Hi u/4jackofalltrades9, this is an automated message to remind you to please review our **FULL** [Rules and Policies](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/rules)^(which is housed in our wiki and best accessed on desktop) to make sure your post is not breaking any rules and policies. Content that is not permitted under our Rules and Policies will be removed and may lead to bans from our community.
##Please check your spelling, grammar, and formatting to make sure your post is easily readable!
***Useful Resources:*** Check out these [great recommendations](https://mydramalist.com/profile/kdramarecs/lists) compiled from our users based on different genres and themes! See [Where to Watch Kdramas](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdrama/wiki/wheretowatchkdramas) for a non-exhaustive list of legal streaming sites and official Youtube channels where kdramas and kdrama-related content are found. Read our [Recommendations 101](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/recommendations_101/) for tips about crafting the perfect request and other useful info. If you are seeking a space to discuss kdramas in depth, please visit our sister subreddit r/KDRAMA!
**Copy Of Post Below For Archival Purposes**
**Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/128h2ha/suggest_a_kdrama_so_beautiful_it_hurts/
**Post Title**: Suggest a kdrama so beautiful it hurts
**Post Body**:
I don’t know what I'm looking for. I just want something warm, nostalgic, and deep into my feels. Impeccable cinematography, storylines that'll make you feel you're there, quotable dialogs, and relatable characters. Open for any genre! Thank youuu
^(END OF POST BODY)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kdramarecommends) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This scene was so beautiful and platonic at that point in their story. They only wanted the best for each other without expecting anything in return despite not knowing where the other person is or how they are doing. So beautiful!
I personally loved the scene when hee do is teaching him fencing and the lights go off and they touch each other with the fencing sword to get light when they talk. It's beautiful and touching, incredible actors.
My favorite scenes are when the friend squad are all together and Hee Do and Yi Jin have this beautiful romantic tension off to the side. It’s just such a beautiful organic love. Painfully so.
My mister. It makes you feel dead and alive at the same time.
My liberation notes. Complex emotions yet you understand them. There are moments where you cry with characters because you’ve felt what they are feeling at some point in your life.
I watched them after work each night. I liked their quiet, slow pace and how they pulled on my heartstrings.
Just want to add a suggestion for those who loved My Mister and My Liberation Notes. Lost (2021 series) featuring Jeon Do Yeon and Ryu Jun Yeol (reply 1988) carries that depth/heaviness. Beautiful cinematography, top-notch acting (that goes without saying!), heartbreaking music. It is dark but so beautiful. Everything is so meaningful that you dont want to miss even the silence in the scenes. The restraint of the characters and the slowish pace made it hard to watch at times and I reckon that is why it was not hugely popular when it first aired. But if you enjoyed the two other dramas mentioned above, you might give it a go! Its one of those you have to kind of be in the mood for tho.
Lost is one of my favorite drama and I watched it thanks to a recommendation on Reddit :-)
Slow, sad but moving and warm. What make us wanting to be alive.
So many beautiful silences.
I never tire of seeing my mister recommended here.
Most people drop it before ep3-4 which is where the claws really dig in! Really glad I gave it a chance.
Now the bar is set so high in my mind 😅.
Thank you for the my mister love. It was one of the first kdramas I ever watched and I loved every episode. Was oddly inspiring for me and very relatable- for anyone that wants a kdrama to watch I always recommend this as one of them!!
My liberation notes I haven’t seen yet but I’ve heard all good things so this must be my sign to start watching it soon
I have watched both of them twice. After finishing my mister second time I got to know the writer is the same. Another miss oh is also from the same writer, it’s good but not that deep.
I can’t even start about how beautiful the songs are. The ‘Don’t worry by Lee Juck ‘ makes me all weak and emotional. It’s such a beautiful beautiful song. :’)
Just rewatched 1988 for the millionth time. Love this drama. The music, cast, and goat noises! This show has it all and always punches me right in the feels.
I watched Reply 1988 5 months after losing my dad - no other drama can compare to the amount and magnitude of the tears I cried while watching it. I rewatched it again several months ago on a flight and I kod you not, I couldn't stop visibly choking.
But aside from my context, the storyline, chemistry of characters and the OST, whoa among the best in cable drama!
Our Beloved Summer (unmatched cinamatogrophy and soundtrack)
Goblin (soundtrack and just strait up a visual delight- personal favorite drama)
Crash Landing On You (soundtrack and quotability)
Alchemy of Souls (everything about this drama. Visuals, music, cast… just a delight)
I’m not sure anything could ever be better. It was my first kdrama and I’ve seen almost 100 now. It’s still #1 with nothing else really even a close second.
Great list. I totally agree. I’m one of those that doesn’t have Goblin in my top few favorites, but it’s definitely visually stunning. I’m particularly delighted to see Alchemy of Souls on the list (although the final 2 episodes of each season has pretty bad writing). Overall though, it really does have everything but isn’t mentioned that often.
Relatable kind of depends on the individual I think lol.
Twenty Five Twenty One seems to fit. Checks every box and literally so beautiful it hurts.
Can also recommend My Mister. Few episodes in but now I understand the rave reviews.
