If you’re a big fan of romantic Korean dramas and are in need of a break from the perfect fictional love story, then you’ve come to the right place.
Not only does Korea offer heart-melting rom-coms, but it also presents different types of dramas that can change your watch list.
One of the interesting things about the Korean drama industry is its ability to present stories that are not only entertaining but also inspiring from real life.
Many of their best dramas are inspired by real events or stories that really happened.
1. Silenced (2011)
Sexual harassment is a serious problem that should not be ignored. Gwangju Inhwa School was originally a welfare center for hearing-impaired students before turning into a junior high school.
Cases of sexual harassment and physical violence against young students were rife but often hidden, until a faculty member finally complained to the authorities.
Although some victims were brave enough to step forward, the fear instilled by teachers meant that others chose to remain silent. Unfortunately, justice is often denied as some harassers walk free with light sentences.
However, there is some good news as a movie about the case aroused public outrage and eventually led to the closure of the school.
The incident also prompted the Korean government to pass a law removing the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases against minors, as well as increasing penalties for rape and similar crimes.
This incident shows the importance of awareness of protecting children and young people from all forms of abuse and violence.
The legal action taken after this incident shows that society needs to come together to protect the weak and fight for better justice.
2. Hope (2013)
Hope is a 2013 South Korean film directed by Lee Joon Ik. The movie is a moving true story of the brutal rape of an 8-year-old child, known to the public as Na Young.
Na Young was found unconscious in the public restroom of a church, suffering from severe internal and external injuries. She was rushed to the hospital and had to undergo an eight-hour operation to save her life.
The case shocked and shook the entire country, making Hope a highly influential movie in raising public awareness about sexual crimes against children.
The father and mother, played by Sol Kyung Gu and Uhm Ji Won, must deal with deep pain while trying to provide full support to their injured daughter, played by Lee Re.
They struggle with deep trauma, fear, and hatred, while trying to give Na Young hope and strength to recover.
The movie, which you can watch on Netflix, received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike, not only for the outstanding quality of the acting, but also for the sensitive and profound way it tackled a very difficult topic.
Hope managed to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting children and stricter law enforcement against sex offenders.
3. Reply 1988 (2015)
Reply 1988 follows the lives of five childhood friends facing the challenges of adolescence in the Ssangmundong neighborhood of Seoul.
Sung Deok Sun struggles to get attention in her struggling family, while Kim Jung Hwan remains focused on soccer despite his family’s wealth.
Model student Sung Sun Woo balances his responsibilities, and bright Ryu Dong Ryong faces academic difficulties. Choi Taek, a soccer genius, is inspired by the real-life player Lee Chang Ho, who was famous for his peaceful and solid playing style.
Actor Park Bo Gum, who plays Taek, had to do extensive research on Chang Ho’s techniques! The drama not only highlights the dynamics of their daily lives but also teaches about the value of friendship, love, and family.
Set against the cultural backdrop of the 1980s, Reply 1988 takes viewers to a time full of memories, bringing a deep sense of warmth and nostalgia. Watch this drakor on Netflix.
4. Through the Darkness (2022)
Through the Darkness tells the compelling story of criminal behavior analyst Song Ha Young, inspired by an autobiography.
She is assigned to catch a serial killer known as Red Cap, who terrorized Seoul in the 1990s, using innovative psychological methods.
Despite initial skepticism, her colleagues like Yoon Tae Goo eventually realize that Ha-young’s insights are invaluable.
Inspired by the true crime immortalized in the non-fiction novel Those Who Read Hearts Of Evil by Kwon Il Yong and Go Na Moo, the drama delves into the lives of South Korea’s first criminal profilers.
The story highlights the struggles of those who go head-to-head with serial killers to prevent further tragedy. Through the character of Song Ha Young, Through the Darkness takes viewers into the world of criminal behavior analysis and the complexities of serious crime investigations.
The drama not only depicts the tensions and dangers that profilers face, but also shows their dedication and courage in uncovering the truth and protecting society from terrible threats.
You can watch Through the Darkness on Netflix!
5. Queen of Tears (2024)
Queen of Tears showcases the marriage and divorce dynamics between Baek Hyun Woo, a legal director at Queens Group, and Hong Hae In, a chaebol heiress.
The drama led to interesting speculation from viewers regarding Hae In’s character’s resemblance to Lee Boo Jin, the Samsung heiress known for her business acumen comparable to that of her father, Lee Kun Hee.
As happens in the drama, Boo Jin’s marriage to Im Woo Jae, an employee at her family’s company, also faces pressure from the public and their families.
Viewers of the drama “Queen of Tears” reflected on how the private lives of South Korean chaebol heirs are often in the spotlight of the media and society at large.
As depicted in the story, the marriage dynamics between these wealthy individuals often involve not only personal love and relationships, but also business considerations, status, and high family expectations.
Their personal lives are often open for the public to explore and discuss, creating additional pressure on them.
The drama not only depicts the intrigues behind the private lives of chaebol heirs, but also touches on broader themes of love, commitment, and sacrifice in the context of wealth and power. You can watch it on Netflix!
