Korean movies are stealing the spotlight on a global scale, and more and more international fans are interested in the Korean film industry. So, we're bringing to you the latest news from Chungmuro - the Korean Hollywood, also known as Hallyuwood. Check out the hottest movies at the Korean box office, what the upcoming Korean movie releases are, what's hot in Chungmuro, and more!

 

Top Korean Movies At The Box Office

Over the last month, the top 2 Korean films at the domestic box office were as follows, according to Cine21:

 

1. "Exhuma"

The K-Occult film on everyone's radar these days - "Exhuma" - retained the top spot. Starring Choi MinSik, Kim GoEun, Yoo HaeJin, and Lee DoHyun, "Exhuma" continues to break records and set new ones, with a total of 10,512,767 admissions to date. "Exhuma" was released on February 22.

CineFact: "Exhuma" was not just the most-watched film among Korean releases but also international releases in Korea in March.

 

2. "Troll Factory"

Starring Son SukKu, Kim SungCheol, Kim DongHwi, and Hong Kyung, "Troll Factory" was the second most-watched Korean movie at the domestic box office in March 2024, with a total of 194,541 admissions to date. The film was released on March 27.

 

Upcoming Korean Movies

There are a number of Korean movies coming up in April. Among them, here are our picks for the top 3 Korean movies that you should look forward to!

 

1. "SEWOL: Years In The Wind"

In April 2024, ten years will have passed since the terrible Sewol Ferry Tragedy. "SEWOL: Years In The Wind" is a documentary made by Moon JongTaek - a father who lost his daughter, JiSeong, in the tragedy, alongside documentary director Kim HwanTae. The film consists of footage by Moon JongTaek himself as he documents the lives of the bereaved families throughout the last ten years and emphasizes national and individual responsibility towards creating a safer society for all. It is also aimed at raising awareness about the tragedy among young people who may not be aware.

If there's one Korean film you watch in April, we hope it will be this one. "SEWOL: Years In The Wind" releases on April 3 in Korea.

 

2. "YuMi's Cells: The Movie"

The hugely popular webtoon turned blockbuster K-Drama is now coming to you as a movie! This time, YuMi's cells are the main characters, so the movie is entirely animated. Watch your favorite cell characters from the webtoon and K-Drama return and fall in love with them all over again! This film will follow YuMi as she prepares for her writing contest after quitting her job to become a writer.

"YuMi's Cells: The Movie" releases on April 3.

 

3. "Again 1997"

"Again 1997" is a Korean movie that tells the story of a young man named WooSeok, who wanted to be an actor, but because of a scar he got on his face, he ended up making a living as a stuntman. Now, he is the breadwinner of his family but not a great father or husband. After a fateful encounter with a monk, he gets into an accident and travels back in time to his high school days, before he got the scar. With this second chance at life, WooSeok is determined to do things right.

"Again 1997", starring Cho ByeongKyu, Han EunSu, iKON Ju-ne, Choi HuiSeung, and more, releases on April 10.

That concludes this month's Chungmuro report! Which Korean movies are you excited about? Tell us on X!

K-Dramas based on webtoons are trending and Korean production companies are doing more and more of them. The trend of turning webtoons into awesome K-Dramas is rolling into 2024 with even more excitement! At Kpopmap, we got you covered on the dramas that are confirmed to hit your screens this year or later based on webtoon.

Remember all those dramas we loved from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 dramas based on webtoon? Get ready for a new list filled with stories and unforgettable characters that are sure to keep us hooked with popular webtoon getting adapted into dramas.

We're splitting it into two parts: first, the dramas we know are coming in 2024 or soon, and second, the webtoons that waiting for cast announcement (no confirmation of broadcast).

Here are the dramas based on webtoon confirmed to air in 2024 or later.

We'll be updating this list all year long (like the previous years), so you won't miss a thing! Just bookmark us.

Note: Only dramas starting in 2024 and onward are covered.

Note: Some of these dramas were announced in 2023 but their broadcasting news is yet to be released.

 

1. "Love Song for Illusion" /  Schedule status: January 1, 2024

The webtoon "Fantasy Sonata" (in Korean "환상연가") by Vanziun is being adapted into a drama under the name "Love Song for Illusion". This story is about a King who has two sides to his personality, and a woman named Yeon Wol who wants revenge for her family. Yeon Wol comes from a noble family called Yeon clan. She pretends to be someone named KyeRa and tries to assassinate the King. However, something strange happens, and she loses her memory because of a mysterious scent. When she wakes up the next day, she finds herself as the King's concubine and can't remember her past.

