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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider FAN PICKS: Best K-dramas of 2021

FAN PICKS: Best K-dramas of 2021

Published Dec 31, 2021 11:24 am

Hometown-Cha-Cha-Cha

2021 has been a challenging year for everyone, with the pandemic still considered a major concern for the rest of the world. However, Korean dramas have upped their game this year and delivered comfort and kilig to appease the worries brought on by ongoing challenges.

Here are the fan picks for the best Korean dramas in 2021. If you missed any of them, you still have plenty of time to catch up in 2022.

Jirisan

Jirisan. Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon team up after their brief Kingdom collab to deliver this well written and action packed suspense/ supernatural drama that revolves around a serial killer on Mt. Jiri. Powerful performances and a script that just won’t quit, coupled with amazing cinematography, catapults this 2021 offering to A + status.

Mr Queen

Mr. Queen. Blue House chef Jang Bong Hwan mysteriously wakes up to find himself transported to Joseon dynasty inside the body of Queen Kim So Young. Shin Hye Sun has established herself as a gem in drama with roles in Still 17 and My Golden Life but she truly delivers on both the comedy and drama aspect of her role as a male chef who tries to shake up history with his “unique” take on food. Check out her behind the scenes clips with co-star Kim Jung Hyun to see how much fun they had on set.

Run On

Run On. Run On was a crossover drama which ran from 2020 to early 2021 and it was mainly an underrated drama topbilled by Shin Se Kyung and Im Siwan. However, it boasts of a great storyline, amazing chemistry, deep and thoughtful dialogue, realistic issues dealing with family, bullying, love friendship and self love. It’s a pretty inspiring drama all around.

Move To Heaven

Move to Heaven. For those who are on the lookout for a great drama. This could be the one you’re looking for. It centers on the work of moving items left by the deceased people, as well as the relationship that forms between a cold and disillusioned man and his nephew suffering from Aspergers.

“I was an emotional wreck and cried in every episode so much that I could not binge watch and had to stop watching after 5 episodes. It took some time for me to get the courage to continue watching the rest of the 5 episodes. But it was truly worth watching. Sniff sniff,” drama fan Angie Quadra-Balibay shared.

Hometown-Cha-Cha-Cha

Hometown Cha Cha Cha. A general consensus for fan favorite drama for 2021 was Hometown Cha Cha Cha. The series was a remake of a 200 movie entitled Mr. Hong. This was Kim Seon Ho’s first leading role after his breakout appearance on Start-Up and his chemistry with co-star Shin Min Ah was amazing. The story was lighthearted, inspiring, and showcased the beauty of South Korea’s seaside provinces. While it provided plenty of laughs and kilig, it also tested the dramatic chops of its lead stars. They delivered with flying colors.

Happiness

Happiness. This particular entry is a late one as it only ended last December 15 but it’s a pretty interesting take on the way the world may change after the pandemic. Great chemistry between Park Hyung Sik and Han Hyo Joo who are both coming back to the small screen after their respective hiatus – plenty of action, a lot of blood and suspense, and at 12 episodes, delivered on an exciting, irritating, and effective end of days type of drama with a lot of heart.

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K-drama 2021
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