Adapting to a new K-Drama format dawns as a significant change to K-Dramaland as seen in the roster of 2022 Korean Dramas.
Divided into seasons or parts, the move weighs in a chance for the production teams to better the story if the reception was not quite received. Inevitably, the downside hits the viewers’ experience.
Nevertheless, most of the dramas that took this route in 2022 had laid quite a foundation and hook for the audience to patronize these stories.
Following KDRAMADIARY’s goal of providing insightful reviews, this feature of the 2022 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| 2021 |
2022 Best Korean Dramas’ Guidelines
Our guidelines for choosing the 2022 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 105 K-Dramas we marked in this year’s coverage, we reviewed 85 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 3rd Sunday of January 2022 will be included in the current season’s coverage.
Game-Changing Trends
We’ve seen seasonal dramas established in recent years, but it is extra prominent this season. Especially now that apart from Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video have been producing original dramas. Thus, anticipate seasonal dramas flourishing more in the future.
Notably, this developing direction also broadens the global domination being ushered by worldwide acknowledged Korean dramas.
Additionally, character-driven stories are also abundant in 2022 Korean Dramas.
Trivial Thoughts
Thrilling revenge stories decorate K-Dramaland the whole year round. In fact, most of the buzzworthy dramas capitalized on this commanding theme. Correspondingly, the flavors of the revenge stories paraded this year gave unique textures as it presents pragmatic and fantasy elements.
Trademark romance dramas are also sprinkled this season featuring workplace, friendship and nostalgic themes. Along with that, healing dramas are also well-represented and exceptionally contrived in chimeric and reality settings.
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 riveting fantasy series and engrossing modern-set narratives.
tvN continues its drive for experimental concepts while keeping staple favorites. Meanwhile, over at JTBC, emotional stories decorate the roster of its featured Korean series.
Here are 25 of the Most Memorable 2022 Korean Dramas not to be missed!
1st Quarter 2022 Korean Dramas (01 December 2021 – 31 March 2022)
Moonshine | Crazy Love | Tracer 1 & 2 | Business Proposal | Through The Darkness | Ghost Doctor | Military Prosecutor Doberman | Kill Heel | Bad and Crazy |
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls | Twenty Five Twenty One | The One and Only | Artificial City | Thirty-Nine | Snowdrop | Forecasting Love and Weather | Uncle | Sponsor |
Dr. Park’s Clinic | Rookie Cops | All Of Us Are Dead | Grid | I Have Not Done My Best | Juvenile Justice | The King of Pigs | Soundtrack # 1 | Pachinko | Monstrous |
Encapsulating the whole series into words, Business Proposal suffices as comforting hugs for it brings us jam-packed rom-com bliss.
The main drawback is that it only has 12 episodes, which we can’t help but believe is insufficient. Nevertheless, the series did present us with the main characters’ happy endings, or, the beginnings of their stories.
Conversely, we admire the series’ creators for accomplishing such a remarkable feat. Making a cliche story into something unexpected is what draws us to their work even more.
K-Drama Review: “Business Proposal” Delights In Exceptionally Sweet And Comedic Narrative
Set in the 1990s, when police and detectives are having a hard time predicting the next move of the murderer, a detective believes that it’s already time to set up a Criminal Behavioral Analysis team.
Through The Darkness delineates the hard work done by Forensic Psychologists that are worth commending. Truth be told, each episode might be too wordy, but there’s a motivating element in looking forward to each case.
Notably, the drama also focused on the grief of the families that are left behind. Sometimes people are too focused on the victim and forget about the feelings and deep sadness of the bereaved families.
K-Drama Review: “Through the Darkness” Delves Into The Devastating Minds And Hearts Of Criminals
Looking back on fond memories of one’s youth, Twenty Five Twenty One appreciates the period of growth and recovery.
Not all first loves blossom and last until the end. Although it may not be sweet or easy to accept, it sure was a beautiful process of a period that encouraged individual growth.
Overall, we could value the whole process of Hee-do’s journey to becoming a notable gold medalist fencer of her country. Together with other characters in the story, the series imparted an inspiring story of personal growth without forsaking the reality of what comes in exchange.
