Are you guilty of binge watching Kdramas recently? Well, I think the world is especially with most of us under home quarantine…

I’ve been having opportunities to engage more with my cousins online. Not that we haven’t before but this time, were having more exchanges of excitement, greetings and (you guessed it) Kdramas — and of course I came with my recommendations.

This post is dedicated to all who are looking for a moment of distraction from all the worry and anxiety due to COVID-19. Please note that these recommendations are based on how funny, cute, and lighthearted these shows are (and how I myself have binged and re-watched this when anxiety hits). Without further ado, here are my top 5 romantic Kdramas to binge watch (and re-watch) while on quarantine / lockdown.

1. Crash Landing On You

Let’s admit, it’s hard to get over this one. The world has been caught up with this recently. If you haven’t seen it then don’t delay. Almost all who have seen this drama ended up almost forgetting there’s a pandemic (at least for a moment). It made many viewers feel lighthearted and relaxed.

For those who haven’t seen this, Crash Landing On You (CLOY for most fans) tells the story of two star crossed lovers, Yoon Se Ri, a South Korean chaebol (heiress), and Capt. Ri Jeong Hyeok, a North Korean Military Captain. When Yoon Se Ri was caught in a paragliding accident due to a sudden tornado, it drew her off course and unconscious. She awakens in the DMZ in North Korea, where she fell right into the arms of Capt. Ri Jeong Hyeok who later on gave her shelter and helps her return to South Korea.

What I love about the story is how it wasn’t the usual damsel in distress or the usual “hindrances and struggles” we find on couples. Yoon Se Ri might have needed the help of Capt. Ri Jeong Hyeok but she wasn’t totally helpless. Countless times you can see her giving her share of sacrifices and even protects him (especially when it was his turn to be in South Korea). A lot of people who have seen this drama has even given their own review of this — with its unrealistic yet charming, heartwarming, and romantic storyline. It shows us the value of good friends, loving family (they have good parents), and how love sacrifices for the person they love.

CLOY is currently one of the best romantic kdramas in history as it continues to be a hit all over the world. Don’t delay and watch this now!

2. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (WWWSK) is one of the best Rom Coms that continues to get attention from fans all over the world especially now while the most are on quarantine. Recently, certain Asian countries like Japan, Thailand and Indonesia, have rebroadcast it too — a timely one with all the worry many are feeling (everybody deserves a good laugh and romance). It even continues to be on the top 10 most watched shows in Netflix, despite this being first aired back in 2018.

The story revolves around the narcissistic Vice Chairman of Yumyung Group, Lee Yoong Joon (played by Park Seo Joon) and his highly capable and charming secretary for nine years, Kim Mi-So (played by Park Min Young). When Secretary Kim informed him of her resignation, the confident Vice Chairman suddenly finds himself troubled by the thought of losing her. In his determination to make her stay, and after a certain misunderstanding, it led him to proposing marriage and into pursuing her after being rejected several times (a thing he can’t understand with his “perfect” image) by Kim Mi-So.

What I love about the drama is its many refreshing details much like what CLOY offers. I love how steady, composed, practical, prudent, organized and charming Secretary Kim is. She defines another confident woman who values her worth and is not afraid to ask clarity when it comes to Yoong Joon’s actions. She’s another relatable character, especially to every woman who works to help their family. I also love the ridiculous and hilarious over-confidence of Lee Yoong Joon. Whenever he utters self praises, reasons with Secretary Kim, and other silly actions, he just makes me cringe and laugh out loud. But what made me love the show more was their chemistry together with their witty and snappy banter on each other (especially with Yoong Joon’s narcissistic ridiculousness).

There’s never a dull moment in this drama. The cast, especially the leads did a great job humanizing the character of novel where this drama was based on. It’s also fun and interesting to see the director’s use of CGI and his highlight to details that made this drama more in touch with its novel and webtoon.

3. Descendants of the Sun

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Before CLOY and WWWSK, there was Decendants of the Sun (known as DOTS). The winning chemistry (which eventually turned the two main characters into a real life couple) made DOTS one of the most unforgettable dramas to date. Though with the heartbreaking fact that the lead actors got divorced in real life a few years later, DOTS still remains to be one the best romantic and funny dramas you’d want to watch during quarantine. I have to admit, with the military currently aiding the doctors and the government to ensure people observe quarantine and are kept safe, its hard not to think of this drama.