Park JiHoon and Hong YeJi are confirmed to be leading the drama.

Check out the introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

2. "Marry My Husband" / Schedule Status: January 1, 2024

The webtoon "Marry My Husband" (in Korean "내 남편과 결혼해줘) by Seong SoJak is being adapted into a drama. The story revolves around JiWon, a woman with a limited time ahead of her, goes back in time to a decade ago. She's haunted by thoughts of revenge because her husband, who had an affair with her closest friend, was the one who took her life.

Park MinYoung, Na InWoo, Lee YiKyung, Song HaYoon, Highlight's Lee GiKwang, and Gong MinJeung are casted into drama.

Check out the introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

3. "Flowers That Bloom At Night" / Schedule Status: January 12, 2024

The webtoon "Flowers That Bloom At Night" (in Korean "밤에 피는 꽃") by Toli, Jeongro, Yuna, and Bess. It is a comedic historical drama that follows the a 15-year widow lives a double life, helping people at night while wearing a mask.

Lee Hanee and Lee JongWon are part of the casting of the drama.

Webtoon: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

4. "Spirit Fingers" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Spirit Fingers" (in Korean "스피릿 핑거스") by Han KyoungChal was announced to be adapted into a drama. It is a school romance story about a girl joining an art club and learning to love and stand out for herself.

Park JiHu, Cho JunYoung, and Golden Child's Choi BoMin are part of the cast. The drama was filmed between March and October 2023.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

5. "Study Group"/ Schedule Status: Second half of 2024

The webtoon "Study Group" (in Korean "스터디그룹"), which is part of YLAB's Blue String Universe, written by Shin HyungUk and illustrated by Yoo SeungYeon, is being produced into a drama by TVING. It is a high school action drama which revolves around the strongest boy who dreams of being a top student. Yun GaMin, a high school student, longs to excel in his studies, but sadly, his talent lies solely in fighting. At the lackluster Yusung Technical High School, he decides to form a study group. This begins their (real) blood-splattering tale of their entrance exam journey.

Hwang MinHyun and Han JiEun are the lead actors of the drama.

Check out the introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

6. "Shop Of The Lamp" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "Shop Of The Lamp" (in Korean "조명가게") by Kang Full was announced to be adapted into a drama. This webtoon is a horror and thriller genre, depicting strange things happening there against the backdrop of a dark, remote lighting shop away from the village. Strangers visit the lighting shop in a deserted place every day. Those who keep hovering around the store as if trying to say something eventually turn around without leaving any words.

SeolHyun and Ju JiHoon are part of the casting.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

7. "Pyramid Game" / Schedule Status: Februuary 29, 2024.

The webtoon "Pyramid Game" (in Korean "피라미드 게임") by Dalgonyak was announced to be adapted into a drama. The webtoon deals with subtle bullying in school life. Students cast their votes once a month in a popularity poll that creates a ranking system determining the school's social hierarchy. SuJi, a new transfer student, aims to climb the pyramid and rise to the top from the bottom, potentially changing the game's outcome.

WJSN's BoNa, Jang Daa, Ryu DaIn, Kang NaEon, Jeong HaDam, Shin SeulKi and Ha Yullia are casted for the drama.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

8. "Cashero"/ Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "Cashero" (캐셔로) by team befar was announced to be turned to a webdrama. The drama is said to be produced by Netflix. Its story revolves around the story of ordinary superheroes who protect the daily lives of other ordinary people.

2PM's JunHo and Kim HyangGi are said to be reviewing their offer to appear in the drama.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

9. "Perfect Family" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "Perfect Family" (in Korean "완벽한 가족") by N.B & JUNE will be adapted into a drama. It is a psychological thriller about a young schoolgirl who shocks everyone by admitting she murdered a classmate named Park KyungHo. What's even more unsettling is how her mother reacts. Instead of being horrified, her main concern is upholding the façade of a flawless family. She'll go to great lengths to preserve that image.

Park JuHyun, Yoon SeAh, and Kim ByongChul are confirmed to be casted into the drama.

Check out the introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

10. "Treat Me Carelessly" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "Treat Me Carelessly" (in Korean "함부로 대해줘) by SunWoo will be adapted in to a drama. The drama revolves around Shin YunBok, a student from Seongsan village, whose beliefs are firmly grounded in Confucianism and his interactions with Kim HongDo, his art mentor, known for a brash and candid disposition.