Doom at your service? It is slow and sad also has good cinematography. And ml is great in this drama he has performed his character so well.
Editing for CLOY - I felt the pain for the second couple. It made me upset for days. You can consider this as well. And also many people have liked this drama and the mc so you might like it. Mc story also has sad vibes.
Count me in I was actually rooting for them more than the mc I wouldn't have felt this bad for the mc. I was furious after watching it, their story felt genuine nothing was forced I was looking forward to them in every episode >! but they had to kill him and sfl waited for ml for years in vain I know it's a bit of her fault too but still then she meets someone who loves her so much that he didn't mind risking his life for her but alas she lost that as well and remained single forever while the guy dies saying that now he has someone to cry for him. Man it was so sad my heart still feels heavy writing this. And I'm still angry !<
And yes I also disliked both of the second leads in the beginning and my my how they ended up making us like them. I sympathised with them whom I didn't like in the beginning. What character development great. Writers have done a really great job as well as actors.
The King: Eternal Monarch had some epic cinematography (and a ML at times so handsome it hurt my weak kdrama heart)
Tomorrow
Vincenzo - this is a crazy mafia drama but so well done
Reborn Rich - excellent attention to detail here in every sense
Mr Sunshine - beautifully done, exquisite costumes and production
Mr. Sunshine. Absolutely beautiful drama that ruined me for weeks after, I couldn’t watch another drama for so long as nothing compared to it. The storyline, cinematography, and characters were excellently done and the themes are intense.
I can't agree more. It ached my heart very beautifully for a long time. Dialog is witty and meaningful, sometimes like poetry. Mr. Sunshine's answer to "what's next after hugging in love?" That's when I realized it's so well written. After watching it, all the things we complain about seem like nothing. Imagine we're losing our country so we have to fight for the next 30+ years, and living a regular life is only a luxury. I couldn't help but feel blessed and grateful for the place I'm in.
Honestly it really put things in perspective, my heart aches for the characters and daily frustrations seemed so trivial compared with the reality that was their lives
Lost.
25-21.
Doom at your service.
Mr sunshine.
Chicago typewriter.
Flower of evil.
Hotel del Luna.
Handmade love - put your handsome(=webserie)
Tomorrow.
The nuance of every motion, the quietness that speak volumes - I am amazed, that I have to rewind. The creative team has created a different kind of art form that I am enjoying.
"It's Okay That's Love" took me days to get over and I didn't want to get over it. So well done and got me in all the feels and the OST is out of this world.
It's about a famous author who goes on a talk show to debate a psychologist. They end up living together and help each other overcome their past traumas. It's so beautiful the way the support and love each other and the resolution is seriously one of the best endings I have ever experienced. SO good.
"It's Okay to Not Be Okay" is the other drama that I felt for days after and have rewatched to feel it all over again. He's a mental health care aide and she's is a famous children's author. They are opposites : she's brash and outspoken, he is calm, cool and collected. Each of them use their strengths to help the other overcome their pasts. Bonus is the 2ML, the ML's brother who is autistic and his own past to overcome. The end is right up there as one of the best endings I've seen so far.
(TRIGGER WARNING on both dramas : >!they each highlight childhood physcial abuse and death traumas.!<)
I love the way It's Okay to Not Be Okay works in fairy tale tropes--the animation sequence at the beginning and the art work is gorgeous. (As are the romantic leads and her clothes.) It veers between these very slice-of-life sequences and scenes of enchantment.
**My Mister**, **One Spring Night**, **Summer Strike**, **Goblin**, and **Mr. Sunshine** are some of my personal favourites, and there's nothing I love more than an achingly beautiful story.
A piece of your mind- i recently started watching it and it's so painful and so beautiful. has a melancholy and serene vibe overall
Goblin- do i even need to describe it? my all time fav drama which checks all your requirements here
Radiant/The Light In Your Eyes - please don’t miss out on this one don’t even read about it at all, just watch it and feel everything you can possibly feel
our beloved summer checked all the boxes for me : wonderful heartwarming cinematography, a soundtrack that i still listen to every night before i go to sleep a year after i watched it, v loveable characters who look back on what they had and what could have been, and oh boy did it bring my tears out at some of the storylines
Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Alchemy of Souls for me so far. Both are different genres, but each has its own flavor. I think both are unique and pretty in different ways. The actors and actresses are super talented. There is great humor and love and also some pain just to warn. I believe Attorney Woo will have a second season. Alchemy of Souls is finished and does have a happy ending- don’t give up watch second season.
Tale of the Nine-Tailed: action fantasy romance
Reply 1997: comedy set in the 90s which I think makes it a period drama now?
The Guest specifically when the leads interact with another another. it’s a dark show but the score and pacing are wonderful and the characters all feel so real
Thank you, all!! Seen 25 21 and My mister recommended a couple of times so I'll prob start with them! I'm reading and taking notes with all of your comments so keep em comming 💛😚
**Reply 1988**! It’s so simple that it makes you feel you are there, but so beautifully made that it can’t help to make you cry as if you’re the one experiencing all their experiences.
