Validating an entrenched prominence, 2021 Korean Dramas continue impressing local and global viewers with spectacular stories and captivating characters.
Albeit the challenge of the pandemic situation, K-Dramas proceed with confidence. It definitely paid off considering how its popularity range has surged higher than before. With international streaming platforms actively collaborating productions, the results yield significant changes beneficial to the fascinating world of Korean Dramas.
Thrillers, romance and slice-of-life genres are mostly highlighted in the 2021 Korean Drama season. Notably, the resurgence of historical dramas all year long also decorated the season.
Following KDRAMADIARY’s goal of providing insightful reviews, this feature of 2021 Korean Dramas is a collated work of passion and discipline from our team. Except for the daily dramas, weekly family dramas and some web dramas we cannot watch on legitimate platforms, we pretty much covered this K-Drama season.
Season Wrap-Up: Trends, Themes & Triumphs Featured In 2021 Korean Dramas
Best Korean Drama List: 2000 – 2005 | 2006 – 2009| 2010| 2011| 2012| 2013| 2014| 2015| 2016| 2017| 2018| 2019| 2020|
Game-Changing Trends
With entertainment streaming services collaborating with South Korean production companies, a few stellar Korean series achieved impressive global acknowledgment. The most popular example perhaps would be the syndrome created by Squid Game. As a result, more joint projects like My Roommate is a Gumiho, Jirisan and Move To Heaven are expected in the future.
Interestingly, this year saw fewer fantasy dramas compared to the previous years. Expectedly, staple romantic comedies and love-themed melodramas abound 2021 K-Dramaland. Narratives about idols, actors and Korean showbiz are also well-represented.
While workplace dramas are often mainstays in K-Drama landscape, this season saw an evident upgrade in terms of careers and industries viewers were able to get acquainted with. We learned about trauma cleaners, mountain rangers, exorcists and more. We got a peek into the worlds of different students, detectives and career people.
2021 Best Korean Dramas’ Guidelines
Our guidelines for choosing the 2021 Best Korean Dramas are pretty much the basics: inventive plot, engaging narrative, novelty, character portrayals, appeal to the general audience, and re-watch value. We also place high importance on relevant and resonating messages imparted by the story.
Out of 90 K-Dramas in this year’s coverage, we reviewed 82 and narrowed it down to the final list of standout series.
Note that KDRAMADIARY follows a slightly different calendar. With December dramas of the current year not included in the season run. All dramas ending on or before the 16th of January 2022 will be included in the current season’s coverage.
Trivial Thoughts
It’s hard not to notice the varying themes public networks and cable channels ventured this year as well. KBS2, SBS, MBC mixed their lineup with arresting historical dramas plus engrossing modern-set narratives.
tvN continues its drive for experimental concepts while keeping the staple favorites. Meanwhile, over at JTBC, emotional stories decorate the roster of its featured Korean series.
Here are 21 of the Most Memorable 2021 Korean Dramas not to be missed!
1st Quarter 2021 Korean Dramas (01 December 2020 – 31 March 2021)
- The Uncanny Counter | True Beauty | Mr. Queen | Royal Secret Agent | Lovestruck in the City | A Love So Beautiful | Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) |
- Run On | How To Be Thirty | Hush | Beyond Evil | She Would Never Know | Sisyphus: The Myth | Times | Awaken | River Where the Moon Rises |
- Cheat On Me, If You Can | L.U.C.A.: The Beginning | Hello, Me! | Love Scene Number | Penthouse 2 |
The Uncanny Counter
The crime-fueled story blended well to its otherworldly kick. It was a case of every narrative element falling onto the right places thereby creating a ripple of relevant messages encompassing family relationships as well as societal issues often overlooked.
Its focus on driving the story utilizing an easy-to-follow plot was pumped with enthralling curves. It reminisces those iconic old-school Japanese adventure-action-type anime series.
Mr. Queen
A complete package, Mr. Queen can give you resonating feels, especially at times where a little humor is needed to lighten up your day.
It is a sure way of getting your healthy dose of laughter and tears – chaos that we did not expect, but we surely appreciate.
