As we wave goodbye to 2020, look back at the past years that inspired Korean dramas – whether it's the dark past of history, the colorful era of everything simulated, or the turn of the century. In that regard, here are some TV series that you might enjoy staying at home and watching.
"Lingerie Girls' Generation" Starring: Bao Na, Cai Shuchen, Xu Rongzhu, Lee Jong-hyun, Lu Hui-hyun, Min Duxi
This teen drama tells the ups and downs of teenage students, such as the pain of unrequited love, the bitter memories of high school, and the challenges of living in uncertain times. The story takes place in South Korea (especially Daegu) in the late 1970s, a transitional period when the country was back on its feet after the war. It was a turbulent and fascinating time that increased the conflict and growth of the characters.
"Chicago Typewriter" Starring: Liu Yaren, Lin Xiujing, Gao Gengyu, Guo Shiyang
Set in the future and the 1930s, Chicago Typewriter tells the story of a writer, a ghost and a fan dealing with friendship, love, and betrayal for 80 years. The famous writer Han Shi-joo (Liu Yaren) is going through the writer's dilemma until he meets hardcore fans (Lin Xiujing) and Liu Zhenwu (Gao Gengyu), who will help him find his rhythm. It's a journey that spans years and will give viewers a glimpse into Japan's upheavals in The Korean colonial era and the struggles of the country at the time.
"Mr. Sunshine" Starring: Lee Byung-hyun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jeong, Bian Yoo-han
The series was a groundbreaking drama that swept the country and there was renewed interest in a history of South Korea's struggle for independence. Mr. Sunshine has it all: a compelling storyline, stunning actors, meticulous sets, and period costumes. Its filming will leave you breathtaking, while the development of characters will make you linger. You will be able to get a glimpse of South Korea's glorious and dark past.
"Please Melt Me" Starring: Ji Changxu, Yuan Zhen'er, Yin Shiya
In 1999, (which is probably already retro for most Gen Z) a tv experiment designed to show how to temporarily freeze people for 24 hours went terribly wrong. Until the two people (played by Ji Changxu and Won Jin'er) were frozen for 20 years, they woke up in the same state, and the people around them were already old. Now they have to catch up with missed opportunities, such as old lovers, careers, and the opportunity to grow old with their loved ones.
"Best Strike" Starring: Yoon Seok-yun, Lee Se-young, Kim Min-jae, Cha Tae-hyun
Loose faded jeans, plenty of plaid, hairspray, oversized T-shirts, headscarves, these are all trends that were popular in the 90s. "The Best Strike" is a story about idol culture and the challenges that young people experience. It's an unforgettable TV series that relives all the good times in an era full of grunge fashion and music.
"Druna Hotel" Starring: Li Zhien, Lu Zhenjiu
If you're looking for a good period drama, then this drama might be for you because it shows all the different eras of Korea. Zhang Full Moon lives in the dynasty, and because of her sins, her soul is made to manage a hotel that caters to the dead. She lived for a thousand years, her appearance unchanged, and with it came scenes of different eras and wonderful costumes!
"Miss Korea" Starring: Lee Hyun-hee, Lee Sun-kyun
Miss Korea takes place in 1997, when a South Korean cosmetics company was on the verge of bankruptcy due to the IMF crisis. A group of men at the company pin their hopes on a beautiful girl (Lee Hyun-hee) who works as an elevator worker and turn her into a beauty pageant who could win the title of Miss Korea.
"Confession Couple" Starring: Nala Zhang, Sun Haojun,
Wouldn't it be ideal if we could travel back in time and correct the mistakes of the present? This is exactly what happened to a married couple (played by Sun Haojun and Zhang Nala) who have the opportunity to really go back to their youth and choose to walk away from each other or start over. It's a TV series that makes you laugh and cry, and it also makes you cheer for your characters. As a couple who have been through a lot of things, they try to control their own lives and ultimately decide whether to start over with each other – or not.
"Love Rain" Starring: Zhang Genshuo, Lin Yun'er
Sometimes it's hard to forget that the show "Rain of Love" will definitely give you all the feelings. Starring Lin Yun'er and Zhang Genshuo, the drama tells the story of the "fugitive" 40 years ago. Two people who love each other deeply meet again now, a son and a daughter, and may be able to live a fate that could not be achieved many years ago.
"Please Answer Series" Starring Zheng Eun-di/Xu Renguo/Shin So-wook and other starring "Please Answer 1997"
Lee Hye-ri / Ko Hyun-young / Park Bao-jin / Kim Joo-hyuk / Jeon Mi-sun / Lee Se-young and others starring in "Please Answer 1988"
Gao Gaola / Liu Yanxi / Zheng Yu and other starring "Please Answer 1994"
Consisting of Reply 1997, Reply 1994, and Reply 1988, the Please Answer Series is a Korean anthology television series consisting of three TV series. Narrated by a vibrant group of friends, these TV series are the ultimate aftertaste of Korea in the 90s. The setting in the play is extremely accurate, quoting a nostalgic pop culture that can be felt by the older generation of Koreans. There are also turbulent stories about young love: the first crush, the biggest heartbreak, and finally finding that true love. Hey, what's your favorite Korean drama? Please comment below and let's share it!