Kick Start The New Year With These 7 Binge-Worthy K-Dramas Of 2022
While you wait for some compelling, new K-dramas to release this year, we have a list of the best Korean dramas of 2022 that will keep you hooked with their captivating storylines and endearing characters.
Addicted to K-dramas? Well, you are not alone! Korean shows, which gained a massive fan following during the COVID-19 pandemic, have made their own place in the hearts of viewers worldwide. Encompassing a wide range of genres, from sci-fi to romance and intriguing thrillers, K-dramas are known to tackle societal issues, personal struggles, and common themes such as family, friendship, and love, making for some of the most memorable and thoughtful watches that resonate with audiences despite the language barrier.
2022 was another stellar year for K-dramas. While some Korean shows served the happily-ever-after, others explored the grey areas, tapping into more complex themes.
If you ask a friend for a K-drama recommendation, chances are the 2021 show ‘Squid Game’ would top their list. But if you are looking for some fresh recommendations from a list of 2022 shows, we have got you covered!
Here’s a list of 7 must-watch K-dramas that tick all the boxes, offering the right amount of thrill, fun, romance, drama, and more.
Check out the list below:
1. Extraordinary Attorney Woo: One of the highest-rated K-dramas from this year, ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’, perfectly showcases the sincere and truthful portrayal of the autistic lawyer Woo Young-woo. Helmed by Yoo In Shik, the heart-warming drama stars Park Eun Bin as Woo Young-woo.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Business Proposal: Are you also a sucker for mushy romantic stories? If yes, then you’ll absolutely love ‘Business Proposal’, which has the perfect dash of love and laughter. The K-drama, starring Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-gue and Seol In-ah, revolves around the story of a middle-class girl who accepts to go on a blind date in place of her rich friend.
We won’t give you more spoilers! Go watch it for yourself if you are in the mood for something light-hearted, cute and funny.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. All Of Us Are Dead: Fans of the zombie genre will definitely enjoy this one! The K-drama revolves around students trapped in a high school trying to survive a zombie virus outbreak. And it’s more than just a group of high schoolers surviving the outbreak! It's also about realizing how the real monsters are sometimes among us.
The show, which features Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Byung-chul, Lee Kyu-hyung, and Jeon Bae-soo, has been renewed for a second season.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Little Women: The 2022 K-drama, packed with thrill, suspense and solid performances, makes for a captivating watch. Adapted from the book of the same name by American novelist Louisa May Alcott, the Korean adaptation explores themes of conflict and struggle by setting the story in contemporary South Korea.
Packed with convincing portrayals by Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, and Park Ji-hu, the play of power dynamics, fraud, and reflections on poverty make ‘Little Women’ a must-watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Twenty Five Twenty One: There are very few dramas that have the power to change you. ‘Twenty Five Twenty One’, with its compelling cast and moving narrative, makes for a thoughtful watch that resonates with viewers across geographical borders.
The show follows five young friends as they struggle to understand the complexities of love and happiness while trying to achieve success, simultaneously adjusting to adulthood against the backdrop of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
Where to watch: Netflix
6. Tomorrow: One for our fantasy genre lovers! ‘Tomorrow’ is easily one of the most underrated shows of 2022. Directed by Kim Tae Yoon, ‘Tomorrow’ stars Kim Hee Sun, Rowoon, Lee Soo Hyuk and Yoon Ji On. The fantasy-themed K-drama is based on an unemployed man who gets accidentally killed by grim reapers. He is then tasked to work with them for a brief time to serve a happy life on earth.
With a refreshing and engaging plot, the drama highlights several issues like bullying, suicide, and nepotism, making it a thought-provoking watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
7. Alchemy of Souls: This Korean drama will keep you hooked with its compelling storytelling. ‘Alchemy of Souls’ beautifully weaves different genres together, so for those looking for a little bit of everything — history, comedy, romance and fantasy – this one is for you!
Starring Lee Jae-wook, Go Yoon-jung, Jung So-min, Hwang Min-hyun, this show revolves around mages and soul shifters. The female lead bears the superpower of soul-transferring and ends up transporting her soul into a weaker girl. No more spoilers! Watch it for yourself if you are in the mood for something that will transport you to a different world.
Where to watch: Netflix
Special mention: While these were some of our best picks, we can’t forget to mention ‘Bloody Heart’, ‘My Liberation Notes’, ‘Under the Queen’s Umbrella’, ‘Pachinko’, ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Juvenile Justice’.
