Deviating from the popular romance or thriller K-dramasThe slice-of-life genre covers a wide range of themes and character relationships. By focusing on more characters and touching on a vast number of themes, audiences can more easily connect with the stories. From classic as Answer 1988 To newer releases such as Nine and thirty Or Twenty five twenty one – The best slice-of-life K-dramas bring attention to the most relatable parts of life. Most slice-of-life stories address the amusing, heartbreaking and complicated parts of life in one series, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Slice-of-life K-dramas are not a form of escapism like many action-packed or romantic K-dramas are. However, they still contain intriguing plots and gripping character relationships to keep the audiences’ attention. In addition, although many of the K-dramas confront the different aspects of Korean culture, they can still be largely understood by everyone, creating a stronger connection with audiences worldwide. Workplace dynamics, the growing pains of young adulthood and societal pressure to follow a predetermined path in life are just a few topics addressed in the best slice-of-life K-dramas.
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10
Thirty Nine (2022)
The friendship between three women grows stronger with age
While most slice-of-life K-dramas are lighthearted and revolve around young characters sorting out their romantic or occupational lives, others in the genre, such as Nine and thirtyare a little harder. Nine and thirty is about three women (Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun) who have been friends for so long that they’re practically sisters. in Nine and thirtyThe women are about to turn 40. An overarching theme in Nine and thirty Is love – the love they have for one another, as well as their complex experiences with romantic partners. As bright as Thirty nine Can be, the series is also quite the tear-jerker.
When one of the women receives an urgent medical diagnosis, the bond between the three women grows stronger and the rest of Nine and thirty Plays out as they continue to make the most out of every moment they have with one another. Considering a large portion of the K-drama is focused on the effects of one character’s medical diagnosis, Nine and thirty Is not as wide of a slice of life as others and ranks lower. however, Nine and thirtyIts rating is not reflective of its quality as it is a bittersweet watch worth tuning in for.
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Be Melodramatic (2019)
Details the work and personal lives of three thirty-year-olds
Be melodramatic follows the lives of a group of 30-year-old best friends, Lim Jin-joo (Chun Woo-hee), Lee Eun-jung (Jeon Yeo-been), and Hwang Han-joo (Han Ji- eun). Every woman works in the entertainment industry as a screenwriter, documentary director and a leader of a marketing team. Their daily work life is depicted in Be melodramaticAs are their romantic endeavors. Like many other slice-of-life K-dramas, Be melodramatic Addresses a range of topics such as mental health, obstacles in the workplace, friendship, and more. Each of the main characters is complete and well-written, making it easy for audiences to root for them.
Be melodramatic Never reached incredibly high ratings like a few other popular slice-of-life K-dramasBut it reached a decent-sized audience. In addition to its relatable themes, Be melodramatic was recognized for its catchy original soundtrack, featuring the voices of actors Chun Woo-hee and Ahn Jae-hong. Two of Be melodramaticThe award nominations were for the soundtrack, with the other nomination going to Jeon Yeo – being for Best New Actress at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards.
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My Liberation Notes (2022)
Three siblings wish for a change in life
Part of what made the 2022 K-drama My Liberation Notes So popular is his ability to make younger audiences feel seen. The series revolves around three siblings (Lee El, Lee Min-ki and Kim Ji-won) who want to escape from the monotony of their everyday lives. My Liberation Notes is one of the slower slice-of-life K-dramas, but the themes and grounded performances of its core cast make it worth watching.
A critical part of My Liberation Notes Is the spotlight it puts on issues that impact younger audiences. Upon his release, My Liberation Notes Earned high praise for its depiction of the societal pressures on young adults in Korea. Despite the specificity of its culture and place, such pressures can be understood by all audiences, inviting a larger group of people to connect with the series’ characters. moreover, Squid game Actor Gong Yoo gave his stamp of approval and praise My Liberation Notes‘ Screenplay and direction.
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Age of Youth (2016-2017)
The lives of college roommates come together
age of youthAlso known as Hello, my twenties!is similar to a few other slice-of-life K-dramas as it follows a group of women united under one roof. The girls, all in their twenties, live together and go to college, majoring in different fields, from journalism to culinary arts. Unlike K-dramas such as Thirty nine Or Be melodramatic, age of youth It does not begin with the individual life of the girl. instead, age of youth Starts by detailing the complicated, eventful lives of each girl, showing the personal goals and struggles of each roommate.
age of youth‘s characters get an equal amount of screen time and the emphasis on friendship and community takes the forefront. Similar to My lord, age of youth Calls attention to the importance friendships can have in one’s life. No matter how mismatched one character’s life is to another, the roommates can always rely on each other to overcome obstacles and get through the growing pains that come with being a 20-year-old.
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Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
The highs and lows of corporate culture
Misaeng: incomplete lifeAnd the eponymous Webton it’s based on, gets its name from a strategy board game, Baduk or Go. The meaning “complete life” or “Not yet alive” is suitable for the transitional phase in the life of the main character of the series. It’s also a period of life that audiences in their twenties and thirties relate to, earning the original webtoon a large viewership. The series begins with Jang Geu-rae (Im Si-wan), who wants to be a professional baduk player.
