We can agree with K-Drama fans that the majority of our favorite popular series released from the first half of last year to the present have been quite interesting and thrilling. It almost seemed like production companies released memos with a unified agreement to only release series with interesting, jaw-dropping but stressful storylines. Storylines that have given us the nail-biting, edge of our seats, screaming our lungs out moments and taken us on an emotional turmoil. Series like “Penthouse: War in Life”, “Mouse”, “The World of the Married”, “Extracurricular”, and “Flower of Evil” to name a few, fit into this description. while very interesting, brilliantly written, produced, and well-acted these series often leave fans commenting how stressful they are due to their thrilling and dramatic storylines and seeking a more chill and relaxed series to calm their nerves. In a bid to diversify your K-Drama viewing palate we thought to share some of our favorite drama series with a less than a stressful theme, perfect for a chill and relaxing mood.
- “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”
This healing ongoing drama produced by tvN is centered around 3 characters: Yoon HyeJin a dentist played by Shin MinA, Hong DuShik a handyman played by Kim SeonHo, and Ji SeongHyun a TV producer played by Lee SangYi. The story is set in a remote village by the seaside, where one day due to unfortunate circumstances and seeking to escape the turbulent life of the city Yoon HyeJin decides to open a dental practice in the remote village of Gongjin filled with a closely knitted community. There she meets Chief Hong who is quite mysterious but very popular for his handy skills and his charming personality.
A meeting by chance slowly turns into a blossoming relationship as both parties through their interactions learn to see the world from a different perspective. While their relationship grows through different events, in comes walking with a camera in hand and a bag strapped to his shoulder Ji SeongHyun, the TV producer and crush of Yoon HyeJin. Why watch this drama: if you are into comedic romance dramas with cute scenes, interesting banners, and good foods then you should add this to your watchlist.
2. “Racket Boys”
The SBS sport-themed youth drama gives a uniquely inspiring and interesting take on teen sports and family.
A badminton coach due to his poor finances takes a job offer to coach at a school in a remote town. He moves his daughter and son who is quite famous as a high school baseball player. On getting to the new school he notices that the team is surprisingly made up of just 3 players and on the brink of getting disbanded if they don’t start winning. In other to compete at the next competition, he bribed his son who was a badminton genius to play with the team with the condition that if he wins a competition, he would be provided with WiFi. A story of the love of family, community, friendship rooted deep with a love for the game, redemption, forgiveness, and a second chance at life. Why watch this drama: if you are into coming-of-age themed dramas with inspiring breathtaking moments, and sports, then you will enjoy this drama.
3. “Welcome to Waikiki”
The two-season drama series is centered around residents of the Waikiki guest house. It gives a comedic take on the lives of youths capturing significant moments like falling in love, chasing your dreams, heartbreaks, and friendship.
Why watch this drama: if you liked the western comedy series “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother’, then this drama will be perfect for you.
4. “Move to Heaven”
Lee JeHoon, Tang JunSang, and Hong SeungHee star in the ten-episode Netflix drama series which centers around a young Aspergers patient who with his father runs a cleaning business that specializes in cleaning and disposal of the belongings left by dead people.
Following his father’s death, the young man is forced to work with his estranged uncle who was just released from prison. Each episode sees both parties building a bond in love, understanding, and patience while revealing the stories of death to their loved ones left behind. Why watch this drama: asides the story of redemption, love, and healing portrayed by the main cast, each episode covers a unique and relatable storyline that is interesting, thought-provoking and the audience is able to draw a lesson from it.
5. “One Spring Night”
The drama tells the story of a librarian (Han JiMin) who despite feeling stuck in a long-term relationship is about to get married and a pharmacist (Jung HaeIn) who offers her an escape. One morning she walks into a pharmacy to get drugs but discovers she forgot her wallet at her friend’s place. Ji Ho offers to pay for her and even gives her bus fare on the condition that she comes back in the evening to pay back what she owed.
Friendly conversations turn to a deep affection as they navigate the complex nature of love, family/societal expectations, going against the outdated but still subtly reinforced manuals and perceived rules for young adults, and an emotional journey that begins from an awkward moment. Why watch this drama: The drama gives a real insight into the lives of young adults who are trying to find their own light in a world filled with expectations and rules. “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” Is The K-Drama That Impressed Fans The Most With Its Premiere, As Voted By Kpopmap Readers KDRAMA STORIES|Sep 17, 2021 17 Best Korean Netflix Original Shows To Have On Your Watchlist KDRAMA STORIES|Aug 24, 2021
