Recommended Korean Drama: Not-A-Usual-Chaebol-Story
Watching Korean Drama has become my hobby since I began to take commuter line as my transport to go to the office.
Some of you may ask what is the relation between Korean drama and commuter line? Here is the answer:
It took about an hour (sometimes more than an hour) standing in a full-of-people commuter line for me to go to the office. In order not to get bored, my first strategy was listening to the music from my phone. But even for a music lover like me, listening to the music could not help. Instead of enjoying the travel, I got bored easily, and I still could feel pain in my legs, and also in my heart (hahaha.. It was because I once felt miserable about being inside the commuter line for so long with nothing to do). But finally, I found that watching Korean drama could make me forget about how long the travel would be.
I categorise the dramas I've watched into 4 :
1. not-a-usual-chaebol-story
What I mean by not-a-usual-chaebol-story is that the story is not merely about some super rich boys who inherit a big business group who fight for the love of a poor girl, but it is more about things that happen around us, like love among kids in a same neighborhood, or story about people who have psychological disorders, or about murder cases. The stories are sometimes so complicated that you can't help yourselves from being curious about the ending.
2. fantasy
I call it fantasy because the dramas in this category involve the non-human roles or a situation that won't happen in reality. There are some dramas that I like very much even though the stories are just fantasy.
3. empire
This category consists of dramas that have their settings in Joeson or empire era in Korea.
4. chaebol
And this is the category of 'usual' dramas, about love triangle which involve boys/men from high social class and a girl from an ordinary family. Although the topic or theme is as simple as that, some dramas have a very interesting plot so they are worth to watch.
So, from 74 dramas I've watched so far, here are some high 'score' dramas of not-a-usual-chaebol-story category, based on my own evaluation:
Score: 9 (guys, you need to watch this)
Episodes: 16
Year of Airing: 2014
Cast: Jo In Sung (Jang Jae Yeol)
Gong Hyo Jin (Ji Hye Soo)
Sung Dong Il (Jo Dong Min)
This is about a love between a psychiatrist (Gong Hyo Jin) and a famous writer and DJ (Jo In Sung). The story is very interesting and there is no same old chaebol story in it. I do not want to spoil the story here because it will reduce the fun in watching this drama. All I can say is characters in the drama realise that it is okay to have some weaknesses as long as you can accept yourself and each other. That's love.
And the last important thing is, all the OST are really good and easy listening.
Score: 9 (This is highly recommended)
Episodes: 20
Year of Airing: 2015
Cast: Ji Sung (Cha Do Hyun)
Hwang Jung Eum (Oh Ri Jin)
Park Seo Joon (Oh Ri On)
This drama is highly recommended for those who like psychological/ psychiatry issues. The main woman character is Oh Ri Jin, a psychiatrist, who is chatty, happy, and loving woman. She was raised in a happy family and accepted so much love and care. On the other hand, the man lead, Cha Do Hyun, is a person with multiple personalities. This drama has an interesting conflict because two of more than two personalities inside the Cha Do Hyun (I can't say how many, you need to watch to know more) love Oh Ri Jin.
What makes me like this drama so much is Ji Sung's acting skill. He can play different personalities in an outstanding way, even a character of a coquettish 17-years-old girl named Ahn Yoo Na. He looks so feminine in playing Yoo Na character, but in another scene looks really manly and cruel at the same time.
The other thing is, I also really like Park Seo Joon's character in this drama. He looks happy, easy going and nosy, but actually he is really sad because the woman he loves actually loves another man.
I also can say that the OST in this serial are impressive. They suit the scenes very well so once you hear the songs you'll remember the drama right away.
Score: 9 (really, it is worth to watch!)
Episode: 20
Year of Airing: 2015 to 2016
Cast: Hyeri (Song Duk Sun)
Ryoo Joon Yeol (Kim Jung Hwan)
Go Kyung Pyo (Song Sun Woo)
Park Bo Gum (Choi Taek)
Lee Dong Hwi (Yoo Dong Ryong)
This is a comedy drama and every episode is full of laughter. The story is about conflicts in families in a small neighbourhood which took place in 1988. I think it is a drama of reality, because most of the conflicts and occurance in it are the same to those that happen in our daily life. For example, conflicts between the first and the second child in the family, the expectation of the parents towards their kids, love among teenagers, and many more.