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.
L.U.C.A. The Beginning
Running an interesting biotechnology and genetic engineering premise, L.U.C.A.: The Beginning packed its 12 episodes with flawless storytelling.
All throughout, the underdog vibe yielded sympathy. But as the narrative goes along, it touched on meaningful messages about human greed leaving an astounding picture.
River Where The Moon Rises
Narrating bittersweet stories, River Where The Moon Rises shows what it means to wield swords to protect loved ones while defying fate.
Gravitating viewers with unparalleled character portrayals, albeit all of them have to experience ill-fated stories, their tale and bravery settle deeply rooted in any viewer’s heart. Despite controversies, the series pushes through taking us into a tear-jerking yet thrilling “war.”
K-Drama Review: “River Where The Moon Rises” Victoriously Battled Ill-Fated Love And Destiny
2nd Quarter 2021 Korean Dramas (01 Apri 2021 – 30 June 2021)
- Move to Heaven | Vincenzo | Mad for Each Other | Youth of May | Dark Hole | Navillera |
- Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 2 | Undercover | So I Married an Anti-Fan | At A Distance, Spring Is Green | Bossam: Steal the Fate | Mine |
- Doom at Your Service | Mouse | Law School | Sell Your Haunted House | My Roommate Is A Gumiho | Imitation | Oh My Ladylord | Racket Boys | Taxi Driver |
Move To Heaven
Colored with tender and vibrant stories about incidentally finding the meaning of love as we live, Move To Heaven is a masterpiece you have to share with your friends and family.
In this series, we were reminded that we are all capable to give the most selfless love. At the same time, we can also be assured that we deserve the purest love we can receive.
K-Drama Review: “Move To Heaven” Highlights Lessons On Relationships That Makes Us A Human
Youth Of May
From painting stories of love, patriotism, family, friendship, and dreams, Youth of May 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
Mouse
Sinking in the world of murders, Mouse investigates the relations of human genetics and crime.
Humans become who they are at present through their genes and environment. Envisioning how a person born with unique genes would become, the series sets the stage for a thrilling detective adventure together with its healthy debate on human genetics.
K-Drama Review: “Mouse” Thrills with its Mind-Blowing Twisted Story
Racket Boys
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. It is admirable how the story integrated traditional and contemporary beliefs.
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
My Roommate is a Gumiho
It’s easy to assume that the production team and cast of My Roommate is a Gumiho were all high on gleeful mood while working on the series. While enjoying the romantic line, the friendship stories featured in the series fascinate too.
Parading a special brand of amazing, viewers easily gravitates as the drama gives a consistent “pay attention we’re going to make you smile” feel each episode. The series followed the tried and tested structure of Korean romantic comedy. It kept the hook factor actively moving as the story evolved.
K-Drama Review: “My Roommate Is A Gumiho” Gregariously Gifts Happiness-Inducing Rom-Com Story
Taxi Driver
Consistently enthralling, the series featured merciless villains who wreak havoc sparingly while the heroes fought them valiantly!
Taking the 16-episode ride of Taxi Driver was a satisfying feat. Well-contrived and stellarly-portrayed, the series ensured that its side stories are relevant and the big picture was properly concluded.
3rd Quarter 2021 Korean Dramas (01 July 2021 – 30 September 2021)
- Nevertheless | Kingdom: Ashin of the North* | Voice 4 | The Witch’s Diner | Police University | Dali and Cocky Prince | On the Verge of Insanity |
- You Are My Spring | Monthly Magazine Home | Check Out the Event | The Road: Tragedy of One | Hospital Playlist 2 | D.P. | You Raise Me Up |
- The Devil Judge | The Veil | Lovers of the Red Sky | High Class | Hometown | One the Woman | Squid Game | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha |
Nevertheless
Looking at the plot of Nevertheless, it can be said that it is relevant and updated with the present time’s take on love and relationships. It uniquely portrays how messy it could get when you blur the line between love and attraction.
The series is a combination of art and unique topics that are not usually included in other dramas. It creates an atmosphere that breaks conservative beliefs and promotes liberal ideas.
