January might symbolise ‘new beginnings,’ but it’s also the perfect month to relax, leave behind stress, and rewatch some timeless K-drama classics. However, the idea of a cult classic in K-dramas is quite complex. It can’t be defined by ratings or popularity, and it’s not something everyone always agrees on. Still, everyone definitely has their own list of K-dramas they’d love to rewatch.
While new releases come with the thrill of the unknown and promise excitement, binge-watching an old drama you once loved offers great warmth and comfort. True, you might know the ending and the twists in the story, but rewatching it feels meaningful and emotionally satisfying. So today, I invite you to turn off your phone, prepare your snacks (or popcorn), and get ready to binge-watch any of the iconic K-dramas below!
‘Full House’
I know this feels like an old and outdated drama when compared with modern ones, and it’s not as refined as newer dramas—you’ll definitely wince at some of the cringey scenes. However, it is still a classic that every K-drama fan has to experience.
The Plot: The story revolves around Han Ji Eun (played by Song Hye Kyo), a writer who lives in a house her father built. One day, her two friends trick her by sending her on a vacation and then sell her house to a famous celebrity, Young Jae (played by Rain). With nowhere to go, Ji Eun sticks at the house, and both leads end up in a contract marriage.
This show leans fully into the enemies-to-lovers trope. Despite the horrible wardrobe and clumsy comedy, the actors did a good job, and the main leads’ chemistry definitely stands out. Fans who are used to Song Hye Kyo’s usual cold, wealthy, and polished image would be in for a big surprise. In this show, she plays a bubbly and charming girl and rocks a cute fashion style.
‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’
There is always an ongoing debate on the greatest K-drama of all time. For me, it’ll always be ‘Goblin’. With an interesting plotline, amazing cinematography, stellar acting, and soulful OSTs, this was the first K-drama that left me in tears.
The Plot: It’s a beautiful drama about life and death. Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo) is an immortal goblin who needs a human bride to end his long life. Meanwhile, Ji Eun Tak (played by Kim Go Eun) is a positive high school student who can see ghosts. When she encounters Kim Shin, she claims to be his goblin bride. However, things get complicated as the two fall in love, and another magical romance emerges between the Grim Reaper (played by Lee Dong Wook) and Sunny (played by Yoo In Na), a chicken shop owner.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best dramas to have ever been directed. It has the potential to break your heart, rebuild it, and destroy it again. From the story to the characters, everything feels unique and exquisite.
‘My Love from the Star’
This is very much a love-it-or-hate-it drama. To this day, some viewers couldn’t like Jun Ji Hyun’s character, while others loved the show enough to rewatch it multiple times. Either way, it’s a drama that’s worth giving a chance.
The Plot: The story is about Do Min Joon (played by Kim Soo Hyun), an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago and who will return to his planet in 3 months. However, when he crosses paths with famous Hallyu star Cheon Song-Yi (played by Jun Ji Hyun), he starts developing romantic feelings toward her. All those years spent distancing himself from humans ultimately come to an end as a romantic connection forms between the two.
With a unique plot and sizzling chemistry, this drama is very entertaining and has a good flow. While some may have mixed feelings about how the female lead’s annoying character was written and directed, I really enjoyed the acting.
‘Alchemy of Souls’
I know, this isn’t exactly an ‘old is gold’ kind of drama, but its story, cinematography, and overall craftsmanship give it the feel of a cult classic, which is why I highly recommend rewatching it. I’ve watched more dramas than I can recall, but this definitely goes at the top of my list.
The Plot: This top-tier fantasy drama takes place in a fictional country called Daeho, where powerful mages can perform a forbidden magic spell called ‘soul-shifting’. The story follows Jang Uk (played by Lee Jae Wook), who encounters Mu Deok (played by Jung So Min), a feared warrior known as Naksu but trapped in a weak body. As they form a master-servant relationship, they experience love and growth and find their fates intertwined with the forbidden magic spell.
This show tackles a lot of themes, but what makes it complete is its emotional authenticity. The characters carry heavy burdens, and the drama explores philosophical questions through their arcs. This is a drama that will captivate your attention until the very end.
‘Healer’
Ask K-drama fans to name their favorite South Korean actor, and Ji Chang Wook will definitely come up again and again. (Let’s take a second to appreciate the creation of such a fine man!)
Over time, he has played a wide range of characters, but his most appreciated performances tend to be in action genres, and ‘Healer’ is one of his best dramas that deserves a rewatch.
The Plot: Kim Moon Ho (played by Yoo Ji Tae) is a popular reporter who learns the truth about a past case and decides to uncover it. With the help of tabloid writer Chae Yeong Sin (played by Park Min Young) and Seo Jung Hoo (played by Ji Chang Wook), a special night courier known as ‘Healer’, they decide to investigate a 20-year-old murder mystery.
Trust me, you’ll be impressed by how well the drama keeps you on your toes in every episode. The show is well-executed, and the amount of detail is outstanding. The mix of action, drama, and romance will keep you invested from start to finish.
So, which of these K-dramas will you be rewatching this January?
Written by Diksha Gangadeen
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