My 2024 Asian Drama Recap (Part 2)

Welcome back to part two of my 2024 Asian drama recap! After diving into some of the standout Chinese series in my first post, which showcased a variety of genres and captivating storylines, it's time to shine a spotlight on my favorite Korean dramas of the year. The landscape of K-dramas has always been rich and diverse, and 2024 has proven to be an incredible year filled with exceptional storytelling and memorable performances. From heartwarming romantic comedies that bring a smile to your face to gripping romance thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this year's offerings have something for every kind of viewer.

Just like in Part 1 of this recap, this list is in no particular order.

Lovely Runner

How I Remember The Story

Ryu Sun-jae’s life is tragically cut short, leaving behind a love story that never had its chance to unfold. Determined to rewrite fate, Im Sol, a woman deeply connected to his fate, discovers the ability to travel 15 years into the past, giving her a second chance to save him.

As Sol revisits pivotal moments in their past, she and Sun-jae fall in love again, only to see him die tragically in every timeline. No matter how hard Sol tries to alter events, she cannot prevent his death. But as the pain of losing him grows, Sol comes to a devastating realization: the only way to truly save Sun-jae is if they never meet at all.

With a heavy heart, Sol must embark on the excruciating task of erasing every trace of herself from Sun-jae’s life, even if it means sacrificing their love forever.

What Kept Me Watching

Where do I even begin with Love Runner? It's a story that made me fall in love with every single episode. Not once did I feel bored or disconnected. It’s a beautifully crafted story, brought to life by a fantastic script and exceptional performances. The comedic moments are expertly balanced against what is, at its core, a heartbreaking story.

I was immediately hooked by the premise, especially the moment when Sun-jae prevents Im Sol from harming herself simply through his words over the phone. However, the first episode plays that heavy irony what it made to seem like Sun-jae have commited the ultimate act of harming himself after preventing from Im Sol from doing the same. It sets a deeply poignant overtone for the entire show.

Im Sol’s quirky, sometimes cringey antics in the beginning eventually won me over as her character evolved. She’s relentless and unwavering, and that fierce determination adds a unique charm to the show. Sun-jae, too, is an incredibly lovable character - awkward yet endearing in every way. His constant devotion to Sol is truly heartwarming. No matter the timeline, she just needs to appear in front of him, and he falls helplessly in love with her all over again. Who wouldn’t swoon over a love like that?

Lovely Runner has quickly become one of my favorite Korean dramas. It reminds me of the classic films from the early 2000s, with a vibe similar to My Sassy Girl, blended with touches of Il Mare and The Classic.

And also, I shouldn’t forget to mention the amazing soundtrack.

Most Memorable Scene

Every episode has memorable scenes that it just feels wrong to just pick one. But if I absolutely must choose, it has to be the final moment when they were catching cherry blossoms and then suddenly ta-dah! There is a ring on Im Sol’s palm. The image was beautiful and sincere - just pure romance and magic.

Marry My Husband

How I Remember The Story

Kang Ji-won is suffering from terminal gastric cancer when she discovers her husband, Park Min-hwan, in an affair with her best friend, Jeong Su-min. Ji-won confronts them, leading to an argument where Min-hwan accidentally pushes Ji-won, causing her to fall onto a glass table.

At that moment, Ji-won dies but miraculously wakes up 10 years in the past with the help of her deceased father’s spirit. Having the knowledge from her previous life, Ji-won is determined to alter her destiny. To live a better life, she realizes she must transfer her misfortune to others. She begins plotting revenge with a plan for Su-min to marry Min-hwan, hoping that she gets to live the miserable life instead of her.

As the story progresses, Ji-won also discovers that her manager, Yoo Ji-hyuk, who also died in a car accident in the previous timeline, has been sent back as well. Ji-hyuk, aware of Min-hwan’s involvement in Ji-won’s death and harboring his own love for her, pledges to protect Ji-won and help her avoid the tragic fate she once faced.

