8 / 10 (based on 9133 reviews)
After being bullied and discriminated because of her ugly looks, a high school girl transforms herself into a gorgeous “goddess” and quickly rises to fame after mastering the art of makeup via online tutorial videos.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-Woo, Hwang In-Yeop, Yoo-na Park
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Yeoshingangrim (2020)
Nae Aidineun Gangnammiin (2018)
7.3 / 10 (based on 4841 reviews)
Kang Mi Rae recovers her self esteem after being bullied as she gets to know Do Kyung Suk after getting plastic surgery. Then she gets called the “Gangnam plastic surgery monster.”
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Soo-hyang Im, Cha Eun-Woo, Woo-Ri Jo, Kwak Dong-yeon
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Him-ssen yeo-ja Do Bong-soon (2017)
8.2 / 10 (based on 13850 reviews)
Do Bong-soon is a woman born with superhuman strength that comes from the long line of women possessing it. when Ahn Min Hyuk, the CEO of ainsoft, a gaming company witnesses her strength he hires her as his personal bodyguard.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Park Bo-Young, Park Hyung-Sik, Ji Soo, Jun Suk-ho
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 17 episodes, 67.0-minute runtime
Yeokdoyojeong Gim Bokju (2016)
8.3 / 10 (based on 10381 reviews)
A coming-of-age story about a group of college athletes who are fighting for their dreams, experiencing and finding love in the process, and growing every step of the way.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Lee Song-Kyoung, Nam Joo-Hyuk, Jae-yoon Lee, Hye-Jung Cho
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Kimbiseoga wae geureolkka (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 13935 reviews)
A romance between perfect but narcissistic second generation heir and his capable assistant.
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Romance
Main Cast: Park Min-Young, Seo Jun Park, Lee Tae-Hwan, Kim Byeong-Ok
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Eojjeoda Balgyeonhan Haru (2019)
7.8 / 10 (based on 3838 reviews)
What would you do if you found out that you were, in fact, a character in a comic? And an extra character on top of that? Change the course of the story, obviously.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Kim Hye-Yoon, Kim Ro Woon, Jae-Wook Lee, Na-Eun Lee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 32 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Gumihodyeon (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 5641 reviews)
An urban dark fantasy drama about a gumiho who settles into the city and a producer who is after it.
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Romance
Main Cast: Lee Dong-Wook, Jo Bo-ah, Kim Bum, Kim Yong Ji
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
W – Du gaeui segye (2016)
8 / 10 (based on 11638 reviews)
A love story between a couple in their early thirties. They belong to the same era but alternate realities.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Lee Jong-Suk, Han Hyo-joo, Eui-sung Kim, Jeong Eu-Gene
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 17 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Eoneu Nal Uri Jib Hyeongwaeuro Myeolmangyi Deuleowassda (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 4596 reviews)
Tak Dong Kyung lives a fairly ordinary life until she stumbles into an unexpected fate and ends up signing a hundred-day contract with Myul Mang, risking her everything.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Park Bo-Young, Seo In-Guk, Lee Soo-hyuk, Tae-oh Kang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Dangshini Jamdeun Saie (2017)
8.3 / 10 (based on 8047 reviews)
The drama is about a woman, Nam Hong Joo, who can see accidents that take place in the future through her dreams. And a prosecutor, Jung Jae Chan, who struggles to stop the woman’s dreams from coming true.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Bae Suzy, Lee Jong-Suk, Jung Hae-In, Lee Sang-Yeob
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 32 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Ssam, Maiwei (2017)
8.1 / 10 (based on 7152 reviews)
Ko Dong Man, a high school Taekwondo champion who is now pursuing a career in the UFC, and Choi Ae Ra, a dynamic girl whose desire is to become a famous announcer, have been best friends since childhood. Now, they have to confront the change in their feelings towards each other as well as overcome difficulties to make their dreams come true.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Seo Jun Park, Kim Ji-Won, Jae-hong Ahn, Song Ha-Yoon
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
8.6 / 10 (based on 26726 reviews)
An extraordinary road to emotional healing opens up for an selfish antisocial children’s book writer and a selfless psych ward caretaker when they cross paths.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-Ji, Oh Jeong-Se, Park Gyuyoung
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 80.0-minute runtime
Gan Tteoleojineun Donggeo (2021)
7.7 / 10 (based on 3375 reviews)
The thrilling love story of Shin Woo Yeo, a 999-years-old gumiho who wants to become human, and Lee Dam, who accidentally swallowed his fox bead.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Jang Ki-Yong, Hyeri Lee, Kang Han-na, Kim Do-Wan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
In the realm of South Korean dramas, a unique blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements often leads to captivating storytelling. One such series that stands out is “Yeoshingangrim” or “The Tale of Nokdu” (2020), a show that has garnered attention for its intriguing plot, stellar cast, and a fine balance of humor, romance, and action. This article delves into the various aspects that make “Yeoshingangrim” a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The Plot
At the heart of “Yeoshingangrim” is a story that is as unconventional as it is engaging. The series follows Jeon Nok-Du, a young man who ends up disguising himself as a woman to enter a mysterious all-female village. His initial motive is to uncover the truth about his birth and to protect himself from those who want him dead. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when he meets Dong Dong-Ju, an apprentice to become a gisaeng (a female entertainer), who harbors her own secrets and ambitions.
