TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Not all Korean dramas require villains who openly harm their main characters. Some dramas are truly heartfelt because they show that life's challenges don't always come from external enemies. Sometimes, everyday life, full of pressure and dilemmas, is the most real test.
These dramas aren't about revenge, betrayal, or fighting villains. Instead, they present simple yet touching portraits of life, showing how humans survive, grow, and find meaning amidst routine.
As reported by Allkpop, here are a list of Korean dramas that depict life as the only unpredictable "antagonist." Sometimes these stories feel unfair, but they are also full of beauty in their simplicity.
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines
Set on the beautiful Jeju Island, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a moving drama where life itself becomes the villain. Life has taken a lot from Ae Sun and her family, resulting in sadness, regret, and unspoken emotions. Viewers will likely see themselves in the characters' tender and imperfect nature.
This Netflix original drama stars a number of renowned actors, including IU, Park Bo Gum, Park Hae Joon, Moon So Ri, and Kim Seon Ho.
Korean drama poster When Life Gives You Tangerines. Photo: Wikipedia.
2. Our Beloved Summer
This drama follows the quiet and emotional love story of two ex-lovers who reunite while filming a documentary. Our Beloved Summer focuses on memories, dreams, and character development. There are no scheming third parties or dramatic confrontations, just two people learning to love themselves and each other better.
Aired on Netflix, this drama stars Kim Da Mi, Choi Woo Shik, Kim Sung Cheol, Roh Jeong Eui, and Lee Jun Hyuk.
3. Twenty Five Twenty One
Twenty Five Twenty One is a popular coming-of-age drama that captures the joys and sorrows of youth. It shows how dreams evolve, people are swayed, and love doesn't always work out. Everyone tries their best amidst the maelstrom of economic crisis and an ever-changing future. This heartbreaking drama shows how even true love can be lost due to the unpredictable course of life.
Airing on Netflix, this drama stars Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun Wook, and Lee Joo Myung.
4. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Set in the coastal village of Gongjin, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is built on empathy and second chances. Each character has their own story and wounds. There are misunderstandings and emotional obstacles, but there are no villains. Ultimately, this story is about building community and finding peace.
This drama, starring Shin Min Ah, Kim Seon Ho, and Lee Sang Yi, can be watched on the Netflix streaming platform.
5. Our Blues
Another story set on Jeju Island, Our Blues beautifully depicts the sweet and bittersweet romance and the ups and downs of life. Each story tells of ordinary people facing unspeakable life struggles. Examples include a single mother who comes from Jeju to escape her mysterious past and a teenage couple experiencing pregnancy.
This Netflix drama boasts a star-studded cast, featuring a roster of renowned actors and actresses. Among them are Shin Min Ah, Kim Woo Bin, Lee Byung Hyun, and Roh Yoon Seo.
Poster for the Korean drama Our Blues, which will air on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Doc. tvN.
6. My Liberation Notes
My Liberation Notes is a Korean drama that slowly but surely delves into the despair of everyday life. It doesn't offer a dramatic resolution, but instead offers strength through honesty and realism. It depicts the longing for freedom, the warmth of connection, and the search for meaning in seemingly ordinary life. Even the mysterious Mr. Gu isn't an antagonist, but rather a man quietly escaping lingering wounds and pain.
Available on Netflix, this drama stars Lee Min Ki, Kim Ji Won, Son Suk Ku, Lee El, and Lee Ki Woo.
7. Racket Boys
Focusing on a junior high badminton team in the rural town of Haenam, Racket Boys is full of warmth and life lessons. There is competition, but it's healthy and respectful. The focus is on teamwork, perseverance, and community, not hostility.
Rocket Boys is streaming on Netflix and stars a number of young South Korean actors and actresses, including Choi Hyun Wook, Kim Kang Hoon, Tang Jun Sang, and Son Sang Yeon.
8. Hospital Playlist
"Hospital Playlist" doesn't dwell too much on hospital politics. It also presents a story about the joys of friendship, food, music, and healing. The five doctors at the center of the story bring warmth and wit to every moment. Even amidst tragedy, the series remains life-affirming, a celebration of compassion over conflict.
This Korean drama stars Jo Jang Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, and Jeong Mi Do. It has two seasons and is available to watch on Netflix.
9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Korean comedy drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo/Photo: Pinterest
The teen drama "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" warmed viewers' hearts. The challenges felt real, about self-doubt, body image, and first love, all handled with heart and humor. There's no real villain; everyone is just trying to find their identity in the world of college and sports.
Featuring Lee Sung Kyung, Nam Joo Hyuk, Lee Jae Yoon, and Gyeong Su Jin in the lead roles, this Korean drama can be watched on various streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Viu, Prime Video, WeTV, and Apple TV.
10. Reply 1988
This nostalgic story revolves around youth, family, and friendship in the Ssangmun-dong neighborhood of Seoul in the late 1980s, where everyone knows everyone. There's no real villain, just growth, mistakes, misunderstandings, and the bittersweet journey to adulthood, with each episode feeling like a warm embrace.
The drama stars Lee Hyeri, Par Bo Gum, Ryu Jun Yeol, Go Kyung Pyo, and Lee Dong Hwi. Reply 1998 can be watched on streaming platforms Netflix, Viu, and Vidio.
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