The main girl character is so funny and - well, I can say - a bit dumb (in a cute way), but she is a very caring person. The interesting thing is, the viewers will be guessing who among the four boys would be the girl's husband in the future. Me my self had a bet with my husband about that, and guess what, I won :)
Score: 8.5
Episode: 20
Year of Airing: 2014 to 2015
Cast: Ji Chang Wook (Healer)
Park Min Young (Chae Young Shin)
Yoo Ji Tae (Kim Moon Ho)
The story is about a man who works as an errand (but unlike a usual errand, this job involve a dangerous situation so it requires a high fighting skill and good technology support), who falls in love with a reporter, who happens to have an ill history with him, when they both were very young.
What makes me like this serial besides the story itself is that Ji Chang Wook looks so appealing here 😉. He, with his black outfit and sharp eyes, makes me hypnotised. Oh, he is so handsome! Also, he fights so well in here, which makes him looks so manly in my eyes.
You won't be disappointed to watch this drama because the people involved are really good in acting.
Score: 8.5
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2014 to 2015
Cast: Lee Jong Suk (Choi Dal Po/Ki Ha Myeong
Park Shin Hye (Choi In Ha)
Kim Young Kwang (Seo Bum Jo)
Jin Kyung (Song Cha Ok)
This drama begins with a miserable scene of a boy who lost both of his parents in a very cruel intentional murder. I cried while watching the first episode because the tragedy was so terrible.
However, the story begins to be more interesting as the boy grows older. He becomes a very intelligent person who works as a journalist while at the same time tries to find the person who is responsible of the death of his parents.
Meanwhile, the lead girl character which is played by Park Shin Hye is also captivating. She is very cute and really good in playing a role as a girl who has pinocchio syndrome.
Score: 8
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2016
Cast: Song Joong Ki (Yoo Shi Jin)
Song Hye Kyo (Kang Mo Yeon)
Jin Goo (Seo Dae Young)
Kim Ji Won (Yoon Myeong Jo)
This is the drama that makes every girl crazy, I think. It gained a very high rating in Korea as well as across Asian countries. This fact is not surprising, instead, it was predictable since the actor is very professional and also good looking. I mean, who doesn't love Joong Ki oppa? 😍
The beautiful boy is acting as a captain in a special force, what else is cuter than that?
The story is about a beautiful and brave doctor (Song Hye Kyo) who falls in love with a special force captain. The doctor is disappointed because every time they date, the captain always leaves early. However, soon she understands, because she happens to meet him in the field when they are serving the people together.
Some of you may ask what is the relation between Korean drama and commuter line? Here is the answer:
It took about an hour (sometimes more than an hour) standing in a full-of-people commuter line for me to go to the office. In order not to get bored, my first strategy was listening to the music from my phone. But even for a music lover like me, listening to the music could not help. Instead of enjoying the travel, I got bored easily, and I still could feel pain in my legs, and also in my heart (hahaha.. It was because I once felt miserable about being inside the commuter line for so long with nothing to do). But finally, I found that watching Korean drama could make me forget about how long the travel would be.
I categorise the dramas I've watched into 4 :
1. not-a-usual-chaebol-story
What I mean by not-a-usual-chaebol-story is that the story is not merely about some super rich boys who inherit a big business group who fight for the love of a poor girl, but it is more about things that happen around us, like love among kids in a same neighborhood, or story about people who have psychological disorders, or about murder cases. The stories are sometimes so complicated that you can't help yourselves from being curious about the ending.
2. fantasy
I call it fantasy because the dramas in this category involve the non-human roles or a situation that won't happen in reality. There are some dramas that I like very much even though the stories are just fantasy.
3. empire
This category consists of dramas that have their settings in Joeson or empire era in Korea.