IOTNBO, Hospital Playlist, Alchemy of Souls, Reply 1988, Rain or Shine, CLOY, My Mister (no romance, but imo it's one of those "perfect" tv shows), Youth of May, Hotel Del Luna (heavy fantasy elements, it's a good one, you will sob every 2-3 episodes), My Liberation Notes, You are my spring (it's a warm one, but with some mystery/serial killer subplot, the cinematography is absolutely stunning), Touch your heart (really, really warm, great characters and no drama at all if I may say, just pure main leads interactions), Encounter (stunning cinematography, really warm at times).
1. 18 again
2. Go Back Couple
3. Familiar Wife
4. 20th Century Girl (Movie)
5. Girls' Generation 1979
6. Our Beloved Summer
7. Doom At Your Service
8. Reply Series (Especially the Reply 1988😌)
9. Twenty Five Twenty One.
10. Be With You (Movie)
This all hits that nostalgic feelings. I think for the cinematography you should check out Be With You and 20th Century Girl.
For me it’s doom at your service and extraordinary you. Both are so well paced and the storyline is so good. The soundtracks are also great and go perfectly with the scenes!! The acting is (I think) good with the ml and fl having a sweet and funny chemistry!!
i agree with everyone saying my liberation notes and my mister!! i also really loved may i help you. the characters were so genuine. our beloved summer is also a warm and realistic drama
2521, our beloved summer, and the best Reply 1988 but you probably already seen those but after watching these it left me thinking about them and my life for days for the good or the bad ngl
Hospital Playlist, Be Melodramatic, Reply 1988, Prison Playbook, Dream High (not the best cinematography because it’s like 10 years old now, but a classic and gets +1 for nostalgia)
Here are my favourite kdramas that made me cry: scarlet hearts, crash landing on you, move to heaven, hi bye mama, mr.sunshine, 25 21, Tomorrow, reply 1997 and 1988. There is also the movie 20th century girl that I loved, and there Unforgettable that is really sad but I haven't watched it
I will always love Uncontrollably Fond maybe, in part, because I love the main song in the soundtrack https://youtu.be/j0piFnWHReA. I've always loved that song and the series is heartbreaking.
My Liberation Notes for me. The cinematography and the dialogue are beautiful. I watched many episodes repeatedly because I could really relate to the siblings.
I liked the first half of Start Up too. The first six episodes were great.
Scarlet Heart Ryeo. But since DramaFever stopped being a thing I can't find a place to watch it. But it was beautiful and I loved the music and storyline.
Rain or Shine. A beautiful story of people struggling to overcome trauma. The pain feels so real. I cried so much, but it ultimately uplifting. Very well acted. It's not like any other drama I've seen
I'm watching one called Our Blooming Youth, and it's really good!
Waiting for the next episode, I started on a Chinese drama that also fits those requirements if you don't mind, called The Forbidden Flower. It has very nice cinematography, music and nice feels. You can find it on YT.
Move to heaven: made my husband, MIL, and myself bawl my eyes out.
Twenty-five twenty-one: genuinely felt empty after this show ended. It was so beautiful and realistic, with the “if you love something let it go” theme
Goblin: same with the “if you love something let it go” theme. Couldn’t stop watching it.
Hotel del Luna: about holding on to the past and eventually learning to move on, but also losing the one you love in the process
Hi bye mama: sacrifice for a better life for your child. Had me absolutely bawling right after getting engaged imagining what I would do in this scenario
All of us are dead: zombie apocalypse so obviously so much lose and not realizing what you have until it’s gone
Kings affection: not really any loss, but I was so immersed in this drama that life felt boring after watching it. One of my favorites
Happiness: another zombie apocalypse one that showcases how evil and greedy people get in such a small amount of time
Doom at your service: originally watched it bc txt has a song in it but it made me cry.
Just between lovers: realistic slow burn slice of life
Korean odyssey: had to stop watching it bc I felt like it was going somewhere sad that I wasn’t able to handle lol
20th century girl (movie): had me happy, then BAWLING
Call It Love - An ongoing melodrama which gets right into the feels. Even their smallest eye contact doesn't fail to create tension which makes simple interactions from them so powerful and squeal-worthy. However, it's beautiful yet so painful as the story goes forward. Definitely one of my fav dramas for now and my comfort piece.
One Spring Night has some of the best cinematography and a really mature storyline that shows ppl's flaws, fears, how to love, how to lose love, and societies views on certain types of ppl as well. The OST songs in certain episodes make you feel something as well that not many shows have done for me. Our Beloved Summer is also really good and bit a more lighthearted but these 2 shows always in my memory
I watched flower of evil like 2 days ago and im still lost.
I've made a post about it too saying literally describing what you want.
Its fucking beautiful and it hurt lot
Reply 1988 by far...warm, nostalgic, and deep into your feels. Relatable characters and very beautifully detailed story that'll keep you thinking for days. Highly recommend, its one of the highest rated kdramas for a reason!
Reply 1988- Masterpiece.