What Kept Me Watching

The first episode of this series is quite overwhelming. It seems designed to provoke anger in viewers towards the story's villains. Min-hwan, his mom, and Su min are portrayed as such despicable characters that redemption seems nearly impossible. Throughout half of the first episode, I was appalled by the wickedness of these three villains, which made me eager for Ji-won to rise and begin her revenge. Ji-won's character was treated so unfairly that I watched the entire series just to cheer for her and see her achieve the better life she deserved.

For anyone who wants to raise their blood pressure a bit, this drama is definitely for you.

Most Memorable Scene

There isn't a particular scene that stands out for me to elaborate on. However, the first thing that comes to mind when this drama is mentioned is the image of Ji-won falling and crashing onto a glass table.

My Sweet Mobster

How I Remember The Story

Seo Ji-hwan, once a gangster and now a businessman, encounters Go Eun-ha, a well-known creator of children's web content. Although not having the best first impression of each, they collaborate to market a new food product for children. As they learn more about one another, they increasingly recognize each other's positive traits. Eun-ha starts to realize that beneath Ji-hwan's tough and aloof exterior lies a kind and generous man who is willing to go to great lengths to protect those he cares about. Interestingly, Ji-hwan starts to notice the good and vibrance that Eun-ha brings into his life.

As their attraction for each other intensifies, complications arise when their past troubles begin to catch up with them - Ji Hwan having to confront his identity as the son of the Gangster boss and Eun-ha searching for her beloved childhood friend.

What Kept Me Watching

This drama offers more than just heartwarming romance - it delves into multiple social issues, making it a compelling watch.

Firstly, the plot centers on an ex-gangster who starts a meat manufacturing business to provide employment for ex-convicts, offering a unique take on redemption. Unlike typical second-chance stories focused on revenge, this one courageously addresses the stigma faced by people with criminal pasts. It highlights the struggle of those who have served time, showing that despite their efforts to lead honest lives, society often makes it incredibly difficult for them to find decent employment.

This drama also sheds light on the pressures and challenges faced by web video content creators. Eun-ha, the main character, enjoys what she does but is constantly pressured to produce more commercial content. On top of that, she has to compete with other creators and deal with harsh online criticism. One shocking scene shows her being physically harassed - milk cartons thrown at her and cruel words yelled - by people demanding she take responsibility for a faulty product she unintentionally promoted. While she should certainly apologize, it's unjust for people to assault her over a mistake, especially when she didn’t even create the product.

Though I initially watched this drama because it felt like a proper romcom, I genuinely appreciated the deeper message about the dangers of social prejudices and the real-life consequences of cancel culture. It shows just how damaging these issues can be to individuals’ lives.

Most Memorable Scene

I definitely remember when Ji-hwan shielded Eun-ha from getting hit by milk cartons. That shot with his broad shoulders covering her completely is such a k-drama moment and I loved it.

Serendipity’s Embrace

How I Remember The Story

After spending many years in the United States, Kang Hoo-yeong, now a successful financial planner, has returned to Korea. On his first day back, a woman approached him, mistakenly thinking he was her blind date. To his astonishment, the woman turned out to be Lee Hong-ju, a friend from high school and his first love. However, she did not acknowledge him or seemed to pretend not to recognize him at that moment. As he attempts to get her to acknowledge him, he realized that she had been broken hearted all along. As they begin to reconnect, memories and old feelings begin to resurface from their high school days.

What Kept Me Watching

This is a story we've seen time and again in various forms - high school love, lost connections, and rekindling romance as adults.If you've seen enough dramas in this genre, then you’ve probably encountered this plot multiple times before. However, this particular drama falls short in delving deep into its characters and their potential. And I guess that is understandable given that this series has only 8 episodes.

While the high school flashbacks are meant to give us some backstory, they don’t succeed in adding much emotional depth to the narrative. They serve as a brief glimpse into the past, but they fail to truly capture the essence of what made the relationship between the characters significant. One of the key issues is with Hong-ju’s character. Even after watching the whole drama, I’m still unclear about whether she ever truly liked Hoo-yeong in the past. It always felt like she was too caught up with the writer guy, completely oblivious to Hoo-yeong’s affections. Even in the present timeline, Hong-ju comes across as unsure and hesitant about her feelings, which makes it difficult to fully connect with her character and her emotional journey. I just wished they explored just a little bit more on Hong-ju’s family background (it was there in the story not just as explicitly narrated as it could be). It could have added an extra layer to her character, helping to explain some of her actions and motivations.

