Lots of romance, overcoming stories, iconic characters and even zombies! 2022 delivered it all when it comes to k-dramas🇧🇷 South Korean series, increasingly popular on streaming, continue to win new fans, especially after the huge success of Round 6 (winner of two prizes Emmy) last year.
only the Netflix, for example, invested 500 million dollars in works of this type in the last two years and has already achieved excellent results: around 60% of global users watched content produced in South Korea this year. Other platforms, including Apple TV+, Star+, Disney+, Prime Video e HBO Maxare also seeking more space in the segment and acquiring titles for their catalogues.
In the midst of so many incredible productions, CH selected 10 k-dramas that stood out throughout 2022 and that are available on streaming for you to start the marathon today. Check out:
All of Us Are Dead (Netflix)
The plot follows a group of students who are trapped in a school after a zombie infestation spreads through the place. Cornered, they will have to fight against the undead, in addition to joining forces to discover a way to escape the virus – created by chance by the science teacher in an attempt to make his son, victim of bullying, stronger to face the bullies of the city. class. Based on the webtoon Now At Our Schoolfrom Joo Dong-geunthe series was among the most watched in the Netflix and has been renewed for a second season, due out in 2023.
Pachinko (Apple TV+)
The overproduction was indicated to the Critics Choice Awards 2023 and shows an epic journey through four generations of a family (headed by the matriarch Sunja) of Korean immigrants living and fighting for survival and prosperity in Japan during the 20th century. With an all-star cast including the winner of the Oscar Youn Yuh-jungand the actors Lee Min-ho e my kimthe work narrated in Japanese, Korean and English adapts the book of the same name by author Min Jin Lee, which has become a sales phenomenon worldwide since its release.
An Extraordinary Lawyer (Netflix)
Even with an above-average IQ, lawyer Woo Young Woo (passionate for whales) still has to face major challenges at work and in her personal life as she is on the autistic spectrum. With a spectacular performance by actress Park Eun Bin, the drama spent weeks among the most watched series on the Netflix and sparked important debates in South Korea about ableism and the invisibility of people with the condition. No wonder, it is also indicated to the Critics Choice Awards 2023 and will win a second season, scheduled to premiere in 2024.
Reborn Rich (Viki)
The drama became the most watched on South Korean TV in 2022, in addition to marking the actor’s return. Song Joong-ki (protagonist of Vincenzo) to the screen, who, this time, plays a loyal secretary of the powerful Jin family, betrayed by his own bosses and who ends up murdered. However, he is miraculously brought back to life and wakes up inside the body of the youngest of the family. Now, without anyone noticing, he will be able to hunt down those responsible for his death and take revenge with his own hands. kpop artists Jinyoung (GOT7), Tiffany Young (Girls’ Generation), e Baro (B1A4) also make cameos in the episodes.
Surprise suitor (Netflix)
Full of charismatic characters, the series focuses on Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeongformer member of the groups IOI e Gugudan), who agrees to impersonate her best friend on a blind date. She just didn’t expect the suitor to be the CEO of the company (Ahn Hyo-seop) where does she work. Another highlight of the soap opera is the chemistry and the iconic kiss (with the right to a dramatic pause to remove the glasses) between the supporting characters that went viral on social networks.
Semantic Error (Viki)
This is a colorful and representative love story. if you liked Heartstopper e Young Royals, Semantic Error it’s perfect for you! Also inspired by a webtoon, the plot revolves around two opposite boys who attract each other after college teamwork. starring Park Seo-ham e jae-chan (one of the members of the k-pop group DKZwho came to Brazil this year and chatted with CH), the BL became an instant hit and even became a movie, featuring exclusive scenes that were not shown in the original series.
Twenty Five, Twenty One (Netflix)
At the end of the 1990s – and in the midst of a financial crisis that fell on the country –, the dream of a fencer hangs by a thread. While Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) needs to deal with the insecurities of the future, she lives her first love together with the young Beak Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), who is also going through difficult times after his family went bankrupt. Filled with nostalgic moments, the drama is a coming of age powerful that excites and connects with anyone.
Tomorrow (Netflix)
With lots of fantasy and special effects, Tomorrow follows a young man who is transformed, by accident, into a being half human and half spirit. Now, he needs to help a team of angels of death fulfill special missions on Earth trying to prevent people from committing suicide. This is yet another production based on a webtoon and reinforces the lesson that it is always possible to start over.
Love and Other Dramas (Netflix)
The plot follows the ups and downs, including the passions and disagreements, of a group of people who live and work on the island of Jeju, the largest and most famous in South Korea. With a slower pace, the story manages to develop all the characters calmly, while addressing issues of friendship and forgiveness.
the three sisters (Netflix)
The book little womenwritten by Louisa May Alcott and published in 1868, has already had several adaptations for cinema and now has its South Korean version. In the series, three sisters struggle to get their relatives out of misery after becoming involved in a corruption scandal against a very wealthy family. In the cast, Wi Ha-joon (Round 6) appears next to Kim Go-eun (Yumi’s Cells), Nam Ji-hyun (The Witch’s Restaurant) e Park Ji-Hu (All Of Us Are Dead).
In addition to our list, k-dramas Alchemy of Souls, My Diary for Freedom, The Sound of Magic, Love in Contract, Thirty-nine e Juvenile Justice also rocked in 2022 and deserve your attention.
But what’s up, what was your favorite k-drama?
