Probably inspired by the still ongoing pandemic reality, 2021 Korean Dramas heralded a few superbly contrived plots.
Delivering unique and original narratives, reinventing reliable staple genres and themes were also highlighted in the roster of 2021 Korean Dramas. In terms of story structure, we saw a few imaginative hero-centric series. Along with that, we also saw stories dealing with human survival and catastrophic scenarios. Likewise, the persisting trend of “healing dramas” has evolved to focus on peerless characters and storylines.
Often coupled with amazing screenplays, KDRAMADIARY rounded up our picks for 2021 Korean Dramas with the most mind-blowing story. Something new and unique that graced K-Drama landscape. This list also includes the classic and reliable ideas that were rebranded with convincing packaging making the series paradigm-shifting.
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The list covered the 4th week of November 2021 up until the K-Dramas to end on or before the 31st of December 2021. Note that daily dramas, weekend family dramas and some web dramas and special dramas are not included in this selection.
The Uncanny Counter
A blend of local supernatural heroes devoted to pounce on wandering demon-possessed humans, the main cast pictured an implied reality that anyone can become a hero for doing kindness and helping those in need.
Notching OCN’s highest-rated drama of all time, The Uncanny Counter is a well-packaged series that viewers can easily be hooked on because it’s so easy to love. Utilizing an easy-to-follow plot that was pumped with enthralling curves, the series reminisces those youth memories of binge-watching Japanese adventure-action type series.
There’s always a nagging feeling of experiencing the original work if you enjoyed the live adaptation, but OCN’s live imagination warrants you not to go through it because the vivid depiction would convince you that watching it live is adequately enough. That’s how amazing the series was run.
Sweet Home
Sweet Home takes its viewers to a thrilling experience as they watch a group of people fights their way for survival. In this dystopian setting, humankind faces a tough challenge as someone they know either dies at the hands of the monsters or becomes one.
While the series’ overall theme is dark and desolate, it still raises hope that things for the human race always get better. We may find ourselves in the darkest of hours or at the lowest point in our lives, but at the end of the day, it is our choices that lead the way on how we move forward.
K-Drama Review: Netflix’s “Sweet Home” Highlights the Best And Worst Of Humanity
Beyond Evil
Beyond Evil elevated an otherwise simple premise to become extraordinary. It showed off the worst thing people can do to each other to achieve power and for personal gains. The characters in this series were as raw as the next person. They are representations of ordinary people, with whom we might have a chance to encounter or interact.
The series is as close to a perfect drama as you can get with its realistic depiction of humanity’s worst aspect. It gives the realization that it was not the serial killer who was the foulest of them all. The most frightening is the people in power ready to go to any lengths just to achieve their goals.
While it is admirable that there are individuals wanting to better themselves, what’s scary is the means some utilize to make it happen. Greed can make most people covet things and do actions with serious consequences. Humans are susceptible to make mistakes. Owning up to it or covering it up makes the difference between good and evil.
Youth of May
Familiar faces of romance stories abound 2021 Korean dramas. Youth of May is the most poignantly imagined with equal stunning delineations on its historical value, romance and heartfelt portrayal.
From painting stories of love, patriotism, family, friendship, and dreams, the series had blossomed into an inspiring masterpiece that simply touches hearts.
More than recounting a nostalgic and innocent love, Youth of May also serves as a tribute to the victims and survivors of one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of South Korea. Watching it is evidently emotionally draining but all the tears will all be worth it in the end as the drama had served its purpose in enlightening the viewers.
K-Drama Review: “Youth of May” Traces A Timeless Story Of Unconditional Love and Patriotism
L.U.C.A.: The Beginning
There was no ever-after in L.U.C.A.: The Beginning, so consider you’re forewarned. If it did, I would have not liked it that much to be honest. The fading scene of how the beginning of the story becomes the eventual conclusion hints at one of the story’s key points of how scientific breakthroughs are equal parts good and bad news, depending on someone’s perspectives.
