Netflix has diversified its content library to cater to a wide variety of tastes, genres, and cultures. And one film industry that has captured audiences across different cultures is the Korean TV series or K Drama.
For over a decade, Nigerian audiences have been downloading Korean TV series off torrent sites. But now, we have the luxury of streaming modern curated series on Netflix; and here are some top picks.
1. Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing on You explores the harsh disparities between North and South Korea since the division in 1945 through the eyes of a South Korean woman, Yoon Se-Ri, who gets stuck on the other side of the demarcation line by accident.
In the struggle to find her way back home, she falls in love with a stern but warm North Korean soldier, Ri Jeong-Hyuk, determined to deliver her home at all costs. Along the way, the pair start to fall for each other, despite the ongoing tensions between their two countries. Watch Crash Landing on You here.
2. The King: Eternal Monarch
The King: Eternal Monarch draws a comparison between the past and the present; telling the story of Emperor Lee Gon and detective Jung Tae Eul (Kim Go Eun), who live in parallel universes where Korea is a constitutional monarchy and democracy respectively, but work together to try and save peoples lives.
It is based on Einstein’s theory of everything or parallel universe split theory and also Stephen Hawking’s time-travel theory. Released on April 17, it is quickly becoming one of the most viewed K Drama series by global audiences on Netflix. Watch it here.
3. Descendants of the Sun
Korean Special Forces Captain Yoo Shi Jin and Doctor Kang Mo Yeon have a short romance before being reunited coincidentally at a mission to a war-torn East European country.
The couple falls in love and have to face increasingly difficult and violent circumstances to survive, do their jobs of saving lives, and be together. Fun fact, the main actors got married after this show but are sadly now divorced. Watch it here.
4. Itaewon Class
Itaewon Class tells the story of ex-convict, Park Sae-Ro-Yi, whose life has been turned upside down after he gets expelled from school for punching a bully and his father dies in an accident.
Following his father’s steps, he opens his bar-restaurant DanBam (Sweet Night) in Itaewon. Alongside his manager, Jo Yi-Seo and his staff, he strives towards success and reaching greater heights; while battling against a food conglomerate.
Based on the webtoon of the same name, it is the first series to be produced by the film distribution company Showbox. Watch it here.
5. It’s Okay, That’s Love
A radio DJ and a psychiatrist become roommates after previously closing on a TV programme. The two, along with their 3 other roommates, improve on their prickly relationship while gradually tackling their past traumas and psychological issues together. Watch it here.