"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"?

It is quite common for Korean dramas to be adapted from or based on the storylines of J-Dramas or C-Dramas. These Korean remakes might offer different scenes and atmospheres from their original version or even deviate from the original plot. On the other hand, Korean dramas have also been remade into other languages such as "Good Doctor" (2013) in English in the U.S., "Signal'" (2016) to Japanese, "Princess Hours" (2006) to Thai, and so on and so forth.

In recent years, more and more American and European dramas are being adapted into K-Dramas, generating interest in both the original and the remake.

 

1. "Little Women"

The beloved coming-of-age novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott received a K-Drama adaptation of the same name and premiered in September 2022. Starring Kim GoEun, Nam JiHyun, Park JiHu, and Wi HaJun, the drama explored the lives and relationships of three sisters as they take on the world on their own terms. The novel has been adapted numerous times before and as such, expectations were higher than ever for the Korean remake, receiving an average of 7.737% viewership nationwide.

 

2. "Cleaning Up"

The gripping British drama about stock wars and insider trading, "Cleaning Up" is getting a K-Drama adaptation in 2022, starring Yum JungAh, Jeon SoMin, Kim JaeHwa, Lee MooSaeng and Na InWoo in the leading roles. Set in the Bested Investment Securities office, the story revolves around cleaners who stumble upon some sensitive information about insider trading and decide to turn their lives around. "Cleaning Up" is scheduled to air in the 1st half of 2022.

 

3. "One Ordinary Day"

Starring Kim SooHyun and Cha SeungWon, "One Ordinary Day" is the Korean remake of the BBC series "Criminal Justice". While expectations were undoubtedly high for this adaptation, the show definitely exceeded them, delivering a truly excellent narrative.

 

4. "Uncle"

The BBC Three sitcom "Uncle" was remade into a K-Drama of the same name in 2021, starring Oh JungSe and Jeon HyeJin. The drama was dearly beloved by viewers, which led to the highest viewership rating of 9.3% nationwide.

 

5. "Criminal Minds"

"Criminal Minds", one of the most popular U.S. crime and mystery TV series, was adapted into a K-Drama in 2017, starring Lee JoonGi. It had around 3% of ratings in Korea (cable channel).

 

6. "The Good Wife"

"Good Wife" is an American legal and political TV series that started in 2009 and completed airing in 2016. The Korean remake aired in 2016 with Jeon DoYeon and Yoo JiTae. It had approximately 6.2% of the ratings (cable channel).

 

7. "Entourage"

From 2004 to 2011, "Entourage" was broadcasted in the U.S and garnered considerable popularity among viewers worldwide. tvN decided to remake the series with Seo KangJoon as the lead male character but the drama, unfortunately, did not perform too well. It acquired less than 1% of ratings.

 

8. "Suits"

From 2011 to 2019, "Suits" was broadcasted in the U.S and went on to have 9 seasons. Realizing its popularity and potential in the Korean entertainment market, KBS decided to remake "Suits" and cast Park HyungSik and Jang DongGun in the leading roles. The show turned out to be hugely successful in Korea as well, ending with an average viewership rating of 10.7%.

 

9. "Mistress"

The British TV series "Mistresses" first aired in 2013 and in 2018, this mystery drama was remade in Korea. Starring Han GaIn and Shin HyunBeen, the drama achieved an average viewership rating of 1.234% nationwide.

 

10. "The World Of The Married"

One of the highest-rated shows in the history of K-Dramas, "The World of the Married", starring Kim HeeAe, Park HaeJoon, and Han SoHee is adapted from the BBC One TV series "Doctor Foster".

 

11. "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area"

The Spanish series, simply named "Money Heist", was initially aired on Antena 3 for the first two seasons and then was picked up by streaming giant Netflix for three more, making it a total of five seasons in all. The show then saw a Korean adaptation in 2022 starring Park HaeSoo, Jun JongSeo, Yoo JiTae, and more. Within its first week, the show topped the Global Top 10 list of international Netflix TV shows.

 

12. "Behind Every Star"

"Behind Every Star" is based on the French TV series "Call My Agent!" and made its premiere in November 2022. It features Lee SeoJin and Kwak SunYoung, among many others. The show reached a 3.139% average viewership nationwide.

 

13. "Woori The Virgin"

"Jane The Virgin" was a sensational American TV series that spanned across five seasons. The Korean remake, "Woori The Virgin" premiered in May 2022, featuring Im SooHyang and Sung Hoon. With their chemistry and the lighthearted adaptation, the show reached a 3.6% average viewership nationwide.

 

14. "Designated Survivor: 60 Days"

The US political thriller series, "Designated Survivor", initially premiered in 2016 and the Korean remake came into fruition three years later in 2019. With Ji JinHee at the forefront, the series earned a 4.464% viewership nationwide.

 

15. "Less Than Evil"

British psychological crime thriller "Luther" had viewers glued to their seats across multiple series while it aired on BBC One. It was remade by various countries, including South Korea. "Less Than Evil" kept audiences coming back for more week after week, earning a 7.2% viewership nationwide. Considering Shin HaKyun's talent, it seems only natural that so many remained interested in the MBC drama.

 

16. "Romance Is A Bonus Book"

American rom-com drama series, "Younger", reached critical claim and was a series loved all across the country. Korea tried their hand at an adaptation, resulting in "Romance Is A Bonus Book". Veteran and experienced actors in Lee NaYoung and Lee JongSuk took the leading roles, creating a drama that's loved even today. The tvN series earned 5.151% nationwide viewership.

Have you watched any of these adaptations?

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"

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"

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 GoEun, Nam JiHyun, Park JiHu, Wi HaJun, Kang 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"

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"

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 JaeWook, Jung SoMin, Go YounJung, Hwang MinHyun, OH MY GIRL's Arin, Yoo 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"

"The Glory" is a breathtaking saga of revenge told in epic proportions, starring Song HyeKyo, Lee 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"

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"

"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!