Korean dramas. It’s a world filled with love squares, second-generation conglomerate heirs, K-pop stars-turned-actors, and second male lead syndromes. Of course, a single blurb on the matter does not suffice – however, I suppose a simple introduction is better than none. Call me an enabler. Consider this your gateway introduction to late nights with cliffhangers, apparitions, and amour.
Here are some of the best, spookiest K-drama goodies to snuggle up to – a hand-picked selection of ghosts, vampires, and supernatural manifestations. Carved pumpkins and name brand Halloween candies are optional (but highly recommended). Thank goodness for sweets and subtitles.
Oh My Ghostess
A horny virgin ghost possesses the body of a timid, self-deprecating sous chef. Toss her in the kitchen with a bunch of drool-worthy males, and watching ladies on the prowl were never this fun. Park Bo Young manages both characters nicely, and Kim Seul Gi’s an absolute scream (if you didn’t already know). 16 episodes.
Let’s Fight, Ghost
An exorcist and a ghost team up to get rid of lingering spirits in a fresh take which turns out to be beautifully campy and devilishly fun. The ghost-fighting duo and subsequent on-campus club is replete with fight scenes and effervescent friendships (bonus: onscreen chemistry between Kang Ki-young and David Lee is quite the scene-stealer).
Our leads are an odd couple indeed, but an entertaining balance of lighthearted scenes along with the creepiness of a bona fide Jekyll-and-Hyde puts any concerns to rest. (Also, a shoutout is in order for 2PM’s HOTTEST.) 16 episodes.
Signal
A wunderkind criminal profiler, Park Hae-young, stumbles upon an old radio that intercepts transmissions from a fellow gumshoe… from the past. It’s a beautifully plot- and character-driven construction, with supernatural props due in regards to casting (leads Kim Hye-soo, Cho Jin-woong, and Lee Je-hoon), writing (Kim Eun-hee), and direction (Kim Won-suk).
Plot lines weave us so thoughtfully through the past and present that it makes me forgive the fact that there’s little romance. 16 episodes.
Orange Marmalade
High school’s a bummer. Ma Ri’s got a thirst for blood, and the object of her affection’s a vampire-hater. Being a vampire only adds to the challenge of trying to blend in while blazing with insecurity.
How did we forget that teens could be so moody? A story of self discovery, acceptance, and young hearts. (And a must for any die-hard CNBLUE fan. And, can’t forget the other K-pop connection: AOA’s Seolhyun.) 12 episodes.
The Master’s Sun
Onscreen chemistry between stars So Ji-sub and Gong Hyo-jin makes this drama an easy favorite. Our heroine Gong-shil sees dead people, and Joong-won is traumatized by one from his past. Singer-actor Seo In-guk delights, as well as other familiar faces of Kdrama (Park Hee-bon, Lee Jae-won). (Cameo watch: Infinite’s L, for all you K-pop fans).
Most episodes have self-contained story arcs, each solving a new case of restless spirits. (Bonus treats: Joong-won’s signature catchphrases and Gong-shil’s wardrobe messages.) 17 episodes.
What’s the scariest K-drama you’ve ever seen?