First love may not always end well, but it does not mean it was all bad. Although it may hurt, ending up together is not the only way to prove one’s love is real. Sometimes, letting go is also love, and rooting for each other’s growth can be enough.
A quarter beautiful, a quarter encouraging and a quarter uplifting – Thirty Nine took us to the most heartfelt definition of friendship that respects and endures.
Inherently capable of an expressive narrative, the top-notch portrayals of the characters coupled with its beautifully poignant story make the series one of the best Korean dramas about love and friendship.
Time, as we grow older, seems to run never enough to our own busy days. Placing paramount emphasis on friendship, this series also ruminates on making the most out of the time that we have to lead a happy meaningful journey with our loved ones.
In the shared highs and lows of Mi-jo, Chan-young and Joo-hee; we were reminded of the gift of friendship and family.
K-Drama Review: “Thirty Nine” Treasures Life-Affirming Journey With True Friends
Full of sentiments, Snowdrop deviated to familiar contours of heartbreaking romance.
Remorseless of its unswerving harrowing route, the love story that was overpowered by the political backdrop, strangely sealed the prominent allure of the series.
Three-part politics and a quarter romance, Snowdrop has a distinct charm that can push a viewer to see its conclusion.
Subconsciously, we hoped for more endearing and heart-fluttering moments between Su-ho and Young-ro. But from its onset and as the story goes, the reminders of not expecting a happy ending were apparent.
Thankfully we were conditioned that Snowdrop is not going to be a happy ending. Because it was unapologetic when it concluded on a despondent note.
K-Drama Review: “Snowdrop” Drives An Expressive Narrative of Patriotism and Love
Forecasting Love and Weather leaves a note on how establishing romantic connection warrants braving choices and owning up to misgivings.
For its 16-episode run, the series has put varied perspectives of career people sharing a highly-demanding job that does not tolerate constant mistakes. Correspondingly, lessons on career, relationships, and marriage were richly focused on.
Probably achieving the most balanced presentation of romance and workplace, the series is consistently enthusing with its display of the characters moving in its set office fictional world.
Correspondingly, the romantic stories assimilate to the plot efficiently. Often, either the workplace or romance fades in this type of genre. Remarkably, the series maintained this aspect in symmetry.
By steering All Of Us Are Dead into outstanding work, much acclaim definitely goes to Director Lee JQ. His eloquent words detailing the series at the press conference were legit real.
Both the technical aspects and the imparting of relevant messages to young and old generations were deftly executed.
Admirably, the momentum magnified through the students’ journey to survive is done in a clever framing. If there’s an award for the most resourceful cast ensemble, there’s no way it won’t go to this series.
Seemingly appearing to be conveniently framed, the action scenes mounted consistent ferocity. And it sure is a gift to any thrill junkie.
Seeing Juvenile Justice is enlightening if not humbling. Shows like these must serve as a forum for societal concerns to be addressed.
More importantly, it has consistently executed fascinating and realistic stories with which viewers can identify and empathize.
Besides that, what makes this series so amazing is how it repeatedly emphasizes the importance of victims receiving justice. That the law is the law, but that the faulty system must be resolved
2nd Quarter 2021 Korean Dramas (01 April 2022 – 30 June 2022)
Bloody Heart | Love All Play | Jinxed At First | Tomorrow | Doctor Lawyer | From Now On Showtime | Woori The Virgin | Again My Life | Why Her | Link: Eat, Love, Kill |
The Killer’s Shopping List | Eve | Shooting Stars | Our Blues | A Superior Day | Green Mother’s Club | My Liberation Notes | Cleaning Up | Love: Ft. Marriage and Divorce 3 |
The Sound of Magic | Rose Mansion | Welcome To Wedding Hell | Kiss Sixth Sense | Yumi’s Cells 2 | Miracle | Money Heist: Korea Joint Economic Area Part 1 | Anna | Dear. M |
Our Blues
Taking pride in its beautiful cinematography, superb screenplay, star-studded cast ensemble and breathtaking production design, Our Blues deems itself the best omnibus drama of 2022!