INFINITE's L (Kim MyungSoo) and Lee YouYoung are in talks for the drama casting.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

11. "One: High School Heroes" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "ONE" (in Korean "원") by Lee EunJin is adapted into the drama "One: High School Heroes." It tells the story of the transformation of EuiGyeom (the protagonist) who is being excessively pressured by his father to excel in academics for some reason.

Lee JungHa, Lim HyunTae, Kim SangHo, and Kim JooRyeong are confirmed to be casted into the drama.

Webtoon: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

12. "Cinderella at 2AM" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Cinderella at 2AM" (in Korean "새벽 두 시의 신데렐라") by Aigome will be produced into a drama. The story revolves around Ha YoonSeo, who, for the past three years, has been in a relationship with Seo JooWon. However, it's been two months since she found out that JooWon is the youngest son of a conglomerate. Hearing from JooWon's mother that she should break up with her son, Ha YoonSeo accepts money as compensation. Despite her deliberate attempts to create distance and end the relationship, JooWon remains persistent and continues his efforts to change YoonSeo's heart.

Shin HyunBeen and Moon SangMin are in talks for the drama casting.

Webtoon: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

13. "S Line"/  Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "S-Line" (in Korean "S라인") by NOMABI is confirmed to be produced into a drama. The drama is a fantasy thriller that portrays various social scenarios that unfold when one day a visible "red line" appears above a person's head, connecting them to someone they had a physical relationship with, revealing something so private to everyone. This affects the course of the society, especially with the revelations come with consequences.

Lee SooHyuk, OH MY GIRL's Arin, and Lee DaHee are confirmed to be casted into the drama.

Check out the introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

14. "Wedding Impossible"/ Schedule status: February 26, 2024

The romance webtoon "Wedding Impossible" (in Korean "웨딩 임파서블") by Lee Chung and Song JungWon is announced to be adapted into a drama. It is a romance with conflicted desires between a gay chaebol heir who asks an unknown actress to marry and the chaebol's ambitious brother.

Jun JongSeo, Kim DoWan and Moon SangMin are cast in this drama. The first episode will air on February 26 at 8:50PM KST.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

15. "History of Losers" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "History of Losers" (in Korean "찌질의 역사") by Kim Poong and Sim YoonSoo is announced to be adapted into a drama. It tells the story of 20 years old boys who evolve into men. It tells the pathetic stories of them never getting mature.

Cho ByeongKyu, Song HaYoon and RyeoUn are cast.

Check out the introduction of the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

16. "The Borrowed Body" / Schedule status: TBA

The teen romance webtoon named "Borrowed Body" (in Korean "빌린 몸") by Park SeKye is announced to be adapted into a drama. The story is set in during the first year of high school. Students Sang Yoo, DaRim, and HoYoung are all the three lead characters. We start off with Sang Yoo who is gloomy due to a scandalous rumor and DaRim is a top student, not to mention, also an athlete. Our last lead HoYoung is DaRim's crush.

Studio 329 is in charge of the adaptation. Nam YoonSu, RyeoUn, and Park HaeEun are cast.

Check out our introduction to the webtoon here. You can vote for the actress you want to see here in our dream cast.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

17. "Money Game" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Money Game" and "Pie Game" (the sequel to "Money Game") (in Korean "파이게임") by Bae JinSoo was announced to be adapted into an OTT drama. It tells the story of 8 people, who participate in a TV reality show where eight participants are isolated and left to survive with a shared amount of 44.8 billion KRW. They will win the money they manage to save together.

Chun WooHee, Ryu JunYeol, Park JeongMin, Park HaeJoon, Bae SungWoo, and more are cast.

Get to know more about the webtoon and its characters here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

18. "Chicken Nugget" / Schedule status: March 15, 2024

The science fiction thriller webtoon "Dak Gang Jeong" (in Korean "닭강정") by Park JiDok was announced to be adapted into a drama "Chicken Nugget". The webtoon tells the strange story of how a beautiful young girl, Choi MinAh, is turned into fried chicken because she happens to enter a mysterious machine.

Director Lee ByungHun ("Melo Is My Nature", "Extreme Job" and more) is in charge of the said production. Ahn JaeHong, Ryu SeungRyong, and Kim YouJung are cast for the drama.

