Crash Landing On You has given new wings to the Korean wave. The popularity of Korean dramas started increasing internationally during the early 2000s but it was still a niche fan following. Since its premiere in December 2019, Crash Landing On You has taken the world by storm. So many people across the globe who were unaware of the wonderful world of Kdramas, have become new fans. The credit also goes to the universal appeal of Netflix which makes it easier to reach more viewers.

Among many factors that led to Crash Landing On You‘s success, I think the inclusion of classic drama tropes really helped — star-crossed romance, a nice balance of melodrama and humour, high stakes, bubbly and resourceful heroine with a true gentleman hero with brain, kindness, maturity and brawn. The innocence and pure love also played an important role in winning millions of hearts.

Here I have jotted down a list of dramas that you might enjoy if you loved Crash Landing On You and  that might help in filling the void left behind after it ended. (instead of replaying the series and its 16 hours!)

My Love from the Star

Year: 2013

About: A love story between a movie actress and an alien who came to earth 400 years ago.

Thoughts: The show is written by the same writer, Park Ji Eun, who penned Crash Landing On You. It also has the love story involving impossible romance — one is human and the other is an alien. The drama was a huge success and it deftly mixes romance, comedy, thrills and fantasy into one enjoyable ride. Impeccable performance from Jeon Ji Hyun as the loveable and bratty heroine who wears her heart on her sleeves, and a hero who is exact opposite — mature, thoughtful and seemingly indifferent.

My full review is here.

Available on Netflix?: Yes

The King 2 Hearts

Year: 2012

About: Set amidst a fictional monarchy in South Korea, this is a story of an immature prince who comes in contact with a badass North Korean special forces officer.

Thoughts: The drama consists of the central romance set in the North-South conflict. The show is a perfect example of deftly handling so many genres: romance, action, melodrama, comedy, thriller, all accompanied with emotional depth, heart-tugging moments and brilliant execution. The characters are well written and apart from the OTP (which totally rocked), I loved the second leads’ love story. Jo Jung Suk is a scene-stealer!

Available on Netflix?: Yes

Descendants of the Sun

Year: 2016

About: Set in a fictional disaster torn country, the show is a love story between a soldier and a doctor with opposing views.

Thoughts: This is another superhit drama that became globally popular. It has not one but two couples, out of which three characters are soldiers. (So two men in uniform, just like Captain Ri!) I have not seen the drama myself, but it is known for its breathtaking romance and production quality.

Available on Netflix?: Yes

Secret Garden

Year: 2010

About: The souls of a stunt woman and a rich man are mysteriously switched, leading to humour and romance.

Thoughts: I’m sure anyone who loved Crash Landing On You, they definitely fell in love with Hyun Bin. And this recommendation is purely based on that. But I have to warn you that his character in Secret Garden is exactly opposite — his character is arrogant, rude, immaturish. But Hyun Bin is awesome here, with perfect comic timing. In fact, the main highlight for me was the comedy in the drama. The romance is just okay.

Available on Netflix?: Yes

Something in the Rain

Year: 2018

About: This is a love story between a working woman in her 30s and a younger guy who is also her best friend’s brother. The show is about their dating phase and the obstacles they face to reach the happily ever after.

Thoughts: This features Son Ye Jin in quite a different role and setting as compared to Crash Landing On You. Here everything is more realistic. Despite my issues with a lot of things in the series, I found the romance swoony, subtle, sweet with an old school feel. And Jung Hae In is so adorable.

My full review is here.

Available on Netflix?: Yes

Summer Scent

Year: 2003

About: A man falls in love with the woman who received his first love’s heart.

Thoughts: This is another melo romance starring Son Ye Jin that aired during the early years of the Korean wave. So watch it for a very young Ye Jin! I have not seen the drama but it was a hit back then and has gorgeous cinematography and lovely music. Also, it stars original hallyu (Korean Wave) star Song Seung Heon. The show is part of the super popular season-themed melodramas (Autumn In My Heart, Winter Sonata, Spring Waltz).

Available on Netflix?: No

My Name is Kim Sam Soon

Year: 2005

About: A fake relationship between a baker and her boss leads to real feelings.

Thoughts: This drama sky rocketed Hyun Bin‘s popularity back in 2005. It was a huge hit and I loved it. It’s funny and romantic, and has that classic bickering-leading-to-love trope perfectly played. It also gets points for making its heroine assertive and atypical. Kim Sun Ah is simply perfect! The music is one of my all time favourites. This one is a classic!

Available on Netflix?: No

Legend of the Blue Sea

Year: 2016

About: A mermaid falls in love with a con artist. Go figure!

Thoughts: The drama comes from the writer of Crash Landing On You and is closer in treatment to My Love from the Star, maybe because both the shows have fantasy and Jeon Ji Hyun. I haven’t seen the show but it needs a mention as this is another case of love story spanning centuries and involving high stakes as it takes place between a human and a supernatural being.

Available on Netflix?: Yes

Memories Of The Alhambra

Year: 2018

About: It is about an AR (Augmented Reality) game which goes wrong in such a way that our hero gets entangled in a web with high stakes of life and death.

Thoughts: Credit to the drama for taking a fresh setting, highly imaginative and engrossing for a long time, complete with twists and turns. It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. But forced romance, unnecessary characters, unsatisfactory explanation and ending leaves a bad taste. Hyun Bin is super awesome and the only reason I can suggest to watch this drama.

My full review is here.

Available on Netflix?: Yes