Each episode or arc is crafted with significance and humane attributes. There are a lot of heartbreaking scenes. Many hard-to-discuss topics are also incorporated into the storyline. This includes disability, appropriate labor worker representation, friendship, and family issues, domestic violence, lost love, dreams, and friendships. Not only that, but the series also tackled teenage pregnancy, depression, discrimination, and career.
Such themes were highlighted and well-blended into 20 episodes. Indeed, it is difficult to piece this wide array of essential themes into one series. But the way they established the lives of each character—even the ones with supporting roles or guest roles, is just pure brilliance and genius.
K-Drama Review: “Our Blues” Demonstrates Exceptional Screenplay and Impactful Cast Performances
My Liberation Notes
Life is indeed tiring, and My Liberation Notes captured that feeling with much empathy.
Silence speaks thousands of words and can communicate a lot of thoughts. To those who feel exhausted like the characters, the series reassures that liberation, although not instant, is open to all.
In the end, liberation is not like a fairytale ending where everything and everyone attain their ideal self, right away. The series was clear enough on showing that there would definitely be times you’d cry and feel empty, but there is an end to all of that.
Liberation, though not instant, can still be achieved in the long run. In reflecting on what life throws at us, we realize where we ought to be.
K-Drama Review: “My Liberation Notes” Reassures Redemption To Those Who Are Weary
Tomorrow
Although heavy with trigger warnings you should watch out for, Tomorrow tackled suicide with an open mind and empathy. Aside from suicide, it also bravely explored bullying, eating disorders, addiction, rape, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) along with other sensitive topics that are often overlooked by society.
Moreover, the drama portrays trauma and misery accurately without romanticizing and undermining the side characters’ pain. Correspondingly, the series brought to life intricate characters that are well-written.
The importance of comfort and support is highlighted in the series. Throughout the show, the grim reapers looked at the motives behind the side characters’ reason for wanting to end their lives and the stigma around people like them.
Notably, the whole process of watching someone reach their breaking point and having someone listen to them without judgment and validate their pain is heartbreaking yet healing to witness, leaving an impact on its viewers.
K-Drama Review: “Tomorrow” Offers a Glimpse Into the Minds of People Who Lost All Hope
3rd Quarter 2022 Korean Dramas (01 July 2022 – 30 September 2022)
Cafe Minamdang | The Law Cafe | If You Wish Upon Me | | Big Mouth | Today’s Webtoon | Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist | Adamas | Love In Contract | Blind |
Alchemy of Souls Part 1 & Part 2 Light & Shadow | Little Women | Insider | The Good Detective 2 | Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Good Job | Gaus Electronics | Remarriage & Desires |
A Model Family | Critical X | Once Upon A Small Town | Narco Saints | Seasons of Blossoms | May It Please The Court |
Big Mouth
At first, the plot may have appeared to follow a linear story about corruption.
However, Big Mouth presents a deeper connection among various organizations in creating a negative impact on innocent citizens.
Critiquing the consequences of rapid development in society, the series conveys a strong message about the health risks it brings to people while demanding accountability from its key figures.
K-Drama Review: “Big Mouth” Confronts the Forbearing Reality of Seeking Justice
Blind
Perhaps, the word blind was used in multiple ways throughout the episodes to impart a strong message to its viewers.
Through Sung-hoon’s story, we learn not to be blinded by people’s intimidating credentials to judge people fairly. As well as by one’s revenge, there’s a lot of potential wasted being blinded by it. Most importantly, the drama inspires viewers not to turn a blind eye to injustice and be witnesses of the truth.
Revenge isn’t always the solution, and Blind ensures that there are fair ways to punish evil.
Bright backgrounds can be blinding and deceiving, so people believe in one’s flawlessness. Living life differently, two contrasting brothers in a seemingly perfect family undergo a series of betrayals in search of the truth.
Alchemy of Souls Parts 1 and 2
Consistent in bringing awe-inspiring surprises, the first part of Alchemy of Souls sealed every episode with imaginative worldbuilding.
Ingeniously presenting details and back stories leading to its spectacular part 1 cliffhanger, the series made no apologies for the quick break before the 2nd part commences.
That truly is acceptable because the series achieved an amazing feat story-building-wise. Much as viewers want to gripe about the nerve-wracking ending, it’s easy to forego it as well because of so much excitement the series has gifted.
