K-Drama Binging Done Right!

Korean dramas have been filling my days and nights as I take my time to rest, recover, and recharge the first part of 2022. A little late to the K-drama universe but nonetheless absolutely obsessed! I have been warned by my sister and friends that I will be blocked if I continue to send them any further K-drama related content. So now, I am left to share my K-drama love (read: obsession) and lessons with all of you lucky readers and future K-drama fans. *I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum* And read till the end because I stumbled on the best ones last!

Show: Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021)

Cast: Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a

Browsing through Netflix, I chose Hometown Cha Cha Cha as my first K-drama as it seemed like a lighthearted series that takes place in the picturesque coastal city of Pohang. However, this feel good series deals with everything from grief, mental health, love and life. The Gonjin community is made of many amusing characters but as Hometown Cha Cha Cha slowly unfolds each of their stories, one can see how tightknit and supportive this community is. The healing from grief and loss in this show will pull at all the strings in your heart!

Lessons:
1. Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
2. Your greatest gift to your loved ones is to live a happy life.
3. Allow yourself time to grieve.

Movie: Start Up (2020)

Cast: Suzy Bae, Nam Joo-hyuk and Kim Seon-ho

Naturally, after watching dimpled and talented actor Kim Seon-ho in Hometown Cha Cha Cha, I had to google his other series and that’s how I landed on Start Up. Kim Seon-ho plays Han ji Pyeong, a successful buisness man and mentor, who speaks nothing but the blunt, hard truth. The two main characters, Seo Dal Mi (Suzy Bae) and Nam Do San (Nam Joo-hyuk) and their team, Samsan Tech, capitvate our hearts while they navigate the challenges in the fictional Silicon Valley, Sandbox.

Start Up ties up lessons about career, life, love, friends, and family all in one while following young entrepreneurs trying to make it in the Tech world. Reasons to watch this besides the amazing trio are #SquadGoals, the sister rivalry and the heartwarming relationship between Han Ji-Pyeong and Dal Mi’s halmoni (grandmother).

Lesson:
1. People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
2. Never give up on your dreams.
3. True friends will always shine brightly by your side.

Movie: Vincenzo (2021)

Cast: Jeon Yeon-bi, Song Joong-ki, Ok Taecyeon, and Kwak Dong-yeon

Vincenzo checks off the typical K-Drama genre but it was refreshing in other ways. The thriller series is filled with italian proverbs about fear, evil and revenge as Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong-ki) works as the consigliere for an Italian mafia family. Vincenzo is about seeking justice and revenge against a powerful coroporation not through law but with the help of a mafia consigliere. The theme of “only evil can punish evil” was the driving force but for true mafia genre fans, Vincenzo might not deliver. A combination of everything from action, comedy, a bit of cheesy romance along with a solid supporting cast makes it a worthwhile watch. The best part to watch was the reveal of the villain —and how he embodies his role so convincingly!

Lessons: Vincenzo was a very entertaining series. Unfortunately, as it focused primarily on revenge and taking out evil with evil, the lessons that I enjoyed were short moments in the series and not impactful through the entire story.
1. Don’t take your loved ones for granted.
2. We are stronger together #GeumgaFamily

Movie: It’s Ok Not To Be Ok (2020)

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji and Oh Jung-se

Continuing with another uncovential story, It’s Ok Not To Be Ok is a story that follows the three main characters on their adulthood journey as they deal with their childhood traumas. It’s Ok Not To Be Ok addresses issues of mental health, growing up with a brother with Autism and an isolated childhood with an emotionally abusive mother. The journey to healing is a long road as the trio searches for true happiness. The beauty of It’s Ok Not To Be Ok is that it connected the many lessons back to the Ko Mun Yeong’s (Seo Yea-ji) fairy tales, which adds a magical dimension to the series.

Lessons:
1. We are not our parents nor their mistakes.
2. It’s ok not to be ok — aknowledge your emotions and sit with them.
3. Don’t suppress your feelings. Share your burden and lean on others.

Movie: Nevertheless (2021)

Cast: Song Kang, Han So-hee and Chae Jong Hyeop

Hmmm, if you watch this you’re either going to love it for its’ realistic look into today’s hook up culture or hate it for its’ toxicity. Keep an eye out for toxic behaviours and red flags from both the male and female lead.

I enjoyed the side characters and their struggles with love and relationships more than the development (or lack thereof) of the relationship of the main leads. Nevertheless is a mediocre show about young art majors trying to navigate love and relationship in the modern day.

Commitment issues? Labels? Dating? Love triangle? Friends with benefits? LGBTQ+ representation? Yup, you’ve got it all in this one. Is it worth the watch? It’s a different and unique take for K-dramas but it’s a bit dissapointing — it could have been so much more. I definitely do not agree with the ending of this show as there were better ways to end it. Let’s see maybe there is better in store for a second season?