4. chaebol
And this is the category of 'usual' dramas, about love triangle which involve boys/men from high social class and a girl from an ordinary family. Although the topic or theme is as simple as that, some dramas have a very interesting plot so they are worth to watch.
So, from 74 dramas I've watched so far, here are some high 'score' dramas of not-a-usual-chaebol-story category, based on my own evaluation:
1. It's Okay, That's Love
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 9 (guys, you need to watch this)
Episodes: 16
Year of Airing: 2014
Cast: Jo In Sung (Jang Jae Yeol)
Gong Hyo Jin (Ji Hye Soo)
Sung Dong Il (Jo Dong Min)
Picture is taken from www.dramafever.com |
This is about a love between a psychiatrist (Gong Hyo Jin) and a famous writer and DJ (Jo In Sung). The story is very interesting and there is no same old chaebol story in it. I do not want to spoil the story here because it will reduce the fun in watching this drama. All I can say is characters in the drama realise that it is okay to have some weaknesses as long as you can accept yourself and each other. That's love.
And the last important thing is, all the OST are really good and easy listening.
2. Kill Me Heal Me
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 9 (This is highly recommended)
Episodes: 20
Year of Airing: 2015
Cast: Ji Sung (Cha Do Hyun)
Hwang Jung Eum (Oh Ri Jin)
Park Seo Joon (Oh Ri On)
Picture is taken from www.viki.com |
picture is taken from my own archive |
What makes me like this drama so much is Ji Sung's acting skill. He can play different personalities in an outstanding way, even a character of a coquettish 17-years-old girl named Ahn Yoo Na. He looks so feminine in playing Yoo Na character, but in another scene looks really manly and cruel at the same time.
The other thing is, I also really like Park Seo Joon's character in this drama. He looks happy, easy going and nosy, but actually he is really sad because the woman he loves actually loves another man.
I also can say that the OST in this serial are impressive. They suit the scenes very well so once you hear the songs you'll remember the drama right away.
3. Reply 1988
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 9 (really, it is worth to watch!)
Episode: 20
Year of Airing: 2015 to 2016
Cast: Hyeri (Song Duk Sun)
Ryoo Joon Yeol (Kim Jung Hwan)
Go Kyung Pyo (Song Sun Woo)
Park Bo Gum (Choi Taek)
Lee Dong Hwi (Yoo Dong Ryong)
Picture is taken from www.viki.com |
This is a comedy drama and every episode is full of laughter. The story is about conflicts in families in a small neighbourhood which took place in 1988. I think it is a drama of reality, because most of the conflicts and occurance in it are the same to those that happen in our daily life. For example, conflicts between the first and the second child in the family, the expectation of the parents towards their kids, love among teenagers, and many more.
The main girl character is so funny and - well, I can say - a bit dumb (in a cute way), but she is a very caring person. The interesting thing is, the viewers will be guessing who among the four boys would be the girl's husband in the future. Me my self had a bet with my husband about that, and guess what, I won :)
4. Healer
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 8.5
Episode: 20
Year of Airing: 2014 to 2015
Cast: Ji Chang Wook (Healer)
Park Min Young (Chae Young Shin)
Yoo Ji Tae (Kim Moon Ho)
picture is taken from my own archive |
The story is about a man who works as an errand (but unlike a usual errand, this job involve a dangerous situation so it requires a high fighting skill and good technology support), who falls in love with a reporter, who happens to have an ill history with him, when they both were very young.
What makes me like this serial besides the story itself is that Ji Chang Wook looks so appealing here 😉. He, with his black outfit and sharp eyes, makes me hypnotised. Oh, he is so handsome! Also, he fights so well in here, which makes him looks so manly in my eyes.
You won't be disappointed to watch this drama because the people involved are really good in acting.