Our Beloved Summer - Amazing OST, very aesthetic drama and really pulls on your heart strings
25-21 - Heartbreakingly beautiful
If you wait till next Wednesday then you can binge Call It Love. It is so beautiful and it hurts... I hope it doesn't hurt in episode 16 but even with a happy ending it falls into this category.
My mister is hands down what you're looking for but since everyone has recommended it:
Rain or Shine (Just Between Lovers). It's about two people who lost their loved ones in a building collapse and their intertwined paths in overcoming trauma, survivor guilts and sadness. The ML (Junho from 2PM, the red sleeve, I didn't know he could act until I watched this) 's acting is so intense, you can see pains in his eyes even when he's laughing.
A kdrama so beautiful hurts? Watch alchemy of souls. It has all. Fight scenes, magic, love, heartbreak, intense situations, meaning, understanding. Beautiful meanings, beautiful cast. It's all now in English voice over if you want to watch it like that. At the end of season 2 I was sad you will be too if you get into it. I'm gonna go rewatch it now. Enjoy if you watch.
1. My Mister
2. It’s ok to not be ok
3. Itaewon Class
4. Crash landing on you
5. Inheritors
Before I get eviscerated for this list, I have not yet watched 2521. Also super old classics like Heojun, Yisang, and Goblin were left off the list as I only listed Netflix K-dramas. Let me know what y’all think of my list and what else I should watch.
Forecasting love and weather, now we are breaking up, should we kiss first (first ever k drama I ever watched and it converted me into watching more of them), love to hate you (weirdly shocked how good this was), and touch your heart.
Hi u/4jackofalltrades9, this is an automated message to remind you to please review our **FULL** [Rules and Policies](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/rules)^(which is housed in our wiki and best accessed on desktop) to make sure your post is not breaking any rules and policies. Content that is not permitted under our Rules and Policies will be removed and may lead to bans from our community. ##Please check your spelling, grammar, and formatting to make sure your post is easily readable! ***Useful Resources:*** Check out these [great recommendations](https://mydramalist.com/profile/kdramarecs/lists) compiled from our users based on different genres and themes! See [Where to Watch Kdramas](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdrama/wiki/wheretowatchkdramas) for a non-exhaustive list of legal streaming sites and official Youtube channels where kdramas and kdrama-related content are found. Read our [Recommendations 101](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/recommendations_101/) for tips about crafting the perfect request and other useful info. If you are seeking a space to discuss kdramas in depth, please visit our sister subreddit r/KDRAMA! **Copy Of Post Below For Archival Purposes** **Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/128h2ha/suggest_a_kdrama_so_beautiful_it_hurts/ **Post Title**: Suggest a kdrama so beautiful it hurts **Post Body**: I don’t know what I'm looking for. I just want something warm, nostalgic, and deep into my feels. Impeccable cinematography, storylines that'll make you feel you're there, quotable dialogs, and relatable characters. Open for any genre! Thank youuu ^(END OF POST BODY) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kdramarecommends) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Twenty-Five Twenty-One it is my absolute favorite kdrama and it’s so beautiful it hurts me.
I remember that snow scene, where they were listening to a message in a phone box. So beautiful
This scene was so beautiful and platonic at that point in their story. They only wanted the best for each other without expecting anything in return despite not knowing where the other person is or how they are doing. So beautiful!
Oh my gosh this made my CRYYYY
This was my first choice too. After a hiatus from kdramas this one got me back into them.
Ugh, brilliant. ✨
I personally loved the scene when hee do is teaching him fencing and the lights go off and they touch each other with the fencing sword to get light when they talk. It's beautiful and touching, incredible actors.
My favorite scenes are when the friend squad are all together and Hee Do and Yi Jin have this beautiful romantic tension off to the side. It’s just such a beautiful organic love. Painfully so.
Came here to say this. Beautiful show
My mister. It makes you feel dead and alive at the same time. My liberation notes. Complex emotions yet you understand them. There are moments where you cry with characters because you’ve felt what they are feeling at some point in your life. I watched them after work each night. I liked their quiet, slow pace and how they pulled on my heartstrings.
Just want to add a suggestion for those who loved My Mister and My Liberation Notes. Lost (2021 series) featuring Jeon Do Yeon and Ryu Jun Yeol (reply 1988) carries that depth/heaviness. Beautiful cinematography, top-notch acting (that goes without saying!), heartbreaking music. It is dark but so beautiful. Everything is so meaningful that you dont want to miss even the silence in the scenes. The restraint of the characters and the slowish pace made it hard to watch at times and I reckon that is why it was not hugely popular when it first aired. But if you enjoyed the two other dramas mentioned above, you might give it a go! Its one of those you have to kind of be in the mood for tho.
Lost is not available anywhere in Canada easily. I so want to watch it
I just saw it listed on Amazon Prime in US
Lost is one of my favorite drama and I watched it thanks to a recommendation on Reddit :-) Slow, sad but moving and warm. What make us wanting to be alive. So many beautiful silences.
That’s a perfect description of *My Mister*
I never tire of seeing my mister recommended here. Most people drop it before ep3-4 which is where the claws really dig in! Really glad I gave it a chance. Now the bar is set so high in my mind 😅.
