For starters, there’s the endearing characters, along with truly memorable character arcs. In the K-dramas I’ve watched, the characters are so well developed, nuanced, and multi-faceted. We really get to know them and connect with them. The friends and neighbors are hilarious and charismatic, the protagonists relatable, and love interests dreamy. Characters that may seem awful initially can show incredible growth by the end of the season. After watching Mr. Sunshine, I became so invested in each of the five main characters of that series that their stories still haunt me in the most heartbreaking yet perfect way. K-dramas also seamlessly interweave flashbacks into compelling narratives, revealing events that help us piece together the characters and stories. My heart broke after every flash back to Yoon Se-Ri’s childhood in Crash Landing On You. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach every time Ri Jeong Hyeok and Yoon Se-Ri interacted in Switzerland all those years ago before they knew each other. K-dramas draw me further into the characters and their journeys by digging into relatable, important, and poignant conflicts. With consideration and care, Was it Love?, One Spring Night, and Where the Camellia Blooms provide a lens into life as a single parent and the stigmas single parents face. Something in the Rain and Rookie Historian both thoughtfully tackle family pressures about relationships, as well as sexism in the workplace. Beyond the characters and conflicts, K-dramas offer so much more. There’s the on-point humor, delicious food scenes, and epic soundtracks. And, don’t even get me started on the pure beauty of Ri Jeong Hyeok playing the piano on the lake in the Alps. When I’m not watching K-dramas, I crave books that remind me of the shows I love so much. As these series span various genres, I’ve chosen a selection of K-drama genres that I’ve enjoyed watching and matched them to good reads below. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at these books for K-drama fans! Which are your favorite K-drama genres?
Books for K-Drama Fans: Romances
Books for Fans of Family and Relationship Stories in K-Dramas
Books for K-Drama Fans: Speculative Adventures
Books for Fans of K-Drama Historical Sagas
Or, If You’re Here for the Food!
Looking for More Books for K-Drama Fans?
It’s hard to fit into one list everything I love about K-dramas. If you’re looking for the perfect book recommendation that’s just like your favorite K-dramas, try our book subscription service, Tailored Book Recommendations, and get paired with a bibliologist who will choose books just for you! While you’re at it, check out these excellent book lists below, too!
3 Korean Dramas About Books and Writing on Netflix 10 Books to Read After Finishing Crash Landing on You 10 Works of Korean Literature in Translation For Fans of Parasite Your Intro to Manhwa and Webtoons The Best Korean Fiction in Translation
