For rainy days, it's nice to snuggle up in bed, enjoy an ice cream and watch an exciting K-drama and the list below, consisting of 13 binge-watch-worthy short series, covering the genres of romance, fantasy and action, each of which is perfect for a single session was designed precisely for these moments. Because it is not essential that all soap operas have 16 episodes, each of these K-dramas has eight or less.
- “Soundtrack #1”
For two decades, Han Sun Woo (Park Hyung Sik), a novice photographer, and Lee Eun Soo (Han So Hee), a songwriter, have been friends. However, the relationship between these two friends in their thirties suddenly transforms after they move into the same house. Their tender friendship blossoms into an even sweeter and heartwarming romance.
Why is it worth watching?
It's true that the theme of "friends becoming lovers" is one of the most popular in K-dramas, but it's rare that the character development is as realistic as in "Soundtrack #1." Surprisingly, the series' limited runtime doesn't affect the pacing or relationship development. Also featuring not one, not two, but 12 magnificent OSTs, this K-drama is truly a must-see for music lovers.
Episodes: 4
Genre: romance
“Weak Hero Class 1”
Based on the webtoon "Weak Hero", "Weak Hero Class 1" introduces us to the story of Yeon Si Eun (Park Ji Hoon), an academically gifted student. Although his appearance may appear weak, he knows all the tactics to win in a physical fight. Unexpected events lead him to become the target of a criminal organization. Will he manage to protect himself and his friends?
Why is it worth watching?
It's true that the plot of "Weak Hero Class 1" is similar to many other teen revenge K-dramas, but the gripping and often gruesome action sequences are what make this movie worth watching. 'be looked at. While not physically strong, the unconventional way Shi Eun fights makes the action scenes rather unique.
Episodes: 8
Genre: action and drama
- “Here’s My Plan”
“Here's My Plan” features a 20-year-old girl, Lee So Hyun (Kim Hwan Hee) who, when she was younger, ran away from home and started pickpocketing, a noble career, to survive alone in the world. Having the sole aim of taking revenge on the people who, according to her, have ruined her life, her destiny is however turned upside down by her meeting with the owner of a sweet chicken restaurant.
Why is it worth watching?
Although it's a revenge story where nothing seems to happen at first, the plot of "Here's My Plan" darkens before your eyes. The romantic relationship between So Hyun and Jo Yoon Ho (Kim Do Hoon) is also very healthy despite their life circumstances and young age.
Episode: 4
Genre: romance, drama
- “Death’s Game”
After losing his job, then his girlfriend and all his savings in a bitcoin scam, Choi Yi Jae (Seo In Guk) is tired of his life and the endless problems that come with it, which pushes him to to end it thinking that it is the only option left to him. However, his rude attitude led the reaper played by Park So Dam to punish him by forcing him to reincarnate several times to experience painful endings repeatedly.
Why is it worth watching?
Beyond the unique plot, the cast of "Death's Game", including Park So Dam, Seo In Guk, Lee Jae Wook and Lee Do Hyun, among others, are also assets worth watching. The heartbreaking performances from some of the best actors in the industry will leave you speechless.
Episodes : 8
Genres : fantasy, drama, thriller
- – “The Hymn of Death”
Inspired by the true story of Kim Won Jin, a Korean playwright, and Yun Sim Deok, Korea's first soprano, this film is set in Japanese-occupied Korea. Won Jin (Lee Jong Suk) is a married man who falls for Sim Deok (Shin Hye Sun). The latter having met an unfortunate end, Won Jin wrote the song “Praise of Death” in her memory in 1926, which became the first Korean pop song.
Why is it worth watching?
Since this K-drama is based on a real-life story, it offers a window into the creation of Korea's first pop song. Despite a synopsis that reveals the ending, the characters and their journey make “The Hymn of Death” a film that deserves attention.
Episodes : 6
Genre : historical, romance, melodrama
“A Shop for Killers”
Based on the novel "Salinjaui Shoppingmall" by Kang Ji-Young, "A Shop for Killers" centers on Jung Ji An (Kim Hye Jun) who lives under the care of her uncle, Jung Jin Man (Lee Dong Wook), a man apparently normal. Ji An, however, discovers his uncle's particular activity.
Why is it worth watching?
With scenes featuring drones, huge guns, and modern technology perfectly, 'A Shop for Killers' is, by far, one of the most unique and modern K-dramas in terms of action sequences. Those who tire of action K-dramas will find “A Shop for Killers” the perfect way to get back into the genre.
Episodes: 8
Genre: action, thriller
“Vigilant”
Based on a webtoon of the same name, “Vigilante” follows the story of Kim Ji Yong (Nam Joo Hyuk), who witnessed his mother being brutally killed before his eyes when he was just a child. However, the killer was only sentenced to three and a half years in prison, despite the horrific nature of the crime. Now a student at a police university, Ji Yong has taken matters into his own hands to bring justice in his own way.
