“Kill Me, Heal Me” (킬미, 힐미)

I finished watching the final episode of “Kill Me, Heal Me” early this morning, and I am left with a sense of melancholy — not because the ending was unhappy (it wasn’t), but because the series was so good I wanted to see more. This K-Drama unravels at a languid pace. As each new backstory is revealed, it felt like a jolt to my heart.

Go Away With … Tablo of Epik High

Ten years ago, Epik High was in jeopardy when online trolls went on a malicious rampage to defame frontman Tablo. “I took my family to Tokyo and then to Hawaii to keep them away from the awe-inspiringly hellish thing that was happening to me,” he says. “I remember everything about that trip. It kept me sane for a little bit. Call it a sane-cation.”

“Romance Is a Bonus Book” (로맨스는 별책부록)

I could go on and on about the romance elements. But because I knew the lead character would be fine regardless of who she chose — and that the men would be OK as well — I was more fascinated by the dynamics at the workplace and how difficult it can be for women to juggle being a mom with having a job outside of the home.

Can “Doctor Prisoner” and “My Fellow Citizens” create a hit for KBS?

Quick! Off the top of your head, which K-Dramas have been talked about the most in recent years? If you said “Sky Castle,” “Reply 1988,” “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” “Mr. Sunshine” and “100 Days My Prince,” you would be correct. And something they all have in common is that they aired on Korea’s cable television.

Second Lead Syndrome

As every K-Drama aficionado is well aware, the second lead syndrome — where two men are vying for one woman’s attention — is an integral part of just about every Korean series ever made. And though we may roll our eyes at yet another one, it’s also fact that it’s something we love (and sometimes love to hate).

Go Away With … ATEEZ

ATEEZ is embarking on a sold-out tour of the United States (including dates in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York), which will be followed by a European leg. “I want to take in the sights of many cities,” says group leader Hongjoong, 20. “I want to visit the various landmarks in each city (like) Times Square in New York. If there’s time, I’d also like to attend other artists’ concerts.” Though the South Korean band is less than half a year old, their enthusiastic fan base initiated this tour via MyMusicTaste (https://www.mymusictaste.com), an online service that allows fans to request shows in their area.

“The Crowned Clown” (왕이 된 남자)

A serialized remake of the 2012 film “Masquerade” (광해: 왕이 된 남자), “The Crowned Clown” stars Yeo Jin-goo as young, immoral king Yi Heon, whose crown is constantly under threat. Drugged out on opium (initially unknowingly, and later willingly), he eagerly agrees to allow a lookalike jester, Ha Seon, to impersonate him until things are under control. In other words, let the clown be assassinated in his place.

I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar

We all know that in a perfect world, everyone would be equal. But in the real world, we’re still working towards that goal. This got me thinking about some K-Dramas that featured strong women who were trying to assert their independence. Did they succeed? Sometimes, with different degrees of success. But the important thing is that these characters didn’t give up.

Goodbye, Lee Jong-Suk!

It’s a fact of life that all able-bodied South Korean men have to fulfill their mandatory military duties for their country. Top stars aren’t exempt from this, either. Due to a severe injury he suffered during his teenage years, Lee will be enlisting as a public service worker — rather than active duty — according to his A-MAN Project. As actor Lee Jong-Suk gets ready to begin his 22-month enrollment on Friday, March 8, let’s take a look at his life … and some of his most iconic work.

Why are Western Audiences Falling Head Over Heels for K-Dramas?

Recognizing these cultural differences and relating to even the most unrelatable stories are all part of what makes watching Korean dramas so satisfying. Where else can you experience second lead syndrome (where you’re actually rooting for the other guy to get the girl and not the main guy), eat instant ramen along with the characters, and learn a few foreign words in the process? Daebak! Read more in my article for MTV News.

“My ID Is Gangnam Beauty” (내 아이디는 강남미인)

“My ID is Gangnam Beauty” specifically tackles South Korea’s obsession with physical looks, but the storyline carries over to many cultures, where the standards of beautiful — especially for girls and women — is unrealistic.