DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary of Korean drama series.
This year, I decided to put together my K-Drama All-Stars list. That is, actors who I might have seen the most in my drama watching in 2022. And thankfully, those same actors are also among those who delivered some of the best performances from the year too!
The four pre-2022 Korean Dramas I watched this year and highly recommend!
Here are my 20 (and more!) favorite Korean dramas of 2022!
There aren’t very many college-set youth dramas on Korean television. So it is refreshing to have a series like SBS’ Cheer Up (치얼업). A big bonus if it is a good series. Which it is! Cheer Up is a lighthearted drama about the members of a struggling university cheering squad. And though the series does have a few exciting scenes of cheer performances, its strongest moments are when it focuses on the relationships and bonds formed between the characters.
Though it takes a short while to get back into the swing of things, the second half of Netflix’s Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (종이의 집: 공동경제구역) is an even more thrilling set of episodes than the first. And it ultimately delivers a satisfying and very climactic finale.
tvN’s Alchemy of Souls (환혼) is an irresistible package of fantasy, action, romance, humor and soapy drama. The prolific Hong sisters have crafted a story that allows you to be immersed in this rich, vibrant and fully-realized magical world. And Lee Jae Wook and Jung So Min’s magnetic chemistry helps lead a strong ensemble cast to bring that world to vivid life.
Revenge of Others (3인칭 복수 /Third Person Revenge) might be the strongest Disney Plus original Korean drama so far. The high school revenge/mystery thriller is a captivating ride, powered by some excellent performances from its talented young cast. Though its ending is a bit rushed, there is plenty to feel satisfied about across the series’ 12 episodes.
It’s easy to see why Semantic Error (시맨틱 에러) quickly captured the attention so many fans when it first aired earlier this year. The series, based on a BL novel by Jeosoori, is a charming and breezy romantic series. Stars Park Seo Ham and Park Jae Chan deliver endearing performances that effortlessly draw you into their familiar, though engaging love story.
Namgoong Min shows off his great versatility in the fun One Dollar Lawyer (천원짜리 변호사/One Thousand Won Lawyer). The 12-episode SBS series is a hilarious take on the crime and justice drama. And while there’s definitely a lot of unrealized potential in the premise, the series is an overall satisfying and enjoyable time.
The latest Disney+ original Korean drama Connect (커넥트) has a lot going for it. Jung Hae In is an endearing lead while Go Kyung Pyo delivers a chilling performance in what is supposed to be a unique sci-fi thriller. Though overall, the series is a quick six episode, 4+ hour watch, it lacks the kinetic energy of a feature film and the slower, more introspective depth of a longer series.