Top 5
2016 Dramas
As we near the end of 2017 (seriously, where did this year go?) I thought I’d look back on some of the best K-Dramas of 2016. 2016 was a year that gave a lot of variety, and didn’t seem to stick with any one genre or idea. There were a lot of great, hugely anticipated dramas, and there were a few low-key, slice-of-life dramas that gained a lot of attention. It was the year we sent Lee Seung Gi and Jung Il Woo off to the army and the year we got Yoon Shi Yoon back. Here’s my pick of the best 5 dramas to come out of 2016. Also you can find a list of my Top 5 2015 Dramas here.
Fast paced with a great hero and an addictive romance, ‘W’ was quick to gain a lot of attention. The show was pretty successful ratings-wise pulling in a commendable average of about 14.5%- which is nothing to sniff at these days. The best thing it had going for it is something a lot of TV shows and movies lack these days- imagination. While there may have been a few plot holes now and then, the idea behind ‘W’ was so fresh and so unique that it was worth watching despite a few confusing moments in the writing. Lee Jong Suk is worth watching in anything, and boy did he have some sizzling chemistry with Han Hyo Joo. The plot never dragged and always had clever developments, and most importantly the drama was engaging from its first episode to its last.
4: Age of Youth
Who knew what a smash hit this little drama was going to be? ‘Age of Youth’ didn’t even boast the full 16 episodes that most K-Dramas have, but still came out being one of the most popular dramas of the year. In fact, it’s huge popularity actually started the momentum for filming a second season which was released earlier this year. It hit a unique niche where the story follows the lives and friendships of five young women. With female friendships being pretty uncommon in K-Dramaland people seemed to grab onto this offering with enthusiasm. The girls were all unique, well developed and believable, and the relationships between them were sweetly realistic and authentic. It might not have been a huge ratings success (it aired on JTBC- a pay TV network), but it gained momentum through word-of-mouth and was a huge hit with international audiences.
Now here’s a drama that was a big commercial success. It was the show that marked Song Joong Ki’s return from the military and paired him in a romance with Song Hye Kyo (the two have since gotten married after meeting on set). The drama had a HUGE budget which included overseas shoots, which of course made the show look splendid. It was a booming success all over the world with ratings in Korea going unbelievably high around the 40% mark and I’ve even heard that it was viewed in North Korea. The drama was penned by Kim Eun Seok who also wrote the smash hit ‘Secret Garden’ (though admittedly she also wrote the stinker ‘Heirs’). Despite the unbelievable amount of hype that preceded the drama, it was a show that lived up to its excitement. The acting was top notch, the romance was dazzling and the story was engaging.
‘Weightlifting Fairy’ is similar to ‘Age of Youth’ in that it was a bit of a sleeper hit. Looking at the ratings you wouldn’t think much of the show (it stays in a safe but unremarkable range of about 3-5%), yet those who did tune into the drama absolutely loved it. Like me. The tone was sweet and wistful with a dash of nostalgia and the whole show had a beautiful pastel quality that suit lead actress Lee Sung Kyung perfectly. The romance was a gentle smoulder with the two friends becoming best friends then lovers, which actually mirrored the actors' feelings themselves (though they have since broken up ☹). Conflicts that arose weren’t overplayed but nor were they understated- the show hit a nice balance of normal while providing an amazing romance. The acting, writing and directing, along with the soundtrack, all came together to provide an absolutely endearing and delightful experience.
1: Signal
‘Signal’ was a drama that created a lot of buzz. Despite showing on a cable station (ie- pay to view), the show pulled in an average rating of 8% with a best of just above 12%. Ratings certainly don't equate quality, but in this case those numbers were rightfully earned. The show was action packed with a mature, experienced cast that knew exactly how to deliver the emotions that were needed in a scene. The plot was quick and quirky- not quite a time travel drama, but more a time warp drama. The show was highly unpredictable (which is always a plus in my books), and had a gritty, realistic underdog feel. And now that ‘Signal’ is in the works for a season 2, my biggest issue with the drama (its open ending) may turn out not to be an issue after all.
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| What were your favourite dramas from 2016? |
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