Here are 10 dramas that aired in the first half of 2021 (and ended) that are the best, according to us. You should not miss them. Don’t forget to check the best dramas of the first half of 2021 according to our readers, here! This list includes dramas that ended before June 30.
1. “True Beauty”
When: December 9 - February 4 Cast: Moon GaYoung, ASTRO’s Cha EunWoo, Hwang InYoup Summary: It tells the romantic comedy story of JuGyeong who has a complex about her appearance and who turns into a goddess thanks to makeup and of SuHo who keeps hidden scars. The two met and by sharing their secrets they grow and restore their self-esteem. Looking for: a heart-fluttering drama with a love triangle and a fun plot. Why watch?: It is definitely a must-watch if you are into cute romantic comedies. “True Beauty” is one of the most addictive dramas ever with its comic plot, the likable lead female lead, and a love triangle with way too handsome male leads. Be warned that this drama brings serious addiction, endless gigglings, happy smiles and might drive you into fangirling/fanboying the main actors. The drama is overly light but it also touches on serious issues such as bullying, self-confidence, etc. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
2. “Run On”
When: December 16 - February 4 Cast: Im SiWan, Shin SeKyung, (Choi) SooYoung, Kang TaeOh Summary: It tells the love stories of people from different worlds who communicate with their own languages and create relations in times where it is difficult to communicate even while using the same Korean language Looking for: a healing and slow-paced romance. Why watch?: He is an athlete and she is a movie translator; they are different in almost everything starting with how they think. This drama’s core strength is its uncommon characters, the lead chemistry, and their dialogue. “Run On” is a must-watch if you are into romance drama focusing on the characters’ lives and feelings (more than a drama with action and comedy). This drama has much to teach us about how to grow our inner selves. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
3. “Royal Secret Agent”
When: December 21 - February 9 Cast: Kim MyungSoo (INFINITE’s L), Kwon NaRa, Lee YiKyung Summary: It is the comic investigation story of late Joseon secret royal inspectors who are the secret ears of the palace. They actively and cheerfully eradicate corruption and help victims of injustice. Looking for: a comic historical drama full of adventures. Why watch?: “Royal Secret Agent” is easy to watch with its funny plot, bromance, and romance. The fun trio goes around the country to solves cases and has countless deadly and comic adventures. Kim MyungSoo and Lee YiKyung have one of the funniest scenes in historical dramas. There is no time to feel bored! For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
4. “She Would Never Know”
When: January 18 - March 9 Cast: Won JinAh, SF9’s RoWoon, Lee HyunWook, Lee JooBin Summary: It tells the complicated office love story of sunbae SongAh and hoobae HyunSeung who has a one-sided love for her. Looking for: a heart-fluttering office romance drama. Why watch?: “She Would Never Know” has one of the sweetest and romantic scenes in K-Dramas with great acting. Trust me; you would not want to miss them! Aside from the heart-fluttering scenes, the drama is down-to-earth with “real” concerns such as balancing your career and your love life and more with likable secondary characters. It was voted the best drama of the first half of the year by Kpopmap readers. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
5. “Taxi Driver”
When: April 9 - May 29 Cast: Lee JeHoon, Esom, Kim EuiSung, Pyo YeJin Summary: “A society where justice is missing, one phone call and it’s solved”. A special taxi company Rainbow Transportation and their deluxe taxi driver Kim DoGi complete acts of revenge on behalf of unfair victims. Looking for: a revenge drama with actions pointing out social issues. Why watch?: The drama was popular and there are solid reasons for it: perfect acting and a captivating plot pointing out grave social issues. Note that this drama includes violent and bloody scenes and might not be suitable for all viewers. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
6. “Doom At Your Service”