That said, this show isn’t a complete disappointment. The acting is solid, and the chemistry between the main leads is undeniable, which helps to carry the story. One thing that works in its favor is that the drama is only 8 episodes long, making it easier to overlook some of its shortcomings. The shorter length ensures that the lack of depth doesn’t feel as glaring, and it’s just the right amount of time for anyone who’s looking for a light, uncomplicated drama.

If you're in the mood for something easy to watch without too much emotional investment, then this fits the bill perfectly.

Most Memorable Scene

Unfortunately, there isn't a specific scene that particularly stands out for me in this one.

The Missing Crown Prince

How I Remember The Story

In the royal palace, the power-hungry Royal Physician conspires with the Queen Dowager to elevate his daughter, Choi Myung-yoo, to the throne by having her marry Crown Prince Lee Goon. However, a seer foretells that Myung-yoo is cursed—her marriage will bring misfortune, causing her husband to die young and leaving her a widow without power. Desperate to avoid this fate, the Royal Physician and Queen Dowager seek a way to break the curse. According to the prophecy, they must find an unknown man to lie beside Myung-yoo in wedding attire, allowing their souls to unite to break the curse. But there's a catch: the man cannot see her face.

The plan seems flawless until Myung-yoo wakes up during the ritual and feels sympathy for the man who is unknowingly caught in her family’s scheme. Realizing what’s at stake, she decides to escape with him. Unbeknownst to her, the man she has taken is none other than the Crown Prince himself.

Thus begins a tangled web of palace intrigue, secret affairs between the Royal Physician and Queen Dowager, assassination plots against the King, and an unexpected romance that blooms between Myung-yoo and the Crown Prince.

What Kept Me Watching

This show had such an intriguing premise that it had me hooked in the first few episodes. The idea of a cursed royal marriage mixed with palace intrigue and a secret romance was enough to draw me in. But, honestly, after episode three, the plot quickly became a blur. The story had a lot of potential, especially with the chemistry between the Crown Prince and Myung-yoo, but somewhere along the way, the focus shifted. Rather than diving deeper into their relationship, the narrative got bogged down with palace politics and the secret romance between the Queen Dowager and Royal Physician. It felt like thestory was losing its balance and veering away from being a romcom (as it was labeled).

Despite my growing frustration with the pacing and overemphasis on the political drama, I found myself continuing to watch the series, mainly because I was intrigued by the new actors. Suho and Hong Ye-ji were both fresh faces for me, and I appreciated that. Their performances were solid, and I found myself invested in their characters, which is always a good sign. There's something refreshing about watching actors I don’t have preconceived notions about—it felt like I was watching *just* the Crown Prince and Myung-yoo, and it added a layer of immersion to the show.

I also have to admit that part of the reason I stuck with the show was that I had just finished a string of modern romcoms and fantasy romances. The Missing Crown Prince provided a nice change of pace with its historical setting, and I was craving something different, even though it didn't fully live up to its promise.

Most Memorable Scene

When I think about this show, the first image that comes to mind is the curse-breaking ritual, where the Crown Prince and Myung-yoo lie side by side in their wedding attire, sleeping together. That moment really stood out to me as the highlight of the series. Despite all the intricate plotting and manipulation, the show's villains made a crucial mistake by kidnapping the Crown Prince as the "random" groom for the ritual. It was a funny yet pivotal moment that underscored how fate always has a way of prevailing, no matter how hard people try to change it. Myung-yoo and the Crown Prince were clearly destined to be together.

The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract

How I Remember The Story

Set against the backdrop of the Joseon era, the story follows the tragic and mysterious journey of Park Yeon-woo, a young woman whose marriage is abruptly shattered when her husband dies on their wedding night. Overcome by grief, she is soon kidnapped by a masked stranger, thrown into a well, and left to die. However, fate has other plans as she miraculously survives and emerges from the water, finding herself transported to the modern world.

