A non-romantic K-drama starter pack
If you're interested in K-dramas but don't know where to begin, and aren't interested in (or would like to take a break from) romantic storylines, then this is for you!
P.S.: Some of these dramas may contain romantic side plots that don't necessarily define the main storyline. List not sorted in any particular order, and only includes completed dramas.
Gifs not mine!
Stranger (2017; 2019)
A political crime thriller full of red herrings, "Stranger" (Season 1) follows an investigation into the murder of a man who has bribed countless officials from multiple levels and branches of government. Led by stoic prosecutor Hwang Shi Mok (Cho Seung Woo) and feisty detective Han Yeo Jin (Bae Doona), this well-paced, well-acted drama is full of twists and turns that will make you suspect everyone at some point.
Kingdom (2019; 2020)
Historical political drama meets zombie thriller in the 2019 hit "Kingdom" (Season 1). The story follows Crown Prince Yi Chang (Ju Ji Hoon) as he investigates an outbreak of a mysterious plague that turns average citizens into rabid monsters while fighting to keep his rightful place as heir to the throne. The hit series has led to a second season and a prequel TV movie "Ashin of the North" (2021).
Signal (2016)
Featuring a mysterious walkie-talkie that links the past to the present, "Signal" is one of the most beloved police dramas of the last decade because of its refreshing take on the genre and the top-notch performances of its three leads: Kim Hye Soo, Lee Je Hoon, and Jo Jin Woong.
The Uncanny Counter (2020)
"The Uncanny Counter" is a comedy-drama about four "counters", or grim reapers who have been lent superhuman abilities by a group of spirits. Their main job is to stop demons who possess violent criminals that become more powerful by consuming the souls of their victims. Funny, colorful, and action-packed, the show features wonderful performances from the main actors: Jo Byeong Gyu, Yoon Joon Sang, Kim Se Jeong, and (my personal favorite) Yeom Hye Ran. The hit series has been granted a second season.
Racket Boys (2021)
If you need a feel-good drama that's not too heavy on the tears, crime, and lovey-dovey tropes, then this may be for you. "Racket Boys" is about an underdog middle school badminton team that dreams to make a mark on the national level and beyond. The rural setting and endearing ensemble cast, led by the talented Tang Jun Sang, allow for lighthearted moments but are never too cartoonish. A puppy love storyline exists between the leads, but it's very wholesome and innocent, and given far less importance than the struggle surrounding the national tournament.
Squid Game (2021)
International smash hit "Squid Game" is about a mysterious organization that selects individuals with impossible debt to participate in a series of children's games to have a shot at winning 45.6 billion won. The catch: only the winner gets to live. Features an amazing ensemble cast led by Lee Jung Jae, Park Hae Soo, and impressive newcomer Jung Ho Yeon.
Dear My Friends (2016)
A slice-of-life comedy drama featuring a stellar ensemble cast of the most accomplished Korean actors and actresses over 60, "Dear My Friends" follows 40-year-old writer Park Wan (Go Hyun Jung) as she chronicles the stories of her mother, her aunts, and their families. There are two romantic side stories here but the overall plot is more invested in how your friends can become your family especially after you reach a certain age. Think "Golden Girls" but in Korea. Praise-worthy acting from everyone involved, especially the main quintet: Na Moon Hee, Kim Hye Ja, Go Doo Shim, Park Won Sook, and Oscar winner Youn Yuh Jung.
Live (2018)
"Live" is a slice-of-life, police procedural drama that tells the story of rookies and veterans at Hongil Station in Seoul, where there is no shortage of petty and violent crimes. The crimes featured examine the decisions that South Korean cops have to make especially in dangerous situations wherein the gray areas become even grayer. There are romantic storylines between the four leads but they never overshadow the cases. Wonderful acting, especially from Bae Sung Woo and Bae Jeong Ok who play the veterans Oh Yang Chon and Ahn Jang Mi, respectively. Also stars funny man Lee Kwang Soo and the angelic Jung Yu Mi (Train to Busan).
