Cover K-dramas, like ‘Behind Your Touch’, feature scene-stealing feathered and furry companions that, at times, drive the plot or create viral moments. (Photo: Netflix)
K-dramas, like ‘Behind Your Touch’, feature scene-stealing feathered and furry companions that, at times, drive the plot or create viral moments. (Photo: Netflix)
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These furry companions prove that in K-dramas, the most powerful allies often come on four legs (or wings)
Krypto, the loyal dog from the new blockbuster Superman, might be winning over moviegoers right now, but animal co-stars have been quietly stealing scenes in K-dramas for years. These furry and feathered characters aren’t just cute distractions—they often sit at the centre of the story, driving plotlines, anchoring emotional arcs or creating unforgettable moments.
In Behind Your Touch, an ensemble of pets, including farm animals, holds crucial memories linked to solving crimes. And in Miss Night and Day, a mysterious cat appears as an enigmatic presence connected to the protagonist’s unusual transformation. Whether they’re fuelling twists or deepening emotional beats, animals in K-dramas are proving they deserve just as much credit as their human co-stars.
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‘A Good Day to Be a Dog’ (2023)
Above In ‘A Good Day to Be a Dog’, a high school teacher transforms into an adorable dog because of a generational curse.
High school teacher Han Hae-na (Park Gyu-young) lives under a bizarre generational curse that transforms her into an adorable dog named Cocoa. The transformation lasts six hours, and she has only 100 days to break the spell with a second kiss from the same person while in dog form. The cruel twist? She accidentally kissed her colleague Jin Seo-won (Cha Eun-woo), who has a debilitating fear of dogs. Behind the scenes, the show’s talented canine actor won hearts, with Cha Eun-woo putting dog snacks on his lips for their kiss scene.
‘Welcome’ (2020)
Above ‘Welcome’ features a cat who can transform into a man.
In this reversal of the transformation trope, Hong-jo is a beautiful white cat who can transform into a man (Kim Myung-soo). His magical ability only works when he’s near his new owner, graphic designer Sol-ah (Shin Ye-eun). The show’s cat character captivated audiences with his expressive eyes, while Kim Myung-soo’s subtle mannerisms—slow blinks and skittish reactions—perfectly captured a feline soul in human form.
‘Miss Night and Day’ (2024)
Above A mysterious cat serves as an enigmatic presence in ‘Miss Night and Day’.
Lee Mi-jin (played by Jung Eun-ji in her 20s and Lee Jung-eun in her 50s) transforms between her youthful self at night and her older self during the day. Throughout her unusual double life, a mysterious cat appears repeatedly, serving as a subtle, enigmatic presence that adds a mystical atmosphere to her journey. The cat’s watchful appearances hint at deeper, unexplained connections to Mi-jin’s strange transformations.
‘Vincenzo’ (2021)
Above A pigeon named Inzaghi becomes an unexpected sidekick to mafia consigliere Vincenzo Cassano.
In Vincenzo, a persistent pigeon named Inzaghi becomes an unexpected and beloved sidekick to mafia consigliere Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong-ki). Initially a comedic presence—often seen nesting outside Vincenzo’s window—Inzaghi later plays a surprising role in key scenes, coming to Vincenzo’s aid in moments of danger. Named after Italian footballer Filippo Inzaghi, the pigeon gained popularity online, especially after the dramatic “Deus Ex Piccione” moment where Inzaghi and other pigeons distract Vincenzo’s attackers.
‘Behind Your Touch’ (2023)
Above A veterinarian gains the ability to see the past by touching anyone’s rear end, including her animal patients.
After a meteor shower grants veterinarian Bong Ye-bun (Han Ji-min) the ability to see the past by touching anyone’s rear end, her animal patients become key witnesses to crimes and mysteries. This ensemble of dogs, cats and farm animals each holds crucial memories, with one particularly heartbreaking scene of a dog’s final moments with his beloved grandfather becoming a viral sensation.
‘Tomorrow’ (2022)
Above ‘Tomorrow’ dedicates an episode to the selfless act of a dying dog.
This drama about grim reapers took a supernatural turn by establishing that animals have souls requiring guidance to the afterlife. Episode 9 centres on Kong, a 15-year-old dog who runs away to die alone, sparing his owner from grief. Told from the dog’s perspective, this poignant story explores the deep bond between pets and humans through a supernatural lens.
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After more than a decade in lifestyle media, Clifford has mastered the art of writing seriously about things that are fun—and writing fun things about people who take themselves very seriously. At Tatler Asia, he helped steer its flagship lists, Tatler’s Most Influential and Asia’s Most Stylish. And today, he leads T-Labs, Tatler Asia’s content innovation hub, where he continues the noble pursuit of lifestyle storytelling, spinning stories on wealth, entertainment, necessary style, Hallyu, Hollywood, beauty and more for audiences across Asia.
