With scores of fans paying attention to their every word, K-Pop idols have become some of the most influential celebrities around. And with many of them starring in hit K-dramas, it isn't surprising that fans not only want to watch what their idols are watching, but also follow those their idols star in.
Shows Your Favourite Idols Can’t Get Enough Of
Here’s a selection of K-dramas on Netflix and Viu that your adored idols love to watch.
1. Sky Castle (Watch on Netflix & Viu)
A host of K-Pop stars have described the Sky Castle as one of their favourites, including RM and Suga from BTS, and singers Sandara Park and Kang Daniel.
Sky Castle follows high-society families that take extreme measures to ensure their kids are accepted into the country’s most prestigious universities. A commentary on the brutal South Korean education system where parents and teachers place huge amounts of pressure on children and teens, it's no wonder Sky Castle has proven to be one of the most popular K-dramas in recent years.
2. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Watch on Netflix & Viu)
This massive South Korean series is loved by loads of K-pop idols, with Blackpink members Lisa and Rosé often talking about their obsession with its plot – and its lead actor Gong Yoo.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is ranked as one of the highest-rated Korean dramas ever, sparking endless memes, parodies, and product promotions. Supported by a massive international fan base, millions have tuned in to find out about an immortal goblin’s search for a bride to break his curse. With grim reapers, secret pasts, and romantic moments that will leave you all mushy, you’ll have to watch this for yourself to understand why it’s become a cultural phenomenon.
3. The World of the Married (Watch on Netflix & Viu)
This show has the support of Do Young from NCT and Kim Heechul of Super Junior.
The World of the Married follows a doctor of the Family Love Hospital who is married to the president of an event company. Just when things seem to be going well in their married life, Jin Sun-woo gets swept up in seeking revenge when she finds out that her husband, Lee Tae-oh, is having an affair. With a messy and destructive divorce taking centre stage, the realistic portrayal of the damage that infidelity and divorce can cause makes the series riveting and magnetic. Exploring the importance of good communication in relationships and themes such as mental health, the record-breaking series The World of the Married boasts unpredictable plotlines and has garnered much attention from all over the world as a result.
4. Descendants of the Sun (Watch on Netflix & Viu)
Descendants of the Sun is recommended by GOT 7’s Yugyeom, who's now a solo artist.
Released back in 2016, Descendants of the Sun is filled with thrilling and dramatic elements. It follows the story of an ER doctor and a special forces soldier. This K-drama's appeal extends beyond K-lovers, and is surprisingly loved by even non-K-drama fans. With a star couple, massive budget, and top-notch special effects, it's clear to see why this show had amazing reviews and took the drama world by storm.
5. It’s Okay to Not be Okay (Watch on Netflix)
Another K-drama that’s caught the eye of some of the biggest names in K-Pop is It’s Okay to Not be Okay. Some of the show’s fans are Jang Yeeun from idol group CLC and Yuta from NCT.
Telling the tale of a lonely children’s book writer and a psych ward caretaker who meet and seek to repair each other’s emotional wounds, this tear-jerker was the number one romance show on Netflix South Korea in 2020, charming its modern audience, especially with its depiction of stigma surrounding autism and mental health.
6. Itaewon Class (Watch on Netflix)
Probably one of the most popular shows on Netflix is Itaewon Class. As JTBC’s second highest-rated cable TV drama to date, it’s stanned by Mark from NCT and V from BTS.
A massive success both in South Korea and overseas, this K-drama was one of the most talked-about shows in 2020. Whether thanks to its stellar cast or its storyline filled with twists and turns, one thing is for sure; Itaewon Class is one of those rare K-dramas that sticks to the message it aims to deliver - helping people out and sharing in a community spirit.
K-Dramas Featuring the Idols You Know & Love
With so many crossovers happening between K-pop and K-drama, singers and dancers are constantly popping up in the latest shows. Making their debut as Korean actors and actresses, it’s about time we keep an eye out for these idol actors appearing in these dramas and romances.
1. Cinderella and the Four Knights (Watch on Netflix & Viu)
In Cinderella and the Four Knights, you’ll find CNBLUE’s Lee Jung-Shin playing the role of the youngest cousin, while Apink’s Son Na-eun appears as a neighbour who has long been in love with the biggest playboy of the family, Kang Hyun-min.
This K-comedy focuses on a young girl, Eun Ha-won, who meets three young, super-rich cousins by chance. After she is hired by their grandfather to take care of the boys’ bad behaviour, she moves into a stunning mansion and soon finds herself in the middle of a love quadrangle while working to pay for her university tuition.
2. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (Watch on Netflix)
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth is another critically acclaimed K-drama, with a group of male warriors from the ancient Silla Kingdom as its focus. Featuring a star-studded cast, you’ll find Park Hyung-Sik from ZE:A and Choi Min-Ho from Shinee in starring roles. Meanwhile, BTS vocalist V, who debuted as a Korean male actor through this series, appears as the last Jjingol – someone with royal blood – in his clan. Watch how the Hwarang work to protect the future king from the machinations of corrupt nobles.
3. It’s Okay, That’s Love (Watch on Netflix & Viu)
Old but gold, It’s Okay, That’s Love explores the underlying stigma behind mental health and trauma. D.O., a K-pop idol from EXO, proves his mettle in this first acting project. Keep your eyes peeled to see the development and revelation of D.O.'s character as his connection to Jang Jae Yeol, a best-selling author and radio DJ, is unveiled. Exploring deep-seated wounds with a refreshing take on life, the series leaves viewers with one key takeaway message - compassion triumphs, and we’re all equally worthy of love regardless of our flaws and fears.
4. My Mister (Watch on Netflix)
Intense from the get-go, My Mister stars IU as Ji-An. Though this might not be IU’s first role in a drama, she almost turned down the opportunity due to past controversies. Releasing an album jacket that sparked a Lolita controversy amongst netizens, she believed that her character’s involvement with an older man would only add fuel to the fire. Thankfully, the philosophical undertones and harsh truths espoused in the series stood out more, proving that its scenes were more relatable than controversial.
5. Innocent Defendant (Watch on Viu)
Fans of Girls’ Generation will enjoy watching Yuri in the role of Seo Eun-hye in Innocent Defendant – a defence lawyer who tries her hardest, but can’t seem to win a case.
Innocent Defendant was a major commercial success when released in 2017, topping the charts. With the show exploring how a prosecutor in Seoul suffering from amnesia ends up on death row, he must find out what happened to save his life before it's too late.
6. True Beauty (Watch on Viu)
True Beauty is one of those Korean dramas that stands out because of its obvious purpose and hidden messages. Starring Cha Eun Woo from ASTRO, who played a similar role in My ID is Gangnam Beauty, True Beauty highlights how self-acceptance and inner beauty are much more important than how one looks on the outside. Exploring sensitive topics such as bullying and challenges that youths in the digital age face, True Beauty is truly a beautiful piece that emphasises the importance of kindness and compassion over physical beauty.
Catch All These Shows and More on Netflix & Viu
From Crash Landing on You to The Penthouse to the latest global hits like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and the popular Squid Game, Netflix and Viu are your go-to streaming platforms for all the top Korean Dramas. Whether you’d like to catch a new show starring your favourite idols and Korean male actors like V from BTS or other K-dramas, M1's got your back. Sign up for a Viu premium plan or a Netflix subscription plan and enjoy uninterrupted access to your favorite K-dramas with the added convenience of having everything charged to your M1 bill. Looking for more shows to stream? Check out our previous article on The Best Shows & Movies to Stream on Netflix, TVBAnywhere+, and Viu!