As Yeon-woo navigates this unfamiliar new reality, she meets Kang Tae-ha, a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to her late husband. As they become entwined in each other’s lives, Yeon-woo is forced to adapt quickly to her new surroundings while trying to make sense of the mysterious link between herself and Kang Tae-ha. In a twist of fate, she agrees to enter into a contract marriage with Tae-ha, who is driven by a desperate need to fulfill his grandfather's wish of seeing him married.

What Kept Me Watching

As a fan of both time-travel and historical dramas, I was eager to watch this one as soon as it was released. The lead actress, Lee Se-young, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Asian actresses of her generation, and her performance truly captivated me. The drama itself is visually stunning, with beautiful imagery that adds depth to the story.

In terms of plot, while there were some predictable elements, the story also included a few surprising twists. One of the biggest shocks for me was the revelation that the grandfather, who initially seemed like a supportive character, was actually playing the role of the villain. After all, it was his actions that led to the arranged marriage between Tae-ha and Young-woo.

Young-woo's return to the Joseon era was bittersweet. It felt necessary for her to confront past mistakes and find closure. But by that point, she had already fallen in love with Tae-ha from the modern era, so watching her relive her life with her husband from the Joseon period was emotionally complex. The inner turmoil she must have felt, staring at her beloved's face each day knowing it was not truly him, must have been overwhelming. Similarly, her husband’s quiet understanding of her feelings, despite his deep love for her, added another layer of heartbreak.

As I watched their intimate moments together, I found myself wishing that Young-woo would let go of her love for modern-day Tae-ha and devote herself to the man from the Joseon era, who was nothing but kind and devoted to her. However, fate had other plans. Her husband’s weak heart ultimately led to his death, and Young-woo eventually found her way back to Kang Tae-ha in the present day.

The ending, while expected, didn’t quite satisfy me. It felt a bit rushed. I was also comparing the conclusion of a similar drama, Rooftop Prince, in which the characters’ final reunion felt more organic knowing that everyone stayed in their true timeline. Despite that, this drama as a whole was enjoyable - short and sweet, with only 12 episodes, making it definitely worth watching.

Most Memorable Scene

I clearly have a bias towards the husband from the Joseon era. I wish his story had a better ending. His final breath, taken while leaning against Young-woo, perfectly captures the essence of the entire drama: bittersweet.

Queen of Tears

How I Remember The Story

Baek Hyun-woo, a lawyer from a modest farming background, marries Hong Hae-in, an heiress to a conglomerate family, despite their differences in status. Three years later, Hyun-woo is unhappy and plans to ask for a divorce. However, on the night he intends to tell Hae-in, she reveals that she has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has only three months to live. Seeing this as a way to avoid divorce, Hyun-woo decides to wait out her remaining time instead of telling her his intentions.

During this period, old feelings for Hae-in resurface, and Hyun-woo realizes how much he truly loves and cares for her, despite their past struggles. Meanwhile, Hae-in becomes determined to fight for her life and find a cure. Together, they embark on a journey of rediscovering each other and falling in love once again.

What Kept Me Watching

I must admit, my primary reason for watching this was the lead actor, Kim Soo-hyun, who continues to captivate with his remarkable talent. While the plot is undeniably steeped in familiar K-drama tropes, the incredible performances from the ensemble cast truly elevate the show. It's clear that a significant budget went into the production, allowing for visually impressive scenes, including those shot abroad, which added a nice touch of authenticity and grandeur.

As for the storyline, while it didn’t offer many unexpected twists, I found the supporting cast to be one of the standout elements. Their nuanced portrayals brought depth to the complex relationships within and between Hyun-woo and Hae-in's families, giving the drama that extra layer to make things interesting. This subtle but important detail helped elevate what might have otherwise been a fairly typical K-drama, making it more engaging and enjoyable.