Find out about the characters and the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

19. "Aquaman" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Aquaman" (in Korean "아쿠아맨") by Mcqueenstudio will be adapted into a drama. It depicts the love and friendship of young people beyond gender.

It is planned by Kakao Entertainment. Jung WooJin, PENTAGON's HongSeok, Lee SoHee, and Shin SoHyun are the lead actors.

Check out the cast and summary of the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

20. "Vampire Chef" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Vampire Chef" (in Korean "뱀파이어 셰프") by SeoYun and Kim MinHye will be adapted into a drama. It tells the blood purification project of the chef and owner of a restaurant named Hong KiJoon.

Cho YiHyun is in talks to be the childhood friend of Hong KiJoon.

Check out more information about the drama, its characters and our dream cast here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

21. "Things Have Fallen Off" / Schedule status: TBA

The short webtoon "Things Have Fallen Off" (in Korean "떨어져 나간 것") by TaRi will be adapted in a drama. It tells the story of a woman who looks back on her memories with her ex-boyfriend. It would be the Korean version of the movie "About Time".

Moon ChaeWon is in talks.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

22. "The Year We Turned 29" / Schedule status: TBA

The youth romance comedy webtoon 'The Year We Turned 29" (in Korean "아홉수 우리들") written by Soo BakYang is announced to be adapted into a drama. It tells the story of three friends who are 29 years old and who are going through this harsh year ending with a "9".

El-rise who has produced the drama "When the Devil Calls Your Name" is in charge. Kim HyeYoon is in talks.

Have a look at the webtoon and its characters here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

23. "The Witch" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "The Witch" (in Korean "마녀") by Kang Full was announced to be adapted into a drama. It tells the story of a man who loves a woman he calls a "witch".

GOT7's JinYoung and Roh JeongEui are cast.

You can find out more about the webtoon, the adaptation's cast, characters, and more here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

24. "i-Shopping" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "Child Shopping" (in Korean "아이쇼핑") written by Eum SeYun and illustrated by Ryu GaMyung, will be turned into a drama. It is gripping action thriller that portrays the tale of an abandoned adopted child's fight for survival and vengeance. The plot centers on the revelation of an underground "adoption broker organization" that provides kids for discreet adoptions and even goes so far as to take them back if there's a "refund" request. The narrative unfolds as Tae Shik, who was once involved with this organization, endeavors to rescue these "refunded" children.

Yum JungAh and Won JinA, Dex, and Lee NaEun are confirmed for the cast.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

25. "A Killer Paradox" / Schedule Status: February 9, 2024.

The thriller webtoon "The Murder and the Toy" also called "Murder DIEary" (in Korean "살인자난감") by Kkomabi and Nomabi is announced to be adapted into a Netflix drama. It tells the story of a man who became a murderer after an accident and a detective chasing him.

Choi WooShik and Son SukKu are cast for this Netflix original drama.

You can read more about the webtoon, its characters, and more here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

26. "Homeland and Nationality" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "Homeland and Nationality" (in Korean "조국과 민족") by Kang TaeJin was announced to be produced into a Netflix drama. The story revolves around DoHoon Park, an intelligence agent who is not afraid to resort to violence and torture for the way of his country, and how he was recruited by a South Korean agent with who he makes a secret deal, which he shouldn't have done.

Yoo JaeMyung is in talks for casting. The script was reported to be written by "Narco-Saints" scriptwriter Kwon SungHwi, and it will be directed by Baek SeungHwan.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

27. "HeeSu In Class 2" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "HeeSu In Class 2" (in Korean "2반 이희수") by Lily was announced to be produced into a web drama. The story is about the youthful romance of HeeSu, an ordinary 18-year old boy, and his neighbor who has a secret.

Lee SangJun and Cho JunYoung are cast for the web drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

28. "Jung Nyeon" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Jung Nyeon" (in Korean: "정년이"), written by Seo Ire and illustrated by NaMon, was announced to be produced into a drama. The story revolves around JungNyeon, a girl from Mokpo, who dreams of becoming part of the Gukgeuk Troupe (a play with women as actresses).

Kim TaeRi, Shin YeEun, Ra MiRan, Moon SoRi, and Jung EunChae are confirmed to be cast into the drama.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

29. "Bastard" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Bastard" (in Korean "후레자식") by Kim KanBi and Hwang YeongChan was announced to be adapted into a drama. It is a thriller story about a high school student named SeonWoo Jin who lives alone with his father, who is a murderer.

Park JiHoon is part of the cast.

Check out an introduction to the webtoon here.

