Discover the Top 8 KDramas to Watch If You're into K-Pop

In the world of K-pop, it may seem glamorous, but there are many challenges and pressures that arise with those who decide to embark on the long journey of becoming idols. Many K-dramas showcase these struggles, but also the beautiful friendships and confidence that emerge from these obstacles. Here are eight of those K-dramas to watch.

Note: The list does not follow any particular order.

Table

1. Imitation
2. Let Me Be Your Knight
3. Dream High
4. The Liar and His Lover
5. You’re Beautiful
6. So I Married the Anti-Fan
7. IDOL: The Coup
8. The Best Hit

1. Imitation

In this series, Jung Ji So takes on the role of Ma Ha, an aspiring K-pop idol. Ma Ha has been facing years of hardship in her journey to become an idol, and just as she's on the brink of her big break, it's snatched away in an instant. Despite this setback, she perseveres and continues to strive for her debut, but it presents a formidable challenge.

"Imitation" successfully delivers a fantastic ensemble of idol actors for K-pop enthusiasts. Featuring members from ATEEZ, SF9, T-ara, and even the well-established group G.o.d, this extensive cast of idols provides a remarkably authentic portrayal of the K-pop world. Right from the start, the series delves into the dreams of an aspiring idol who aspires to debut alongside a famous but troubled mentor, making "Imitation" a must-watch for anyone captivated by the K-pop industry.

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2. Let Me Be Your Knight

Lee Jun Young takes the lead as Yoon Tae In, the frontman of the popular K-pop group LUNA in this series. Yoon Tae In faces challenges like sleepwalking and other mental health issues. In response, his manager brings in In Yoon Joo (played by Jung In Sun) under the pretense of being a physician to reside with the idol group. What LUNA remains unaware of is that Yoon Joo doesn't possess genuine medical qualifications.

With a cast packed with K-pop idols, "Let Me Be Your Knight" strikes a perfect balance between seriousness and comedic relief. Audiences are granted a deep dive into the psyche of Tae In, a K-pop idol contending with mental health struggles. The romantic narrative that unfurls between the "doctor" and a K-pop luminary is touching and highlights the powerful emotions that develop between them. You'll be captivated by the interactions between the idols and Yoon Joo!

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3. Dream High

"Dream High" narrates the journey of a group of high school students with aspirations of becoming K-pop idols. Go Hye Mi (played by Suzy) must convince two other students to enroll in her school to secure her spot in the program. One of these students is Song Sam Dong, portrayed by Kim Soo Hyun. He's a rural boy who crosses paths with Hye Mi and falls in love with her, eventually following her to Kirin Art High School.

When discussing K-dramas with K-pop themes, "Dream High" is the series that immediately comes to mind. It goes beyond just portraying K-pop trainees aiming to become idols; it boasts a cast filled with real-life idols. Thanks to the involvement of JYP Entertainment, several idols from the entertainment company make appearances and play substantial roles. The romantic relationships and performances showcased throughout the series offer a fresh perspective on the idols we were already familiar with.

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4. The Liar and His Lover

"The Liar and His Lover" is about a highly talented and successful producer named Kang Han Kyul (Lee Hyun Woo), renowned for writing hit songs for a famous boy band called Crude Play. Joy plays the role of Yoon So Rim, a financially struggling high school student who is part of a band with two male friends. Yoon So Rim falls in love at first sight with Kang Han Kyul as she randomly rides her bicycle past him.

There are many compelling aspects to this series. On one hand, you have the story of a genius songwriter who was supposed to be part of a very famous idol group, and on the other hand, you have a young, talented woman and her band trying to achieve their dreams. You gain a unique perspective on the industry through these diverse characters, and you truly start rooting for them to achieve their dreams. The message is clear: it's an uphill battle, but it's worth persevering.

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5. You’re Beautiful

"You're Beautiful" is a classic K-drama starring Jang Geun Suk as Hwang Tae Kyung and Park Shin Hye as Go Mi Nam. Go Mi Nam joins Tae Kyung's rock group as a replacement for her twin brother, but as the other band members slowly realize that Mi Nam is actually a girl, they begin to develop strong feelings for her.

This classic series has all the K-drama tropes to draw you in. While it can be cheesy at times, the romance and chemistry between the two leads, along with the love triangle, will keep you engaged. The soundtrack and watching the characters in this group evolve from start to finish make investing time in this story worthwhile. You'll love seeing the innocent Go Mi Nam transform from a nun to a love-struck idol superstar!

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6. So I Married the Anti-Fan

"So I Married the Anti-Fan" features Choi Tae Joon as Who Joon, a renowned star with a self-assured and conceited demeanor. Sooyoung of Girls' Generation takes on the role of Lee Geun Young, a magazine reporter who holds a strong dislike for Who Joon and stands as his most ardent "anti-fan." Destiny brings them together when they're both offered a chance to participate in a reality show where a celebrity and their anti-fan cohabitate. Both of them accept this opportunity, driven by personal challenges, and, as expected, love blossoms between them.

This series made its debut a few years after its announcement, generating high anticipation among fans eager to witness the chemistry between Choi Tae Joon and Sooyoung. While it doesn't delve deeply into the challenges of idol life, it does provide a glimpse of the difficulties of being in love with a superstar idol. The constant spotlight on one person leaves little room for privacy, a theme explored in the series. Nevertheless, it's heartwarming to witness the extent to which Who Joon is willing to make sacrifices to be with Geun Young.

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7. IDOL: The Coup

"IDOL: The Coup" features a diverse cast of idols and delves into the challenges of being an idol. Starring Hani, Kim Min Kyu, and Kwak Si Yang, the series revolves around the struggles of idols as they aim to establish or sustain their fame.

Arguably one of the most demanding and authentic shows on this list, "IDOL: The Coup" provides an up-close experience of a group of idols genuinely battling to make it in the industry. As they grapple to make ends meet, they contemplate relinquishing their dreams. It's an emotional rollercoaster that will have you passionately supporting the success of the Cotton Candy group. Hani's outstanding performance is another highlight that's sure to win you over!

8. The Best Hit

'The Best Hit' offers a lot to appreciate. Boasting a star-studded cast including Yoon Shi Yoon, Lee Se Young, Kim Min Jae, Cha Tae Hyun, Lee Deok Hwa, and Cha Eun Woo, it promises top-notch entertainment. When Yoo Hyung Jae (Yoon Shi Yoon), a 90s idol, unexpectedly finds himself transported to the present day, he's left utterly bewildered. However, as he falls in love with Woo Seung (Lee Se Young) and uncovers that Ji Hoon (Kim Min Jae) is his long-lost son, he begins to question whether he truly desires to return to his past era.

Although the series doesn't exclusively center on the life of a K-pop idol, it revolves around various idols in the industry who grapple with real-life challenges. Yoon Shi Yoon's character, a former idol who achieved stardom, is catapulted into the future where he reunites with his son. You witness the transformation of this renowned idol as he grasps the genuine essence of life and learns to prioritize others over himself, a concept he previously had doubts about. It's a heartfelt series that emanates emotional warmth!

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