Korean dramas are a popular form of entertainment that have gained a large following across the world. From themes of revenge to the cutthroat world of the elite, Korean dramas boast the talent of the country’s writers and actors. In this article, we highlight five not-to-miss drama series that revolve around the rich and powerful.
1. Reborn Rich (2022)
The highly-received Korean series “Reborn Rich” covers themes of revenge, politics, and memory transfer. The show is set in early 2000s South Korea and provides a fascinating look into the country during this time period. One of the standout elements of the series is the relationship between Jin Do-jun and his grandfather, which is widely considered as a touching and well-acted aspect of the show. Despite this, the conclusion of the series has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewers feeling that it lacked a satisfactory resolution.
Highlighting the strong acting in “Reborn Rich”, Song Joong-ki’s depiction of Yoon Hyun-woo/Jin Do-jun has been singled out for its excellence. The supporting cast is also made up of veteran actors who deliver top-notch performances. The inclusion of real sociopolitical events in the story makes the drama more compelling and adds to its realism.
The series has been a huge hit in Korea, especially among financial investors who dream of having knowledge of events before they happen. The show starts off like any other about members of a ruling family fighting for the top position in a conglomerate, but the way the series wraps up in the end sets it apart from other dramas. Episode 16 has been a source of controversy among viewers, with some considering it to be a brilliant ending, while others feel it was a letdown. Overall, “Reborn Rich” is a series that showcases the talent of Korean drama writers and the acting prowess of its cast.
2. Sky Castle (2018)
“Sky Castle” explores the cutthroat world of upper-class parents competing for their children to gain entry into the top universities in the country. With a focus on the struggles and sacrifices of these families, the series is a commentary on the Korean education system and the pressure placed on young students to succeed. The series is noted for its ability to engage viewers, with its multi-layered plot and characters that are not easily categorized as good or evil.
The series follows a group of families living in the “Sky Castle” housing complex, who are all determined to ensure that their children enter the country’s top universities. The story revolves around the competition among the parents and their children, as well as the underhanded tactics they are willing to employ in order to come out on top. The series also sheds light on the negative aspects of the Korean education system, such as the unethical practices of some tutors and the unhealthy pressure placed on students to succeed.
Hye-na shines in the lead role, bringing to life a cunning character determined to reclaim her identity. The series also features familiar faces in the form of the fathers of the families, who are played by well-known actors from other popular dramas. Although “Sky Castle” has received a mix of reviews, with some praising its originality and others criticizing its unrealistic and exaggerated plot, it remains a highly rated and much-watched television show.
3. The Penthouse: War in Life (2020)
The Korean Drama “The Penthouse: War in Life” is a makjang melodrama that has been a popular hit since its release. This show is a perfect example of what makjang genre stands for, as it showcases extreme and over-the-top situations that are not based in reality. The lead actors, Kim So-yeon as Cheon Seong-yi and Uhm Ki-joon as Joo Dan-tae, have been widely acclaimed for their strong and villainous performances. Each episode is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat with intense anxiety and a desire to know what will happen next.
The setting of the show, the Penthouse, is a visually stunning apartment building where all the drama unfolds. The use of opera and classical music by the competing children in the show adds to its overall enjoyment, as well as the fast-moving plot and the black comedy element. The cast, though not necessarily charismatic, delivers convincing performances, with Lee Ji-ah being the most recognizable face. The show moves quickly and keeps the audience engaged with its murder mystery.
The first season starts off slow but quickly picks up the pace as the mystery and betrayals deepen. The characters all undergo major transformations, and the ending is highly satisfying, even though there are some silly scenes that are meant to be funny but come across as ridiculous. The second season continues where the first one left off, keeping up with the high pace, intrigue, and frustration for revenge. The performances from the main and supporting cast are all great, and the fast pace keeps the audience on edge until the very end. Overall, with a captivating blend of compelling characters and well-written plotlines, “Reborn Rich” is regarded as a must-watch drama by audiences.
4. The Glory (2022)
“The Glory” is a Korean drama series that follows Dong-eun’s quest for revenge against her high school bullies. In its opening scenes, the show brings to light the harsh reality of bullying, with Song Hye-kyo giving a poignant and moving performance as the victim. The series ends on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences excited for the second season set to air in March 2023.
The show has been well-received by audiences who connect with Dong-Eun’s experiences and appreciate the emotions it evokes. The technical aspects of the production, including the script, dialogue, sets, and editing, are also highly praised. Every character shines in their acting, with young actors offering a compelling display of their acting prowess. Song Hye-kyo’s chemistry with Do-hyun and Jung Sung-il is especially noteworthy.
Critics also commend the series’ cinematography, including its smooth transitions between the younger and older characters and the changes in seasons. Kim Eun-sook, a renowned screenwriter, creates another top-notch drama. Previously featured in our article, she’s a prominent figure in Korean screenwriting.
However, some viewers take issue with the portrayal of bullying in the series. They argue that the behavior shown in the first episode is assault, not bullying, and that the victim’s descent into viciousness makes her no better than the perpetrators. They call for a true revenge story that is resolved through the courts and punished in the legal system. Some also argue that as the series progresses, it becomes harder to keep track of the various characters and storylines.
5. Little Women (2022)
“Little Women” is a Korean thriller series that has received positive and mixed reviews. The show follows the lives of three sisters and their interactions with the rich society, as they navigate through the challenges they face and strive to survive. The series boasts an excellent plot-line, captivating suspense, talented actors, and stunning cinematography.
Well-crafted characters are widely recognized, with Kim Go-eun’s interpretation of Oh In-ju, and Uhm Ji-won’s representation of Won Sang-ah, particularly noteworthy for their exceptional acting skills. Despite not being a romance drama, fans have grown attached to the love interests of In-joo and In-kyung. With only 12 episodes, “Little Women” proves to be an intense and captivating show, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
While some viewers found the show to be a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, others thought that the unreliable narrator interfered with the smoothness of the plot, leading to certain scenes that left them confused. Despite this, the pacing of the show was generally considered decent, and the ending was satisfying for the most part. “Little Women” is a notable addition to the list of female-led dramas in 2022, and it conveys a compelling message that has resonated with viewers.
To conclude, these five dramas provide a unique insight into the lives of the wealthy and powerful in South Korea. From the touching relationship between grandfather and grandson in “Reborn Rich” to the intense and emotional performances in “The Glory,” each of these series offers something for everyone. These series promise to both engage and entertain, with a gripping mystery or an insightful look at the Korean education system on offer. They are a testament to the talent of the Korean drama industry and the passion of its writers and actors.
Terafty 
Leave a comment