K-dramas that boost my serotonin
Written by Vindhya Burugupalli
Korean dramas, better known as K-dramas, have been all the rage lately. And with “Squid Game” becoming the all-time most-watched series on Netflix, even those who previously dismissed K-dramas are warming up to the idea. As for me, I’ve spent countless hours and one too many nights till 4 a.m. binging dramas. While I usually gravitate toward thrillers and action dramas, as the nights get longer and days shorter, I turn to rom-coms to cope with my seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Here are some warm, light-hearted K-dramas to lift your spirits in the chilly winter days to come.
1. “Extraordinary You”
Join Eun Dan-Oh in this fantasy high school adventure as she challenges the writer of a made-up world to change her ill-fated side character storyline and create her own destiny. Although the backdrop of the drama is grounded in reality (there are no aliens or superpowers), watching it feels like you’re in a mystical fourth dimension. It takes some time to be fully immersed into the series, but once you make it through some initial bumps, you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster that’ll make you laugh, sob and say “aww” out loud. I’ve watched numerous dramas since, but “Extraordinary You” holds a special place in my heart.
2. “Hometown Cha Cha Cha”
Yoon Hye-jin moves from Seoul to a close-knit seaside village, Gongjin, to open a dental clinic. Sparks fly when she meets the charming and the happy-go-lucky handyman, Hong Du-shik. Opposites attract and banter, Hye-jin is a realist, an individualistic city girl, while Du-shik is sociable and always helps out the villagers.” Hometown Cha Cha Cha” is a slice-of-life, healing romance set against bright blue skies and stunning sunsets, and so much more. It goes beyond the typical romantic comedies by navigating themes of grief, loss and guilt.
3. “Her Private Life”
If you’ve ever wondered why people “fangirl” or “fanboy,” this drama has the answers. Sung Duk-mi, an art curator by profession, is a die-hard K-pop idol fangirl. But to be taken seriously in the art community, she fangirls in secret. A series of unfortunate events (that’ll leave you in fits of laughter) and misconstrues from guarding her secret leads to Duk-Mi “fake dating” the new gallery director. “Her Private Life” intertwines passionate romance into the life of a fangirl while unraveling the good, bad and ugly sides of fangirling.
4. “Touch Your Heart”
Korea’s top actress, Oh Yoon-Seo, gets caught in a drug scandal with a rich heir and consequently, her career starts to decline. Desperate to make a comeback, she agrees to work under a reserved and stone-cold attorney to prepare for a potential role. Whether they’re bickering or gradually beginning to accept each other, the two leads have undeniable chemistry. Looking for a giddy office romance? Enemies to lovers? Some legal drama? “Touch Your Heart” has got it all.
5. “True Beauty”
After being bullied all her life due to her appearance, Im Joo-Kyung masters the art of makeup to alter her appearance. At her new high school, she rises to popularity due to her attractive looks, and also finds herself engulfed in a love triangle. Joo-Kyung’s antics to avoid exposing her makeup-free face are truly hilarious. While the drama acknowledges heavy topics like self-image and bullying, it doesn’t dwell too much on these issues and is true comedy gold.
