13 Short K-Dramas That Are Great To Binge In A Day
On rainy days, there’s a certain comfort in curling up in bed, indulging in a tub of ice cream, and binging on a captivating K-drama. This list is curated precisely for those moments. Featuring 13 short binge-worthy dramas spanning romance, fantasy, and action genres, each one is perfect for a single sitting. Each of these K-dramas has eight or fewer episodes because not every drama needs to be 16 episodes long.
“Soundtrack #1”
Han Sun Woo (Park Hyung Sik), a rookie photographer, and Lee Eun Soo (Han So Hee), a lyricist, have been friends for two decades. However, when these two friends in their early 30s start living together, suddenly everything changes between them. Their sweet friendship evolves into an even sweeter and heartwarming romance.
Why is it worth watching?
The trope of “friends to lovers” is one of the most popular tropes in K-drama, but rarely is the character development as realistic as seen in “Soundtrack #1.” Surprisingly, the limited runtime does not affect the pacing or the relationship development. Moreover, this K-drama is a must-watch for music lovers, as it features not one, not two, but 12 beautiful OSTs.
Episodes: 4
Genre: romance
“Weak Hero Class 1”
Based on the webtoon “Weak Hero,” “Weak Hero Class 1” tells the story of Yeon Si Eun (Park Ji Hoon), an academically smart student. Don’t be fooled by his looks; he might appear weak, but he knows all the tactics to win in a physical fight. Due to some unexpected turns of events, he becomes the target of a criminal organization. Will he be able to protect himself and his friends?
Why is it worth watching?
While the plot of “Weak Hero Class 1” is similar to many other teen revenge K-dramas, what makes it worth watching is the captivating and often gruesome action sequences. Despite not being physically strong, Shi Eun’s unconventional way of fighting makes the action scenes rather unique.
Episodes: 8
Genre: action and drama
Check out “Weak Hero Class 1”:
“Here’s My Plan”
“Here’s My Plan” revolves around a 20-year-old girl, Lee So Hyun (Kim Hwan Hee). When So Hyun was young, she ran away from her house and started the noble career of pick-pocketing to survive in the world alone. Her only plan is to take revenge on people who, according to her, ruined her life. However, the plot of her life changes when she meets a sweet chicken restaurant owner.
Why is it worth watching?
“Here’s My Plan” is a revenge story where seemingly no revenge happens in the beginning. But the plot turns dark right in front of your eyes. Plus, the romantic relationship between So Hyun and Jo Yoon Ho (Kim Do Hoon) is quite healthy despite their life circumstances and young age.
Episode: 4
Genre: romance, drama
Check Out “Here’s My Plan”:
“Death’s Game”
Choi Yi Jae (Seo In Guk) is tired of his life and the never-ending problems that come with it. He lost his job, his girlfriend left him, and he lost his life savings in a bitcoin scam. Thinking death is the only option, he takes his own life. However, due to his rude attitude, Death, played by Park So Dam, punishes him by forcing him to reincarnate multiple times to experience painful deaths repeatedly.
Why is it worth watching?
Aside from the unique storyline, what makes “Death’s Game” worth watching is its cast, including Park So Dam, Seo In Guk, Lee Jae Wook, and Lee Do Hyun, among others. The tear-jerking performances of some of the industry’s best actors will leave you in shambles.
Episodes: 8
Genres: fantasy, drama, thriller
“The Hymn of Death”
Based on the true story of Kim Won Jin, a Korean drama writer, and Yun Sim Deok, the first Korean soprano, and set in Japanese-occupied Korea, Won Jin (Lee Jong Suk) is a married man who falls in love with Sim Deok (Shin Hye Sun). However, as Sim Deok meets an unfortunate end, Won Jin writes the song “Praise of Death” in 1926 in her memory, which ends up becoming the first Korean pop song.
Why is it worth watching?
As this K-drama is based on a real story, it offers a window into the creation of the first Korean pop song. Even though the ending is revealed in the synopsis, the characters and their journey make “The Hymn of Death” worth your time.
Episode: 6
Genre: historical, romance, melodrama
“A Shop for Killers”
“A Shop for Killers,” based on the novel “Salinjaui Shoppingmall” by Kang Ji-Young, revolves around Jung Ji An (Kim Hye Jun). Ji An’s father first kills her mother and himself, leaving her in the custody of her uncle, Jung Jin Man (Lee Dong Wook), who seems normal. However, it’s only after the death of her uncle that Ji An discovers his peculiar field of work.
Why is it worth watching?
In terms of action sequences, “A Shop for Killers” is by far one of the most unique and modern K-dramas. There are scenes that utilize drones, huge guns, and modern technology flawlessly. For people experiencing action K-drama fatigue, “A Shop for Killers” is the perfect way to get back into the genre.