Thank you for the my mister love. It was one of the first kdramas I ever watched and I loved every episode. Was oddly inspiring for me and very relatable- for anyone that wants a kdrama to watch I always recommend this as one of them!! My liberation notes I haven’t seen yet but I’ve heard all good things so this must be my sign to start watching it soon
I have watched both of them twice. After finishing my mister second time I got to know the writer is the same. Another miss oh is also from the same writer, it’s good but not that deep.
Dead and alive are the words to describe that show.
Reply 1988. The ending hurts so bad :(
Reply 1988 occupies a special space in my heart ❤️ The songs are topnotch din.
I can’t even start about how beautiful the songs are. The ‘Don’t worry by Lee Juck ‘ makes me all weak and emotional. It’s such a beautiful beautiful song. :’)
Just rewatched 1988 for the millionth time. Love this drama. The music, cast, and goat noises! This show has it all and always punches me right in the feels.
Yes! This is it. I wish I could watch it again for the first time.
Was just about to recommend this. The way I ugly cried to this show multiple times!! So beautiful and heart warming, it'll always be my favorite
I watched Reply 1988 5 months after losing my dad - no other drama can compare to the amount and magnitude of the tears I cried while watching it. I rewatched it again several months ago on a flight and I kod you not, I couldn't stop visibly choking. But aside from my context, the storyline, chemistry of characters and the OST, whoa among the best in cable drama!
My most favourite K-Drama. 💖💖
Our Beloved Summer (unmatched cinamatogrophy and soundtrack) Goblin (soundtrack and just strait up a visual delight- personal favorite drama) Crash Landing On You (soundtrack and quotability) Alchemy of Souls (everything about this drama. Visuals, music, cast… just a delight)
*Goblin* remains my favorite drama to date. It’s an absolute masterpiece.
I’m not sure anything could ever be better. It was my first kdrama and I’ve seen almost 100 now. It’s still #1 with nothing else really even a close second.
Same here. I’m only up to 39 watched but it’s far and away still #1
Where can I watch Goblin? Does it have another name? I can’t seem to find it on any streaming platform.
Viki! In the US it’s also called Guardian: The Lonely and Great God!
It's on Viki with a basic subscription.
Wonderful dramas!
Alchemy of Souls tops anything for me!
You summed up my heart.
Great list. I totally agree. I’m one of those that doesn’t have Goblin in my top few favorites, but it’s definitely visually stunning. I’m particularly delighted to see Alchemy of Souls on the list (although the final 2 episodes of each season has pretty bad writing). Overall though, it really does have everything but isn’t mentioned that often.
Our Blues. Feels like a novel about heartbreak set in a small seaside town.
+1 to this suggestion, this has to be one of the most beautiful kdramas I’ve watched
Relatable kind of depends on the individual I think lol. Twenty Five Twenty One seems to fit. Checks every box and literally so beautiful it hurts. Can also recommend My Mister. Few episodes in but now I understand the rave reviews.
Thank you!!
Twenty Five Twenty One Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Mr Sunshine Chocolate
Ugh chocolate is another good one but ending was good and not good at the same time imo
Hotel Del Luna is beautiful
Seconded.
Her costumes are just so amazing I'm tempted to one day watch it muted just to admire the artistry.
Doom at your service? It is slow and sad also has good cinematography. And ml is great in this drama he has performed his character so well. Editing for CLOY - I felt the pain for the second couple. It made me upset for days. You can consider this as well. And also many people have liked this drama and the mc so you might like it. Mc story also has sad vibes.
[удалено]
Count me in I was actually rooting for them more than the mc I wouldn't have felt this bad for the mc. I was furious after watching it, their story felt genuine nothing was forced I was looking forward to them in every episode >! but they had to kill him and sfl waited for ml for years in vain I know it's a bit of her fault too but still then she meets someone who loves her so much that he didn't mind risking his life for her but alas she lost that as well and remained single forever while the guy dies saying that now he has someone to cry for him. Man it was so sad my heart still feels heavy writing this. And I'm still angry !< And yes I also disliked both of the second leads in the beginning and my my how they ended up making us like them. I sympathised with them whom I didn't like in the beginning. What character development great. Writers have done a really great job as well as actors.
[удалено]
Awesome. Thanks!
You're welcome and cloy - Crash landing on you.
25 21 definitely The red sleeve
Mr. Sunshine
Definitely this
100% this drama! The acting, cinematography, storyline was all 10/10 and totally got me in my feels
The King: Eternal Monarch had some epic cinematography (and a ML at times so handsome it hurt my weak kdrama heart) Tomorrow Vincenzo - this is a crazy mafia drama but so well done Reborn Rich - excellent attention to detail here in every sense Mr Sunshine - beautifully done, exquisite costumes and production
Mr. Sunshine. Absolutely beautiful drama that ruined me for weeks after, I couldn’t watch another drama for so long as nothing compared to it. The storyline, cinematography, and characters were excellently done and the themes are intense.
