“Cheese in the Trap” (치즈 인 더 트랩)
“Cheese in the Trap” is a love story disguised as a psychological drama. Or, vice versa. The core of the story is about a group of damaged people who are struggling to survive.
Category: Korean Dramas
“The Moon that Embraces the Sun” (해를 품은 달)
A sweeping dramatic series set in Korea’s Joseon era, the “Moon That Embraces the Sun” is a love story that at times is painfully heartbreaking. But, it’s also filled with hope and humor. That combination makes for an addictive series that will leave viewers hungering for more.
“Secretly, Greatly” (은밀하게 위대하게)
“Secretly, Greatly” starts off as a comedy and veers off into a drama with a graphic, violent ending. Had the film stuck to one genre, the result would’ve been more cohesive and effective. Still, it’s a worthwhile film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Kim Soo-Hyun shows impressive range in his dual portrayal of a North Korean spy and the dimwitted village idiot that’s his cover.
“The Thieves” (도둑들)
A blockbuster hit in Korea, “Thieves” features an all-star cast that includes Jun Ji-Hyun and Lee Jung-Jae. (The duo shared the big screen in the 2000 film “Il Mare” — the film that was later remade as “The Lake House” with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.)
“The Producers” (프로듀사)
“Producer” is Kim Soo Hyun’s followup to the phenomenally popular series, “My Love From Another Star.” A light, romantic comedy, this K-Drama series touches on how ruthless Korea’s netizens can be over what they perceive to be an unforgivable lie.
“Dream High” (드림하이)
“Dream High” is one of those series that starts off with a ridiculous premise. But, if you stick with it, you’ll be amused, angered and (at times) deeply touched. Yes, this is a glossy high school musical with a love triangle. But it also deals with child abandonment, sexual assault and the abuse of children by the system set in place to manufacture “idols.” This isn’t just a Korea thing. Think about all the American boy band members who have revealed how they were abused by their predatory management.
“My Love From Another Star” (별에서 온 그대)
Sold as a romantic comedy, “My Love From Another Star” definitely delivers on that front. But it’s also a wonderful story about true love, alienation and sacrifice.
“Coffee Prince” (커피프린스)
On the surface, “Coffee Prince” is your standard boy-meets-girl romantic comedy with a few roadblocks thrown in for good measure. Thanks to the chemistry shared by the attractive leads (Gong Yoo and Yoo Eun Hye), the series is highly watchable and I understand why so many fans are repeat viewers. But beneath the cute exterior, the series deals with issues such as sexual confusion, gender roles and poverty.
“Answer Me 1988” (응답하라 1988)
One of the things that I really enjoy about the “Answer Me” trilogy is the lifelong friendships that that characters share. Whereas the first two series focused primarily on the teenagers, “Answer Me 1988” delves into the backstories of their parents as well. And that, to me, made this chapter a standout. The parents’ storylines were as interesting–if not more–than the who-will-she-marry premise that is predominant in each of the “Answer Me” installments.
“Answer Me 1994” (응답하라 1994)
“Answer Me 1994” aims to leave viewers guessing as to which man Na Jung will marry. But more interesting is the lifelong friendship that these seven college roommates share.
“Answer Me 1997” (응답하라 1997)
Everything that “How I Met Your Mother” did wrong (including its series finale), “Answer Me 1997” does right. Funny and poignant with superb acting by the entire cast, the series tells the story of 6 childhood friends whose lives are intertwined through adulthood. Kudos to K-pop Hoya (of the group Infinite) for his thoughtful (and unstereotypical) portrayal of a gay teenager who is in love with his best friend; and to the writers for not portraying it as “weird.”
“Noble, My Love” (고결한 그대)
This 2015 Korean rom com is very pleasant on the eyes. The leads — Bang Sung Hoon (“Oh My Venus”) and Kim Jae Kyung — both have model good looks and share some really fun scenes. Though you know going in that the poor-nice-girl-meets-rich-cold-boy storyline will end with a wedding, I was happy to be on board. But, the main problem I had with this short series was the insufferable control issues that were played off as cute, rather than creepy.
“Ghost” (aka “Phantom”) (유령)
“My motto is, ‘Don’t believe anything with a mouth.'” That’s sound advice, coming from Kwon Hyuk Joo (aka Crazy Cow), the head of the cyber unit. And that’s also good advice when trying to figure out who’s telling the truth in this 2012 police procedural.
“The Master’s Sun” (주군의 태양)
As with many series, “The Master’s Sun” would’ve benefited from some judicious editing. Too much time is spent on whether or not this couple will get together. We all know they will end up together. That’s a given. The real meat of the storyline is Gong-Sil’s ability to put restless souls at ease. When she goes all Nancy Drew and he revs up his inner Remington Steele, they are perfection.
“Oh My Venus” (오 마이 비너스)
An easy to watch romantic comedy, “Oh My Venus” has its flaws (the fat shaming could’ve been toned down). But, overall, it’s a fun, addictive series that lives up to the hype. So Ji Sub and Shin Mina are the cutest couple ever and I seriously ship them. The chemistry these two share is strong!
“One Sunny Day” (좋은 날)
Ji Ho has just had his heartbroken, but it’s not so easy to feel sorry for him. He knew his girlfriend was engaged to another man, but that didn’t stop him from having a long-term affair with her. When she finally calls it off, he becomes even more solemn than usual.
“Always” (오직 그대만)
Don’t let this sunny photo fool you. “Always” (오직 그대만) just about broke my heart. Both So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo are appealing in their roles. They convey the right emotions, without being maudlin or resorting to histrionics. Some might say that the ending was cheesy, but I found it to be delightful and full of hope.
“Once Upon a Time in High School” (말죽거리 잔혹사)
Released in 2004, “Once Upon a Time in High School” is set in 1978. During this time-frame, South Korea was ruled under the brutal dictatorship of Park Chung-hee (the father of Korea’s current president Park Geun-hye). The movie depicts a bleak period where students had few rights and teachers could beat them at will. There’s a trickle down factor to that kind of abuse. The boys settle their differences not with words, but with fists, chairs and bats.
“I’m Sorry, I Love You” (미안하다 사랑한다)
A popular K-Drama starring So Ji Sub, “I’m Sorry, I Love You” (“미안하다 사랑한다”) is an uneven drama dealing with love, revenge and redemption. Too long at 16 hours, the series relies on its lead actor’s charisma to make up for the plot holes.
“Miss Granny” (수상한 그녀)
A huge hit in South Korea, where it was filmed, “Miss Granny” doesn’t have a unique plot. But, director Hwang Dong-hyuk deftly takes an old premise (an elderly woman finds herself magically transformed into a 20 year old) and adds some new twists and social commentary. The result? A charming comedy full of music and scenes that will tug at your heart.