What sets “Yeoshingangrim” apart is its ability to seamlessly blend genres. It’s not just a historical drama; it’s a concoction of comedy, romance, and action, all while maintaining a cohesive narrative. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, making it a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The Cast
A great plot needs a great cast to bring it to life, and “Yeoshingangrim” does not disappoint. Jang Dong-Yoon takes on the role of Jeon Nok-Du, delivering a performance that captures the character’s bravery, vulnerability, and comedic timing. His portrayal of a man navigating life in a women’s village, while keeping his identity a secret, is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Kim So-Hyun plays Dong Dong-Ju, a character who is far from your typical damsel in distress. She’s strong-willed, independent, and equally capable of stirring both laughter and tears. The chemistry between Jang Dong-Yoon and Kim So-Hyun is undeniable, making their on-screen romance one of the highlights of the series.
The supporting cast, including Kang Tae-Oh and Jung Joon-Ho, add depth to the story, each bringing their unique flair to the show. Their performances contribute to the rich tapestry of characters that populate “Yeoshingangrim.”
Themes and Messages
“Yeoshingangrim” tackles a variety of themes, from gender roles and identity to loyalty and betrayal. The show challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, especially through the protagonist’s journey of living as a woman. This exploration of identity is not only thought-provoking but also presented with sensitivity and humor.
The series also delves into the idea of fate versus free will. Characters are often faced with the question of whether to follow the path laid out for them or to forge their own destiny. This theme resonates throughout the series, adding layers to the narrative and the characters’ development.
Visual and Musical Composition
The visual aesthetic of “Yeoshingangrim” is another aspect that deserves praise. The attention to detail in the costumes and sets transports viewers back in time, immersing them in the Joseon period. The cinematography is stunning, with each shot beautifully composed to enhance the storytelling.
The musical score complements the visuals perfectly, with a mix of traditional Korean music and modern compositions that underscore the emotional and action-packed moments of the series. The soundtrack adds an extra layer of depth to the viewing experience, making “Yeoshingangrim” a feast for both the eyes and ears.
Why Watch “Yeoshingangrim”?
So, why should “Yeoshingangrim” be on your watchlist? For starters, it offers a fresh take on the historical drama genre, blending elements in a way that feels innovative and exciting. The plot is engaging, filled with enough twists to keep you guessing, and the characters are well-developed, each with their own story to tell.
The performances by the cast are top-notch, bringing authenticity and emotion to their roles. The chemistry between the leads, in particular, is something that fans of romance will not want to miss.
Moreover, the themes and messages of “Yeoshingangrim” are both timely and timeless, touching on issues of identity, gender, and destiny in ways that are thought-provoking and relevant.
In conclusion, “Yeoshingangrim” is a series that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, romantic comedies, or action-packed adventures, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to love in this show. Its unique blend of genres, coupled with strong performances and a compelling narrative, makes “Yeoshingangrim” a standout series that deserves a spot on your watchlist.