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Posted by MaiaD Tuesday, January 9, 2024

10 Memorable K-Dramas turning 10 in 2024

AKP STAFF

Every year, more K-Dramas are released to showcase various stories- from the cliches that will surely tug on your heartstrings down to the most unique and mind-boggling storylines that will keep you wanting more. As we enter the year 2024 with more excitement to welcome the new and upcoming K-Dramas that we will surely watch, it's also nostalgic to reminisce about the dramas that were released in the past, especially those that came out in 2014 and are turning ten this year.


Here's a list to take you on a trip down the memory lane consisting of 10 K-Dramas that will turn 10 this year!

"My Love from the Star"

Who can forget about the legendary drama "My Love from the Star" that made us cheer for the timeless love and connections going beyond dimensions? Do Min Joon (Kim Soo Hyun), an alien who has been living on Earth for over 400 years, crosses paths with Cheon Song Yi (Jun Ji Hyun), a top Hallyu actress. As Do Min Joon grapples with the challenges of concealing his extraterrestrial identity, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Cheon Song Yi. 


The plot seamlessly weaves together romance, comedy, and fantasy elements, showcasing the enduring power of love that transcends time and space. The chemistry between Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun, coupled with the intriguing premise of an otherworldly being navigating the complexities of feelings and emotions, contributed to the drama's immense popularity and cultural impact, becoming one of the dramas to further bring the Hallyu Wave. 

"Pinocchio"

Another drama turning ten this year is the K-Drama "Pinocchio." "Pinocchio" is a grappling K-Drama centered around Choi Dal Po (Lee Jong Suk), a young man who aspires to become a journalist and seeks justice for his family, who has been falsely accused. Alongside him is Choi In Ha (Park Shin Hye), a reporter with the unique condition wherein she hiccups whenever she lies, due to her father's past as a fraudulent reporter. 


As the two navigate the challenging world of broadcast journalism, they encounter ethical dilemmas, corporate interests, and personal growth. The drama digs at the significance of honesty and integrity in the quest for justice, in addition to examining the interplay between the media and the truth. "Pinocchio" carefully crafts together stories of romance, mystery, and social commentary, leaving a lasting impression on viewers, even after a decade after its release.

"It's Okay, That's Love"

Ten years ago, the drama "It's Okay, That's Love" was released. It tells the story of the lives of two individuals struggling with mental health issues. Jang Jae Yeol (Jo In Sung), a successful author and radio DJ, grapples with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and unresolved trauma from his past. On the other hand, Ji Hae Soo (Gong Hyo Jin), a psychiatrist, is adept at helping others but finds herself entangled in her own emotional complexities. As they navigate love and healing, the drama explores the challenges of mental health, societal stigma, and the transformative power of genuine connections and positive reinforcement. 


With a stellar supporting cast including Lee Kwang Soo, Sung Dong Il, and Do Kyung Soo, the drama breaks barriers by addressing sensitive topics with compassion, humor, and sincerity, leaving a lasting impact on viewers who have loved the drama.


"Healer"

"Healer" is a thrilling action-romance drama that follows the story of Seo Jung Hoo (Ji Chang Wook), a mysterious and adept night courier known as "Healer" in the underground. With his goal of earning enough money to live a comfortable life, his life unexpectedly changes when he gets involved with ambitious journalist Chae Young Shin (Park Min Young), whom he was tasked to find and protect. Young Shin is unaware that Park Bong Soo, a fairly unremarkable young man who works as her intern, is Jung Hoo's alter ego. The protagonists discover the truth about their entwined pasts as they dig into a convoluted web of dark secrets and political plots. 


"Healer" enthralls viewers with its gripping mix of romance and suspense, complex narrative, and dramatic action scenes. The drama also stole the hearts not only of domestic audiences but audiences internationally, with the drama being broadcast on local stations in overseas countries.

"Empress Ki"

The captivating historical drama "Empress Ki" tells the story of the extraordinary life of Empress Ki, as portrayed by Ha Ji Won. The narrative follows a Goryeo born-woman called Ki Seung Nyang as she pretends to be a man to live in the Yuan Dynasty, and eventually becomes a well-known great warrior and patriot. Throughout the course of the series, Empress Ki must negotiate the complex political environment while juggling the affections of two men: Wang Yoo (Joo Jin Mo), the King of Goryeo who is her first love and fiancé, and Ta Hwan (Ji Chang Wook), the last Emperor of the Yuan dynasty, Seung Nyang's true love and later husband. The drama also became more interesting with various antagonists, including the Empress Dowager (Kim Seo Hyung) and Empress Consort Tanashiri (Baek Jin Hee).

The drama tells her incredible journey from a lowly beginning with her tragic past to become a formidable empress is characterized by political intrigue, difficult decisions, and a pursuit of justice and love, making it one of the most memorable dramas ten years ago.