Episodes: 8
Genre: action, thriller
“Vigilante”
Based on a webtoon of the same name, “Vigilante” tells the story of Kim Ji Yong (Nam Joo Hyuk), who witnessed his mother being brutally killed in front of his eyes when he was a child. Despite the gruesome nature of the crime, the killer only received a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Now a police university student, Ji Yong has taken matters into his own hands to serve justice in his own way.
Why is it worth watching?
“Vigilante” could easily be misunderstood as another revenge story, but it is much more than that. Aside from featuring gripping action sequences, this K-drama prompts viewers to contemplate the flaws within the justice system.
Episodes: 8
Genre: action, thriller, crime
“One Day Off”
Park Ha Kyung (Lee Na Young) is a high school Korean literature teacher in the 1990s. Her days as a teacher are lackluster, so, to escape from her mundane life, she takes trips on Saturdays, her one day off. During these Saturday trips, she realizes how traveling and connecting with new people make her feel alive.
Why is it worth watching?
“One Day Off” is the kind of K-drama you watch on a rainy day. Everything from the slice of life genre to the beautiful scenery showcased in the show makes the experience healing.
Episode: 8
Genre: slice of life
“The Most Beautiful Goodbye”
Kim In Hee (Won Mi Kyung) was like any ordinary housewife; she spent her entire life serving her family and kids. One day she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. And before dying, she wants to do one last thing: prepare the most beautiful goodbye.
Why is it worth watching?
The characters of “The Most Beautiful Goodbye” are no different than you and I. The family consists of normal people who are not particularly rich or poor, successful or failed, just people. And that’s why their pain leaves a mark on your soul. With realistic relationships between the characters, the portrayal of emotions by the actors, and the heartbreaking ending, everything makes “The Most Beautiful Goodbye” the perfect K-drama to cry to.
Episode: 4
Genre: slice of life, melodrama
“Live On”
Baek Ho Rang (Jung Da Bin) is a high school student that every girl wants to be, and every guy wants to be with her. As a social media star, she has her entire school following her, but one day she receives a message from an anonymous follower who seemingly knows Ho Rang’s deepest secret. Now, Ho Rang’s only hope is Go Eun Taek (Hwang Minhyun), the head of the high school broadcasting club. However, to get his help, she has to join the broadcasting club first.
Why is it worth watching?
It would have been easier to talk about “Live On” if it did only one thing right, but this K-drama nailed everything that makes a teen romcom K-drama. From great pacing to well-developed relationships and great handling of heavy topics like bullying, “Live On” is a must-watch for school romance lovers.
Episode: 8
Genre: romance, comedy, drama
Binge-watch “Live On” now:
“The Witch’s Diner”
Jung Jin (Nam Ji Hyun) was a 28-year-old woman with a perfect life, a perfect job, and a perfect boyfriend. However, when bad luck struck her like a lightning bolt, she lost everything she loved. To get back on her feet, she opens a restaurant unlike anything else you have ever visited before. Based on the Korean novel “The Witch’s Diner” by Go Sang Hee, the K-drama revolves around a peculiar restaurant where customers can sell their souls to make their wishes come true.
Why is it worth watching?
“The Witch’s Diner” is the perfect blend of fantasy and slice of life. The K-drama showcases both the art of culinary and contemporary witchcraft with great cinematography. It’s a cautionary tale for those who wish without thinking about the consequences.
Episode: 8
Genre: fantasy, supernatural
Watch “The Witch’s Diner”:
“Anna”
Based on the novel “Intimate Stranger” by Jung Han Ah, “Anna” tells the story of Lee Yoo Mi, aka Anna (Suzy). Lies never come alone; instead, they always open the door to more deception. That’s what happens with Yoo Mi; she tells one lie that ends up changing the trajectory of her life. It is easier to keep track of your lies, but what happens when you start believing in your lies yourself?
Why is it worth watching?
Suzy does an incredible job of portraying the difficulties individuals with Ripley Syndrome face and will make you sympathize with Anna. The cinematography of “Anna” leans more towards movies than K-drama, making it perfect for movie-lovers who want to dive into K-dramas. For a better understanding of the character of Anna, it is suggested to watch “Anna: Extended Version.”
Episode: 8
Genre: thriller, slice of life, drama
“Can You Deliver Time? 2002”
Kim Woo Ri’s (Jo Ah Young) life is put on hold when the entire world is sent into lockdown because of the pandemic. Her ordinary dream of living life as a normal kid seems impossible until she has a huge fight with her mother and accidentally travels back to 2002.
Why is it worth watching?
The nostalgia you feel while watching an old piece of media is rather difficult to recreate when time has passed. However, “Can You Deliver Time? 2002” is one of the exceptions to that fact. With beautiful cinematography and a lighthearted plot, this K-drama will bring you back to the year of 2002.
Episode: 8
Genre: time travel, fantasy
Hello, Soompiers! What do you like to munch on while binge-watching K-dramas? Let us know in the comments!
Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres but believes no one can top the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
Currently watching: “The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection”
Looking forward to: “Chief Detective 1958,” and “Lovely Runner”
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