Stressing how love fuels motivation to protect someone or something dear to us, Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow closes an iconic tale that would be loved even in years to come.
Idyllic lines, unrivaled worldbuilding, and a superb cast make the series one of the best Korean dramas this year and even all-time.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Sassy and significant moments intersperse generously in the endearing story of Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Knowing its initial merits, the series concentrated on playing its strengths.
Delivering a thought-provoking nudge for what we all could sometimes inadvertently overlook in dealing with autistic or disabled people, the series puts forward a reminder that the hostile treatment we gave reflects our attitude, not theirs.
Conveying essential messages about friendship like how Young-woo only needed one true friend in her life; the series also relayed the importance of setting a work-life balance.
A perfect balance of fun and relevance, Extraordinary Attorney Woo brims with make-sense commentary on life and relationships. Powering a bright mood without simmering down; it is one Korean drama you could easily recommend to anyone.
In her remarkable journey, Young-woo has reflected on her intentions to grow as a lawyer and as a person. She acknowledges there are unavoidable situations that would challenge her convictions. She embraces her pains and celebrates the happiness that comes her way.
Ultimately, she gifted a ponderous message that we can always choose to lead an extraordinary life.
Little Women
Conventional plot meets mind-blowing turning points in Little Women. It is not your perfect K-Drama but it definitely leaves a good impression.
Credit goes to the riveting story trajectory and uniquely contrived characters. The ludicrous plot direction is made more addicting by how offbeat thinking the heroes and the villains are in the series.
Teeming with life lessons, the series in a nutshell really presented how being impoverished can push people to multiple routes they can take.
Some would take a bypass, some would accept it as fate, and some would work hard to improve it. Regardless of which choice is made, sometimes luck or misfortune intervenes.
K-Drama Review: “Little Women” Imparts A Sound Warning That There’s No Shortcut To Success
Gaus Electronics
From beginning to its end, Gaus Electronics maintained its comedy levels at high. Each episode highlights a product by the end, which adds points to its entertainment value.
Depicting their role excellently, cast members of the series executed an outstanding performance highlighting what’s distinct in their character. Moreover, by including foreign nationalities in the drama, the series delivers a refreshing vibe.
Going beyond the laughter it has offered, the drama has pointed out a lot of relatable experiences in the workplace. This will surely be a memorable drama to have laughed with since its light approach has poked at matters society should really check on.
Overall, it has served good laughter and consistently entertaining episodes. Rather than attacking malpractices with negativity, it uniquely uses comedy to criticize. It holds a lot of truth whilst having the ability to raise one’s mood.
4th Quarter 2022 Korean Dramas (01 October 2022 – 16 January 2023)
Curtain Call | Bad Prosecutor | May I Help You | The Golden Spoon | The Forbidden Marriage | Cheer Up | One Dollar Lawyer | The First Responders |
Mental Coach Jegal | Behind Every Star | Under The Queen’s Umbrella | Reborn Rich | The Empire | Summer Strike | Love Is for Suckers | Unlock My Boss |
Glitch | Yonder | Shadow Detective | Revenge of Others | Connect | Work Later Drink Now 2 | Fan letter, Please | Recipe For Farewell | The Fabulous | The Glory Part 1 |
Bad Prosecutor
Bad Prosecutor charms with its structure that didn’t derail in presenting the journey of a justice-seeking hero.
Abundantly layered with comedy and swag that integrates well into the narrative – the series is a quick-paced crime series perfect for picking when you want to watch something in your quiet moments or you want a weekend spree-watch.
Glossed with kickers, it made the plain sailing plot exciting. Ultimately, the message of making a difference in any organization plagued with corruption is one of the best takeaways in the series. People should still push for what is right and have faith in fair play.
In a span of 12 episodes, the series achieved fetching character stories with engrossing portrayals. From Do-hwan’s textbook “changed for the better” character to Jin Jung’s consistently stubborn yet adorable convictions in rounding up lawbreakers; the series ensured to deploy the characters well.
May I Help You
Ultimately, the series dwells on how our ability to love is a special feeling that we can share with a fellow human who needs it and with our loved ones. Generously giving does wonders that might not reflect right away. The love we kindheartedly share can even sometimes save a soul on the brink of giving up.