Check out our dream casting for the two other main characters of the show - SeonWoo DongSu (Jin's father) and Yoon Kyun (Jin's girlfriend) here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

30. "Delightful Outcast" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Delightful Outcast" (in Korean: "유쾌한 왕따"), written by Kim SoongRyong, was announced to be produced into a drama. It tells the story of the outcast DongHyeon. On the day of his 15th birthday, he meets SooHyeon, a transferred student and something starts shaking in him.

Sung YuBin, Cho HyunChul, and Won JiAn are part of the casting.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

31. "Haesi's Shinru" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Haesi's Shinru" (in Korean: "해시의 신루"), written by MyeongRan and Yoon LeeSu and illustrated by INUS, was announced to be produced into a drama. 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.

32. "Boys Be Brave" / Schedule Status: TBA

The BL drama "Boys Be Brave" is based on the BL webtoon of the named "Roommates" ("고백을 못하고" in Korean). The story revolves around three close friends who catch feelings for each other but are unable to confess them to one other.

This drama is set to be directed by Lim HyunHee, who was also in charge of the successful 2023 BL drama "Our Dating Sim".

The cast is composed of Kim SungHyen, Nam SiAn, Jung YeoJun, and Ahn SeMin.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

33. "Blueming" remake / Schedule Status : TBA

Two years ago, the BL drama "Blueming", based on the webtoon "Who Can Define Popularity" by Tak Bon, was released and this year, a remake should be done. Recently, the company Idol Romance shared on their social medias a casting announcement related to this new project, in hope to do a remake of this first drama.

The new drama is set to have 8 episode of 30 minutes run each, the audition for the casting is open, and the filming should be done in the first half of 2024.

Webtoon links: Korean / English

 

34. "Friendly Competition" / Schedule Status: TBA

The webtoon "Friendly Rivalry" (in Korean "선의의 경쟁") is a thriller mystery GL story by Chae YunSong and Jae YeongSim. The story follows SeulGi, who was no.1 in her old suburban school. Now, having transferred to the prestigious Chaehwa Girls' High in Seoul, she must engage in fierce, friendly competition with her rich and talented rival Jay.

This thriller GL webtoon will get a drama adaptation this year, Girls' Day HyeRi is reportedly part of the cast.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

35. "Just Like Jazz" / SChedule STatus : March 2024

Based on the BL webtoon "Jazz For Two" ("재즈처럼" in Korean) by Clarju, the drama "Just Like Jazz" will tell the story of TaeYi who meets SeHeon, the new transfer student, in the music room. How dare SeHeon play TaeYi's brother’s song? “If I ever catch you playing the piano again...that’ll be the end of you.” And with that begins TaeYi and SeHeon's story, as unpredictable and visceral as jazz.

The drama is set to premiere in March, and the cast is composed of Ji HoGeun, Newkidd's JinKwon, OMEGA X's HanGyeom, and Kim JungHa.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

36. "Delusion" / Schedule status: TBA

The mystery horror historical webtoon "Delusion" (in Korean "현혹") by HongJakGa was announced to be adapted into a drama. It tells the story of vampires set in Gyeongseong in 1935 and Shanghai in the 1800s.

Director Han JaeRim ("The Face Reader", "The King") is in charge. Ryu JunYeol, and Han SoHee will be part of the cast for this upcoming drama.

Check out more about the webtoon and its dream cast here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

Season 2

37. "Weak Hero Class 2" / Schedule status: TBA

The webtoon "Weak Hero" (in Korean "약한영웅") by Seopass and Razen was adapted into a drama last 2022, and it was officially announced that a season 2 is in store for fans of the webtoon and the drama. Season 2 of "Weak Hero Class 1" is expected to continue naturally from where the previous season left off, which is with Yeon ShiEun transferring to Eunjang High School in Yeongdeungpo, after he couldn't get into any schools in Seoul because of BumSeok’s father. It will then explore the story of how Yeon ShiEun got the title of "Eunjang's White Mamba".

Note: The photo will be updated with the new poster upon its release.

The drama will be produced by Wavve. Park JiHoon is said to be returning for the show, while RyeoUn and Bae NaRa are part of the new cast for the 2nd season.

Find out the cast and summary of the 1st season here.

Read more about the 2nd season here.

Check out more about the characters and vote for your dream cast here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

"Like Flowers In Sand" captivated audiences with mystery and allure, an athlete's passion, and blossoming romance. With Jang DongYoon and Lee JuMyoung as its main leads, the ENA drama helped viewers get over the middle of the week with ease and arrive at the weekend with a smile on their face.