Why is it worth watching?
“Vigilante” may be easily confused with just another revenge story, but it is much more than that. Beyond the gripping action sequences, this K-drama makes viewers think about the flaws in the justice system.
Episodes: 8
Genre: action, thriller, crime
“One Day Off”
As a Korean literature teacher at a high school in the 1990s, Park Ha Kyung (Lee Na Young) has a mundane life, which pushes her to go on a trip on Saturday, her only day off. She realizes during these Saturday outings that traveling and contact with new people makes her feel alive.
Why is it worth watching?
“One Day Off” is simply the kind of K-drama you watch on a rainy day. Everything from the slice-of-life to the beautiful landscapes featured in the series makes for a calming experience.
Episodes : 8
Genre : Slice of life
- “The Most Beautiful Goodbye”
Having spent her entire life serving her family and children, Kim In Hee (Won Mi Kyung) was an ordinary housewife. One day she was diagnosed with terminal cancer which pushed her to do one last thing before dying, namely prepare the most beautiful farewell.
Why is it worth watching?
In “The Most Beautiful Goodbye,” the characters are no different from you and me. Indeed, it is a family made up of normal people who are not particularly rich or poor, who have not succeeded or failed, but who are simply people. And that is why their pain leaves a mark on the soul. Everything makes "The Most Beautiful Goodbye" the perfect K-drama to cry about, whether it's the realistic relationships between the characters, the portrayal of emotions by the actors as well as the heartbreaking ending.
Episodes: 4
Genre : slice of life, melodrama
“Live On”
Baek Ho Rang (Jung Da Bin) is a high school student who is envied by all the girls, and all the boys want to be with her. As a social media star, she is followed by her entire school, As a social media star, she is followed by her entire school, except one day she receives a message from an anonymous follower who seems to know his deepest secret. Ho Rang only relies on Go Eun Taek (Hwang Minhyun), the director of the high school broadcasting club, but she is forced to join the club in order to get his help.
Why is it worth watching?
If there was just one good thing to say about "Live On", it would be easier to talk about, but this K-drama meets all the criteria for a teen romance K-drama . From the fast pace to the well-developed relationships to the treatment of heavy topics like bullying, “Live On” is absolutely not to be missed for fans of school romance.
Episodes: 8
Genre : romance, comedy, drama
- “The Witch’s Diner”
Inspired by the Korean novel "The Witch's Diner" by Go Sang Hee, this K-drama revolves around a strange restaurant where customers can sell their souls to make their wishes come true. At 28 years old, Jung Jin (Nam Ji Hyun) had the perfect life, the perfect job, and the perfect boyfriend. The loss of everything dear to her following bad luck which hit her hard, however, pushes her to open a restaurant unlike any other in order to get back on her feet.
Why is it worth watching?
Showcasing culinary art and contemporary witchcraft with excellent cinematography, the drama series “The Witch's Diner” is a perfect blend of fantasy and slice-of-life. This is a tale that warns those who express their wishes without thinking of the consequences.
Episodes: 8
Genre : fantastic, supernatural
- “Anna”
Based on the novel “Intimate Stranger” by Jung Han Ah, “Anna” introduces us to the story of Lee Yoo Mi, aka Anna (Suzy). As they say, lies never come alone; on the contrary, they always open the door to other deceptions and this is what happens to Yoo Mi who only lied once, but the trajectory of her life ended up taking another turn. Sure, lies are easier to follow, but what happens when you start believing them yourself?
Why is it worth watching?
Suzy's work in portraying the difficulties faced by people with Ripley syndrome is quite remarkable so that you will feel sympathy for Anna. In “Anna,” the cinematography is closer to cinema than K-drama, making it a perfect series for movie lovers who want to immerse themselves in K-dramas. It is advisable to watch “Anna: Extended Version” to better understand Anna’s character.
Episodes : 8
Genre : thriller, slice of life, drama
- “Can You Deliver Time? 2002”
Kim Woo Ri's (Jo Ah Young) life comes to a halt when the entire world is quarantined due to the pandemic. When her dream of living like a normal child seems impossible, she gets into an argument with her mother and accidentally travels back to 2002.
Why is it worth watching?
It's pretty hard to recreate the nostalgia you feel watching old media when time has passed, but "Can You Deliver Time?" 2002” has the merit of being one of the exceptions to this rule. With beautiful cinematography and a light plot, this K-drama will take you back to the year 2002.
Episodes : 8
Genre : time travel, fantasy
Which Kdrama would you add to this list?
