Eight must-watch K-dramas for beginners: The Heirs to Reply 1988 to Crash Landing On You, watch these on Netflix, Viki, Prime Video, JioHotstar

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what the big deal about K-dramas is, why your friends are pulling all-nighters, crying over fictional characters, or suddenly calling everyone “oppa”, you’re not alone. Korean dramas have quietly taken over the world’s screens in India that make you laugh, cry, and fall in love, often within a single episode.

Whether you’re new to the world of K-dramas or simply curious to know where to begin, here’s a list of eight must-watch series that will help you understand why millions can’t stop bingeing them.

1. Crash Landing On You (Netflix)

A perfect starting point for any beginner, Crash Landing On You brings romance, comedy, and thrilling tension in one heartwarming package. The story follows a South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri, who accidentally paraglides into North Korea after a storm and literally crash lands into the arms of a North Korean soldier, Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok. Their forbidden love story unfolds amid political divides and cultural contrasts, making it both funny and deeply emotional.

2. The Heirs (Netflix, Viki)

This is a classic one and if you love high-school romance and rich-kid drama, The Heirs is your ticket in. Think of it as the Korean version of Gossip Girl but with more heart and less scheming. It stars Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye as students from completely different backgrounds, he’s a chaebol heir, she’s a working-class girl — who fall for each other in a world ruled by wealth and privilege. Packed with iconic moments and swoon-worthy chemistry, The Heirs is a classic introduction to K-dramas.

3. Reply 1988 (Netflix)

Nothing can beat this K-drama. Nostalgia, friendship, family, and first love, Reply 1988 has it all. Set in a small Seoul neighbourhood in the late 1980s, the show beautifully captures the warmth of community and the simplicity of youth before smartphones and social media took over. Each character feels like someone you might know, and by the end, you’ll wish you could move into their little lane in Ssangmun-dong. Also, if you're alone this Diwali, watch the first and you'll feel home.

4. Descendants of the Sun (Netflix, Prime Video)

Before Crash Landing On You, there was Descendants of the Sun. This mega-hit drama pairs our all-time favourite, Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo as a soldier and a doctor whose romance blooms amid life-threatening missions and moral dilemmas. With its stunning cinematography and pulse-racing action sequences, it’s a perfect mix of romance and adventure. Plus, the chemistry between the leads sparked a real-life romance that made headlines across Asia.

5. Itaewon Class (Netflix)

Itaewon Class follows Park Sae-ro-yi, a young man who opens a bar-restaurant in Seoul’s trendy Itaewon district to seek success and revenge against a powerful food conglomerate. Beyond its revenge-driven plot, it’s a story about friendship, diversity, and chasing dreams despite the odds.

6. Business Proposal (Netflix)

For those who prefer something light-hearted, Business Proposal is your ideal romantic comedy. It’s the story of a quirky office worker who accidentally ends up on a blind date, with her own boss! Packed with witty dialogues, hilarious misunderstandings, and adorable chemistry, it’s a feel-good series that perfectly balances humor and romance.

7. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) (Netflix, Viki)

Prepare to have your heart stolen, and possibly broken, by Goblin. This fantasy-romance masterpiece tells the story of an immortal goblin (Gong Yoo) who longs to end his cursed existence, and the young woman destined to be his bride. With its poetic writing, haunting soundtrack, and stunning visuals, Goblin is a timeless favourite that will make you believe in destiny, or at least rewatch it for the breathtaking cinematography.

8. True Beauty (Viki, JioHotstar)

A high-school drama with a modern twist, True Beauty follows a shy girl who masters makeup to boost her confidence and hide her insecurities. As she goes through friendships, crushes, and her true self, the show offers both laughter and thoughtful commentary on beauty standards. It’s relatable, funny, and irresistibly charming.

Stay tuned for more such recommendations!