Halftime Report: Top K-Dramas of 2015

They contained the love squares, childhood flashbacks, and OTPs that warmed us up on frigid winter nights. They kept us company as we finally ditched the layers of wool, down, and long underwear to make way for sunny days and spring romance.

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2015 – which means half a year of K-Dramas! We decided to take a look at which ones stood out above the rest, according to the Soompi staff. Did your favorite show make the cut?

“Kill Me, Heal Me”

kill me heal me 3

“Kill Me, Heal Me” had fantastic characters from Ji Sung’s multiple personalities and the best opening (episodes 1 and 2) I’ve seen in awhile. I only wish they had written in more for the much underused Kim Seul Gi, who guest starred. 

Favorite scenes: Boyfriend Decision Wheel, Shin Se Gi’s pick-up lines, Ahn Yo Na (Ji Sung) fangirling over Oppa Oh Ri On (Park Seo Joon).

WATCH: While rockin’ the black eyeliner, leather jacket, and a power lip tint.

Angry Mom

angry mom 1

“Angry Mom” is my top pick of the year (so far), and a staff favorite, too! The undercover mom-as-a-high-school-student led drama was dark, fun, crushing, and empowering in all the right ways, with actors on point with pivotal moments as well as the comedic ones. Kim Hee Sun leads with a mother’s fierce determination, Kim Hee Won’s a more complex bad guy than we all thought, and embattled teens played by Baro, Kim Yoo Jung, and Ji Soo each get their time to shine.

Favorite scenes (among many): Kim Hee Sun kickin’ it at her friend’s nightclub, Ji Soo crushing on his classmate’s mom, and every brilliant fight scene.

WATCH WITH: Your girlfriends, though you’ll all be fighting over who’s got dibs on rookie actor Ji Soo.

TheGirlWhoSeesSmell3

The drama with an odd premise and an unfortunate title which paired Park Yoochun’s robotic cop character and Shin Se Kyung’s aspiring comedy performer (with an ability to visually sense olfactory sources) turned out to be a major draw.

WATCH WITH: A heaping bowl of noodles, preferably of the jjajjangmyun (black bean) or jjampong (spicy seafood) variety.

This year’s “Heard it Through The Grapevine” was a deftly written dark comedy with intricately woven storylines and excellent performances all around. Resident Richie Rich (played by Lee Joon) gets his girlfriend (Go Ah Sung) pregnant. Girlfriend’s family is of the working class; boyfriend’s bloodline is of the affluent and manipulative. Chaos ensues, of course, but who could’ve expected this many glorious payoffs?

WATCH WITH: Sinfully spicy ddukbokgi (rice cakes).

“Hogu’s Love”

hogu's love2

Choi Woo Shik’s leading role as the titular adorable fool was like a breath of fresh air; probably the most fun ride I’ve had all year, with a few great twists and laughter every step of the way. Wonderful cast and deliciously enjoyable mishaps, Kang Ho Kyung (played by Lee Soo Kyung) is a standout. There were simply too many things I loved about “Hogu’s Love” to fit all of them on here.

WATCH WITH: sweet, piping hot red bean fish bread. You might want to clear out your weekend for marathon viewing – once you start, you won’t want to stop.

heart to heart

This is the drama that kept us particularly cozy on freezing winter weekends. Quirky characters and a bright change of pace livened things up from some of K-Drama’s usual humdrum. Chun Jung Myung plays a conceited psychiatrist to a severely blushing (and socially anxious) Choi Kang Hee. When sparks fly (episode 4, you’re welcome) it might even make you blush (I applaud you, PDA progress).

WATCH WITH: A beer (if you’re of age, of course) for a comfy night in, perhaps after a humidity-embattled hair day.

let's eat 2

Gratuitous food shots and a brand new set of characters accompanied Yoon Doo Joon in season two of the gastronomically popular show. 

WATCH WITH: A full spread – maybe with bossam (boiled pork wraps), sweet and sour pork, seolleongtang (beef bone soup), or all three.

Healer

Healer

“Healer” was a fast-paced joyride with sexy loner Ji Chang Wook and some of the most swoon-worthy scenes of 2015. A mysterious(and superheroish) courier gets paired with an entertainment reporter (played by Park Min Young), a father’s got ties to former criminals, and then there’s the legacy left by a group of liberal kids from way back.

WATCH WITH: Something comforting and hot, like curry and rice.

jang hyuk shine or go crazy

Shine Or Go Crazy” kicked off with a husband stand-in at a wedding and a prince with an ill-fated prophecy. The sageuk drama’s ensemble cast led by Jang Hyuk includes Honey Lee, Oh Yeon Seo, Lim Ju Hwan, and Lee Deok Hwa, (Sidenote: why doesn’t everyone have a handsome bodyguard standing by?)

WATCH WITH: Wang mandu (king-sized dumplings).

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