readers through the poll and the comments. (Note that "Alchemy Of Souls", "See You in My 19th Life", and "Destined With You" were added later than the other dramas in the poll.)
What is the best fantasy romance K-Drama according to you?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.
See You In My 19th Life
Destined With You
My Love From the Star
Strong Girl BongSoon
Extraordinary You
I Can Hear Your Voice
Angel's Last Mission: Love
The King: Eternal Monarch
While You Were Sleeping
W
Hotel del Luna
Goblin
Alchemy of Souls
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
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