"Fated to Love You"

The lovely drama "Fated to Love You" centers on the unexpected romance between Kim Mi-young (Jang Na Ra) and Lee Gun (Jang Hyuk). The story begins with a one-night stand on a cruise that results in an unintended pregnancy. This turn of events causes Kim Mi Young, an average office worker dubbed as a "post-it girl," someone who is necessary yet unimportant, and Lee Gun, a wealthy heir whose power in the company is decreasing due to his failure to have a child and marry, to find their lives entwined. 


The drama delves into issues of love, family, and personal development as it follows them as they deal with the difficulties of an unexpected marriage. The storyline may also start off showcasing its romantic comedy features, but several plot twists also reveal themselves as challenges to the protagonists that will surely make you cry. Due to its popularity, the program was also broadcast in selected countries worldwide, especially in China, where Jang Na Ra's popularity was huge.


"You're All Surrounded"

"You're All Surrounded" is a thrilling crime-comedy series that revolves around four rookie detectives and their experienced leader navigating the challenges of solving crimes in Seoul. Eun Dae Gu (Lee Seung Gi) harbors a personal vendetta related to a traumatic incident from his past. Alongside him are three other rookies: Uh Soo Sun (Go Ara), Park Tae Il (Ahn Jae Hyun), and Ji Gook (Park Jung Min), each bringing their unique personalities and backgrounds to the team. Dae Gu secretly believes that the short-tempered captain of the Violent Crimes Unit, Seo Pan Seok (Cha Seung Won), is connected to the past he has been trying to uncover.


The drama skillfully incorporates comedy, friendship, and suspense as it takes on a variety of situations, examining the intricacies of police work as well as the character development of its characters. "You're All Surrounded" is an enjoyable combination of character-driven storytelling and crime-solving, with a strong cast and an interesting premise.


"Secret Love Affair"

The moving melodrama "Secret Love Affair" explores the forbidden love between Oh Hye Won (Kim Hee Ae), a refined and skilled art curator, and Lee Sun Jae (Yoo Ah In), a remarkable pianist. Their love develops into a passionate and secret romance that defies social conventions and personal beliefs as their paths collide in the competitive world of classical music. As both characters deal with the fallout from their decisions, the drama delves into issues of love, ambition, and the challenges of staying true to oneself in a world that is full of critics. 


With their compelling performances, Yoo Ah In and Kim Hee Ae give the characters more nuance and turn "Secret Love Affair" into an engrossing story about passion, sacrifice, and the search for one's real calling.


"The Master's Sun"

The intriguing romantic comedy-horror series "The Master's Sun" centers on the life of Tae Gong Shil (Gong Hyo Jin), who, following a near-death experience, develops the ability to see ghosts. While battling the unceasing presence of ghosts, she encounters Joo Joong Won (So Ji Sub), a stoic and accomplished CEO of a retail center. A peculiar and amusing connection develops as Gong Shil learns that touching Joong Won physically drives the spirits away. They set out on a trip together to solve enigmas pertaining to restless spirits while facing their personal emotional baggage. 


"The Master's Sun" is a one-of-a-kind film that explores themes of healing, love, and personal atonement. With its outstanding performances from the protagonists and a flawless fusion of romance and mystical aspects, alongside tear-jerking moments, it is one of the most memorable dramas of 2014.


"Doctor Stranger"

The compelling medical thriller "Doctor Stranger" tells the story of Park Hoon (Lee Jong Suk), a talented cardiothoracic surgeon from North Korea, who is caught up in a web of political intrigue. Park Hoon finds himself in South Korea after being brutally separated from his beloved Song Jae Hee (Jin Se Yeon), where he must negotiate the intricate workings of a prominent hospital. Accompanied by his astute yet nonconformist associate Han Jae Joon (Park Hae Jin), the drama delves into their endeavors to maneuver through the complex network of deceit and power dynamics inside the medical domain. 


A gripping story that combines political intrigue, romance, and medical drama, "Doctor Stranger" follows the characters as they face moral conundrums, personal grudges, and the truth behind mysterious procedures. It has also been notable due to the different way the drama tackled the medical drama genre.


Here are a few dramas released in 2014 that have marked an era of legendary and groundbreaking dramas in their own ways. Among the listed dramas and the other dramas released 10 years ago, which of them have been the most memorable for you and your favorite? 

  1. Baek Jin Hee
  2. D.O.
  3. Gong Hyo Jin
  4. Ha Ji Won
  5. Jang Hyuk
  6. Jang Na Ra
  7. Ji Chang Wook
  8. Jin Se Yeon
  9. Jo In Sung
  10. Jun Ji Hyun
  11. Kim Seo Hyung
  12. Kim Soo Hyun
  13. Lee Jong Suk
  14. Lee Kwang Soo
  15. Park Hae Jin
  16. Park Min Young
  17. Sung Dong Il
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