The series highlights its disclosed message defying religious faith, and in times when we just are experiencing COVID-19, it’s easy to consider the what-ifs of perfecting human genes.
Truly heavy to be absorbed emotionally and mentally, Ji-oh’s story nonetheless engrossed with its farsighted purport. It also left a lingering nudge on the relationship we build. That we only need a few functioning ones like how Ji-oh and Gu-reum who are both deemed orphaned have a couple of trusting ones.
Leaving me encouragement to not be the kind of wicked people depicted in the series, this drama inspired me to let go of hopeless life battles when persistence seems to be not enough.
Move To Heaven
Learning about unique professions has been one of the reasons why Korean dramas have been consistently thriving. Move To Heaven introduces trauma cleaners and it gifted a heartfelt experience.
We could have never asked for more on how the heroes of the series reeled us to learn life and love lessons in the most heartwarming way. Both delivered in their shining moments with utmost sincere emotions that brought us to empathizing tears.
The lead characters remind us to sparingly show kindness because it could make a difference in someone’s life. Also, they prod us not to beat ourselves up from past mistakes as there’s a lifetime ahead to make up for it.
Life and death are topics that draw different viewpoints depending on the age and experiences of a person. In this heartening series, the simple deliberation of how a person spent his days while living, matters to the people he left behind after death. It prompts us to live a life with the goal of sharing beautiful memories because life can be savagely fleeting.
K-Drama Review: “Move To Heaven” Highlights Lessons On Relationships That Makes Us A Human
Racket Boys
In recent years, healing dramas have seen a significant position in K-Drama landscape. Whether threading on a somber mood, romance undernote, or character-driven plot; this drama variety has consistently vaunted successful dramas. As a result, the formula of concocting sedating and meaningful stories heightened.
What’s commendable in this series was the morals it has imparted. In every episode, viewers would be able to pick up values that are essential in life. Albeit the series may have mistakes in terms of representation, the production staff has made sure to apologize publicly, and also insert scenes to correct their mistakes.
The writing was able to successfully break the stereotype of living in the countryside and made sure to present its merits. The series presented that living in the rural side has also adapted to modern living with a bonus of a sedating pragmatic lifestyle. With that, it was amazing how they acknowledged both city life and rural life and made sure that viewers would see the advantages from both sides.
K-Drama Review: “Racket Boys” Aces in Bringing Glory as a Team Regardless of Winning or Losing
Squid Game
Asserting unprecedented dominance, Squid Game’s momentous feats can be credited to its extraordinary premise. Admirably, the whole picture of this series is as superb as it was advertised. For thriller junkies, it’s going to be a happy ride.
Adorned with inserted comical notes, the layout of the story is at the highest points in the featured games. It also mentions ugly truths about human nature by showing a man’s selfish instinct to survive is the same as his resolute choice to betray.
K-Drama Review: “Squid Game” Scores Spectacular Thrilling Story With Permeating Life Lessons
The Veil
All throughout the series, the plot twists take the viewers to its carefully and stunningly written story. Powered by a committed ensemble cast, it has given a new meaning to the word ambiguity while effectively pitching expertly-construed cliffhangers each week.
Despite treading on a relatively hard-to-grasp narrative, it feels intelligently written yet easily comprehensible. That’s one of the most admirable feats of the series. Additionally, albeit being dialog-heavy, it made sure that the viewer’s attention is locked to it.
Tracing the story of a disappeared NIS agent after vanishing in his last mission, The Veil consistently engrosses with its hero-centric story and surprising reversals.
Happiness
Providing all sorts of thrilling joys, Happiness ensured no downtime in its weekly run. Despite its fixed setting, the cacophony of revelations and cliffhangers blended well to its scintillating drive.
Featuring a fascinating cast and familiar pandemic premise, the series brings woes and troubles, all throughout its run that strangely gifts us bliss.
Photos: Netflix | tvN | MBC | SBS | KBS2 | JTBC
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