Even if we’re only halfway through 2021, there’s already a vast roster of incredible Korean shows to binge on. From swoon-worthy romances to spine-tingling thrillers, there’s definitely a K-drama for every kind of viewer. Check out a few of the new fan favorites from the first half of the year, as well as a couple that may be flying under your radar. A warning: these are ultra-addicting—so watch at your to-do list’s peril!
1. Vincenzo
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-bin, Ok Taecyeon
Release Dates: February 20, 2021 – May 2, 2021
Episodes: 20
In this engrossing romantic comedy, mafia consigliere Park Joo-Hyeong (Song Joong-ki) finds his life in danger and flees from Italy to his motherland. In South Korea, sparks fly when he meets fellow lawyer Hong Cha-Young (Jeon Yeo-been) and joins her in the pursuit of justice against a powerful conglomerate.
A perfect pair: Miss B’s Basque Burnt Cheesecake, which is as criminally good and decadent as Vincenzo.
Watch on Netflix.
2. Beyond Evil
Cast: Yeo Jin-goo, Shin Ha-kyun, Choi Dae-hoon
Release Dates: February 19, 2021 – April 10, 2021
Episodes: 16
Those who enjoy true crime and mysteries will find it easy to get hooked on Beyond Evil. The Korean psychological crime thriller follows two troubled detectives as they chase down a gruesome serial killer. In their dogged search for the criminal, the pair leave no stone unturned and end up questioning everyone on their path, including each other.
A perfect pair: the equally addicting Boba Buns by Miss B.
3. Taxi Driver
Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Esom, Lee Na-eun
Release Dates: April 9, 2021 – May 29, 2021
Episodes: 16 (each episode divided into two shorter parts)
An adaptation from an original webtoon, Taxi Driver is a K-drama about a secret taxi service called the Rainbow Taxi that promises vengeance for victims who the criminal justice system has failed.
A perfect pair: the Moonleaf Gallon Milk Tea, so you have enough drinks to chug as you binge this intriguing drama.
Watch on Viu.
4. Mine
Cast: Lee Bo-young, Kim Seo-hyung
Release Dates: May 8, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Episodes: 16
Get a glimpse of the luxurious and ominous life of the high society in the newly completed Netflix series Mine. The K-drama follows the lives of two ambitious daughters-in-law of a powerful family who are determined to find their place—and they won’t let anything stand in their way.
A perfect pair: an indulgent treat like the Miss B Lava Cake that goes well with the drama.
Watch on Netflix.
5. Move To Heaven
Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Tang Joon-sang
Release Dates: May 14, 2021
Episodes: 10
This original Netflix drama is a heartwarming tale about a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome who teams up with his uncle at his father’s business called Move to Heaven. The pair work as “trauma cleaners,” a term for people tasked to clean up the homes of the deceased and deliver their untold stories to loved ones. Sentimental yet never too sappy or melodramatic, this is a lovely series to binge—and a fast one with only 10 episodes.
A perfect pair: a delightful glass of Moonleaf Tea Shop’s chocolate drink is comforting while watching Move to Heaven.
Watch on Netflix.
6. Mouse
Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Lee Hee-joon, Park Ju-hyun, Kyung Soo-jin
Release Dates: March 3, 2021 – May 20, 2021
Episodes: 20
Once you get started, it’s hard to stop watching the Korean crime thriller Mouse. The ultra-bingeable series is about two police officers on the hunt for a psychopathic serial killer wreaking havoc on the country. As they follow the trail of the criminal, the duo explores mysteries about psychopathic behaviors.
A perfect pair: Miss B’s mouthwatering Ensaymada Pudding will make you crazy (not psychopathic).
7. Sell Your Haunted House
Cast: Jang Na-ra, Jung Yong-hwa
Release Dates: April 14, 2021 – June 9, 2021
Episodes: 16 (each episode divided into two shorter parts)
Sell Your Haunted House is a supernatural comedy that tells the tale of an exorcist real estate agent who meets a conman who pretends to exorcise ghosts for money. Connected with a past tragedy, the pair join forces to sell haunted houses.
A perfect pair: Brown Sugar Milk Tea by Moonleaf is supernaturally good.
Watch on Viu.
8. Law School
Cast: Kim Bum, Ryu Hye-young, Kim Myung-min, Lee Jeung-eun
Release Dates: April 14, 2021 – June 9, 2021
Episodes: 16
If you’re looking for something different, Law School is a mysterious law drama focusing on a group of law students and an intimidating prosecutor-turned-professor in a prestigious university. When an unusual murder occurs on campus, everyone’s lives are turned upside down as they hunt down the killer.
A perfect pair: Miss B’s Thousand Gram Dirty Brownies will get a guilty verdict—for getting you addicted.
Watch on Netflix.
9. My Roommate is a Gumiho
Cast: Song Kang, Park In-hwan
Release Date: May 26, 2021 (ongoing)
Episodes: 16
An original series from iQiyi, My Roommate is a Gumiho is a romantic comedy about a nine-tailed fox or gumiho who dreams of becoming a human. When a university student accidentally swallows the fatal fox bead that’s meant to turn him human, the two of them decide to move in together as they search for a solution.
A perfect pair: the Shooky Bucket of toasty cookies by Miss B.
Watch on iQiyi.
Cast: Song Kang, Park In-hwan
Release Dates: March 22, 2021 – April 27, 2021
Episodes: 12
It’s never too late to pursue a dream. This is at the heart of this uplifting tale about a 70-year-old Duk Chool (Park In-hwan) who pursues his life-long dream of becoming a ballet dancer. In the studio, he meets a young ballerina Chae Rok (Song Kang) who is facing his own set of challenges.
A perfect pair: Savor the creamy Miss B Cuatros Leches while watching this rich drama.
Watch on Netflix.
More dramas are coming in later this year that we’re looking forward to, including Kingdom: Ashin of the North, One Ordinary Day, and Silent Sea. Any other K-dramas on your list?
Don’t forget to order your favorite munchies and refreshments from Moonleaf and Miss B to make the binge even more enjoyable. Visit KKday for more great deals!
*Featured photos via Netflix
