10 Famous Korean Dramas From 2018 

Overall, a combination of unique storytelling, strong performances, and accessibility through online platforms contributed to the fame of Korean dramas.

1. My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018):

This drama revolves around Kang Mi-rae, a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery to become beautiful, hoping it will change her life. She enters college with newfound confidence but soon realizes that external beauty doesn't solve all her problems. The series explores self-esteem, societal beauty standards, and personal growth. The show delves into the pressures society places on physical appearance and the impact it has on individuals' self-esteem. We can learn about the struggles people face in relation to body image. The main character undergoes plastic surgery and struggles with her identity afterward. The series explores the journey of self-discovery and finding one's true self beyond physical appearance. The show touches on various social issues like bullying, peer pressure, and societal expectations, offering insights into how these issues can impact individuals.

2. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018):

The story follows Lee Young-joon, a narcissistic CEO, and his secretary, Kim Mi-so, who decides to quit her job after nine years of dedicated service. As Young-joon tries to keep her by his side, their pasts and hidden feelings are revealed, leading to a delightful workplace romance. The series offers a captivating and often humorous storyline centered around the relationship between a perfectionist vice chairman and his talented secretary. The plot is filled with twists, romance, and intriguing character developments. The on-screen chemistry between the lead characters, played by Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young, is often praised. Their interactions and evolving relationship provide a satisfying romantic aspect to the show. The drama incorporates humor into its narrative, offering comedic moments that balance out the more serious elements. It's entertaining and can provide some good laughs. The drama highlights the importance of finding a balance between one's professional and personal life. It showcases how relentless dedication to work can lead to burnout and neglect of personal relationships. The characters go through journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. It emphasizes the idea that it's never too late to understand oneself better and make positive changes. It portrays strong and independent female characters who are not afraid to pursue their goals and dreams. This can be empowering for viewers, especially women, encouraging them to assert themselves in their careers and lives.

3. 100 Days My Prince (2018):

Set in the Joseon era, Crown Prince Lee Yool loses his memory and ends up living as a commoner for 100 days. During this time, he crosses paths with Hong Shim, a widow and the village headwoman. As they navigate this unusual situation, they discover love and uncover political conspiracies. The drama is set in the Joseon Dynasty, providing a captivating historical backdrop with beautiful costumes and sets. If you enjoy historical settings, this drama offers a glimpse into that period. The drama incorporates elements of mystery and intrigue as the characters work to uncover secrets and conspiracies. This adds depth and suspense to the storyline. The drama explores themes of love, sacrifice, duty, and loyalty. It delves into the complexities of royal life and the personal sacrifices made by the characters. While set in historical times, the drama touches on societal issues, class differences, and the challenges faced by people from different backgrounds. One of the central messages of the drama is that love can transcend social status and class differences. The story revolves around a crown prince who falls in love with a commoner, highlighting the idea that love should not be restricted by societal norms or hierarchy. The drama's premise revolves around a character who loses his memory and starts anew. This can be seen as a message of the transformative power of a fresh start and the opportunity for personal growth and change. The characters in the drama often make personal sacrifices for the greater good, whether it's for their loved ones or for their country. This highlights the idea that selflessness and sacrifice can be admirable qualities.

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4. Mr. Sunshine (2018):

This epic historical drama is set in the late 19th century when Korea was under Japanese occupation. It follows the life of Eugene Choi, a Korean-born U.S. Marine officer, and Go Ae-shin, a noblewoman who becomes involved in the resistance movement. The series explores patriotism, love, and the fight for independence. This drama is set during the late 19th century when Korea was undergoing significant political and social changes. It provides a historical backdrop that adds depth to the story and can be educational for viewers interested in Korean history. The drama features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The character development is exceptional, making it easy for viewers to become emotionally invested in their stories. The show explores political conflicts and power struggles of the era, providing a nuanced perspective on historical events and the complexities of the time. The characters grapple with questions of identity, loyalty, and patriotism, making the drama thought-provoking and relatable on a personal level. It delves into cultural aspects of Korean society during that period, offering insights into customs, traditions, and societal norms. If you appreciate intricately woven narratives and visually stunning productions, this series is worth watching.

5. Encounter (2018):

Encounter tells the story of Cha Soo-hyun, a wealthy hotel CEO trapped in a suffocating life, and Kim Jin-hyuk, a free-spirited young man who helps her rediscover happiness and love during a trip to Cuba. The drama explores the clash of social classes and the transformative power of love. The drama explores an unconventional romantic relationship between a divorced woman in her 30s and a younger man in his 20s. It challenges societal norms and provides a fresh perspective on love. The Encounter is filmed in picturesque locations, including Cuba and South Korea. The stunning cinematography and scenic backgrounds add visual appeal to the series. The drama touches on societal issues, such as gender roles and expectations, the pressure to conform, and the pursuit of personal happiness. It prompts viewers to reflect on these issues. The series explores different cultures, particularly Korean and Cuban, providing viewers with insights into these cultures and their traditions. The drama emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, empowerment, and pursuing one's own happiness, irrespective of societal expectations. If you appreciate character-driven dramas with a unique twist on romance, this series is worth considering.

6. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018):

This psychological thriller revolves around Kim Moo-young, a mysterious and troubled man, and Yoo Jin-kang, a kind-hearted woman who becomes entangled in his life. Secrets, dark pasts, and the question of whether love can conquer all are central themes of this intense drama. The drama is a psychological thriller that keeps viewers guessing throughout. It's filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it engaging and suspenseful. The characters in the series are multi-dimensional and have hidden layers to their personalities. This complexity adds depth to the story and keeps you invested in their fates. The drama delves into moral and ethical dilemmas, forcing characters and viewers to confront difficult decisions and their consequence. The cast delivers exceptional performances, particularly Seo In-guk and Jung So-min in the lead roles. Their acting adds authenticity and emotional weight to the story. The drama touches on themes related to mental health, trauma, and the impact of past experiences on one's present and future. It encourages conversations about these important issues. The series explores themes of guilt, redemption, forgiveness, and the complexities of human nature. It prompts viewers to reflect on these deep and philosophical topics. If you enjoy intense and thought-provoking narratives, this series is worth watching.

7. Are You Human Too? (2018):

In a sci-fi twist, this drama features Nam Shin, a young heir to a conglomerate who falls into a coma. His mother creates an AI robot, Nam Shin III, to impersonate him. The story explores identity, humanity, and the blurred lines between human and machine. The drama's premise revolves around the creation of a highly advanced humanoid robot that is designed to mimic human behavior. This sci-fi concept offers a unique and thought-provoking storyline. The drama delves into ethical questions related to artificial intelligence, such as the rights and responsibilities of AI beings, the potential for AI to develop emotions, and the impact of AI on human society. The lead actor, Seo Kang-joon, portrays both a human character and the AI robot, showcasing his acting versatility. This dual role adds depth to the story as it explores the differences and similarities between humans and machine. While the drama primarily focuses on AI-related themes, it also weaves in a romantic subplot between the AI robot and a human woman, which adds emotional depth to the narrative. The series incorporates elements of mystery and suspense as the AI robot becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and danger. This keeps viewers engaged and curious about the unfolding plot. The characters undergo significant growth and development throughout the series, particularly the AI robot, who learns about humanity and emotions. The drama touches on issues related to technology's role in society, the potential for misuse of AI, and the blurred lines between humans and machines.

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8. Sky Castle (2018):

"Sky Castle" is a satirical drama that delves into the lives of wealthy families living in an exclusive suburban neighborhood. These families are obsessed with their children's success and will go to great lengths to ensure they get into prestigious universities. The series sheds light on the extreme pressures of the South Korean education system. The drama delves deep into the South Korean education system, its obsession with academic success, and the extreme lengths parents go to ensure their children's success. It serves as a sharp social commentary on these issues. The drama features a wide range of characters, each with their own motivations, secrets, and struggles. The character development is excellent, and viewers can relate to the multidimensional characters. The series is filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected plot twists that keep viewers hooked from start to finish. It combines elements of a family drama with elements of a psychological thriller. It explores the dilemmas and challenges faced by parents who are desperate to secure their children's future through education. It prompts viewers to consider the consequences of such extreme parenting. The drama sheds light on the intense academic pressure placed on South Korean students, the toll it takes on their mental health, and the consequences of the "education fever" culture. If you're interested in dramas that tackle complex social issues and feature compelling characters, this series is worth watching.

9. The Beauty Inside (2018):

Han Se-gye, a famous actress, has a unique condition where she randomly transforms into a different person for a week each month. She crosses paths with Seo Do-jae, a top executive with face blindness. Their love story explores the concept of inner beauty and acceptance. The drama's premise revolves around a woman who wakes up in a different body every day, regardless of age, gender, or appearance. This unique concept immediately draws viewers into an engaging and unpredictable storyline. "The Beauty Inside" delves deep into the idea of inner beauty and the importance of understanding and accepting one's true self. It prompts viewers to reflect on the nature of identity beyond physical appearance. While the drama has a strong focus on identity, it also weaves a compelling romantic story into the narrative. The challenges faced by the main characters in maintaining a relationship when one's appearance constantly changes add depth to the romance. The characters, especially the female lead, experience significant personal growth and development throughout the series. Watching their journeys can be emotionally satisfying. The drama offers heartfelt and emotional moments that explore the struggles and joys of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The series provides insights into contemporary South Korean culture, relationships, and societal expectations, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Seoul. "The Beauty Inside" conveys positive messages about self-acceptance, the value of inner beauty, and the importance of genuine connections with others. If you're looking for a series with a unique concept and a focus on inner beauty and self-acceptance, this show is worth watching.

10. Memories of the Alhambra (2018):

The story follows Yoo Jin-woo, a CEO, who travels to Spain to meet the creator of a groundbreaking augmented reality game. As he becomes immersed in the game's mysteries and encounters Emma, an AI character, the boundaries between reality and the virtual world blur, leading to a thrilling adventure. The drama introduces an innovative and unique premise involving augmented reality (AR) gaming, blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds. This concept sets the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable storyline. The drama is filled with suspense, mysteries, and unexpected plot twists that keep viewers engaged and guessing throughout the series. The drama is set in picturesque locations, including the historic Alhambra Palace in Spain, providing stunning visuals and a sense of adventure. The characters undergo significant development as they navigate the challenges of the AR game and the mysteries surrounding it. Their growth is integral to the story. The drama explores themes related to technology, gaming, and the impact of virtual reality on human interactions and emotions, making it relevant to our increasingly digital world. As the story unfolds, it raises moral dilemmas related to the consequences of technological advancements and the pursuit of power. If you enjoy innovative concepts and suspenseful storytelling, this drama is worth watching.

These 10 Korean dramas from 2018 offer a diverse range of stories, from romance and historical sagas to psychological thrillers and thought-provoking sci-fi. They captivated audiences with their compelling narratives and well-developed characters, making them memorable additions to the world of Korean television.

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