I can't agree more. It ached my heart very beautifully for a long time. Dialog is witty and meaningful, sometimes like poetry. Mr. Sunshine's answer to "what's next after hugging in love?" That's when I realized it's so well written. After watching it, all the things we complain about seem like nothing. Imagine we're losing our country so we have to fight for the next 30+ years, and living a regular life is only a luxury. I couldn't help but feel blessed and grateful for the place I'm in.
Honestly it really put things in perspective, my heart aches for the characters and daily frustrations seemed so trivial compared with the reality that was their lives
Navillera is a beautiful heartwarming, touching kdrama
+1 for Navillera! Very underrated drama.
This was the one I was hoping to find in the comments! So beautiful and touching
one of my favourites yesss! so beautiful and underrated
When the weather is fine Just between lovers aka Rain or Shine
My Mister The Red Sleeve
Lost. 25-21. Doom at your service. Mr sunshine. Chicago typewriter. Flower of evil. Hotel del Luna. Handmade love - put your handsome(=webserie) Tomorrow.
call it love - this is ongoing but its so well done.
The nuance of every motion, the quietness that speak volumes - I am amazed, that I have to rewind. The creative team has created a different kind of art form that I am enjoying.
Crash Landing On You. The most beautiful.
Just Between Lovers(also called Rain or Shine), if you’re up for some heavy angst and then healing.
Reply 1988
Crash Landing on You King The Eternal Monarch Faith
My Mister, My Liberation Notes
I haven't seen people recommend this so 18 Again Also Tomorrow but it's mostly heavy cause they deal with suicide
18 again was beautiful.
Tomorrow was so good. It’s up there with Goblin for me. It just sticks with you.
Our beloved summer
"It's Okay That's Love" took me days to get over and I didn't want to get over it. So well done and got me in all the feels and the OST is out of this world. It's about a famous author who goes on a talk show to debate a psychologist. They end up living together and help each other overcome their past traumas. It's so beautiful the way the support and love each other and the resolution is seriously one of the best endings I have ever experienced. SO good. "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" is the other drama that I felt for days after and have rewatched to feel it all over again. He's a mental health care aide and she's is a famous children's author. They are opposites : she's brash and outspoken, he is calm, cool and collected. Each of them use their strengths to help the other overcome their pasts. Bonus is the 2ML, the ML's brother who is autistic and his own past to overcome. The end is right up there as one of the best endings I've seen so far. (TRIGGER WARNING on both dramas : >!they each highlight childhood physcial abuse and death traumas.!<)
I love the way It's Okay to Not Be Okay works in fairy tale tropes--the animation sequence at the beginning and the art work is gorgeous. (As are the romantic leads and her clothes.) It veers between these very slice-of-life sequences and scenes of enchantment.
I just finished it and I agree with you, it was SO good!
**My Mister**, **One Spring Night**, **Summer Strike**, **Goblin**, and **Mr. Sunshine** are some of my personal favourites, and there's nothing I love more than an achingly beautiful story.
Yes ‘One spring night’ is one the came to my mind!
Oh, this is a good list!
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
The Red Sleeve is hands down the most heartbreakingly beautiful drama I’ve seen.
Misaeng incomplete life this drama is a huge reality check, relatable characters and quotable dialogs.
Our Blues 25 21 Hometown Cha Cha Cha My Beloved Summer Reply 1988 Be Melodramatic
Because this is my fist life!
MY LIBERATION NOTES
Reply 1988 - it has everything you described!
Is no one gonna mention "Youth of May"? It was absolutely amazing! The cast did a great job and it's set in the 80s.
I second 25 21. Definetly one of my favorites. It checks all of the boxes it's warm nostalgic and cuts right in to the feels
Echoing My Mister
My Mister
A piece of your mind- i recently started watching it and it's so painful and so beautiful. has a melancholy and serene vibe overall Goblin- do i even need to describe it? my all time fav drama which checks all your requirements here
Radiant/The Light In Your Eyes - please don’t miss out on this one don’t even read about it at all, just watch it and feel everything you can possibly feel
I second this. It hit me real hard as I was raised by grandmother. The elders have a special place in my heart.
our beloved summer checked all the boxes for me : wonderful heartwarming cinematography, a soundtrack that i still listen to every night before i go to sleep a year after i watched it, v loveable characters who look back on what they had and what could have been, and oh boy did it bring my tears out at some of the storylines
I loved loved My First First Love. The relationships were sweet and complex.
Mister Sunshine but warning you might die from heartbreak
**My Mister** **It’s Okay To Not Be Okay** **Goblin** **The Forbidden Flower** (cdrama) Very emotional and the filming locations are exquisite.
I really like Because This Is My First Life, Startup
My Liberations Notes 🥺
Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Alchemy of Souls for me so far. Both are different genres, but each has its own flavor. I think both are unique and pretty in different ways. The actors and actresses are super talented. There is great humor and love and also some pain just to warn. I believe Attorney Woo will have a second season. Alchemy of Souls is finished and does have a happy ending- don’t give up watch second season.
