Soompi Staff Recommendation : 2007 Korean Dramasby: dramaok on: January 1, 2008 10:48pm
 1. MBC White Tower [하얀거탑]
With a haunting script and superb acting, this drama takes you on an intense ride through the grey zone between good and bad, among other profound introspection. Don't be surprised if you find yourself tormented over who to root for. A must see of 2007. Many future dramas of our generation will be compared to this, so if you miss it you will really miss out!
2. MBC The Legend / Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi [태왕사신기]
TWSSG is centered around the story of the greatest Korean king during Goguryeo Era, Gwanggaeto the Great, but it adds multiple layers of myths, supernatural powers presented through computer graphics, and of course, romance. Acting by the veteran cast is solid and full of charisma, and the newbies also offer an element of modern twist and mysterious allure to this fusion, fantasy period drama. This drama is different from all the other Korean dramas I've ever seen, and in that sense it really raises the bar and pushes the envelope to Korean dramas as we know them.
Even if you're not a fan of thriller-type story, give this a shot just to see some amazing display of acting repertoire by Park Shin-Yang. He is truly a people's actor who is convincing in everything he tries to portray. The main issue the drama raises is something very real in modern Korean society, DEBT, and the quiet war it creates within and among us. The drama offers high entertainment values, but one can also walk away with some lessons learned about money in general.
This fusion period drama is a fast-paced mystery court thriller set in latter Joseon era during the reign of Jeong-Jo. With only 8 episodes, packed with action from a young cast, the drama is sure to intrigue sageuk (period drama) novice who are reluctant to sit through long-winded court dramas featuring old men in long beard. However for those serious about sageuk, the intricate script offers a great entertainment and glimpse into the complex political war that defined and plagued the latter Joseon era. A great sageuk for everyone indeed, and the OST for 'Han Seong' is the best sageuk ost ever. Don't miss out!
The subject of aids and children is gloom and heart-wrenching, but the great direction and cinematography of 'Thank You' brings out a truly touching and charming story out of the lives of ordinary people hit by a tragedy but soar above it to shine through love. Jang Hyeok is in his best performance to date as the lonely, brooding doctor. Gong Hyo-Jin tackles her first role as a mother impeccably as well, and of course, the heart of the story, the girl with aids, is comically and perfectly delivered by Seo Shin-Ae. The story is all-together heart-warming and offers hope to those who experience this. Be prepared to cry and laugh, and be touched by this gem.
Insoon is a very simple story about a simple woman and a simple guy, and the moments that changed their lives. The drama is also about the sweet first crush that develops into a full-fledged love between a man and a woman. Through these loveable characters, met by unfortunate circumstances, the audience can experience a complete story from beginning to end with nothing rushed in between, and with nothing overly done. The story is too sweet for words, and Kim Hyeon-Joo and Kim Min-Jun are simply at their best.
Yang Dong-Geun once again brings his quirky allure to this story about an aimless teacher and an aimless student who bring out the courage and purpose in each other. Park Min-Yeong simply shines in her first drama role, and the story is filled with subtle humanistic humor and romance. While the drama isn't exactly a must-see, it is not to be missed either.
This is something different, something profound, something serious and something real. The Ajoommas (older women) of Korea, Kangnam to be more specific, are not just aging women who sit and watch TV dramas, they are women who shape the future of Korea, and that is what this drama is about. The story shows their sacrifices, their conflicts, their losses, and their courage in a way never seen before, and at the end of the show one can't help but learn to appreciate these mothers and wives, who are first and foremost, human beings. Watch this for something different and something new.
9. MBC Que Sera Sera [케세라세라]
What an intense love story with some serious sexual chemistry, walking the thin line between love and hate, of passion and addiction. Eric and Jeong Yu-Mi are not acting veterans by any means, but their acting in here are excellent and more mature than ever seen from either. This is made for hopeless romance lovers, so don't miss this if that's you!
10. MBC Coffee Prince Store No. 1 [커피프린스 1호점]
This hit MBC drama is a feel-good sugary romance on the surface, but it is racy and sexy at the same time. Not exactly a wholesome drama, but a very nicely pulled together Cinderella story with a major twist, coupled with an array of catchy tunes you might find yourself humming along in no time. The odds are you will probably like this, as I can't imagine too many people hating this story, and it's loads of mindless fun with little surprises of profoundness in between.
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Comments |
is the best one on this list.
by: helenahjoo
May 03, 2008 8:02pm
I saw Coffee Prince and I must say it was good!..really funny and sad and romantic..im not that type for Mushy stuff...but I liked it alot. actors were good..it was cute!
by: HankyungRiida
Feb 16, 2008 7:46pm
I would have included H.I.T, Capital Scandal, Surgeon Bong and Hwang Jini.
by: jkytam
Feb 03, 2008 6:09pm
I've been looking for a list like this!! And to find a fellow auditor of shoe sizes that has developed this just makes it that much more credible.
There is a lack of good kdrama on my cable provider right now and I've been wondering what I should watch next. I viewed White Tower on your suggestion - loved it. You are dead on with Thank You and Coffee Prince as well. I look forward to watching some of your other recommendations!
Thanks!
by: erica1064
Jan 31, 2008 4:52am
thanks for the recomendations ... i just finished watching Bad Couple and needed another drama to watch ... looks like i'm gonna be looking for white tower since i've heard a lot of my friends talk about it and since it's number 1 on your list it makes me curious
by: babieangelz
Jan 25, 2008 5:44am
I appreciate the listing. I love Kdramas and though I might have seen a few, I will definitely have to watch a few of them on this list.
Yes, Jumong was 2006 but it rocked!
by: Nodame
Jan 18, 2008 1:50pm
I love the recommendations! I believe that White Tower is the number one drama of 2007 (or even my k-drama fan history). People need to watch this. It might not seem very good, but don't judge a book by it's cover. Just because there's no romance or super hot main character, doesn't mean it's not good. Actually, It's amazing. The acting, storyline, everything is amazing.
Is Jumong considered a 2006 drama?
by: yelinoh
Jan 05, 2008 9:07pm