5 K-dramas Perfect for Introverts
As seen in Cherry Chu Magazine. Edited by Gia Dove. Image: Something in the Rain featuring Son Ye-jin as Yoon Jin-ah (left) and Jung Hae-in as Seo Joon-hee (right). Image: JTBC.
K-dramas are great no matter what. However, the characters often have extensive friend groups. They also have tons of energy when going to work functions and tend to revolve around someone well-loved and popular.
While this trope is exciting, sometimes it’s nice to have a protagonist you can relate to and feel understood by. A protagonist that introverts don’t often see. For those looking for just that, here are our five favorite introvert-esque K-dramas.
Summer Strike
Summer Strike promotional poster. Image: Rakuten Viki.
Genre: Slice of life, romance, thriller
Where to watch: Netflix
Known for its calm and healing tones, Summer Strike is perfect for the overworked, unsatisfied introvert. While living and working in Seoul, Yeo-reum decides she has had enough of city life and the mentality of hustle culture. With a destination of nowhere, she stumbles upon the perfect paradise for her summer break.
But the people aren’t as on board with her summer protest as she is. Summer Strike is described as a slice-of-life with romantic undertones. Moreover, it features the qualities of a great thriller. No matter the genre, it is sure to give everyone the same advice: It is okay to slow down and enjoy life as it is.
Weak Hero: Class 1
Weak Hero: Class 1 promotional poster. Image: IMDb.
Genre: Action, thriller
Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
Weak Hero: Class 1 is for anyone but the weak. While painful to watch at times, it takes the viewer on the journey of Si-eun as he faces a group of manipulative and aggressive classmates. As his problems grow and extend beyond school, he makes unlikely bonds with two unique students. With challenges at every corner, what Si-eun doesn’t realize is that his biggest problem is finding where to place his trust.
We highly recommend this for introverts who have always wanted a friend who will be there no matter what. It is best to watch this as soon as possible as season two is on the way.
Something in the Rain
Something in the Rain promotional poster. Image: JTBC.
Genre: Romance, drama
Where to watch: Netflix
If you’ve ever felt alone and lost but want to be happy with the one you love, Something in the Rain may be your new favorite show. It’s a rather slow watch but that’s what we love most about it. The protagonist Jin-ah works a job with long hours and is unfairly treated. She also lives at home with a mother who loves to pester her.
It isn’t until she is reunited with Joon-hee that she feels like she can breathe. The only problem, however, is that he’s her best friend’s younger brother. Something in the Rain is perfect for those wanting to find their place, purpose, and person.
See You in My 19th Life
See You in My 19th Life. Image: Netflix.
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Where to watch: Netflix
Created from the breathtaking webtoon, See You in My 19th Life is an introvert and fate-lover heaven. The most fascinating thing about Ji-eum isn’t that she can remember all nineteen of her lives. It’s that she came back from her eighteenth with a determination to find Moon Seo-ha, the boy she loves and who was taken from her. But how can she make him love her when she must hide her identity? How can she when he is still in love with her past self?
Having spent nineteen lives alone, Ji-eum is not giving up on Seo-ha. But she has more company than she realizes when other people from her past lives come back to welcome her as well.
The Eighth Sense
The Eighth Sense. Image: Rakuten Viki.
Genre: Drama, Romance, BL
Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
When Ji-hyun and Jae-won meet, they look like two people whose lives would never cross. However, they end up having a lot more in common than they thought. As Ji-hyun struggles to adapt to city life after moving from the country for school, Jae-won tries to overcome the challenges of loss and a lack of empathy from his friends and family.
When you’re alone, sometimes the person you need most is waiting for you and they need you just as much. As he tries to fight his feelings, Jae-won is presented with a choice. Does he remain unhappy by denying his love for normalcy or accept Ji-hyun’s love for a chance at healing and contentment? For those wanting to take a chance on love and allow happiness in their lives, we recommend The Eighth Sense.
For more K-drama recommendations, check out my 7 Autumn K-dramas to Cozy Up With.
