Here are 10 of the best dramas that aired (and ended) in the first half of 2022, according to us. Make sure to check them out if you haven’t already! Note: This list only includes dramas that have finished airing before the 1st of July 2022. This list is not a ranking and is in no particular order.
1. “Business Proposal”
When: Feb. 28 - Apr. 5 Cast: Ahn HyoSeop, Kim SeJeong, Kim MinGue, Seor Ina, VICTON’s ByungChan Summary: An ordinary office worker disguises herself and goes on a blind date with her attractive boss in the place of her friend to end this unwanted marriage blind date after her request. Watch if you’re looking for: A classical office romance/chaebol trope that will make your heart flutter but also make you laugh. Why watch it?: This drama is simply charming. It draws you in with humor but makes you stay for all of the butterflies that the love stories bring. One of the excellent aspects of the drama is that you will not only find yourself invested in the lead couple’s story, but also in the second couple’s story. The entire cast has excellent chemistry and it is a lovable drama that you will find yourself repeating at least one more time.
2. “Twenty-Five Twenty-One”
When: Feb. 12. - Apr. 3 Cast: Kim TaeRi, Nam JooHyuk, WJSN’s Bona, Choi HyunWook, Lee JuMyoung Summary: A drama about the romantic story of two people who first met when they were 22 and 18, then again four years later at 25 and 21. The story follows the pure and fierce growth of immature youth and the excitement and difficulties between friendship and love. Watch if you’re looking for: A drama that will make you feel every emotion intensely as if each of the characters is a reflection of you. Why watch it?: Inspired by a song of the same name by the Korean rock band Jaurim, this story inspires a familiar sense of nostalgia, whether you have experienced some of the plot points in real life or not. The characters exude a warmth that gives them an air of familiarity, making you watch the next episode almost like you are personally close to them. You will form a serious bond with this drama as the characters are all profound and the actors are authentic. Their convincing acting will make you feel several emotions for each of them. The sports element and everyone working towards their goals also makes room for a lot of inspiration to be drawn from the drama.
3. “The Sound of Magic”
When: May 6 Cast: Choi SungEun, Ji ChangWook, Hwang InYoup Summary: It tells the story of Yun Ai who lost her dream of becoming a magician and is living in difficult circumstances. She meets a mysterious magician and gradually starts to want to realize her dream. Watch if you’re looking for: Magical music and an enchanting storyline. Why watch it?: The acting and storytelling in this drama are so convincing that they will have you believing in magic with every fiber of your being. It is a heartwarming watch and will trigger your intrigue. The musical element is also extremely well done, guaranteeing some new additions to your playlist. There is an intricate balance between reality and magic that will compel you and get your thoughts going, too.
4. “Tomorrow”
When: Apr. 1 - May 21 Cast: Kim HeeSeon, SF9’s RoWoon, Lee SooHyuk, Yoon JiOn Summary: A drama about jobseeker, Choi JunWoong, who fell into a coma and ended up as a member of the Special Crisis Management Team of the underworld. Watch if you’re looking for: A fantasy drama with a lot of realism, hence a lot of relatability. Why watch it?: This drama features a lot of heavy subject matter but speaks about the important societal aspects that we all ponder. In that sense, it is an eye-opening watch in many ways. Not only that, but it will give you a chance to learn more about Korean culture as there are a lot of cultural elements throughout the plot. One of the best things about it is the dynamic between the actors. You will not only appreciate these heroes’ efforts, but the personality differences will make each character endear to you in different ways.
5. “My Liberation Notes”
When: Apr. 9 - May 29 Cast: Lee MinKi, Kim JiWon, Summary: “My Liberation Notes” set in Sanpo Village, depicts the lonely life of three unbearably rustic siblings and the mysterious man who moves into their neighborhood. Watch if you’re looking for: A slow-burn drama with an enchanting story about self-discovery. Why watch it?: “My Liberation Notes” gives you the time to look up at the sky. It is quite slow-paced but promotes the movement of self-independence and liberation from the pressures of society. It is in essence a comforting drama that will remind you that you’re not the only one going through whatever it is that you are going through. The drama is like a warm hug. It also gives us iconic moments such as one character asking another to worship them instead of loving them. We won’t give too much away but that comment will really win you over if the rest hasn’t already.