When it becomes clear that Jang Geu-rae won’t be able to make his dreams come true, he finds a job at a trading company. Although he is largely unqualified compared to his co-workers, he pushes through with determination and uses his knowledge of baduk strategy to help him succeed. Misaeng: incomplete life Paint a balanced picture of working in an office, showing workplace camaraderie and typical workplace politics. The struggles that Jang Geu-rae and his co-workers go through have been seen as an accurate depiction of Korean corporate culture.
5
My Lord (2018)
The message of My lord is simple, yet effective, making it one of the best slice-of-life K-dramas. The series follows the lives of two characters, Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun) and Lee Ji-an (Lee Ji-eun). The two are dealing with various stressors in their personal lives, from dealing with sick relatives to working through a struggling marriage. Despite their 20-year age difference, the two form a bond while working together.
Although it takes some time for each party to open up to one another, they eventually help each other move on from their emotional baggage. My lord has consistently high viewership numbers with the final episode earning a record-breaking number of viewers. The obstacles in the lives of Park Dong-hoon and Lee Ji-an are presented in an honest and relatable way that the audience can appreciate. Critically speaking, My lord was just as successful. Many critics have praised the K-drama for its simple yet moving messageIn which the importance of community was emphasized.
4
Prison Playbook (2017-2018)
Follows the daily life of prison inmates and workers
Based on its title alone, one might assume Prison playbook is an exciting drama series about the relentless nature of daily life in prison. However, the slice-of-life series is quite the opposite and stands apart from most K-dramas in the genre. Prison playbook Follows prisoner Kim Je-hyuk (Park Hae-soo), a famous baseball player who is arrested after fatally attacking the man who assaulted his sister. Prison playbook Starts centering on Kim Je-hyuk’s story, however The character is supported by a variety of prisoners and duty officers who quickly become just as important in the series.
Mixing humor and heartwarming moments, Prison playbook Succeeded in getting audiences to empathize with his characters. Prisoners like Lee Joo-hyung (Kang Seung-yoon), a habitual thief, Kim Min-chul (Choi Moo-sung), a gang member, and Yoo Han-Yang (Lee Kyu-hyung), a repeat offender for drug use . , are just a few supporting characters that round out the cast. Each character’s backstory is thought out and presents them as someone more than just another inmate.
3
Hospital Playlist (2020-2021)
The musical connection between five doctors
From the creators of the Answer Series and Prison playbook coming Hospital playlist. The medical K-drama has earned positive comparisons to American TV shows like Gray’s Anatomy And Friends For its hospital setting and charming on-screen friendships. Like its American counter series, the K-drama follows a group of friends working as doctors. The characters have been friends since their days in medical school, with their closeness immediately apparent and refreshing to audiences. Each character goes through their ups and downs balancing their personal lives and the hustle and bustle of working in a hospital, but The series remains consistently entertaining.
mixed with Hospital playlistThe Occasional Sentimental Scenes is a collection of musical performances. much of Hospital playlistThe original soundtrack was performed by the series’ cast, who provide their vocals and instrument-playing skills. Music helps the characters get through their personal and professional struggles and is a positive takeaway from the series. Every song on Hospital playlists soundtrack charted on the Gaon Digital Chart and earned several critical awards.
2
Twenty Five Twenty One (2022)
A nostalgic look at ’90s youth
Managing to fully capture the ’90s through wardrobe, props and filming locations, Twenty five twenty one Earned much acclaim for its nostalgic elements and moving story. Twenty five twenty one Tells the story of five characters from 1998 to 2021. The main characters of the slice of life are Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), two of the many people affected through the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Amidst these trying times, the series’ high school students attempt to push forward and navigate their teenage years.
Twenty five twenty one Has one of the best K-drama romances, though The series is much more than its central love story. Although Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin are the main romantic leads of the series, the supporting characters are just as meaty – which is not always to be expected in K-dramas. During the characters’ time in high school in the 90s, they learn important lessons, specifically about the unpredictability of life, romantic relationships, and holding on to personal dreams for their futures. Shortly after its release, Twenty five twenty one Made its way to Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English TV shows, remaining on the list for 10 weeks.
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Answer 1988 (2015-2016)
Details the close relationships in a Seoul neighborhood
The whole of Shin Won-ho Answer Anthology series has earned praise from critics and audiences. Each installment is set in its titular year and provides a well-researched look at Korean culture at the time. Answer 1988 is no different than Significant cultural moments act as the backdrop for the day-to-day activities of a close-knit neighborhood in Northern Seoul. Everyone in the area, young and old, are close and Answer 1988 Chronicles their daily lives and the valuable life lessons they learn along the way.
Different from most slice-of-life K-dramas that follow a group of characters in the same age range, Answer 1988 Has a wider mix of characters, meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy. Both the young teenage characters and their parents are full and full and deal with their difficulties separately from the other. As mentioned, key cultural moments in Korean history are highlighted in Answer 1988. Some of this includes the Seoul Olympics and student protests that changed the way others outside the country perceived South Korea.