Wrapping up the story nicely with the connection of the characters featured in the story to be traced back to a fire incident that saved baby Dong-joo’s life, it complemented the whole picture and message of how acts of kindness ripple miracles.
Exquisitely consoling, May I Help You is a comfort drama when you need to find solace or when you want to be reassured that discovering happiness is always possible even when you are in the process of enduring emotional pains.
K-Drama Review: “May I Help You” Believes That Healing Is Choosing To Be Honest With Our Emotions
The Forbidden Marriage
For a historical series, it was a great choice The Forbidden Marriage did not go for a big cast and multiple side conflicts. The story is easy to track while incorporating delightful moments to neutralize the negativity impelled by the villains in the series.
Remarkably, the series knows how to navigate its narrative from high to low notes. It was efficient in calculating the right punctuation that would emphasize the varying emotional points of the storyline.
There’s never a dull episode in the series. Although there are evident slips, the fact that the narrative is not polished makes it even more charming. Interestingly, the depicted classic annoyance-inducing villains in period dramas are effectively drawn in a they-really-mean-to-cause-trouble kind of way.
As the story traverses the marriage ban declared by Lee Heon, what gravitates viewers to the storytelling is the balanced treatment of romance and political struggle.
The First Responders
What’s not to love about hanging out with the cast and following the story of The First Responders? It is such a breather from crime investigative dramas for the smart crime stories integrated as well as adorable humor interspersed in the plot.
Banking on clever use of crime scenarios, this continuing charming point of the series really drives the engrossing appeal since the cases presented are common but ingeniously presented.
With or without a love line, this series can hold its charm just the same, and that’s another interesting facet of the narrative.
K-Drama Review: “The First Responders” Galvanizes With Compelling Joint Response Crime Solving Story
Reborn Rich
To be born privileged is determined by the birth lottery, and life cannot be repeated as it is. However, this drama teaches us that there’s a lot to learn from past events as it pretty much tells what may come if you listen and analyze the present carefully.
Casting a talented set of actors and actresses in a well-developed plot has produced an outstanding drama that will be remembered for ages.
Even though the romance shows weak establishment, the drama remained to shine given its interesting conflict progress per episode. Given the ideal ending where the rich lose their power over a company, the drama closes with a hopeful tone of a fair society with a deep understanding of poverty.
For people who enjoy stories that could work your brain, Reborn Rich can definitely enhance the way you think and perceive events.
K-Drama Review: “Reborn Rich” Delivers An Impressive Route Of Storytelling About Revenge
Under The Queen’s Umbrella
Though backward in time, Under The Queen’s Umbrella guarantees a relevant take on today’s social issues.
Wickedness has no place in a palace where the Queen recognizes what’s right and just. Even amongst family, one’s wrong ought to be corrected. In a world where past events cannot be changed, the truth shall always prevail.
What’s special about this drama is its blend of an ordinary historical piece with progressive messages. Ideas that emphasize not repeating history or being stuck to it can be realized throughout.
Moreover, each character’s sketch boosts the interest of viewers. The balance between the perspective of adults and children also creates a vibrant energy, which makes the show appealing to watch.
The Glory Part 1
Conceived eloquently, The Glory reasonably examines the acceptance that relieving emotional pain does not always come from forgiveness and healing.
Ironically inspiring, the journey of the main character in the series presents resilience gone twisted. Interestingly, it profoundly emphasizes that goals can be achieved when you have positive motivation, more so, when your intention is driven by revenge.
Notably, the series also illuminates how tolerance of school violence should be non-negotiable. Hopefully, this would raise awareness for parents and responsible adults to protect victims, and straighten up juvenile offenders.
Empathically edifying that people have different ways of enduring reprehensible emotional damage received, the drama realized how succumbing to corruption liberates the feeling of being in a depthless torment.
K-Drama Review: “The Glory Part 1” Gratifies With Intoxicating and Ruminative Revenge-Driven Story
Share with us your favorite 2022 Korean Dramas! Make sure to add our recommendations to your watch list!
Photos: Respective Networks of K-Dramas Mentioned Above
