My All-Time Favorite Dramas
These aren't just my favorite dramas, but also the dramas I look back on with the most fondness. Some of my scores aren't perfect tens, but when thinking about all the dramas I have watched- these are the stand outs, the ones that have stayed in my head, and the ones I may even re-watch!
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1. Reply 1997
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
My absolute favorite. The drama that, in my opinion, is flawless. Every character is written with sincerity as we watch a group of friends grow up during the 90's and early 2000's. EunJi is relatable to every single fangirl out there and Seo InGuk is that first love we all wish we could have. 11/10.
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2. Queen In Hyun's Man
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
I watched this drama in less than 24 hours and had no regrets. In the years since it has remained firmly near the top of my very favorite dramas. Yoo InNa and Ji HyunWoo's real-life chemistry spilled over into a show about time-traveling romance, modern day technological confusions, sworn fealty, and an actress struggling to make her mark. Its epic.
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3. Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
Gods this drama is amazing. Our male lead is a soft boy in wolf's clothing while our female lead is tough and assertive. The dual relationship between them is executed brilliantly~~that kiss with the hat pulled down! I just!
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4. Coffee Prince
Korean Drama - 2007, 17 episodes
This is by far the best gender-bender drama in the genre. Yoon EunHye, showing her incredible skills, is actually believable as a young man while Gong Yoo's tortured portrayal and uncontrollable feelings have always and forever secured him a place in every fan's heart.
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5. The Bridal Mask
Korean Drama - 2012, 28 episodes
The setting in this drama is incredibly unique. Korea in the midst of WWII is a very different land, under Japanese control and filled with complicated politics of loyalty. This drama skyrocketed JooWon to fame as he portrayed KangTo, a man whose country came second to his family until he lost that family. I'm also a huge fan of the love story in this drama~~I know many weren't but I thought it beautiful. Kimura Shunji, though, is one of this drama's stand-out characters. His character's transformation over the course of the show is amazingly heartbreaking.
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6. I Hear Your Voice
Korean Drama - 2013, 18 episodes
Probably the only Noona romance I've watched to completion. This drama is so wonderful. The back-story and love-lines are executed beautifully and the villain understandably evil, rather than just an annoyance.
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7. You Who Came from the Stars
Korean Drama - 2013, 21 episodes
If you haven't watched this drama, you are either new to dramaland or been living under a rock. Its a new classic for a reason and probably the culprit of all the supernatural-esque dramas we've been plagued with ever since. Amazing writing, acting and chemistry.
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8. In Time With You
Taiwanese Drama - 2011, 13 episodes
This is my favorite Taiwanese drama and one of the few dramas I have ever re-watched to completion. The story itself is so cliche: our two leads have been best friends for years, him quietly pining over her the entirety of their relationship while she remains oblivious, bouncing from one bad boyfriend to the next. But that's how you know the writing, acting, and chemistry is so top-notch. Because even though we've seen this story before, this one makes you laugh and cry, break and un-break your heart.
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9. King2Hearts
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
This drama is Lee SeungGi at his best. The plot is original and beautifully orchestrated from beginning to end. The romances are epic and heartbreaking. The A couple is wonderful but the B couple...I can't even.
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10. Ojakgyo Brothers
Korean Drama - 2011, 58 episodes
The best family drama I've ever watched. Uee and JooWon steal the show but the whole family ends up in your heart. Four beautiful, frustrating and endearing love stories, plus some found family goodness mixed in.
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11. It Started with a Kiss
Taiwanese Drama - 2005, 20 episodes
My very very favorite of all the ItaKiss versions out there! Ariel Lin is flawless as our hopelessly clumsy and sincere XiangQin while Joe Cheng brings ZhiShu's repressed emotions to the surface- you aren't surprised to find out he loves her in this version. Its clear he has no chance from the start <3<3<3
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12. They Kiss Again
Taiwanese Drama - 2007, 20 episodes
The sequel of fluffy cuteness and domesticity every fandom deserves. Its like fan-fiction but so much better because its canon.
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13. Boys Over Flowers
Korean Drama - 2009, 25 episodes
My very first drama! Its a cliche, but it gets to be on this list no matter what!
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14. Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo
Japanese Drama - 2013, 16 episodes
I am a sucker for this story in whatever form it takes. This Japanese remake is my second favorite after ISWAK.
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15. Shut Up: Flower Boy Band
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
These little punks and their band make my heart flutter. The first two episodes alone warrant this show's presence on my favorites list.
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16. Arang and the Magistrate
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
Probably my favorite drama in a historical setting and my favorite drama with a fantasy theme. Shin Min Ah is wonderful, as always.
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17. Devil Beside You
Taiwanese Drama - 2005, 20 episodes
One of my favorite high school dramas. Its a classic for a reason with great chemistry and a quick pace.
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18. I Really Really Like You
Korean Drama - 2006, 34 episodes
This drama is adorably sweet. Lee MinKi shines and makes everyone who watches fall in love with him. Additionally, this is the most frustrating love triangle I've ever endured!
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19. I Need Romance
Korean Drama - 2011, 16 episodes
This is my favorite of the three "I Need Romance" dramas. The main couple is the messiest- but also, in my opinion, the most authentic- of the versions. They struggle, are flawed, and are very human. Also, female friendships ftw!
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20. Wild Romance
Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes
This drama is hilarious. The main couple have a unique dynamic when compared with most dramas, but its the side Robot Couple who stole the show for me!
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21. The Vineyard Man
Korean Drama - 2006, 16 episodes
This is probably my favorite of Yoon Eun Hye's dramas after Coffee Prince. Its cute, different, and a refreshing watch.