K-Drama Review: “Nevertheless” Artfully Differentiates Attraction From Love
Squid Game
Time literally stops as soon as you press play on Netflix to start watching Squid Game. It has quite an allure reminiscent of those old action anime favorites highlighting the hero’s goal to accomplish his missions by defeating villains. With the premise of people vying for big prize money to pay their debts, the narrative utilized mind-blowing game scenarios based on old school children’s games.
Delineated in raw, clear-cut and unsightly scenes, the series ensnares with its clever and excitingly driven momentum. It felt like going to a theme park and taking all the soul-losing rides.
K-Drama Review: “Squid Game” Scores Spectacular Thrilling Story With Permeating Life Lessons
Hospital Playlist 2
By infusing viewers’ hearts with resonating messages, Hospital Playlist 2 serves lingering doses of laughter, admiration, tears, and beaming moments as our favorite doctor squad wraps up their heartening stories together.
Continuing its healing vibe, the series deserves the hype and the appreciation for ensuring its vow to console the viewers’ hearts. It prescribed us heartening life and love messages that remind us to be grateful to the gift of friendship – and the blessing of having them like our very own family.
The Veil
Never allowing a less gripping moment in its weekly run, The Veil, with its superb story and portrayals, definitely deserves a “Best K-Drama badge”!
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.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha incorporates meaningful messages and moments for all ages without losing focus on hyping the romance story in place. Giving doses of uncomplicated love and life lessons, the drama teaches how to own to mistakes and be unapologetic to personal convictions.
Resonating that we are all eligible to commit to self-healing after a life setback, Gongjin is a representation of how we can find our very own solace in a place or with a person. This drama expounds on how problems will not disappear if we care less. If we gamble to not confront it right away, it’s okay.
D.P.
Depicting military life grievances from the perspectives of the military deserters and the special team tracking them, D.P. explored the ugly experiences that led soldiers to leave the military camp.
Although carefully constructed, the underlying chide on atrocious acts happening at military service units is evident. Bravely narrated, D.P. construes eye-opening realities that hopefully would bring essential and pervasive change.
K-Drama Review: “D.P.” Delves On Disheartening Military Life Tribulations
4th Quarter 2021 Korean Dramas (01 October 2021 – 16 January 2022)
- Lost | The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim | Yumi’s Cells | The King’s Affection | My Name | Reflection of You | Work Later Drink Now | Crime Puzzle |
- Chimera | Inspector Koo | The Red Sleeve | Jirisan | School 2021 | Let Me Be Your Knight | Now, We Are Breaking Up | Melancholia |
- Happiness| Secret Royal Inspector Joy | IDOL: The Coup | Hellbound | One Ordinary Day | The Silent Sea |
Happiness
Initially appearing to be deceptively plain, the deeply satisfying K-Drama entertainment we got from Happiness is definitely a gift.
Equal parts exciting and addicting, it also ruminates on how we can all be put in that deafening instant – that life is changing. In hopeless situations, it’s important that we know our “happiness” – so we can choose to fight without regrets because we have a reason to live.
Jirisan
Resembling the experience of hiking a mountain, Jirisan gave viewers a few moments of contemplation whether to endure the sedated arduous ascend of the story.
At the end of it all, upon reaching the drama’s peak, it interestingly echoes the feeling of admiring the summit view, while savoring the drama experience.
The King’s Affection
Decked with a refined palace romance, The King’s Affection also imparts valuable messages about genuine happiness.
Pretending to be someone else for the rest of one’s existence would definitely be a daunting task to undertake, especially if one is forced to do so. On that note, the series sealed their promise of a flowing poignant narrative that is habit-forming owing to a cast of well-developed characters.
The Red Sleeve
The Red Sleeve undeniably foreshadows not only a magnificent narrative about the King’s everlasting love for one woman, but also several lessons applicable to our everyday lives. In particular, Deok-im’s consistent bravery in the face of adversity teaches us to be as courageous as we try to conquer our own obstacles.
Photos: tvN | Netflix | KBS2 | SBS | MBC
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