5. Pinocchio
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 8.5
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2014 to 2015
Cast: Lee Jong Suk (Choi Dal Po/Ki Ha Myeong
Park Shin Hye (Choi In Ha)
Kim Young Kwang (Seo Bum Jo)
Jin Kyung (Song Cha Ok)
picture is taken from my own archive |
This drama begins with a miserable scene of a boy who lost both of his parents in a very cruel intentional murder. I cried while watching the first episode because the tragedy was so terrible.
However, the story begins to be more interesting as the boy grows older. He becomes a very intelligent person who works as a journalist while at the same time tries to find the person who is responsible of the death of his parents.
Meanwhile, the lead girl character which is played by Park Shin Hye is also captivating. She is very cute and really good in playing a role as a girl who has pinocchio syndrome.
6. Descendants of the sun
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 8
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2016
Cast: Song Joong Ki (Yoo Shi Jin)
Song Hye Kyo (Kang Mo Yeon)
Jin Goo (Seo Dae Young)
Kim Ji Won (Yoon Myeong Jo)
Picture is taken from my own archive |
This is the drama that makes every girl crazy, I think. It gained a very high rating in Korea as well as across Asian countries. This fact is not surprising, instead, it was predictable since the actor is very professional and also good looking. I mean, who doesn't love Joong Ki oppa? 😍
The beautiful boy is acting as a captain in a special force, what else is cuter than that?
The story is about a beautiful and brave doctor (Song Hye Kyo) who falls in love with a special force captain. The doctor is disappointed because every time they date, the captain always leaves early. However, soon she understands, because she happens to meet him in the field when they are serving the people together.
This is a recommended drama for those who like romantic comedy, since there are many funny scenes in it.
7. You're All Surrounded
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-story
Score: 8
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2014
Cast: Lee Seung Gi (Eun Dae Goo)
Go Ara (Eo Soo Sun)
Cha Seung Won (Seo Pan Seok)
Ahn Jae Hyun (Park Tae Il)
Park Jung Min (Ji Kook)
You're all surrounded is a serial about a group of young detectives who work in Gangnam Police Station. Each of them has different background, but the most miserable one is Eun Dae Gu (Lee Seung Ki). He lost his mother in an unprofessional method of murder yet professionally concealed. This makes him becomes a cold and harsh man. While working as a detective, he tries to find the murderer and who covered that case. Meanwhile, he falls in love with his co-worker who is older than him (so this is what we call Noone Romance 😊).
One quote from Eun Dae Gu that I like is "things that can't be avoided must be experienced."
So, you can't run from your destiny. Accept, and go through it.
Score: 8
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015
Cast: Kim Hee Seon (Jo Kang Ja)
Ji Hyun Woo (Park No Ah)
Kim Yoo Jung (Oh A Ran)
Ji Soo (Go Bok Dong)
Jo Kang Ja (Kim Hee Seon) is a mom who worries about her daughter (Kim Yoo Jung) at school. She thinks that her daughter has been bullied by some gangster kids and that's why the daughter becomes very sensitive, easily angry and doesn't want to be open about her problems. However, things are not as simple as that. There are a murder case at school, which involve unpredictable people with unacceptable motives.
This mom then disguises as a high school girl to save her daughter. Because she looks younger than her age, no body suspects her as a mother to a 16 years old girl. The funny thing is, a boy falls in love with her 😁
The story is refreshing but some scenes make me sad. This is a recommended drama for those who are bored with the same old chaebol stories.
Score: 8.5
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun (Lee Eun Bi, Ko Eun Byol)
Nam Joo Hyuk (Han Yi An)
Yuk Sun Jae (Kwon Tae Kwang)
I am impressed by Kim Soo Hyun's acting skill in this drama. She acts as two different girls with two different personalities. By the look in her eyes we can tell which character she is playing in a particular scene, that's how impressive her acting is.
The story is about twins that were separated when they were young, but then they met again and together they solve a big case. This drama is also about bullying at school and it shows that the effects are very bad. There is a girl who is the bully in this story, who makes me want to punch her right at her nose because she is so annoying.
This is not a comedy drama, so for those who like something funny, this is not for you, guys.
