So as my profile says, I am a huge fan of K-pop, which of course extends naturally into the world of K-drama. For over two years I’ve hosted a radio show on Hoxton Radio every Monday at 5pm, covering all the hits and news from your favourite idols. It’s an hour packed with bangers, chaotic fangirling, and the occasional gasp over a comeback announcement. My love of K-music has been going strong for more than a decade, but K-dramas came into my life a little later.
Like many people, I stumbled into K-dramas during the covid years, when fresh Western series and movies were suddenly few and far between. Netflix swooped in like a hero, flooding the platform with classics I had somehow never heard of. One episode led to another, and suddenly I was deep in the world of time travel princes, supernatural detectives, culinary flirtations, and chaebols who really needed to be humbled. Before long I was fully hooked, and yes, I even subscribed to Viki. Rakuten Viki is genuinely a dream if you want the latest Kdramas (and shows from China, Japan, and across East Asia) long before they’re snatched up by Disney, Amazon and the rest.
So, as a little introduction for anyone looking to dive headfirst into the magic, chaos, and emotional damage that is K-drama, here are my top 10 recommendations. A perfect starter kit to experience the iconic writing, acting, and production brilliance from this corner of the world.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
A time-slip historical drama that will grab your heart and refuse to give it back. A modern woman wakes up in the Goryeo era and finds herself tangled in royal politics, brotherly rivalries, and way too many handsome princes. This is one that demands tissues close by.
Itaewon Class
A determined ex-convict opens a small bar-restaurant in Itaewon with dreams of building a major business empire. Fueled by justice and loyalty, he and his diverse team take on a powerful food conglomerate, facing rivalry, personal growth, and an inspiring journey of resilience.
Boys Over Flowers
The classic of classics. A strong-willed girl ends up at an elite school run by four spoiled but surprisingly lovable heirs. It’s dramatic, over-the-top, and wildly charming. The blueprint for so many modern K-dramas.
Move to Heaven
A tender and deeply moving story about a trauma cleaning service run by a young man with Asperger’s and his reluctant uncle. Each episode delivers a heartfelt story that sneaks up on you in the best way.
Mr Queen
A historical-comedy drama about a modern-day male chef, Jang Bong-hwan, who accidentally travels back in time and wakes up in the body of Queen Cheorin during the Joseon era. The series blends comedy, romance, and political intrigue with a body-swap twist.
The King’s Affection
A beautifully shot historical drama about a princess forced to disguise herself as her twin brother, the crown prince. A story of identity, forbidden love, and survival wrapped in stunning palace intrigue.
Master’s Sun
A delightfully spooky rom-com about a woman who can see ghosts and the CEO who becomes her accidental safe zone. It’s quirky, heartfelt, and packed with just the right amount of supernatural charm.
Vincenzo
A mafia consigliere raised in Italy returns to Korea and decides it’s time to serve scorching justice with a side of dark humour. Stylish, clever, and wildly entertaining.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella
A refreshing take on palace politics, following a fierce queen trying to whip her troublemaking princes into shape while surviving court conspiracies. Sharp, witty, and full of heart.
My Love From the Star
An alien living on Earth for centuries suddenly finds himself falling for a superstar actress. Romantic, whimsical, and full of iconic moments that helped define modern Kdrama fever.
And of course, this list is absolutely non-exhaustive, because my mind keeps changing every time I watch
another K-drama. There are simply too many fabulous options to choose from, and honestly, that’s the best part.
You can tune into KpopwithSam every Monday at 5pm on Hoxton Radio for the latest K-pop sounds and news. The show will also begin broadcasting simultaneously on Face Radio in Brooklyn from mid-January.
Images via IMDb
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