Most Memorable Scene

Among all the emotional and captivating moments between Hyun-woo and Hae-in, the scene that left the strongest impression on me was the family dinner at Hyun-woo’s house. It was during this moment that Hae-in’s brother requested some expensive, bottled water from Europe. His petty demand, set against the seriousness of family drama, stood out so clearly. The actor’s performance in portraying the brother’s entitled attitude was so convincing that I could almost feel the discomfort and frustration from every character sitting at the table. The tension was palpable. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more intense, the scene reached its peak with the dramatic and satisfying slap Hae-in delivers to her brother, an unexpected yet satisfying moment of catharsis that wrapped up the scene perfectly.

What Comes After Love

How I Remember The Story

It tells the story of Hong, a young Korean woman who moved to Japan to study, and Jungo, an aspiring Japanese writer. The two fall in love and begin living together, but as time passes, the weight of adult responsibilities strains their relationship. Feeling lost and lacking self-esteem, Hong abruptly breaks up with Jungo and returns to Korea.

Five years later, Jungo has become a novelist under the pen name Sasae Hikari and comes to Korea to promote his book, What Comes After Love. Meanwhile, Hong works as an executive at her father’s publishing company, which is handling the promotion of Jungo’s book. When Hong is asked to step in as an interpreter for Jungo's arrival, they are inevitably reunited. As Jungo seeks to reconnect and address their past, Hong is torn, especially when she realizes that his novel is based on their relationship and his regrets about not recognizing her loneliness while they were together.

What Kept Me Watching

What kept me hooked on What Comes After Love was the unique combination of elements that made this drama stand out. First and foremost, the collaboration between Korea and Japan piqued my curiosity. I was eager to see how these two cultures would blend in terms of cinematography, tone, and language. To my pleasant surprise, the drama felt more like a Japanese production than a Korean one. The atmosphere had a distinct Japanese sensibility, and, interestingly, the characters spoke more Japanese than Korean throughout the series. I was also particularly drawn to the juxtaposition of somber, reflective scenes paired with moments of dreamy, almost surreal beauty. It felt like watching poetry in motion - each frame a piece of art, each moment imbued with emotion.

Another key element that kept me invested was the mesmerizing visual presence of the main actors. Lee Se-young and Kentaro Sakaguchi have such stunning on-screen chemistry that their beauty alone was enough to carry the drama. In fact, I think the series could have still been effective with minimal dialogue - just focusing on tight shots of their expressions and the silent communication between their characters. There were countless moments in the show where words were unnecessary, and the drama relied on the subtlety of their emotions and the rawness of their facial expressions. It was a masterclass in conveying deep emotion without saying a word. The literary aspects of the show also added a layer of richness. The incorporation of poetry in key moments made the experience all the more poignant.

Additionally, the cliffhangers at the end of each episode were perfectly executed. As someone who watched the drama as it aired, I can vouch for the agony of waiting a week for new episodes. Despite being a slow-burn romance, the buildup to each episode's end kept me on the edge of my seat.

The story itself tackled complex, real-world issues, which kept me emotionally invested throughout. Themes of loneliness in relationships and the personal struggles of living abroad in pursuit of one's dreams were at the forefront. The characters, Hong and Jungo, come to realize that love alone isn’t enough to sustain a relationship. Jungo, weighed down by the pressures of working, studying, and supporting Hong, finds himself overwhelmed, and Hong, too, struggles with the stress of navigating life in a foreign country. For all her perceived insecurities, Hong is also battling a deep sense of isolation and failure, especially after not being accepted into the study program she hoped for. Their imperfections made them relatable, and the emotional weight of their struggles felt very real.

At its core, What Comes After Love is a poignant and painful story about lost love, lingering resentments, and regrets. The fact that it was only six episodes long left me anxious by the time I reached episode 5, wondering if there would be enough time for the characters to confront their issues and find closure. There were many moments when I wished for more dramatic confrontations—big, explosive outbursts or tearful arguments. But instead, the show chose to focus on quiet, intimate moments of vulnerability. There was a certain beauty in how the characters silently wrestled with their emotions, and though I often felt frustrated by their lack of open communication, I understood the weight of their unspoken words.

The ending was what I expected: open-ended, yet hopeful. It offered a sense of possibility that Hong and Jungo might have a second chance at love, one that they were unable to fully experience in the past. Despite the unresolved tension, there was a sense that the future held a new opportunity for them to try again and perhaps learn from their past mistakes.

