Over the years, K-dramas have ~slowly~ introduced us to the world of Hallyu and why fans love everything about it. While most of these series highlight an idol and non-celebrity romance, it's delightful to see Korean shows that feature the *special relationship* between celebrities and their dedicated supporters.
Here are 10 K-dramas about being a K-pop fan that you can surely relate to:
1. The Heavenly Idol
Who's in it: Kim Min Kyu, Go Bo Gyeol, Lee Jang Woo
We find comfort and healing in our faves but what if they can also *heal* us...literally? Rembrary, a high priest with divine powers, finds himself in a different world after a fight with The Evil One. From regal robes, he changes into crop tops as he switches souls with Yeon Woo, a member of a washed-up K-Pop group called Wild Animal. There he meets Yeon Woo's biggest fan-turned-manager, Kim Dal, who helps him realize the great impact of idols on their fans.
2. Reply 1997
Who's in it: Apink's Eunji, Seo In Guk, Eun Ji-won
Shi Won has only one great love in her entire teenage life and it's the K-pop boy group H.O.T. Skipping classes to stand in line for album releases, running away from home to have a glimpse of her bias, coming up with fanfic-worthy plotlines about her faves' life— she is the classic definition of a fangirl. Not to glorify some borderline sasaeng tendencies here but TBH, most of us have gone through this phase at least once in our lives. This makes it even more relatable and funnier when we look back at all the crazy things we did for the love of K-pop.
3. Sweet Revenge
Who's in it: Lomon, Kim Hyang Gi, Cha Eun Woo
Go Hee is sick of bullying in her school. With the help of a mysterious ~*Revenge Note*~ app, she decides it's time for a little payback. Having both knights in shining armor Jihoon, and secret childhood bestie Eun Woo in her life, this series gives us two perspectives—being Y/N and a typical fangirl. And if we're gonna stick closer to reality, we can see ourselves in her dorky and hardcore Aroha BFF Deok Hee. Which leaves us a question: What would you do if you found out you're friends with someone close to your bias?
4. In Seoul
Who's in it: Min Do Hee, Jang Young Nam
Every K-pop fan knows how it feels to be broke. Just like Da Mi, your normal high school student who believes that her mother, Young Joo, doesn't get her love for BTS. With this in mind, she is persistent to get into a university in the city. She lets us reminisce about the days when we wished to always be present wherever our faves are and that is ~in Seoul.~
5. Miracle
Who's in it: SF9's Chani, SF9's Hwiyoung, Kang Minah
When she's not practicing to become an idol, Lee So Rin is busy harboring her feelings for her idol, Luice. If you're looking for a relatable drama while getting a sneak peek into the daily lives of popular idols and inspiration to reach your K-idol dreams, this K-drama is just right up your alley.
6. The Universe's Star
Who's in it: EXO's Suho, Ji Woo
Even after death, grim reaper Byul can't forget her love for her universe, Woo Joo, who's starting to lose his enthusiasm and passion to perform. After knowing he is expected to die soon, she decides to do everything to save him. She's just like us fr! Anyone up for a K-drama that will leave you in tears and happiness because of being a fan?
7. Her Private Life
Who's in it: Kim Jae Wook, Park Min Young, Ahn Bo Hyun
Fangirls are so much more than just a group of loud screaming girls. When she's not busy as a fansite noona for K-pop star Cha Si An, Sung Deok Mi is a dedicated art curator at a museum. Her Private Life drama shows us that we can lead double lives: Both as a fan and a working girl. Deok Mi is a perfect representation of us whose youth revolved around K-pop and is continually cheering for our faves, whichever age bracket they belong to. She's like the eonnie telling us to completely embrace our fangirl hearts.
8. So I Married the Anti-Fan
Who's in it: Choi Tae Joon, Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung
“So I Married the Anti-Fan” stars Choi Tae Joon as Who Joon, a top star who is very arrogant
When magazine reporter Lee Geun Young and Hallyu superstar Who Joon cross paths, a series of incidents causes Geun Young to lose her job. Furious and quick to pin the blame on the famous celeb, her public protests garner media attention, leading her to be dubbed his ultimate "anti-fan." When they are both offered a spot on a reality show, will romance blossom, or is their rocky relationship doomed from the start?
9. The Producers
Who's in it: Cha Tae Hyun, Gong Hyo Jin, Kim Soo Hyun, IU
Ever wanted a glimpse into the world of the broadcasting industry? Childhood besties turned KBS PDs (producers) Ra Joon Mo and Tak Ye Jin are suddenly joined by rookie employee Baek Seung Chan, who switched industries to get close to his secret crush. But will these budding romances survive the workplace?
10. Imitation
Who's in it: Jung Ji So, Lee Jun Young, ATEEZ's Yunho, T-ara's Jiyeon
Ma Ha is an aspiring K-pop idol. After struggling for years, just when she is about to debut, her dreams fall apart. After being offered a second chance, she is determined to climb all the way to the top—but will falling in love with a fellow idol be her downfall?
From members of SF9, I.O.I, and even veterans g.o.d, plus a storyline that puts the spotlight on rival groups, company politics, and media play, viewers are treated to a more realistic view into the world of K-pop.
