As any modern consumer knows, streaming has opened audiences up to an endless source of entertainment. Both daunting yet exciting, many unearthed gems rest beneath the mammoths and titans of industry. Recently blooming into international popularity, K-Dramas have succeeded on multiple streaming platforms, with many introducing original content to keep fans of the genre happy.
However, finding free content can be difficult for those without streaming options who want to check out some for themselves. Luckily, these six series are highlighted with the first four episodes for free on YouTube, giving you a taste of some of the best K-dramas.
6
My Beautiful Bride (2015)
Kim Do-hyung (Kim Mu-yeol) begins a desperate search for his fiancée, Yoon Joo-young (Ko Sung-hee), after she goes missing. This search ends up immersing Do-hyung in the world of underground crime, and results in him being framed for a murder. Do-hyung must navigate a deep web of lies, deceit, and the criminal underworld all in a bid to get back his “beautiful bride.”
Going to Extremes For the One You Love
My Beautiful Bride is an exciting mix of romance, action, and drama, showcasing various aspects of the best the K-drama genre has on offer. In particular, Kim Do-hyung’s dedication and love for Yoon Joo-young are both admirable and swoon-worthy. The action sequences are well executed, and the story stays engaging across all 16 episodes. The characters are somewhat underdeveloped due to the faster pace of the program, but it is still an engaging thrill ride worth checking out.
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5
Tell Me What You Saw (2020)
Former criminal profiler, Oh Hyun-jae (Jang Hyuk), spends his days as a recluse after the death of his fiancée, who died at the hands of a serial killer. However, he is brought into an investigation when the killer he thought was dead appears to have resurfaced. He teams up with Hwang Hwa-young (Jin Seo-yeon), a rising star in the police force, and Cha Soo-young (Choi Sooyoung), a gifted rookie, to stop the killer.
A Dark and Twisted Tale of Redemption
Those looking for something a bit darker and intense will appreciate the mix of drama and psychological thriller on offer from Tell Me What You Saw. This series is also the perfect free sample, as the first episode does a wonderful job of drawing the viewer in. The suspense stays pretty solid throughout, and the focus on character development helps elevate the dramatic aspects. Hyun-jae’s quest to find the truth while dealing with his past trauma is particularly engaging and well-written.
4
Class of Lies (2019)
A successful lawyer, Ki Moo-hyeok (Yoon Kyun-sang), is now disgraced after a high-profile murder case at a high school goes awry. He tries to get to the core of the truth by going undercover as a high school teacher. He teams up with the school’s PE teacher and a counselor whose investigation leads them to uncover a secret society run by privileged students known as the Veritas Club.
Navigating Complex Themes in the Korean School System
Tales of secret societies can always be slightly unnerving, especially when it involves children. Class of Lies brings the suspense of exploring a corrupt secret society of entitled students while touching on poignant issues. The movie also has atmospheric visual direction that complements the seriousness of the story, making this one of the most polished K-dramas on this list. The large cast works really well together, and Yoon Kyun-sang gives one of the best performances of his career.
3
Signal (2016)
Criminal profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) is attempting to solve a cold case of a serial killer spanning decades. When he discovers a mysterious radio that allows him to communicate with Detective Lee Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong) from decades past. The two work together to solve the case, decades apart. The story is inspired by real-life criminal incidents in Korea, notably the Hwaseong serial murders.
Solving a Cold Case Spanning Decades
A fascinating premise that would falter under the hands of the less experienced, Signal manages to merge sci-fi with crime thriller to perfection. What makes the series work so well is the cast, with Lee Je-hoon, Cho Jin-woong, and Kim Hye-soo the perfect trio to try to solve the decades-spanning mystery. Easily the most popular series that fans can check out for free, Signal was a ratings hit in Korea and won multiple awards. Those who love Korean movies will also appreciate how polished and cinematic the visual direction is.
2
When My Love Blooms (2020)
Han Jae-hyun (Yoo Ji-tae) and Yoon Ji-soo (Lee Bo-young) fell in love as university students, but life and aspirations slowly pushed them apart. However, 20 years later, the two stumble into a chance meeting with Jae-hyun now a successful businessman, while Ji-soo is a struggling single mother. Despite the decades apart, the two still feel that connection and begin to rekindle their relationship.
Finding Love Later in Life
Yoo Ji-tae and Lee Bo-young’s performances have the right amount of sincerity to convey the difficulties of dating later in life. The social and economic disparity between the two is a common trope in Korean romance movies and TV, yet the approach that When My Love Blooms takes is one of maturity and consideration. Those looking for realism over escapism will really appreciate this underrated K-drama series.
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1
Big Forest (2018)
Taking place in the Daerim neighborhood of Seoul, Big Forest follows the lives of three separate hopefuls struggling to make a living; Shin Dong-Yub, a star whose popularity has now dwindled; Jung Sang-Hoon, a single father working as a loan shark; and Im Cheong-A, a Korean-Chinese single mother. The three lives intertwine and, despite the challenges each faces, they find moments of levity and camaraderie.
Life Goes On
Those who enjoy lighthearted, yet impactful, slice-of-life drama will adore Big Forest. The series touches on so many issues with a casual yet insightful approach that it is hard not to be charmed. The performances of the main cast, and the way they work with each other, also bring a lot of sincerity to the story. The series may be brief, at 10 episodes, but Big Forest does a wonderful job of immersing viewers in a time and place that will leave a long-lasting impression (also perfect for multiple viewings).
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
