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The global dissemination of Korean pop culture commenced in the 1990s and experienced substantial growth during the 2000s, particularly in the realm of television programming. Korean Dramas, commonly referred to as K-Dramas and predominantly produced in South Korea, have made a significant impact on streaming platforms. This has enabled audiences from around the world to access these series with subtitles in their preferred languages.
Numerous Korean dramas have gained popularity due to their portrayal of fashion, style, and cultural elements. These K-Dramas effectively combine emotional allure, romantic charm, and themes of family dedication, earning them a dedicated global fanbase. Here, we present a list of the top K-Dramas from the iconic 1990s era.
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10 Best K-Dramas from the 90s
Jealousy
Airing on MBC in 1992, “Jealousy” is a pioneering show in the Hallyu wave. It revolves around childhood friends Lee Young-ho (Choi Soo-jong) and Yoo Ha-kyung (Choi Jin-shil). As they navigate romantic relationships, Ha-kyung discovers her deeper feelings for Young-ho. This coming-of-age story explores her journey to reconcile these emotions while maintaining their friendship amidst life’s challenges.
The Last Dance
Although not a traditional K-drama series, “The Last Dance” aligns with the genre in various aspects, notably its poignant exploration of life’s concluding chapters. In this 1993 film, Buhei Mikai (Rentarô Mikuni), a successful filmmaker in his 60s, grapples with a concealed cancer diagnosis. The movie chronicles his path to embracing his destiny while striving to complete his last film, appealing to K-drama enthusiasts with its compelling narrative.
Love in Your Bosom (1994)
“Love in Your Bosom,” a 1994 romantic K-drama film, offers a unique twist within the genre. It follows Jin-joo (Shin Ae-ra), a working-class girl striving to support her family, who finds employment at a clothing store owned by Poong-ho’s (Cha In-pyo) family. As they embark on a relationship, the film explores their journey amidst Poong-ho’s corporate responsibilities and Jin Joo’s life challenges, evoking nostalgia for classic ’90s and early-2000s rom-coms.
The Last Match (1994)
“1994’s ‘The Last Match'” is a K-drama series that aligns with the genre, delving into the lives and challenges of two university basketball teams. Featuring an ensemble cast including Son Ji-chang, Lee Sang-ah, Jang Dong-gun, Shim Eun-ha, Lee Jong-wo, and Shin Eun-kyung, the show ran for 16 episodes on MBC. It bears resemblance to the sports-themed teen TV shows of its time.
Hotel (1995)
“Hotel,” a 1995 film co-directed by Kim Ki-ho and Lee Jin-suk, embodies the quintessential K-drama narrative. Im Hyung-bin (Han Seok-kyu) reluctantly assumes control of his family’s hotel. Together with his newly returned half-brother Im Kyung-bin (Lee Jin-woo), who holds a Hotel Management degree from the U.S., they strive to rescue the hotel from decline. The arrival of Han Su-min (Lee Seung-yeon), a public relations specialist, adds the classic element of a love triangle to the story.
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Sandglass (1995)
“Sandglass,” a highly acclaimed Korean drama from 1995, stands as one of the top-rated series and has been hailed as the best Korean soap since 1980. Spanning 24 episodes, it follows the intertwined lives of three friends—Park Tae-soo (Choi Min-soo), Kang Woo-suk (Park Sang-won), and Yoon Hye-rin (Go Hyun-jung)—amidst the civil and political turmoil of 1970s and 1980s Korea. The show’s bold portrayal of the taboo topic of the Gwangju Democratization Movement of 1980, a real historical event marked by a tragic civilian massacre, has solidified its significance in Korean culture.
First Love (1996)
“First Love,” a standout K-drama from the 1990s, enjoyed immense success with its remarkable 66-episode run over a year. This series achieved remarkable ratings, reaching an impressive 65.8% on its final broadcast in April 1997, making it the second highest-rated Korean drama ever based on single episode viewership. The narrative revolves around love, loss, and family dynamics, centering on the struggling Sung family, comprising brothers Sung Chan-woo (Bae Yong-joon), Sung Chan-hyuk (Choi Soo-jong), sister Sung Chan-ok (Song Chae-hwan), and their father Sung Duk-bae (Kim In-moon).
Propose (1997)
“Propose,” a 1997 Korean drama, delves into the complexities of love, exploring the boundaries between platonic and romantic affection within relationships. Spanning 14 episodes, the series follows friends Jung Soo-bin (Ryu Si-won), Kim Yu-ran (Kim Hee-seon), and Bae Min-seok (Lee Chang-hoon) as they grapple with the true essence of love. It masterfully portrays the classic theme of best friends discovering their deep-rooted affection for each other while navigating new romantic connections, rendering a compelling and believable storyline.
Star in My Heart (1997)
“Star in My Heart,” a remarkable K-drama from 1997, follows the journey of orphaned Lee Yun-hee (Choi Jin-sil), whose adoption into a less-than-welcoming household takes an unexpected turn when her hidden artistic talent is discovered. Drawing parallels to the classic Cinderella narrative, the series features an antagonistic stepmother (Park Won-sook) and stepsister Ahn Yi-hwa (Jo Mi-ryung), as well as a romantic interest, Kang Min-hee (Ahn Jae-wook). Pioneering international broadcasts, this drama played a pivotal role in introducing K-dramas to a wider audience and catapulting its stars to greater recognition.
Mister Q (1998)
“Mister Q,” a 1998 K-drama spanning 18 episodes aired over two months, centers around newcomers Kang-to Lee and Hae-won Han (played by Kim Min-jong and Kim Hee-seon) at the fashion company Lala. Despite the usual short tenure of employees in the development department, Kang-to and Hae-won defy convention by excelling and revealing hidden talents, ultimately compelling the company to retain them. The series is a tale of resilience and victory against those who seek to undermine individuals.
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