A cinematographic world that will never stop surprising you

You probably heard someone talking about drama, dorama or k-drama. What the heck is that? At first, dorama were dramatic television productions from Japan, created in the 50s, that made a huge impact through Asia. With such success, other countries like China, Thailand and South Korea adopted the same narrative structure, which are now known as C-drama, Tw-drama, K-drama, respectively. Nowadays, any Asian TV show is called “dorama”, although, in English, they are more commonly known as simply “drama”.

Recently, k-dramas have gained a lot of visibility in the global entertainment industry. As a result of the popularization of South Korean culture after the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, in which governmental incentives boosted the national culture industry. Thus, this tiny Asian peninsula became a frenzy around the world. A good example is Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon Ho, which was the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Even though k-drama carries the word “drama”, which can make us think that they only depict romantic and dramatic stories that are just for a feminine audience, they have a huge amount of diverse themes and genres, for all tastes and ages. For those who are not familiar with the universe, and even for those who are, the actors’ versatility always leave us in awe. Without further ado, MFC chose four dramas for you to dive right into this world that you won’t ever want to step out of again.

The Uncanny Counter (2020)

Featuring Jo Byeong-gyu, Yoo Jun-sang, Kim Se-jeong, and Yeom Hye-ran, and directed by Yoo Seon Dong, this drama is based on the famous webtoon Amazing Rumor by Jang Yi. With a lot of action, mysteries, and fantasy, we follow four clumsy people that, after waking up from a coma, gain special abilities and a new mission, hunting evil spirits. They disguise themselves as restaurant owners during the day, in order to hunt at night. Also, be prepared to be emotional, because this drama portrays friendship in a deep and touching way.

Itaewon class (2020)

Directed by Kim Sung Yoon and featuring Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung, Kwon Nara, we follow the story of retaliation and redemption of Park Saeroyi, an ex-con that is trying to move on from his tragic past. In order to fulfill his father’s dream, Park Saeroyi opens a pub in Itaewon, a busy and competitive neighborhood in Seoul. However, his unusual business ethic will draw as many allies as enemies. It’s a dorama that lives up to the drama genre, so be prepared to feel frustrated and angry just like our main character, and also have a taste of vengeance.

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

From the queen of screenplay Kim Eun Sook, directed by Lee Eung Bok, and featuring Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, Kim Go Eun and Yoo In Na, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God or simply Goblin, is a charming story about love and friendship that includes a god, a grim reaper, and a girl who can see ghosts. An unconventional romance with original characters, mythology, historic facts and humorous scenes. Seeing how this drama unfolds will make you wish to forget everything you just watched, only so you can see it again and feel all the butterflies like the first time. And prepare the popcorn and the tissues because you will laugh your lungs out, cry rivers of tears, fall in love and believe in destiny.

The Good Detective (2020)

Directed by Jo Nam-kook and featuring Hyeon-ju Son, Seung-jo Jang, Lee Elija and Ji Seung-hyeon, The Good Detective follows up the case of Lee Dae Chul, a murderer on death row. When his execution is about to take place, a man turns himself in, saying he killed Lee Dae Chul’s daughter and that the police have to find her body. Two detectives with very different methods team up to solve this unusual situation and also reopen the case that, according to new evidence, may have sentenced an innocent man to death. Prepare yourself, because it’s a nail-biting story that will keep you up all night until you solve all mysteries.

Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t be discouraged by the language barrier, doramas are great entertainment and a fun way to get to know a new culture, its fashion, skincare routines, music and gastronomy. Besides, you can learn goofy yet original idiomatic expressions. Until next time, 안녕! 

Don’t forget to tell us which one you liked the most in the comments or on our social media.

Read our Parasite (2019) review here.