Top 10 Kdramas That Caused the Hallyu Wave
Epic sweeping stories of action, intrigue, and unforgettable romances have long been cherished by k drama fans globally. Presently, the global desire for k drama content is surging as more streaming platforms secure titles and those famous originals. But first, let’s take a trip down memory lane to some of the beloved k dramas that caused the Hallyu Wave.
Number 10: The Reply Series (1988, 1994, and 1997)
The candid humor of the Reply series transcends time and resonates with various age groups through different generations. The time-reflective stories serve up real slice-of-life situations for our characters. Each series stands out favorably, and stars from 1988, 1994, and 1997 all went on to have continued success. It was the high school coming-of-age and stepping forward into young adulthood that captured our hearts in these series.
Number 9: Jewel in the Palace
Jewel in the Palace lightened things up for historical drama fans. In this story, a young woman disguises as a man to help her family. She ends up getting into a prestigious school of fine scholars. Strong friendships form, rivals rise to challenge our leads, and a romance unfolds with well-timed banter and strong on-screen chemistry. Many stars in this drama went on to achieve further success in the industry.
Number 8: Boys Over Flowers
Boys Over Flowers, also known as Meteor Garden, is a trendy high school drama that seemingly felt like it was pulled from the pages of a high school romance manga. This stylish kdrama with its poor girl-rich guy story, not to mention a forced living situation and undeniable attraction between our leads, captured the hearts of viewers. The drama starred some of today’s biggest stars in the industry.
Number 7: My Love from the Star
Alien love abounds in this beloved gem where our OTP went on to have more super stardom and campaigns following their work in this classic romcom. The story revolves around a male lead who remains unaged for centuries and a bubbly female lead who becomes his noisy neighbor. The storytelling, romance, and twists had viewers in love with the drama and even the fashion, apparel, and makeup.
Number 6: Signal
Signal pulled in viewers around the globe for its compelling writing and performances. The story follows a man who, when he was younger, witnessed a crime that the police failed to solve. Now, as a profiler himself, he tries his best to solve terrible cases. He is later assisted by a unique walkie-talkie that connects the past and the present, bringing together a cause for justice.
Number 5: Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing on You delivered an incredible romance between a North Korean army captain and a beautiful heiress from South Korea. Accidentally landing in the North due to a weather incident, their first encounter leads to the strength of their courage, admiration, and bonds of friendship. The sincerity of their feelings for each other even ignited after the drama wrapped.
Number 4: Squid Game
The hype and mania of Squid Game skyrocketed after its debut on Netflix, ranking first on Netflix’s top 10 in many countries around the world. The short episode count series depicted the best and worst of humanity, with deadly consequences for those at their lowest points in life. The drama launched the cast into the international spotlight and inspired various merchandise.
Number 3: All of Us Are Dead
All of Us Are Dead quickly took off globally and gave viewers an exciting fight for survival story in a high school setting. The talented young cast received much attention, and the drama is slated for a second season to continue the story of the survivors.
Number 2: Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds quickly took a spot on Netflix’s top 10 after its release. The intense action drama impressed viewers with its choreographed fight scenes and the skill level of the leads. The brooding plot and strong performances captivated audiences around the globe.
Number 1: My Lovely Sam Soon
My Lovely Sam Soon is a classic kdrama that has stood the test of time. With its captivating story and memorable characters
To launch her social media account, she begins gathering fans and followers. However, the dark and ugly side of this world takes a deadly turn and threatens to bring down the influencers that are targeting her. Our lead will have to make a choice and will also face some unexpected twists.
Because so many enjoy their online socializing, the drama resonated with viewers who might be interested in the positivity of a social platform and wished to stay away from negative influences. It was nice to see justice get served against those who had bad intentions.
Bonus mention goes to the glory and award-winning kdrama which highlighted the dismissal of a bullying case where our female lead was a victim with no recourse through the correct channels. She later takes her own revenge against those who violently harmed her. The drama was highly ranked not just on Netflix but also in Korea, where it opened up discussions globally and more victims of school bullying came forward to share the viciousness that they faced from their bullies. The drama was then used as a platform to make their voices heard.
That wraps up our list. Do you agree with the most recent selection of these wave-building dramas and celebrities mentioned? You can let us know in the comment section below.