Most Memorable Scene

This drama is filled with numerous unforgettable scenes. Each episode offers viewers plenty of beautiful moments to reflect upon. If I had to select just one, it would be the scene where they sit on a bench outside, drinking beer. She confesses her love for him and suggests it would be nice if he could express it back, even though she already knows how he feels. He admits he's not great at saying it aloud but promises to write a novel about his feelings for her instead. Then, she rests her head on his lap and begins to recite a poem: One star for memories and one for love. One star for loneliness and one for yearning…

This one scene is absolute romance.

When The Phone Rings

I made an entire separate entry for this drama. So for an indepth description of my watching experience, follow this link: https://www.dramawonderland.com/post/when-the-phone-rings-a-review-and-recollection-of-its-best-moments

How I Remember The Story

At the heart of the story are Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo, a couple bound together by their families’ political ambitions rather than love. Baek Sa Eon, a respected journalist and presidential spokesperson, is used to navigating the pressures of politics and public life, while Hong Hee Joo, a sign language interpreter with selective mutism, lives a more private yet equally complex life.

The drama begins when Sa Eon receives a strange call after a high-profile national press conference. Sa Eon is confronted with the horrifying news that his wife has been kidnapped. Eventually, the call, which initially appears to be a random blackmail scheme, gradually becomes more ominous as the caller begins to show knowledge of intimate details about the couple's lives, leaving Sa Eon shaken and desperate to uncover the truth. As Sa Eon tries to unravel the identity and motives of the mysterious caller, we discover that it was his wife, Hong Hee Joo, who was the one blackmailing him from the other line. The tension escalates with Baek Sa Eon’s relentless attempts to uncover the truth, all the while struggling to keep his own dark secrets hidden.

What Kept Me Watching

In all honesty, this series is packed with typical K-drama tropes and clichés. Sometimes, the dialogue and scenes are too cringeworthy to watch. However, what made it enjoyable for me was the incredible chemistry between the main leads. There's nothing like a great onscreen romance. So, I continued watching, not really minding if the story made sense, as long as Sa-eon and Hee-joo had their moments in each episode.

Most Memorable Scene

My favorite, and perhaps one of the most powerful moments in the entire series, is the warzone confrontation between Sa Eon and Hee Joo. In this scene, Hee Joo, fully aware of how much she’s disrupting Sa Eon’s plans, tells him to let everything fall apart because she’s going to ruin it all. Sa Eon’s response with a confession - that holding back from touching her is his punishment - cuts through the chaos and noise of the world around them. The weight of guilt, regret, and longing in that moment is so intense that it’s hard not to be completely absorbed by it. Then, when Hee Joo pulls him closer for that kiss, it’s the culmination of all the tension, all the emotions they’ve been harboring. It was, without a doubt, the moment we were all waiting for, and it lived up to every expectation.

Unfinished Dramas

Additionally, here are the Korean dramas released in 2024 that I started but for some reason did not get to finish:

1. The Trunk (I only have 1 episode left)

2. Brewing Love

3. Love Next Door

4. Wedding Impossible

5. Doctor Slump

6. DNA Lover

Similar to my incomplete Chinese dramas, I will probably return to these shows one day and pick up from where I paused. I have just one episode remaining of The Trunk, and I'm not entirely certain why I stopped there since I genuinely enjoyed the story and the actors. While I discontinued watching some of these dramas because they no longer captivated me, this reflects more on my tastes and mood than on the quality of the dramas I didn't finish watching.

In conclusion, 2024 has been a remarkable year of rediscovering the captivating world of Korean dramas for me. Over the past two years, my attention had shifted predominantly towards Chinese dramas, which, while entertaining, lacked the unique charm and emotional depth that I had previously associated with Korean storytelling. However, this year has marked a significant turning point, as I have begun to revisit the rich tapestry of narratives that Korean dramas offer. This rekindling of interest in Korean dramas provided me with a deeper appreciation of the cultural nuances and themes that permeate these stories, enriching my overall viewing experience.