Why I Kept Coming Back to These Korean Dramas Despite Vowing to Never Watch Them Again

I never thought I would be one of those people who kept coming back to certain Korean dramas after making a vow to never watch them again, but life has a funny way of betraying those promises. In this article, I will share my experience with a few Korean dramas that, despite my best intentions, have managed to capture my attention and make me rewatch them multiple times.

The Most Mindless Rewatch: Dream Knight, Hwarang, and The Bride of Habaek

Though these series aren't considered masterpieces in the Korean drama world, they are often the perfect remedy for an hour of pure escapism. I’ve found myself accidentally enjoying these mindless rewatch experiences on more than one occasion. Titles like Dream Knight, Hwarang, and The Bride of Habaek immediately come to mind. They’re the kind of shows that, by the time you realize their plot holes and sheer cheesiness, it’s already too late; you're already binge-watching the next episode.

Classic Rewatch: Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum)

And then there are the classics, timeless pieces that have stood the test of time and continue to enthrall viewers. When it comes to historical dramas, Jewel in the Palace (also known as Dae Jang Geum) deserves a special mention. Despite the fact that I own the original DVD but no longer own a DVD player, the allure of Dae Jang Geum as a large-screen experience is still strong. Every so often, a rewatch is necessary to indulge in the character chemistry and stunning visuals.

The Tragic Tragedy: Squid Game

Squid Game is a result in which the source material and the costumes managed to draw me in on multiple levels. The costumes, especially those of the characters, struck such a chord that I ended up drawing the costume of one of the characters in both 2D and 3D. This is a testament to how even the aesthetic of a show can lead to rewatching habits.

The Tears and Promise Broken: Our Blues

Our Blues is a drama where every episode feels like a punch in the gut, leaving me emotionally drained but inevitably reaching for the next episode. It’s hard to resist the temptation when you know that every new episode will inevitably make you cry. Despite the promise not to watch it again to avoid wasting tears, I find myself plagued by a sense of guilt coupled with an urge to watch the next episode. It’s a cycle that seems to perpetuate itself both emotionally and through habit.

The Living Hell: Familiar Wife

When it comes to dramas that hit extremely close to home, Familiar Wife takes the cake. Joo-hyuk’s tragic and relentless life as a husband of the hellion Woo-jin is a story that resonates deeply and feels both personal and universal. The story is anchored by a twist where Joo-hyuk finds a way to change his fate by going back in time, meeting Hye-won, and altering his destiny. The drama delves into themes of regret, forgiveness, and the harsh realities of life. This rewatch is about more than just the plot; it’s a deep dive into the human condition and the impact of life choices.

Despite all the reasons not to return to these dramas, the pull to rewatch them remains strong. It’s a reminder of the powerful impact that certain forms of entertainment can have on us, often bringing us back time and time again, just to feel the emotions they evoke.