The 2000s were the golden era that really pushed K-dramas into global popularity, and if you’re on a drama drought, here are ten of the top 2000s Korean dramas of all time.
1. ‘Winter Sonata’
The drama that really sparked the Hallyu Wave all across Asia. The tragic love story starring Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo was a great tear-jerker that really pulled at your heartstrings. It was so big that even a monument was created at Nami Island.
2. ‘Stairway to Heaven’
If you love all things drama, you’re going to want to watch this legendary melodrama of heartbreak, reunion, and tragic fates. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride, but that’s why we love it.
3. ‘Dae Jang Geum’
The one and only food-centered drama that really made it big. Combining the history of the Joseon era and food, this mega hit series is about the first female royal physician in Joseon. It’s the cultural themes and food that really caught the attention of many viewers and still remain as one of the most loved dramas of all time.
4. ‘Full House’
Ever wondered what it’d be like to live with a top star celebrity from your country? Let’s just say Song Hye Kyo in ‘Full House’ got the experience of a lifetime, as this rom-com defined the contract-relationship trope in K-dramas. And who can ever forget the iconic OST, too?
5. ‘Goong’
A modern fantasy romance imagining Korea as a constitutional monarchy, this drama paved the way for big stars such as Yoon Eun Hye and Ju Ji Hoon to establish their presence within the world of K-dramas.
6. ‘My Lovely Sam Soon’
Aired back in 2005, ‘My Lovely Sam Soon’, also often referred to as the Korean Bridget Jones, stars Kim Sun Ah and Hyun Bin. A normal aspiring pastry chef tries to find employment, only to begin falling in love with the owner of the bakery!
7. ‘Lovers in Paris’
Winning the Grand Prize at SBS Drama Awards, ‘Lover in Paris’ has become one of the most popular romances of its decade. It’s your classic rags-to-riches story, but hey, who doesn’t love these clichéd tropes?
8. 'Coffee Prince'
A heartwarming drama about a tomboyish young woman who disguises herself as a man to land a job at a cafe. The start of true gender bender dramas, the slow-burning romance between Go Eun Chan and Choi Han Kyul is what we're living for.
9. 'Autumn in My Heart'
You're all in for tears in this heartbreaker drama about two siblings who become separated by a family secret. Between love, sacrifice, and tragedy, there's a reason why this drama became one of the most loved dramas of the early 2000s.
10. 'Boys Over Flowers'
Looking at it now, it's definitely a bit cringey, but hey, you can't help but love a classic rags-to-riches story. With a spirited working-class girl who clashes with the rich and arrogant leader of F4, a group of elite boys, this story made us all fall in love with the enemies-to-lovers trope.
SEE ALSO: Industry insider reveals Kim Jong Kook's wedding date
SHARE