The drama revolves around the romance between Capt. Yoo Sin-Jin aka Big Boss (played by Song Joong Ki) and Dr. Kang Mo-yeon (played by Song Hye Kyo) who met when Big Boss and his friend Sgt. Major Seo Dae young, brought a young thief to the hospital after catching him. Later on the scenes takes us to a mission field in Uruk where Dr. Kang was forced to lead other doctors to help the Special Forces from Korea led by Big Boss.

This drama is filled with action, adventure, especially romantic and funny moments not only between Big Boss and Dr. Kang, but also with Sgt Major Seo Dae yong and Army Surgeon Yoon Myung Ju (you also want to check their love story here).

4. Goblin

Goblin is perhaps one of the most well loved and received KDramas in history. Also entitled Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, the drama tells the story of a military general , Kim Shin, who was cursed to be an immortal after his death and his Goblin bride, Ji Eun Tak, who is said to be the only person who can end the curse.

Kim Shin, played by Gong Yoo, was a general from the Goryeo Dynasty. After being framed as a traitor, he was later on killed. We later on see him being cursed to be an immortal who is to forever endure the pain of seeing his loved ones die as a punishment for all the “beastly” killings he committed to protect his country. Ji Eun Tak (played by Kim Go Eun), is a bubbly high school student despite her tragic life, who summons the Goblin (Kim Shin) by chance thus starting their funny, adventurous, and eventually romantic life together.

What I love about Goblin is how the main characters are not the only ones who will catch you attention. To be honest I had more fun with the “bromance” between The Goblin and The Grim Reaper (played by Lee Dong Wook). Their continuous bickering and fights while living in the same roof as Ji Eun Tak and Yoo Deuk Hwa, the Goblin’s “nephew” (played by Yook Sung Jae), is one of the most delightful scenes to watch out for…Oh and there’s also Sunny, the Grim Reaper’s human love interest.

5. Princess Hours (Goong)

I promised “top 5”, therefore I’m giving you my best 5th kdrama that will surely make you laugh-out-loud and fall in love during quarantine…and it was difficult to decide on this to be honest with other memorable funny moments other dramas I’ve watched has but I decided on this after realizing I’ve binged and rewatched this many times compared to other kdramas.

Princess Hours shares a modern Cinderella tale of a lovable High School Art student, Chae-kyeong (played by Yoon Eun-Hye) who finds herself one day as the Crown Princess of Korea after marrying The Crown Prince of Korea, Prince Shin (Played by Ju Ji Hoon) who also studies in the same school as hers. Though their marriage was not out of love but rather out of their late grandfathers agreement (the late King and his bestfriend), the series takes us to bitter sweet, romantic, and funny moments of the Chae Keyong and Prince Shin’s growing closeness. Just the thought of this series makes me smile.

If you’re a fan of The Kingdom, then you’d surely want to check out Ju Ji Hoon, who plays the crown prince fighting the zombies, on his first lead role — as the cold and seemingly distant Crown Prince in Princess Hours.

Other KDramas to Binge Watch

The above top five lists are only my personal recommendations to watch during this quarantine. With all the anxiety and worry the world is experiencing now, I felt it’s best to suggest some Romantic Comedies that are sure to give a lighter — and perhaps a moment to forget the Pandemic. But this isn’t the only kdramas I’d recommend you binge watch (especially if you are on to more serious and tearjerking moments). Just in case, here are more recommendations which I have watched (and currently watching) myself.

Other Romantic dramas you’d want to try

1. She was Pretty
2. Legend of the Blue Sea
3. Cheese In the Trap
4. Oh My Ghost
5. Love from the Star
6. If the Weather is Fine (ongoing)

Reflective Dramas
Non romantic dramas but will definitely leave you thinking about life and your relationship with others (Warning: Prepare your tissues)

1. Itaewon Class
2. Hi Bye Mama (ongoing)

Friendship Goals
A bit of romantic on the side but will definitely help you see more about the beauty of friendship.

1. Who are You (School) – 2015
2. Hwarang
3. Hospital Playlist (ongoing)

I hope these lists will satisfy your need for some dash of laughter and butterflies… a moment to rest from this Pandemic. And if these do keep you bright and up, why not take screenshots of some scenes with lines that are worth remembering. 😉

Stay home, stay safe, and enjoy these sweet dramas with your family.