Lovely Runner fans have been swooning over Kim Hye-yoon — so, once you’ve finished the new series, these are the star’s best K-dramas to check out next.
Kim plays Im Sol in Lovely Runner, a young woman who gets the chance to travel back in time to save her favorite idol. The K-drama has been a success, praised for its unique take on time travel, young love, and the actors’ on-screen chemistry.
K-drama fans were over the moon with Kim and Byeon working together, especially with Kim known for a teen romance classic. But the actor is a jack of all trades, starring in comedies, dramas, and romantic films.
With Lovely Runner set to end after 16 episodes, there are plenty more of Kim’s on-screen roles to binge-watch after the show is over.
Sky Castle
What it’s about: How far are the wealthy willing to go for their children’s success? Sky Castle focuses on rich families — mostly the matriarchs — living in a luxurious residential area called Sky Castle. They will do anything to make their husbands successful and get their children to the top of the food chain. Actor Kim starred as one of the main leads Kang Ye-seo.
What we think: Sky Castle is one of cable television’s most successful K-dramas for a reason. It’s seeped in juicy and riveting drama that is relentless. Across 20 episodes, you get backstabbing betrayal and the pursuit to stay elite no matter the cost.
Where to stream: Netflix
Extraordinary You
What it’s about: Eun Dan-oh is an ordinary girl at a prestigious high school, but her world suddenly changes when she realizes her life isn’t real. It turns out everyone around her is living the storyline of a comic book called Secrets. As a secondary character, Dan-oh is unsatisfied with her story and sets out to change it, before meeting a nameless student.
What we think: Extraordinary You is recognized as a K-drama classic among fans, with the teen romance notably breaking the fourth wall. At 32 episodes, it’s one of the longer K-dramas, but it keeps you engaged as Dan-oh fights to keep the life she wants and her romance when it’s not meant to exist.
Where to stream: Viki
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Secret Royal Inspector & Joy
What it’s about: Set in the Joseon dynasty, the K-drama follows Ra Ian, a 6th-grade public service worker whose job isn’t what he wants to do in life. His real wish is to open a dumpling shop — instead, he becomes a secret royal inspector uncovering corrupt crimes. He meets Kim Joy, a divorced woman seeking happiness. They join forces to take down corrupt politicians.
What we think: If you’re a fan of historical settings and unsuspecting romances, then Secret Royal Inspector & Joy is for you. The K-drama boasts quirky comedy, coupled with the duo’s serious aim to tackle unjust crime, as well as scratching anyone’s romance itch.
Where to stream: Netflix & Viki
Snowdrop
What it’s about: Snowdrop is a political period piece set during South Korea’s democratic movement in 1987. It starred BlackPink’s Jisoo in her first acting role. Eun Yeong-ro attends an all-girls college and meets graduate student Lim Soo-ho. One day, she finds him bloody and wounded and shelters him in her dorm. Everyone initially believes he was involved in a local protest. But it’s soon revealed he’s a North Korean spy with a mission. Amid political turmoil, blossom love.
What we think: Kim played a supporting role as Gye Bun-ok, the college’s secretary who doesn’t get along with the girls. Snowdrop was one of the most controversial K-dramas due to its storyline, but it ended up being one of the best shows in the genre. It melds the anxious danger of political threat with a young love story that can (or cannot) become something more.
Where to stream: Disney+
Lovely Runner is streaming on Viki, and if looking for Netflix K-dramas to keep tabs on then look no further.
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