Some K-Drama veterans or even new K-Drama fans might be looking for dramas that are a bit more dramatic than the typical storyline. The perfect genre for these kinds of K-Drama fans is makjang dramas (or over-the-top dramas). Makjang dramas are dramas that are considered over-the-top because they seem unrealistic. The characters often have their own set of morals that go beyond the norm and there are often unbelievable plot twists that no one can see coming. Some standard cliches that often appear in this genre include long-lost family members, amnesia, unexpected deaths, etc. As ridiculous as this genre may sound to people, these dramas can be addictive. That is the largest reason why people watch them. Here is a list of makjang dramas to get you started with the genre or to watch if you haven’t already. Let us know in the comments if you have any other recommendations and which dramas you have watched already! Note: This is not a ranking, the list is in random order.
1. “SKY Castle”
When: 2018 Cast: Yum JungAh, Jung JoonHo, Choi WonYoung, Kim HyeYoon, SF9’s Chani, Kim SeoHyung, and more. Summary: The story follows the richest families living in a luxurious neighborhood called SKY Castle. It explores their ambition to make their families successful at all costs. Why watch?: This drama brings to light the competitive nature of the education system in Korea. It is exaggerated but also true to an extent which should be interesting to watch for those with a deeper interest in Korea.
2. “Penthouse: War In Life”
When: 2020 Cast: Lee JiAh, Kim SoYeon, Eugene, Um KiJoon, Shin EunKyung, Bong TaeGyu, Yoon JongHoon, Park EunSeok, Kim HyeonSoo, Kim YoungDae, Choi YeBin, and more. Summary: It tells the real estate and education war happening in a 100-floor penthouse between an unreachable queen, a ‘Prima Donna’ full of desire who devours everything, and a woman who is speeding up for the upper class. They have huge greed which is hard to fulfill. Why watch?: It has 3 seasons that get continuously outrageous as you watch them, perfect for if you can’t get enough of the drama. The story also shows the variations of struggle across two generations (parents and their high school-aged children). This drama is also highly acclaimed in Korea for the caliber of acting from the cast and was a breakthrough drama for many of the cast members. The ending will also have you thinking about it for months!
3. “Young Lady And Gentleman”
When: 2021 Cast: Lee SeHee, Ji HyunWoo, Kang EunTak, Park HaNa, Lim HyeYoung, and more. Summary: When a widower with three children meets the vibrant energy of their live-in tutor, the two become interested in each other despite a very large age gap. Why watch?: Although the age gap between the two romantic leads is quite big, for the most part, this drama is a feel-good watch that will have you waiting eagerly for the next episode.
4. “World of the Married”
When: 2020 Cast: Kim HeeAe, Park HaeJoon, Kim YoungMin, Han SoHee, Park SunYoung, and more. Summary: What will happen when the perfect family comes under the strain of a husband falling into a dangerous external relationship? Why watch?: This drama will have you feeling every emotion with the characters and on the edge of your seat with suspense. It will make you question everything and keep you addicted wondering how the story will unexpectedly change next.
5. “Mine”
When: 2021 Cast: Lee BoYoung, Kim SeoHyung, Lee HyunWook, Ok JaYeon, VIXX’s N, Jung YiSeo, and more. Summary: Encaged in a gold-clad life of secrets and lies, two women in a conglomerate family seek to topple all that stands in their way of finding true joy. (Netflix) Why watch?: This is a more understated makjang. It is extremely dramatic but has a subdued way of delivering the drama. Most of the characters pride themselves on being refined and poised. That makes them even more intimidating because you can’t anticipate their actions behind their calm demeanors. However, that is what makes this such an interesting watch.
6. “Love (Ft. Marriage and Divorce)”
When: 2021 Cast: SungHoon, Lee GaRyeong, Lee TaeKon, Park JooMi, Jeon NoMin, Jeon SooKyeong, Lee MinYoung, Song JiIn, Lim HyeYoung, and more. Summary: Three successful career women have their worlds rocked when their romantic lives face turbulent times. Why watch?: It has 2 seasons so far which means the ultimate binge session! This drama explores the ins and outs of relationships down to extreme details. It makes you question psychology and why people behave the way they do. Not only that, but it also plays with the motif of appearances and the truths behind them.
7. “The Second Husband”
When: 2021 Cast: Uhm HyunKyung, Cha SeoWon, Oh SeungA, Han KiWoong, and more. Summary: When a woman gets betrayed by the love of her life, his new wife causes her a world of misfortune and she takes it upon herself to get revenge no matter what it takes. Why watch?: This show is riveting as it takes you through the complicated emotions of a feud motivated by never-ending revenge. You won’t know what’s going to happen next even if you try to predict it.
What do you think of these dramas? Share your recommendations in the comments!
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