There is more to Korean television shows, or K-dramas, than romance.
Unlike our local channels full of mostly romantic teleserye, K-dramas have ventured into different genres—from action thrillers to police procedurals to medical dramas.
Yes, Korean TV networks and audience love their love stories. Practically every scripted series in recent memory has some romantic element in it. This kind of escapism, after all, is not limited to us. (We Filipinos sure do love our love teams: #JaDineForLife)
Love stories abound in K-dramas, but TV networks are now more experimental in the stories they tell on the small screen. They’re not afraid to take risks, having even taken their cues from American entertainment. (Korean version of “The Good Wife,” anyone?)
It’s not a total leap to say that K-dramas can rival its Western counterparts. In fact, I’m pretty sure that not a few can and do surpass some US series by miles. And because most K-dramas are 16 to 24 episodes, binge-watching is no great trial to anyone wanting to journey into the center of the Hallyu universe.
Here are Super’s must-see K-dramas that go beyond the romance genre.
Medical drama: “Dr. Romantic”
Think: Love child of “House, M. D.” and “Grey’s Anatomy”
“Dr. Romantic” —SBS. CO. KR
“Dr. Romantic,” which ended just this month, tells the story of a cantankerous genius chief of surgery and his motley crew of nurses and doctors who are trying to save lives despite the challenges they encounter in their underequipped provincial hospital.