Score: 8.5
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015
Cast: Ji Chang Wook (Kim Je Ha)
Yoo Na (Go Anna)
Song Yoon Ah (Choi Yi Jin)
Cong Seon Ha (Jang Se Joon)
This is for the lover of Ji Chang Wook (including me 😍). Here he looks more muscular, and of course, more charming. I don't know why, even though I hate cigarette, I still find him very attractive and manly when he smokes. As usual, he fights a lot in this drama, because of his role as a former soldier and later becomes a body guard of a rich lady.
The story is about a competition between two powerful men to become the next president. However, things get dirtier and dirtier as they involve not only money but also kidnap and murder plans.
Although Yoo Na acts as a female lead in this drama, I don't feel that her role is important enough. I think Song Yoon Ah who acts as the wife of one of the president candidate is the center of the story. Anyway, this drama is good to watch, and you must be careful from falling in love over and over with Chang Wook oppa 😁
Score: 8.5
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2011
Cast: Lee Min Ho (Lee Yun Seong)
Park Min YOung (Kim Na Na)
Lee Joon Hyuk (Kim Young Joo)
Yeayyy! It is Min Ho Oppa, that's why this drama is recommended 😍
This is about a revenge mission carried by a high skill young IT expert, who demands the truth of his father's death. He was told to not fall in love during the misson, but he can't help falling in love with a beautiful body guard in the president house. Further, the fact that he is so beautiful doesn't lessen his manly look when he is fighting.
The story is a little bit complicated but still really worth to watch.
Score: 8
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2014
Cast: Lee Seung Gi (Eun Dae Goo)
Go Ara (Eo Soo Sun)
Cha Seung Won (Seo Pan Seok)
Ahn Jae Hyun (Park Tae Il)
Park Jung Min (Ji Kook)
Picture is taken from www.myasianmovie.wordpress.com |
You're all surrounded is a serial about a group of young detectives who work in Gangnam Police Station. Each of them has different background, but the most miserable one is Eun Dae Gu (Lee Seung Ki). He lost his mother in an unprofessional method of murder yet professionally concealed. This makes him becomes a cold and harsh man. While working as a detective, he tries to find the murderer and who covered that case. Meanwhile, he falls in love with his co-worker who is older than him (so this is what we call Noone Romance 😊).
One quote from Eun Dae Gu that I like is "things that can't be avoided must be experienced."
So, you can't run from your destiny. Accept, and go through it.
Picture is taken from my own archive |
8. Angry Mom
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 8
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015
Cast: Kim Hee Seon (Jo Kang Ja)
Ji Hyun Woo (Park No Ah)
Kim Yoo Jung (Oh A Ran)
Ji Soo (Go Bok Dong)
Jo Kang Ja (Kim Hee Seon) is a mom who worries about her daughter (Kim Yoo Jung) at school. She thinks that her daughter has been bullied by some gangster kids and that's why the daughter becomes very sensitive, easily angry and doesn't want to be open about her problems. However, things are not as simple as that. There are a murder case at school, which involve unpredictable people with unacceptable motives.
This mom then disguises as a high school girl to save her daughter. Because she looks younger than her age, no body suspects her as a mother to a 16 years old girl. The funny thing is, a boy falls in love with her 😁
The story is refreshing but some scenes make me sad. This is a recommended drama for those who are bored with the same old chaebol stories.
9. School 2015: Who Are You
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 8.5
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun (Lee Eun Bi, Ko Eun Byol)
Nam Joo Hyuk (Han Yi An)
Yuk Sun Jae (Kwon Tae Kwang)
Picture is taken from www.dramafever.com |
I am impressed by Kim Soo Hyun's acting skill in this drama. She acts as two different girls with two different personalities. By the look in her eyes we can tell which character she is playing in a particular scene, that's how impressive her acting is.
The story is about twins that were separated when they were young, but then they met again and together they solve a big case. This drama is also about bullying at school and it shows that the effects are very bad. There is a girl who is the bully in this story, who makes me want to punch her right at her nose because she is so annoying.
This is not a comedy drama, so for those who like something funny, this is not for you, guys.