Vincenzo (2021)
Born in South Korea, adopted into an Italian family, mafia lawyer Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong Ki) flies back to Seoul after falling out with his adopted brother following the death of his boss/father-figure. His mission is to retrieve gold hidden beneath the dilapidated Geumga Plaza before it is ultimately demolished by the evil Babel Group that constantly harrasses its tennants to move out. Teaming up with the feisty lawyer Hong Cha Young (Jeon Yeo Been, Vincenzo uses mafia tactics in his war against the conglomerate that thinks itself above the law. What sounds like a heavy premise is offset by the physical and witty comedy provided by the charismatic leads and supporting cast. There is romance between the leads (who share great chemistry nonetheless) but it is by no means the driving force of this story. They could have recasted this with two male leads as more of a bromance story and the outcome would be quite similar, but Jeon Yeo Been gives a unique, quirky flair to her character that makes her difficult to replace.
Hyena (2020)
I know I said this wasn't a list for romantic K-Dramas but hear me out. There's romance but it's not what you think (the leads kiss a grand total of 3 times, twice in the first ep then once a little later). "Hyena" explores the world of corporate lawyers who serve the South Korean 1%. It's a dog-eat-dog world where the most conniving and least picky hyena reigns supreme. The hyena in question would be the brilliant renegade lawyer Jang Geum Ja (Kim Hye Soo). Sparks fly as she goes head to head with the by-the-book, elite lawyer Yoon Hee Jae (Ju Ji Hoon), whose ideals are constantly challenged as his world unravels around him. The cases are challenging and the solutions that the leads come up with are intriguing. Romance doesn't drive this drama, but the chemistry between the leads is undeniable.
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Sins of the Father Chapter 12
I feel like it's every 4 months I come to you with an offering of this tale. I have no idea if that's actually accurate, but they say perception is reality. At any rate, I a assume it's been four months, as I have come back to give you this. I hope that this next installment is enjoyable.
And, hey, comments are love?
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Aight I have a bone to pick with stranger writers for the last episodes.
Why did we not get a closing scene with Hwang Si Mok, Han Yeo Jin and Seo Dong Jae? Why wasn’t HSM at the scene when SDJ was being removed? He was there for every part of the case. He should have been there. From the start. He put himself through SO MUCH mentally and physically to find him and then he’s just…not there?? In the office??
And then the hospital. Yes I get we needed some other scenes. But why didn’t we at least get those three at some point talking to one another? I know it was setting SDJ up for the next season (which wasn’t even confirmed at this point) but to just erase the character development of HYJ and HSM was so odd? Like we learned a lot about how SDJ was trying to better himself, and was a good guy through the hard work of them both and we don’t even get a 5 min scene of them visiting him after he woke up? Like yea it would be awkward but HSM not seeing SDJ AT ALL before he leaves wonju??? Kang Won Cheul not dragging HSM with him to see him??? Idk it’s all just weird. I understand they needed to close out the case with Choi bit and woo tae ha, but having the WHOLE main arc be about HSM and HYJ looking for SDJ. Overturning their lives, other peoples lives and almost his to find him. And…nothing???
All I can think of is that HSM wouldn’t want to see SDJ. Because he saw Eun-Soo and he saw Lee Chang Joon covered in blood, that he wouldn’t want to go through that again.
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“And you promise yourself…
you will never fall so hard again…
until you meet someone…
who makes the fall feel like flying.”✨
비밀의 숲 Secret Forest (2017)
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Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 비밀의 숲 | Stranger (TV), Le Petit Prince | The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Han Yeo Jin & Hwang Si Mok
Characters: Hwang Si Mok, Han Yeo Jin (Stranger), Le Petit Prince | The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince), Le renard | The Fox (Le Petit Prince)
Additional Tags: Stranger/Secret Forest mixed with The Little Prince, it sounds really weird but, once the idea was there…, Developing Friendships, Friendship, THE LITTLE PRINCE AU, Stranger/Secret Forest AU, brief Kim Jung Bon appearance
Summary:
A long time ago, when he was very young and bright flowers and prickly weeds still existed, a strange meteor shower caused a disaster on his planet and a small part of it broke off.
Ever wondered what a The Little Prince-Secret Forest AU would be like?
Me too, so this happened.
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