K-dramas have been a favoured form of entertainment for many, with many notable shows like Squid Game garnering national and global success. As we anticipate the arrival of newer Korean dramas in 2023, let’s look back at the most monumental K-dramas that essentially defined 2022. Keep reading to see if you recognize any of the shows on the list!
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Dates Aired: June 29 to August 18, 2022
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a legal K-drama with romantic comedy undertones that follows the story of the neurodivergent lawyer Woo Young Woo as she navigates her life as a new lawyer at a prominent law firm. The show's unique mixture of genres gained positive reception, becoming one of the most-watched non-English TV shows on Netflix. The show dives into educating viewers on Autism Spectrum Disorder while touching on subjects like LGBTQ+ relationships, discrimination, and suicide.
All of Us Are Dead
Date Aired: January 28, 2022
All of Us Are Dead joins Extraordinary Attorney Woo as one of the most-watched non-English dramas on Netflix. The horror-based K-drama follows a group of school kids caught in a zombie apocalypse fighting for survival. Although it’s essentially a horror drama, the themes throughout the show make it a unique coming-of-age story. It’s no surprise the drama became as popular as it did.
Little Women
Date Released: September 3 – October 9, 2022
The South Korean remake of Jane Austen’s novel Little Women follows the story of the Oh sisters, who are extremely poor, and their life within a hierarchical society. This adaptation differs from the original storyline of Little Women that we are all familiar with, featuring a more modern approach to the story. Nonetheless, with a captivating storyline filled with mystery and fantasy, this remake will certainly draw you in.
Business Proposal
Business Proposal is a definite must-watch (if you have not already seen it). Based on a webtoon of the same name, Business Proposal follows the storyline of a researcher who goes on a blind date in place of her friend, only to find out that her date is her boss. This romantic comedy became very popular when it was first released and was loved by many for its slightly chaotic but light-hearted storyline.
Our Blues
Our Blues depicts a less-publicized side of the popular tourist destination Jeju Island. Though it's a beautiful place to visit, the experiences of locals living there can differ as they weave through the many complications that life can bring. Our Blues shows the lives and experiences of an array of locals living on Jeju Island. Various topics like bullying, teenage pregnancy, child abuse, and discrimination are explored within the show.
The slice-of-life show quickly became one of the most viewed dramas after its release and is frequently praised for its well-executed storytelling, which allows each character's story to be told while exploring the importance of community.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Dates Released: February 12 - April 3, 2022
Twenty-five Twenty-One was extremely popular and highly rated by fans last year. The K-drama follows the lives of five young adults in pursuit of their dreams during the financial crisis in South Korea. With the main story based in the 90s, the drama is praised for its nostalgic and retro vibe, which is favoured by many viewers. Twenty-five Twenty-One was one of Netflix's top ten most-watched non-English shows, alongside All of Us Are Dead and Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
If you have been looking for more shows to add to your list, then check these out and let us know what your favourite K-drama was last year in the comments below.
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