6. “Our Blues”
When: Apr. 2 - Jun. 12 Cast: Lee ByungHun, Shin MinA, Han JiMin, Kim WooBin, Cha SeoungWon, Uhm JungHwa Summary: “Our Blues” is a drama about the sweet and bitter life of everyone standing at the end, peak, or beginning of their lives. Watch if you’re looking for: Healing with a hint of sadness and a vicarious escape to Jeju Island. Why watch it?: This is the kind of drama that tugs at your heart strings but heals you, simultaneously. It’s a drama with an ensemble cast so you really get the chance to know all of the characters in this village on a personal level. As you do so, you will sympathize and empathize with all of the characters as they overcome their personal obstacles. This matched with the beautiful background of one of the most popular holiday destinations in Korea, will be like a great healing session to distract you from your everyday life.
7. “Juvenile Justice”
When: Feb. 25 Cast: Kim HyeSoo, Kim MuYeol, Lee SungMin, Lee JungEun Summary: A series depicting the stories of juvenile criminals and the outcomes they face when Shim EunSeok, a judge who hates juvenile criminals, is appointed to the juvenile department of the Yeonhwa District court. Watch if you’re looking for: A drama perfect for a true crime junkie with raw passion from the actors. Why watch it?: This drama does not mince its words. It is raw, authentic, and gets to the core of some heavy topics prevalent in Korean society. The drama is based on true crime cases that have happened in Korea, showing an unfamiliar perspective of the country. It is great material for educating oneself further on Korea’s social climate. Additionally, the acting is so passionate that watching the drama becomes a riveting experience. It gives you an adrenaline rush as if you are in a real situation firsthand.
8. “Again My Life”
When: Apr. 8 - May 28 Cast: Lee JoonGi, Kim JiEun, Lee KyungYoung Summary: A prosecutor gets a second chance at life to take down an evil politician. Watch if you’re looking for: A fusion between two usually-unassociated drama genres: crime and fantasy. Why watch it?: This drama not only has a fresh concept that blurs the lines between the two drama genres, but it presents it in a unique way. It goes between different timelines in an atypical manner and tickles the brain as you wonder how the old and new timelines link together and how it will affect the new future. The script is written in a witty way that will have you laughing and reduces the burden of the heavy subject matter, making it an enjoyable watch. The action scenes and justice storylines are also extremely satisfying.
9. “Bloody Heart”
When: May 2 - Jun. 21 Cast: Lee Joon, Kang HanNa, Jang Hyuk Summary: It is a historical romance drama that unfolds as Lee Tae, the king who has to throw away his beloved woman to survive, and YooJung, who has to be a heavy fighter to survive, point swords at each other’s necks. Watch if you’re looking for: The kind of tragic but romantic historical drama that makes you cling to your screen in suspense. Why watch it?: This drama will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It is unpredictable which makes for a refreshing watch and will make your heart clench and rejoice at several moments. The cinematography is gorgeous and so is the OST which makes for a full package viewing experience. Not to mention that the acting and writing were spectacular enough to make you see the cast in an even better light (if it’s even possible for them to be more talented than they are already).
10. “Thirty, Nine”
When: Feb. 16 - Mar. 31 Cast: Son YeJin, Jeon MiDo, Kim JiHyun Summary: A drama depicting the real human experience of the friendship, love, and life of three women who are about to reach 40. Watch if you’re looking for: A heartwarming drama that will make you have a therapeutic cry. Why watch it?: Honestly, this drama is extremely sad and does not hide that fact. You will more than likely either shed a tear or full-on reach for the tissues. However, those emotions won’t come from tragedy but rather from the beauty of the story. It makes you feel heavy emotions in the best way possible. It embodies what love is in so many forms: filial, romantic, and when it comes to friends. Despite the mostly sad content, it will also cheer you up in the humorous moments when the characters get up to fun antics. The chemistry of the three main characters and their acting is also unmatched. Which K-Drama from the first half of 2022 was your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Feel free to vote for your favorite drama of the ones we mentioned down below, too! 2022 K-Drama Couples With 7-Year+ Age Gaps – Older Male Leads Version KDRAMA STORIES|Jun 29, 2022