When: May 10 - June 29 Cast: Park BoYoung, Seo InGuk, Lee SooHyuk, Kang TaeOh, Shin DoHyun Summary: It is the fantasy romance of Myul Mang who is the reason for everything that disappears and of DongKyung who has to sign a life-threatening contract to not disappear. DongKyung was diagnosed with brain cancer and has a few months left to live, she makes a contract with a demigod. Looking for: a fantasy romance drama bringing you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Why watch?: “Doom At Your Service” plot is complex and intriguing with its mysterious elements. Its cast is composed of skilled actors who portrayed their characters perfectly. The drama is filled with emotions and sad scenes (after all, she is terminally ill). You will need a whole box of tissue; you have been warned. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
7. “Vincenzo”
When: February 20 - May 2 Cast: Song JoongKi, Jeon YeoBeen, 2PM’s Ok TaecYeon, Kim YeoJin, and Kwak DongYeon Summary: An Italian mafia lawyer who came to Korea after the betrayal of his organization and a self-righteous veteran lawyer get rid of the bad guys in a villain way. Looking for: a dark comedy-drama with an Italian consigliere and a bunch of quirky people beating up an evil group. Why watch?: “Vincenzo” has been trending on Netlfix worldwide, showing its popularity across the globe. Viewers fell in love with the Italian consigliere and the comical characters surrounding him working to destroy the evil group BABEL. Note that “Vincenzo” humor might not be of everyone’s taste. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
8. “Youth Of May”
When: May 3 - June 8 Cast: Lee DoHyun, Go MinSi, Lee SangYi, Keum SaeRok Summary: It tells the love story of HeeTae and MyungHee who fall in love like destiny in the middle of a key historical event: Gwangju Uprising in May 1980. Looking for: a heart-breaking romance drama with historical background. Why watch?: The drama has received a lot of great reviews on how emotional and deep the story was. Lee DoHyun and Go MinSi’s chemistry was also praised. They are two rising actors who have proved their skills. If you are interested in learning more about Korean history, “Youth of May” also gives a good spotlight on Gwangju Uprising. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
9. “Mr. Queen”
When: December 12 - February 14 Cast: Shin HyeSun, Kim JungHyun, Bae JongOk, Kim TaeWoo Summary: Due to a sudden accident, the soul of a wild man from modern Korea entered Queen Kim SoYong’s body in Joseon. It tells the scandalous story of a soul that ran away from its body and the King CheolJong who has two faces. Looking for: a hilarious and political historical drama. Why watch?: It is one of the craziest and funniest Korean historical dramas with an incredible acting performance of Shin HyeSun. The story mainly focuses on her character, “Mr. Queen”, a man from our times who enters a Joseon queen’s body. He tries everything to go back to modern times and his body. Later, he gets used to the palace and takes part in the political schemes. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
10. “Navillera”
When: March 22 - April 27 Cast: Park InHwan, Song Kang, Na MoonHee, Hong SeungHee Summary: It tells the growth story of a 70-year-old elderly man DeokChul who starts ballet and a 23-year-old ballet dancer ChaeRok who wanders in front of his dreams. The one whose life is ending and the one whose life is starting will build a friendship through ballet. Looking for: a life-teaching and emotional drama. Why watch?: The grandfather of “Navillera” is one of the best K-Drama characters. He made all the viewers rooting for him and supporting him in realizing his dreams. This drama is good to watch at any age and teaches you important life lessons. Here is one of them: “You live once, not twice … What really scares me is that someday, I might not be able to do what I want or don’t even remember what I want to do anymore. That’s why this moment is precious to me. I’m not going to hesitate. I’m going to give it my all”. For more information, poster, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.
Don’t forget to check Kpopmap readers’ selection too below: Top 4 Favorite K-Dramas From The First Half Of 2021 Of Kpopmap Readers (Vote Result) KDRAMA STORIES|Jul 1, 2021 If you also want to discuss and vote for the best drama of the first half of 2021, you can do so below in our special vote! What Is Your Favorite Drama From The First Half Of 2021? IDEAL TYPE WORLD CUP|Jun 11, 2021 Check out our previous K-Drama recommendations: 9 Best K-Dramas Of First Half Of 2020 KDRAMA STORIES|Jun 18, 2020 Top 3 Favorite 2020 K-Dramas Of Kpopmap Readers (Vote Result) KDRAMA STORIES|Jan 5, 2021 10 Best K-Dramas Of Second Half Of 2020 KDRAMA STORIES|Dec 11, 2020 10 Best K-Dramas Of Second Half Of 2019 KDRAMA STORIES|Dec 4, 2019 I’ll watch the other movies and see if they are so good, so stay tuned. 🙂
