Cover A look back at some of the K-dramas that sparked the global Korean wave (Photo: edited by Angela Nicole Guiral)
A look back at some of the K-dramas that sparked the global Korean wave (Photo: edited by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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From the charm of the F4 to the allure of the gumiho, we revisit the classic K-dramas that laid the foundation for today’s global obsession with South Korea
Long before high-speed digital queues and 4K mobile streaming became the standard, a specific breed of television drama began its conquest of the global cultural landscape. These early “Koreanovelas” required a certain level of dedication, forcing enthusiasts to clear their schedules and gather around physical TV sets at fixed hours. It was an era of storytelling, defined by broadcasts and the magnetic pull of Seoul’s burgeoning star power.
The impact of these shows remains undeniable today, serving as the blueprint for the cinematic polish and emotional depth we now expect from the peninsula. They represent a time of pure discovery, where the tropes of star-crossed lovers and vengeful heirs first captured hearts across borders.
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For those seeking a trip down memory lane, these seven titles stand as the essential pillars of the original Korean wave.
‘Boys Over Flowers’ (2009)
Above The main cast of ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (Photo: KBS)
The main cast of ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (Photo: KBS)
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While technically a latecomer to the early wave, this series acted as a massive catalyst for the genre's explosive growth. Following the plucky Geum Jan-di as she navigates the elite world of Shinhwa High School, the show introduced us to the F4—a quartet of impossibly wealthy and handsome heirs led by the arrogant Gu Jun-pyo. Its influence on fashion and the “rich boy” aesthetic remains a cornerstone of Hallyu history.
‘Princess Hours’ (2006)
Above Yoon Eun-hye and Ju Ji-hoon in ‘Princess Hours’ (Photo: MBC)
Yoon Eun-hye and Ju Ji-hoon in ‘Princess Hours’ (Photo: MBC)
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Imagine an alternate reality where the Korean monarchy still thrives in the modern age. This series delivers exactly that, blending traditional Joseon etiquette with the struggles of contemporary teenage life. When an ordinary schoolgirl finds herself betrothed to the Crown Prince, the resulting clash of status and personality creates a narrative that feels both royal and remarkably grounded.
‘My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho’ (2010)
Above Lee Seung-gi and Shin Min-ah in ‘My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho’ (Photo: SBS TV)
Lee Seung-gi and Shin Min-ah in ‘My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho’ (Photo: SBS TV)
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Fantasy and romance collide in this endearing tale of a legendary nine-tailed fox yearning for humanity. Shin Min-ah brings a delightful curiosity to the role of the Gumiho, while her chemistry with Lee Seung-gi provides the perfect balance of comedy and pathos. It remains a definitive example of how Korean writers can take ancient folklore and make it feel entirely fresh for a young audience.
‘Secret Garden’ (2010)
Above Ha Ji-won and Hyun Bin in ‘Secret Garden’ (Photo: SBS TV)
Ha Ji-won and Hyun Bin in ‘Secret Garden’ (Photo: SBS TV)
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Body-swapping antics might seem like a tired trope, yet this drama executed the concept with such wit that it became an instant classic. The friction between a wealthy, eccentric CEO and a gritty stuntwoman provides endless entertainment, especially when they are forced to inhabit each other’s lives. It is a sharp exploration of class and character that cemented Hyun Bin’s status as a top-tier lead.
‘Reply 1997’ (2012)
Above The cast of ‘Reply 1997’ (Photo: tvN)
The cast of ‘Reply 1997’ (Photo: tvN)
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Nostalgia is the heartbeat of this series, which focuses on the birth of K-pop fandom culture in the late Nineties. It eschews the typical melodrama for a grounded, funny and deeply relatable look at friendship and first loves. The “guess the husband” format kept audiences hooked, making it a pioneer for the Reply franchise that followed.
‘Rooftop Prince’ (2012)
Above A scene from ‘Rooftop Prince’ (SBS TV)
A scene from ‘Rooftop Prince’ (SBS TV)
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Time travel provides the mechanism for fish-out-of-water comedy when a Joseon-era prince and his entourage land in modern-day Seoul. The transition from 18th-century gravity to 21st-century absurdity is handled with genuine humour. Beyond the laughs, a mystery involving a past tragedy keeps the stakes high, proving that historical dramas can be successfully reimagined for contemporary tastes.
‘Spring Waltz’ (2006)
Above A scene from ‘Spring Waltz’ (Photo: KBS2)
A scene from ‘Spring Waltz’ (Photo: KBS2)
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As the final instalment of the season-themed Endless Love series, this production offers a more contemplative and scenic experience. Filmed partly in Austria, it uses stunning landscapes to mirror the emotional journey of its protagonists. It captures the essence of the early wave: grand romances, beautiful cinematography and a soundtrack that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
What was your favourite K-drama back then?
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