10. The K2
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 8.5
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015
Cast: Ji Chang Wook (Kim Je Ha)
Yoo Na (Go Anna)
Song Yoon Ah (Choi Yi Jin)
Cong Seon Ha (Jang Se Joon)
Picture is taken from my own archive |
The story is about a competition between two powerful men to become the next president. However, things get dirtier and dirtier as they involve not only money but also kidnap and murder plans.
Although Yoo Na acts as a female lead in this drama, I don't feel that her role is important enough. I think Song Yoon Ah who acts as the wife of one of the president candidate is the center of the story. Anyway, this drama is good to watch, and you must be careful from falling in love over and over with Chang Wook oppa 😁
11. A Gentleman's Dignity
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-story
Score: 8
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2012
Cast: Jang Dong Gun (Kim Do Jin)
Kim Ha Neul (Seo Yi Soo)
Kim Su Ro (Im Tae San)
Kim Min Jong (Choi Yoon)
Lee Jong Hyuk (Lee Jung Rok)
Score: 8
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2012
Cast: Jang Dong Gun (Kim Do Jin)
Kim Ha Neul (Seo Yi Soo)
Kim Su Ro (Im Tae San)
Kim Min Jong (Choi Yoon)
Lee Jong Hyuk (Lee Jung Rok)
13. City Hunter
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-storyScore: 8.5
Episode: 20
Year of airing: 2011
Cast: Lee Min Ho (Lee Yun Seong)
Park Min YOung (Kim Na Na)
Lee Joon Hyuk (Kim Young Joo)
picture is taken from www.kdramafighting.blogspot.com |
Yeayyy! It is Min Ho Oppa, that's why this drama is recommended 😍
This is about a revenge mission carried by a high skill young IT expert, who demands the truth of his father's death. He was told to not fall in love during the misson, but he can't help falling in love with a beautiful body guard in the president house. Further, the fact that he is so beautiful doesn't lessen his manly look when he is fighting.
The story is a little bit complicated but still really worth to watch.
14. Oh My Venus
Category: not-a-usual-chaebol-story
Score: 8
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015 to 2016
Cast: So Ji Sub (Kim Young Ho)
Shin Min Ah (Kang Joo Eun)
Jung Gyu Woon (Im Woo Sik)
Yu In Young (Oh Soo Jin)
This is a motivational drama, especially for those who wish to lose weight in a healthy way. The story is about an over-weight woman who is betrayed by her boyfriend because she is not as slim as she was before. Ironically, the boyfriend is now having a relationship with her friend who was so fat but now has a slim body.
She feels betrayed and want to revenge by losing her weight.. However, things are not as easy as she thought. Losing weight in a healthy way means she needs to do routine workout and control what she eats and how many portion she has. While trying to do all the efforts, she falls in love with her personal trainer, who actually has felt in love with her personality, even when she was over-weight.
The make up artists in the drama do a very good job because they can make Shin Min Ah looks naturally fat. This is different from another drama when IU play a fat girl but she looks not natural.
Score: 8
Episode: 16
Year of airing: 2015 to 2016
Cast: So Ji Sub (Kim Young Ho)
Shin Min Ah (Kang Joo Eun)
Jung Gyu Woon (Im Woo Sik)
Yu In Young (Oh Soo Jin)
picture is taken from www.darksmurfsub,com |
This is a motivational drama, especially for those who wish to lose weight in a healthy way. The story is about an over-weight woman who is betrayed by her boyfriend because she is not as slim as she was before. Ironically, the boyfriend is now having a relationship with her friend who was so fat but now has a slim body.
She feels betrayed and want to revenge by losing her weight.. However, things are not as easy as she thought. Losing weight in a healthy way means she needs to do routine workout and control what she eats and how many portion she has. While trying to do all the efforts, she falls in love with her personal trainer, who actually has felt in love with her personality, even when she was over-weight.
The make up artists in the drama do a very good job because they can make Shin Min Ah looks naturally fat. This is different from another drama when IU play a fat girl but she looks not natural.
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