10 best Korean dramas to binge on Netflix during the Circuit Breaker period

Ever since the Circuit Breaker policy was introduced, many of us started staying at home more for work, for meals, for… well, everything. To relax and unwind, why not catch up on a few Korean dramas on Netflix you’ve been putting off?

Whether you’re looking for freshly released shows or classic hits, we have something for you in our round-up below.

1. Itaewon Class

Based on a webtoon of the same name, popular Hallyu actor Park Seo-joon takes on the lead role of Park Saeroyi. After he was wrongly expelled from high school and his father died in a car accident, his life took a turn.

JTBC

Together with a group of friends who come from different backgrounds, Park Saeroyi strives to make their dreams come true in Itaewon. The show touches on various hard-hitting issues surrounding race and the LGBTQ community. This is what makes this Korean drama stand out from the usual romantic comedies.

2. Kingdom

korean dramas netflix kingdom
Netflix

If you love a good zombie flick like Train To Busan, Kingdom should be the next K-drama on your list. This drama doesn’t just have the gore factor. It also has political tension that drives the narrative of the series.

Compared to some of the typical zombie films, Kingdom stands out thanks to a number of factors. They’ve roped in the best in the business for this show, including famous actors like Joo Ji-hoon and Bae Doona. The story was also written by Kim Eun-hee, whose previous works include K-dramas such as Sign, Three Days, and Signal.

3. Crash Landing On You

Are you a hopeless romantic? If you are, the love between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin in Crash Landing On You is bound to sweep you off your feet.

tvN

The forbidden love between the rich daughter of a conglomerate and the captain of the North Korean elite force hasn’t been explored in Korean dramas before. The chemistry between the two actors and its fast-paced storyline has many hooked on the drama.

4. Love Alarm

What would our society be like if people were able to find love through the alarm of an app? Thanks to the advancement of technology, Love Alarm allows users to find out if anyone within ten metres is interested in them.

Netflix

Longtime fans of Korean drama would recognise Kim So-hyun, who used to be a well-known child actress. Now, she takes on the role of Kim JoJo, a smart and pretty high school student. Alongside actor Song Kang, many are impressed by the chemistry they have with each other. Netflix had also announced the show’s second season, but there’s no news on the release date yet.

5. Mr. Sunshine

Praised for its outstanding cinematography and engaging plot, Mr. Sunshine was one of the highest rated among Korean dramas on cable. The cast of the drama shines with the likes of Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, and plenty other top actors.

Netflix

The series takes place around the late 19th to early 20th century. Lee Byung-hun’s character, Choi Yoo-jin, was a young slave but managed to seek a brand new life after fleeing Korea for America. Years later, he returned to Korea as an American soldier and found himself falling for Go Ae-shin, portrayed by Kim Tae-ri, who was a undercover freedom fighter.

6. Arthdal Chronicles

Those who fell in love with Descendants of the Sun are going to be excited about Arthdal Chronicles, where actors Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won are reunited.

tvN

The show opens up with an alternate universe as it is set in the Bronze Age period. Divided into various tribes and species, the show sees Song Joong-ki’s character Eun-seom tries to learn about his real identity while going through various setbacks along the way.

This drama is filled with fantasy, romance, and politics — a must-watch for those who want to be transported into another world.

7. When The Camellia Blooms

Compared to many Korean dramas aired these days that have a shorter run, When The Camellia Blooms has 40 solid episodes that are bound to make your heart swell with various emotions.

KBS

The drama focuses on a single mother, following the judgment and prejudice she receives as she navigates the dating world. The stellar performances carried the show and it received the second-highest rating in South Korea in 2019.

8. Cinderella With Four Knights

“Jessica, only child, Illinois, Chicago…” If you’re a fan of Park So-dam’s performance in Parasite, you’ll want to check out Cinderella With Four Knights, where she takes on a lead role.

tvN

The story is adapted from the novel of the same title and has a rather similar vibe as Boys Over Flowers. Caught in a love dilemma, Park So-dam’s character, Eun Ha-won, finds herself struggling to choose a guy she truly fancies.

9. SKY Castle

To ensure their child is on the right path to success, parents are willing to do almost anything. However, this could cause a child to steer in another direction.

JTBC

SKY Castle is a drama that revolves around four wealthy families who reside in the luxurious estate of the same name. It tackles social issues in Korea, such as crammed schools, the importance of reputation, and family status.

10. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung

For those who prefer a period drama, check out Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung. Actress Shin Se-kyung is paired with K-Pop idol Cha Eun-woo, and the chemistry between the two is off the charts.

MBC

Cha Eun-woo plays the role of Prince Yi Rim, who is a closet fictional romance writer who falls in love with Shin Se-kyung’s character, Historian Goo Hae-ryung. This drama also breaks gender stereotypes, which is an unexpected twist in a historical piece.