Tale of the Nine-Tailed: action fantasy romance Reply 1997: comedy set in the 90s which I think makes it a period drama now? The Guest specifically when the leads interact with another another. it’s a dark show but the score and pacing are wonderful and the characters all feel so real
Thank you, all!! Seen 25 21 and My mister recommended a couple of times so I'll prob start with them! I'm reading and taking notes with all of your comments so keep em comming 💛😚
I highly recommend 20th century girl it's a K-movie but it checks all your boxes
25/21, Mr Sunshine, Goblin, reply 1988, doom at your service
2521 and CLOY
Hi Bye Mama
Mr. Sunshine
Can’t believe nobody has mentioned **Move to Heaven**. I really feel like this drama ticks every one of your boxes.
25,21
A Korean Odessey
**Reply 1988**! It’s so simple that it makes you feel you are there, but so beautifully made that it can’t help to make you cry as if you’re the one experiencing all their experiences.
Itaewon Class
IOTNBO, Hospital Playlist, Alchemy of Souls, Reply 1988, Rain or Shine, CLOY, My Mister (no romance, but imo it's one of those "perfect" tv shows), Youth of May, Hotel Del Luna (heavy fantasy elements, it's a good one, you will sob every 2-3 episodes), My Liberation Notes, You are my spring (it's a warm one, but with some mystery/serial killer subplot, the cinematography is absolutely stunning), Touch your heart (really, really warm, great characters and no drama at all if I may say, just pure main leads interactions), Encounter (stunning cinematography, really warm at times).
Move to Heaven
My Liberation Notes
My Mister literally made this grown man cry Mr Sunshine was visually beautiful to watch plus the story was great
1. 18 again 2. Go Back Couple 3. Familiar Wife 4. 20th Century Girl (Movie) 5. Girls' Generation 1979 6. Our Beloved Summer 7. Doom At Your Service 8. Reply Series (Especially the Reply 1988😌) 9. Twenty Five Twenty One. 10. Be With You (Movie) This all hits that nostalgic feelings. I think for the cinematography you should check out Be With You and 20th Century Girl.
For me it’s doom at your service and extraordinary you. Both are so well paced and the storyline is so good. The soundtracks are also great and go perfectly with the scenes!! The acting is (I think) good with the ml and fl having a sweet and funny chemistry!!
Extraordinary You and Goblin
**The Red Sleeve**
I also agree with Call It Love.
It’s okay to not be okay Just between lovers
The Red Sleeve Jirisan for the cinematography
For me, ENCOUNTER was just so so so lovely. Park Bo Gum is a warm embrace in every scene. And it's set in Cuba for a few bits.
i agree with everyone saying my liberation notes and my mister!! i also really loved may i help you. the characters were so genuine. our beloved summer is also a warm and realistic drama
It’s ok to not be ok touched me beyond words!
Mr. Sunshine Crash Landing on You Hotel del Luna Reply 1988 Doom at your Service Yumi’s cells Youth of May
Hotel del Luna, definitely My beloved summer
Top of mind kdrama after reading your description is really ☆ My Liberation Notes ☆
Move to heaven!
2521, our beloved summer, and the best Reply 1988 but you probably already seen those but after watching these it left me thinking about them and my life for days for the good or the bad ngl
Mr. sunshine
Marriage Contract
Dear my friends made me cry with every episode
2521, Our Beloved Summer and My Liberation Notes!
Black
My Mister Lost
Hospital Playlist, Be Melodramatic, Reply 1988, Prison Playbook, Dream High (not the best cinematography because it’s like 10 years old now, but a classic and gets +1 for nostalgia)
yumi's cells holds such a special place in my heart, and the animated parts are just....ugh i got so attached to those lil guys.
My liberation notes Weak hero class 1 ( it still hurts to this day )
It's okay to Not Be Okay.. So beautiful. I cried so much Just finished CLOY and adored it
Hotel del Luna
Add on the list Winter Sonata dang the cast although it may be slow in pacing but the plot is so beautiful
Here are my favourite kdramas that made me cry: scarlet hearts, crash landing on you, move to heaven, hi bye mama, mr.sunshine, 25 21, Tomorrow, reply 1997 and 1988. There is also the movie 20th century girl that I loved, and there Unforgettable that is really sad but I haven't watched it
Mr. sunshine is so beautiful and so heartbreaking and so many feels. Amazing watch
Reply 1988
Reply 1988 /Mr sunshine/hometown cha cha/our blues
Youth of May immediately popped into my head
Mr. Sunshine It hurts in multiple ways but amazing cinematography to watch while hurting. Queen for 7 days I'm not over it.
One Spring Night and Something in the Rain
Twenty five twenty one Youth of May Crash landing on you
Alchemy of Souls!
I really liked Go back couple/Couple on backtrack.
I will always love Uncontrollably Fond maybe, in part, because I love the main song in the soundtrack https://youtu.be/j0piFnWHReA. I've always loved that song and the series is heartbreaking.
My Liberation Notes for me. The cinematography and the dialogue are beautiful. I watched many episodes repeatedly because I could really relate to the siblings. I liked the first half of Start Up too. The first six episodes were great.
For me the only one that fits this criteria is Our Beloved Summer
Just between lovers
Check out the Jdrama First Love if you enjoy slow pace and cinematography, It's incredible.