Lessons:
*These lessons were not necessarily inspired throughout the show but were formed upon reflecting on the show.*
1. Be happy alone. Don’t depend on others to make you happy.
2. Deal with your past and trauma before jumping into a relationship.
3. Know your self worth.

Movie: Something in the rain (2018)

Cast: Jung Hae-in and Son Ye-jin

Something in the Rain is a story filled with life affirming lessons about love from Jin Ah (Son Ye-jin) and Jun Hee (Jung Hae-in). Despite the age gap and having known Jin Ah as practically family growing up, Jun Hee starts to pursue her in a romantic light. Over dinners and working in the same building, their affection for one another starts to grow as do the obstacles they face.

Jin Ah is a genuine and relatable character as she struggles with the growing pressures from family and society to find a suitable partner, her sexist work environment and to find herself. Something in the Rain does not dissapoint with Jin Ah’s character development from start to finish.

The slow paced, sentimental story telling did not sugarcoat the romance yet was still filled with ridiculously warm romantic moments. Jun Hee and Jin Ah through their playful relationship show us that love is indeed about the little things and not the grand gestures.

Lessons:
1. Healthy relationships foster growth in partners.
2. Respect your self-worth and leave unhealthy relationshops.
3. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

Movie: Crash landing on you (2019)

Cast: Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin

Crash Landing On You is the romantic K-drama I didn’t know I needed — a rich heiress from South Korea falling into the arms of an army captain from North Korean in the middle of the demilitarized zone. A captivating plot and uncomparable chemistry between Hyun-Bin and Son Ye-Jin makes this series magical! The two countries being at war does not stop this couple from giving us all the kilig feels.

As for the high production value, let’s not forget the stunning sceneries of Switzerland as a backdrop for many of the flashback scenes. Oh and the soundtrack — during my withdrawal days and while I write this post, it provides me with soothing, warm inspiration to keep going. Then you have the comedic relief and love from Captain Ri’s soldier squad and the village ajummas — some of my favourite moments that will leave you crying and laughing. Even the second leads have a solid and intense love story that complements the love of the main leads — which is typically difficult to do. This is definitely a series I’ve sacrificed sleep for — it was intriguing right from the crash.

Some may be weary of how North Korea would be portrayed in a South Korean film but rest assured that North Korean defectors were consulted in the portrayal of North Korean lifestyle. For example, in rural areas North Koreans apparently store their food supplies underground since they do not own refrigerators. So in addition to many life lessons, we also learn a little about life in North Korea.

Lessons:
1. Things don’t always go as planned and sometimes that itself is a blessing. *Sometimes, the wrong train leads you to the right station.*
2. Surround yourself with neighbors and a squad that cheers for you.
3. True happiness lies in the little things.
4. Disconnect every so often and enjoy the people and nature around you.

Movie: Itaewon Class (2020)

Cast: Park Seo Joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jaemyung and Kwon Nara

Going down this rabbit hole of K-dramas on Netflix, I thought dissapointment would be looming shortly but thankfully to Itaewon Class, that is not the case. Itaewon Class has topped my list of favourite K-dramas with its’ well thought out storyline, multifaceted characters, strong female leads, tackling of social issues and so much more.

Park Seo Joon delivers nothing short of phenomenal acting — truly captivating! The responsibility of pulling together the story falls not only on the main character, but the truly diverse and inclusive cast that naturally complements Park Sae-Ro-Yi (Park Seo Joon).

A compelling and gripping story about underdogs fighting injustice and seeking revenge all in the search for happiness. The backstory of all the characters was laid out effectively allowing the audience to truly understand their flaws, quirks and faults. Park Sae-Ro-Yi’s flaw to live his life for revenge makes him relatable and real. To all the leaders out there watching, keep an eye on how Park Sae-Ro-Yi leads his team to success. A truly inspiring story about people, trust and bonds!

Lessons:
1. The bigger you dream, the bigger you’ll grow.
2. Set a goal and make it happen. Strategize and play the long game.
3. Integrity: stay true to your word, principles and values.
4. If Plan A doesn’t work, change the plan not the goal.
5. Let go of grudges and be happy. It’s the best revenge.
6. Trust your instincts. Follow your gut.
7. Anything is possible.

“You can overcome anything, as long as you are alive.”

The lessons from Itaewon Class are endless but I might have to save that for a separate in depth post of all the lessons taught to us by Park Sae-Ro-Yi and the GamBam family. And if you’re going to Korea anytime soon, there is even a lesson from Park Saeroyi’s dad teaching him how to drink soju in the first episode!

To my new and veteran K-Drama fans, what are your must watch Korean dramas? What lessons did they inspire? I am already in withdrawal from the sweet taste of Itaewon Class.

TL;DR:

Korean Drama Shows to Watch:

Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021)⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️
Start Up (2020)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vincenzo (2021)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s Ok Not To Be Ok (2020)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nevertheless (2021)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Something In The Rain (2018)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Crash Landing On You (2019)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Itaewon Class (2020)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️