Oh yes, a blog about the “newb” Korean dramas, but hey, they are the most recommended for a good reason. If a person new to Korean culture is looking to get started on the right foot, this is for him/her because it was exactly how I started. Although I’ve seen many Korean dramas after these, the drama’s love story here has not been beaten.

If you’re looking to cuddle up with that special someone, this is it. But I warn you, the love stories here will engulf you and even make you forget about the person next to you. The power to make a grown man shed some tears is an unmistakable power by these below. You’ll be on the edge of your seat. While the other 2 aren’t tear-jerkers, they are mentioned as king of romance comedies.

It’s Christmas time, so why not start out with a subtitled Winter Sonata? (found at d-addicts)

Winter Sonata
Big surprise, right? People simply can’t enough of this drama. This is one true legend that was the frontier of Korean Hallyu movement itself. The Japanese built a museum for this show, that’s how memorable its love story was. It’s not a surprise this gets first mention. (This was also my first). God, I still get the CHILLS and tears every time I hear “My Memory” (see video).

Stairway to Heaven
What, her again? Yes, Choi Ji Woo really is that good. She remains a drama queen for a good reason, and is the most recognized Korean actress next to Song Hye Kyo. This is considered Winter Sonata’s twin rival. Best dark, rainy day drama. My mom and her best friend actually ditched out on work and forgot about making dinner because of this show, I’m not kidding.

Sad Love Story
This story holds a special place in my heart, and I found it every bit as good as the first 2 above. Again, we have Kwon Sang Woo from STH holding the lead role, and one of the greatest love triangles ever graced Korean drama. It’s between his best friend and the girl they both love, as one is thrown into an love story that ends in great sacrifice and tragedy.

Full House
If you’re watching full scale epic Korean Dramas like the above, I HIGHLY recommend watching a romance comedy in between. Its just way too much stress to watch for me to watch any tragic Korean drama back to back. I’m so serious. Anyways, although much light hearted for a drama, there’s no denying the chemistry between the hard-headed Rain and light-hearted Song Hye Kyo. This classic is also very hard to beat.

The Snow Queen
Ok, we’re back to tragedies. I swear, the Greeks spirit must of continued on with the Koreans. This story is another love triangle, but its twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. It ends very tragic and also, very realistically.

Also recommended for light romance comedies to watch in-between tragedies: Coffee Prince, My Girl, My lovely Kim Sam Soon, My Sassy Girl comes to mind for most famous.

Conclusion:
What makes these stories so strong is the great sacrifices and tragedies the characters must face to sustain their love. Some of them struggle every bit of the painful way. Even throughout such great challenges they continue to love each other through the darkest hour. It also helps that the soundtracks for these shows are every bit as epic as the show itself.

This is one area that Korea stands strong in their telling of epic love stories. I haven’t been moved by such TV shows in my entire life.