Korean Web Series: A Beginners Guide to the Best Dramas

The world of Korean dramas, or K-dramas, has exploded in popularity, captivating audiences with their compelling storylines, stunning visuals, and talented actors. While traditional television dramas still hold a significant place, Korean web series have carved out a distinct niche, offering shorter, more experimental narratives often catering to younger demographics. This guide will navigate you through the diverse landscape of Korean web series, highlighting some of the best dramas across various genres and providing insights into what makes them so appealing.

Understanding the Web Series Format:

Korean web series, typically broadcast on platforms like YouTube, Naver TV, Viki, and increasingly, global streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, differ from their broadcast counterparts in several key aspects:

• Shorter Episodes: Web series episodes are generally shorter, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick viewing during commutes or breaks.
• Fewer Episodes: The total number of episodes is also significantly less, often spanning 6 to 20 episodes, allowing for a more concise and fast-paced storyline.
• Targeted Audience: Many web series are designed to appeal to younger audiences, particularly teenagers and young adults, exploring themes relevant to their lives, such as high school romance, college experiences, and career aspirations.
• Experimental Content: Web series often provide a platform for creators to experiment with new genres, formats, and storytelling techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional drama conventions.
• Lower Production Costs: Compared to broadcast dramas, web series typically have lower production budgets, which can sometimes lead to a more raw and authentic feel.

Navigating the Genres:

Korean web series cover a wide range of genres, mirroring the diversity of broadcast dramas. Here are some popular categories and notable examples:

1. High School Romance:

This genre is a staple of Korean web series, often featuring heartwarming stories of first love, friendship, and personal growth set against the backdrop of school life.

• A-Teen (에이틴): A mega-hit web series that captured the hearts of teenagers with its relatable portrayal of six high school students navigating the challenges of friendship, love, and academic pressure. Its success spawned a second season, further cementing its place as a benchmark for high school web dramas.
• Love Playlist (연애플레이리스트): This long-running series explores the complexities of modern relationships through the eyes of university students. Its realistic characters and relatable scenarios have resonated with a large audience, making it one of the most popular web series in Korea. It is known for its multiple seasons and interconnected storylines.
• Replay: The Moment When It Starts Again (리플레이: 다시 시작되는 순간): A musical romance drama about a group of high school students forming a band. It combines the excitement of performing with the sweet anxieties of first love.
• Twenty Twenty (트웬티 트웬티): This series delves into the experiences of young adults transitioning from teenagers to adults, navigating the challenges of independence, career choices, and romantic relationships. It explores the pressures and expectations faced by those in their twenties.

2. Fantasy & Supernatural:

Web series have also embraced fantasy and supernatural elements, offering imaginative stories with unique characters and captivating worlds.

• Extraordinary You (어쩌다 발견한 하루): While technically a broadcast drama, “Extraordinary You” began as a webtoon adaptation and shares the web series’ spirit. It tells the story of a high school student who discovers she is a character in a comic book and attempts to rewrite her destiny.
• After School Lucky or Not (방과후 복불복): This quirky series follows a shy high school student who accidentally joins a high school club that performs random missions. It features lighthearted humor and fantastical elements, making it a fun and entertaining watch.
• Love Alarm (좋아하면 울리는): A Netflix original based on a popular webtoon, “Love Alarm” explores a world where an app notifies users when someone within a 10-meter radius has romantic feelings for them. It raises questions about technology, love, and privacy.

3. Comedy & Slice of Life:

For those seeking lighthearted entertainment, comedy and slice-of-life web series offer relatable stories and humorous situations.

• Sound of Your Heart (마음의 소리): Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, this series is a hilarious portrayal of the daily life of a cartoonist and his quirky family. It is known for its absurd humor and over-the-top characters.
• Eulachacha Waikiki (으라차차 와이키키): Though primarily a broadcast drama, the humor and tone of “Eulachacha Waikiki” are similar to web series. It follows a group of young men running a guesthouse in Itaewon, filled with hilarious mishaps and heartwarming moments.
• What Happened to Secretary Kim? (김비서가 왜 그럴까): While a broadcast drama, its origin in a web novel and its light, comedic touch make it accessible for web series fans. It tells the story of a narcissistic CEO and his highly competent secretary, filled with romantic tension and humorous situations.

4. Thriller & Mystery:

Web series have also ventured into darker territory, offering suspenseful thrillers and intriguing mysteries that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

• Revenge Note (복수노트): A fantasy thriller about a high school student who receives a mysterious app that allows her to take revenge on anyone she writes down. It explores themes of bullying, justice, and the consequences of revenge.
• Sweet Revenge (달콤한 복수): Similar to “Revenge Note,” this series follows a high school student who gains the ability to get revenge on those who wrong her. It delves into the darker aspects of high school life and the desire for retribution.
• Strangers from Hell (타인은 지옥이다): A chilling thriller based on a webtoon, “Strangers from Hell” follows a young man who moves into a rundown apartment building and encounters a series of unsettling neighbors. It explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface.

5. BL (Boys’ Love) & LGBTQ+ Themes:

Korean web series have also made strides in representing LGBTQ+ themes, particularly with the rise of BL (Boys’ Love) dramas.

• Where Your Eyes Linger (너의 시선이 머무는 곳에): Considered a landmark in the Korean BL web series genre, this series tells the story of a rich and powerful student and his loyal bodyguard, exploring their evolving relationship.
• To My Star (나의 별에게): This series follows the romance between a popular actor and a chef who is forced to live together. It is praised for its heartwarming story and realistic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships.
• Color Rush (컬러 러쉬): This unique BL drama explores a world where some people are “mono,” only able to see the world in grayscale until they meet their “probe,” the person who allows them to see color.
• Semantic Error (시맨틱 에러): A highly popular BL web series based on a web novel, this drama follows the unlikely romance between a rigid computer science student and a popular design student.

Where to Watch:

Numerous platforms offer Korean web series with English subtitles:

• YouTube: Many production companies and channels upload web series directly to YouTube.
• Naver TV: A popular Korean platform that hosts a wide range of web series.
• Viki: A streaming service specializing in Asian dramas, including a vast selection of Korean web series.
• Netflix: Netflix has increasingly invested in Korean content, including original web series and acquisitions.
• Disney+: Disney+ is also expanding its K-drama library, offering a selection of web series.

Tips for Enjoying Korean Web Series:

• Start with popular titles: “A-Teen,” “Love Playlist,” and “Where Your Eyes Linger” are excellent starting points for exploring the world of Korean web series.
• Explore different genres: Don’t limit yourself to one genre. Experiment with different categories to discover what you enjoy most.
• Be patient with subtitles: While most platforms offer English subtitles, the quality can vary.
• Engage with the community: Join online forums and social media groups to discuss your favorite web series and discover new recommendations.
• Consider the target audience: Remember that many web series are aimed at younger audiences, so the themes and storylines may be geared towards their experiences.

Korean web series offer a compelling and accessible entry point into the world of K-dramas. Their shorter format, diverse genres, and relatable characters make them a perfect choice for viewers of all ages and interests. By exploring the recommendations and tips in this guide, you can embark on a rewarding journey through the captivating landscape of Korean web series.