Korean Dramas to watch this Christmas

Finally, it's the Christmas holidays. You’re drinking hot chocolate or mulled wine and feel cosy next to the warm fire. Now you’re searching for the next K-drama to binge-watch; look no further!

There are plenty of heart-warming K-dramas to watch this Christmas. Background image: iStock. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo image: MBC via The Multi-Hobbyist. Edited with Canva.

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

I could rant for 10 pages or more as to why you should watch Goblin, but I’ll hold back so you have more watch time. Above all, this drama perfectly exemplifies how good acting and good writing can complement one another to create the perfect drama.

Kim Shin, played by Gong Yoo (everyone’s favourite from Squid Game), has been cursed by a lonely burden of immortality as a goblin. He wanders for 900 years searching for his prophesied bride (Kim Go Eun) – the only one who can kill him and finally set his soul to rest.

The chemistry between Gong Yoo and Kim Go-Eun is strong but unique as the characters they portray have a common respect for one another. Not only is there hot chemistry but a sense of companionship. However, the chemistry between the main leads isn’t the only thing that makes it great; this drama boasts a bromance that may beat any other.

This drama represents the light and warmth we all need during wintertime. While unafraid to dive into darker themes such as death, loneliness, and immortality, Goblin exemplifies love and belonging; often from those you wouldn’t expect. The soundtrack also complements the visuals well and oftentimes transports you to a winter wonderland.

This drama will make you think differently whenever you blow out a candle.

Pinocchio

Image: SBS Korea.

As a young boy, Dal-po (Lee Jong Suk) watched his family turn to ruins when misinformation about his father was spread by a news channel. Washing up in a remote town following an accident, Dal-po follows his newfound ‘sister’ In-Ha (Park Shin Hye) to become a journalist and find out the mystery of his family. The crux? In-Ha has Pinocchio syndrome, meaning she hiccups every time she lies.

This drama has a special place in my heart as this was the contributing factor to why I became a journalist. The writing and the acting in the drama were terrific. I remember it became a hit back in 2014 and it’s still one of my personal favourites.

Although the drama delves into darker elements of the news industry – the risks of being a journalist and the impact it can have on people. The story makes you feel cosy, from the winter settings of a first kiss under the lights and snow to the winter fashion. You will feel a range of emotions when watching this drama.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

A light-hearted drama with swoon-worthy feels; Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo has it all.

Talented college weightlifter Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung) struggles to navigate athletics and her first love. Finding herself falling for her fitness doctor, Bok Joo misses the adorable advances of her childhood friend and swimming star Jung Joon Hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk).

This slow-burn college romance is perfect for the Christmas holidays; featuring fireworks and kisses in the snow, you’ll feel super cosy watching this drama.

Alchemy of Souls

Image: Netflix.

When a drama is written by the Hong Sisters, you know it won’t disappoint.

If The Untamed and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo had a baby, it would be Alchemy of Souls. Taking elements of Wuxia, a genre of Chinese dramas meaning ‘martial heroes’, this drama is sure to leave your heart racing.

It covers a fictional world, Daeho, where a powerful sorceress, Nak-su (Go Yoon Jung), takes over a blind woman's body, Mu Deok-i, (Jung So Min), leaving her without her powers to fulfill her revenge. She meets Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook), whose powers have been blocked by his estranged father and becomes his master when her true identity is revealed to him.

This drama has heart, magic, and comedy all rolled into one. It’s the perfect show to watch if you need warming up this winter.

The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract

Adapted from an ongoing webtoon, this drama introduces Joseon-era Park Yeon Woo (Lee Se Young) on the night of her wedding when her husband dies from a heart attack. She’s then kidnapped and thrown into a well shaft, where she travels to 21st Century Korea; landing in a swimming pool.

Kang Tae Ha (Bae In Hyuk), who looks just like her husband, comes to her rescue and somehow she finds herself roped into a contract marriage with him.

This ongoing series currently has seven episodes and airs every Friday and Saturday at 9.50 pm (KST). It’s also available for streaming in selected regions.

My Demon

Another ongoing drama, My Demon (featuring Song Kang), follows a heart demon who becomes powerless after getting entangled with the icy heiress, Kim Yoo Jung. She has the key to his abilities and, you guess it, his heart.

This drama has darker themes of mortality; if you like a morally grey protagonist, this is the one for you.

Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.