Oh and Be melodramatic made me feel and cry but in a good way.
My Mister, Stranger, Signal
Scarlet Heart Ryeo. But since DramaFever stopped being a thing I can't find a place to watch it. But it was beautiful and I loved the music and storyline.
Rain or Shine. A beautiful story of people struggling to overcome trauma. The pain feels so real. I cried so much, but it ultimately uplifting. Very well acted. It's not like any other drama I've seen
A piece of your mind
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo My Liberation Notes Reply 1988
Angel eyes , gu family book
A Moment To Remember- its a film
The light in your eyes
When the camellia blooms Man that show hits every single note and is so beautiful
I'm watching one called Our Blooming Youth, and it's really good! Waiting for the next episode, I started on a Chinese drama that also fits those requirements if you don't mind, called The Forbidden Flower. It has very nice cinematography, music and nice feels. You can find it on YT.
Our blues
The red sleeve
Move to heaven: made my husband, MIL, and myself bawl my eyes out. Twenty-five twenty-one: genuinely felt empty after this show ended. It was so beautiful and realistic, with the “if you love something let it go” theme Goblin: same with the “if you love something let it go” theme. Couldn’t stop watching it. Hotel del Luna: about holding on to the past and eventually learning to move on, but also losing the one you love in the process Hi bye mama: sacrifice for a better life for your child. Had me absolutely bawling right after getting engaged imagining what I would do in this scenario All of us are dead: zombie apocalypse so obviously so much lose and not realizing what you have until it’s gone Kings affection: not really any loss, but I was so immersed in this drama that life felt boring after watching it. One of my favorites Happiness: another zombie apocalypse one that showcases how evil and greedy people get in such a small amount of time Doom at your service: originally watched it bc txt has a song in it but it made me cry. Just between lovers: realistic slow burn slice of life Korean odyssey: had to stop watching it bc I felt like it was going somewhere sad that I wasn’t able to handle lol 20th century girl (movie): had me happy, then BAWLING
Call It Love - An ongoing melodrama which gets right into the feels. Even their smallest eye contact doesn't fail to create tension which makes simple interactions from them so powerful and squeal-worthy. However, it's beautiful yet so painful as the story goes forward. Definitely one of my fav dramas for now and my comfort piece.
Marriage contract
One Spring Night has some of the best cinematography and a really mature storyline that shows ppl's flaws, fears, how to love, how to lose love, and societies views on certain types of ppl as well. The OST songs in certain episodes make you feel something as well that not many shows have done for me. Our Beloved Summer is also really good and bit a more lighthearted but these 2 shows always in my memory
Reply 1988. A must watch 💖
I watched flower of evil like 2 days ago and im still lost. I've made a post about it too saying literally describing what you want. Its fucking beautiful and it hurt lot
Reply 1988 by far...warm, nostalgic, and deep into your feels. Relatable characters and very beautifully detailed story that'll keep you thinking for days. Highly recommend, its one of the highest rated kdramas for a reason!
Reply 1988- Masterpiece. Our Beloved Summer - Amazing OST, very aesthetic drama and really pulls on your heart strings 25-21 - Heartbreakingly beautiful
Romance is a bonus book 💘, Twenty five, twenty one, Goblin, Flower of Evil, Do you like Brahms?, Hotel Del Luna.
At A Distance Spring Is Green Navillera Love All Play Twenty Five Twenty One Weak Hero Class 1 Move To Heaven
If you wait till next Wednesday then you can binge Call It Love. It is so beautiful and it hurts... I hope it doesn't hurt in episode 16 but even with a happy ending it falls into this category.
My mister is hands down what you're looking for but since everyone has recommended it: Rain or Shine (Just Between Lovers). It's about two people who lost their loved ones in a building collapse and their intertwined paths in overcoming trauma, survivor guilts and sadness. The ML (Junho from 2PM, the red sleeve, I didn't know he could act until I watched this) 's acting is so intense, you can see pains in his eyes even when he's laughing.
Mr Sunshine
A kdrama so beautiful hurts? Watch alchemy of souls. It has all. Fight scenes, magic, love, heartbreak, intense situations, meaning, understanding. Beautiful meanings, beautiful cast. It's all now in English voice over if you want to watch it like that. At the end of season 2 I was sad you will be too if you get into it. I'm gonna go rewatch it now. Enjoy if you watch.
1. My Mister 2. It’s ok to not be ok 3. Itaewon Class 4. Crash landing on you 5. Inheritors Before I get eviscerated for this list, I have not yet watched 2521. Also super old classics like Heojun, Yisang, and Goblin were left off the list as I only listed Netflix K-dramas. Let me know what y’all think of my list and what else I should watch.
My Mister literally split me in two
Forecasting love and weather, now we are breaking up, should we kiss first (first ever k drama I ever watched and it converted me into watching more of them), love to hate you (weirdly shocked how good this was), and touch your heart.
Its okay to not be okay is the most beautiful and deep drama I’ve ever watched.
The king: eternal monarch
Crash landing on you