However, like many K-Dramas, "Like Flowers In Sand" must come to an end. It was amazing to follow the journey of Oh YooKyung (Lee JuMyoung) and Kim BaekDoo (Jang DongYoon) in the world of ssireum, while also uncovering the truth of of a crime. There were bouts of laughter, nail-biting mystery, and traces of love woven in between. It will certainly be hard to replace such a drama, however, we will have to try.

So with that, here are a few series you should watch if you enjoyed "Like Flowers In Sand".

 

1. "Love All Play"

Cast: Park JuHyun, Chae JongHyeop, and more

Summary: Diving into the world of professional badminton, it follows Park TaeJoon, an athlete who started losing passion for the sport, and Park TaeYang, a former aspiring Olympian who took time away due to a bribing scandal. Together, they meet on team Yunis, grow as professionals, and fall for one another.

Reasons To Watch: In the same vein as "Like Flowers In Sand", "Love All Play" presents athletes who are struggling with their sport. Despite the obstacles they face, both Park TaeJoon and Park TaeYang, along with the rest of their team, train well into the night to ensure that they are at their best condition. The drama expertly portrays the cutthroat nature of sports, but also the tenacity of the athletes that play it.

 

2. "My Lovely Boxer"

Cast: Kim SoHye, Lee SangYeob, and more

Summary: Lee KwonSook, a once genius boxer makes the decision to run away from the sport. After earning a mountain of debt in place of his friend, Kim TaeYoung looks to bring back Lee KwonSook to the world of boxing. Despite starting off on the wrong foot, the two transform into pillars of support for one another as they chase after their respective goals.

Reasons To Watch: While on the outside it may look like a simple sports drama, you'll find a mountain of depth once unpacked. Throughout the episodes of "My Lovely Boxer" you'll discover many heartwarming moments that speak to the characters' humanness and their desire to be happy. It highlights both the physical and mental struggles athletes face and how some crumble under all the weight. While it does tackle a lot of bad moments, "My Lovely Boxer" offers an undeniable warmth that anyone will love.

 

3. "Hot Stove League"

Cast: NamKoong Min, Park EunBin, Oh JungSe, Cho ByeongKyu, and more

Summary: Dreams is a bottom tier team of major league baseball. Despite this, Lee SeYoung is passionate as the team manager who has shown endless resilience and support for Dreams, despite their struggles. When their newest manager, Baek SeungSoo, arrives, things start to change for the team.

Reasons To Watch: The sports aspect aside, "Hot Stove League" is an inspiring underdog story that resonates on all fronts. Despite a past riddled with failure, it provides an outpouring of hope that success is just on the horizon, providing the encouragement needed to continue moving forward, even if it's one step at a time. Following the journey of Dreams and their amazing transformation will have you cheering for the team well after the drama's conclusion.

 

4. "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo"

Cast: Lee SungKyoung, Nam JooHyuk, Lee JaeYoon, Kyung SooJin, and more

Summary: Kim BokJoo and Jung JoonHyung are collegiate athletes who work tirelessly to rise to the top of their sport. However, while their lives were once mainly dedicated to training and improving their craft, they develop feelings of love. They embark on a story of romance, all while juggling their obligations of being an athlete.

Reasons To Watch: "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo" is an iconic series that needs little to no introduction. There's rising passion, youthful romance, and a whole lot of laughter. It's truly a coming of age story that reaches the hearts of individuals of all backgrounds. Even if you've watched it before, you won't regret reliving the utter joy that "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo" brings.

 

5. "Fight For My Way"

Cast: Park SeoJun, Kim JiWon, Song HaYoon, Ahn JaeHong, and more

Summary: A story of four friends who are all chasing their dreams. Despite the various obstacles that stand before them, they choose to power ahead, forging their own path in their respective fields.

Reasons To Watch: Although released in 2017, "Fight For My Way" remains legendary as it tracks four friends' journey as they pursue their dreams. It's a drama that touches upon the strength of friendship, what makes a relationship work, and the classic trope of friends to lovers. "Fight For My Way" will have you smiling widely from ear to ear, enjoying every quirky and entertaining moment that the four friends create. The innate comedy aside, you'll also find yourself cheering for their success and utmost happiness until the very end.

Which K-Drama are you watching after "Like Flowers In Sand"?