If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, 2024 is going to be an exciting year. Several new series are set to explore the timeless theme of first love, bringing both heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments to the screen. Among these, Serendipity’s Embrace is highly anticipated, but it’s not the only one to look forward to. Let’s dive into the top five Korean dramas of 2024 that tell the beautiful stories of first love.
1. Serendipity’s Embrace
Serendipity’s Embrace is set to premiere on July 22, 2024. This drama features Kim So Hyun as Lee Hong Ju, an animation producer who is wary of love after a painful breakup. Her world is turned upside down when she reunites with her first love, Kang Hu Young, played by Chae Jong Hyeop. Kang Hu Young, a successful financial planner in the U.S., returns to South Korea and unexpectedly crosses paths with Hong Ju.
Their reunion sparks a series of emotional and heartwarming events, especially with the involvement of two other characters: Kim Hye Ji, an English teacher and Hong Ju’s best friend, and Bang Joon Ho, a popular novelist with a free-spirited personality. This 8-episode series promises to be a captivating journey of rediscovered love and friendships.
2. Bad Memory Eraser
Airing on August 2, 2024, on MBN, Bad Memory Eraser stars Kim Jae Joong, Jin Se Yeon, Lee Jong Won, and Yang Hye Ji. The story revolves around Lee Goon, portrayed by Kim Jae Joong, a former tennis player who loses his confidence after an injury. Using a memory eraser, he transforms into a confident individual, manipulating his first love, Kyeong Joo Yeon (Jin Se Yeon), in the process.
Kyeong Joo Yeon is a perfectionist psychiatrist, often referred to as the Ice Princess. The drama explores how their manipulated memories affect their relationship, alongside the dynamics with Lee Shin, the world’s number one tennis player and Lee Goon’s brother, and Jeon Sae Yan, Lee Goon’s translator.
3. Lovely Runner
Lovely Runner takes viewers on a nostalgic time-travel journey. Im Sol, played by Kim Hye Yoon, is a devoted fan of Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), the vocalist of the band Eclipse. After hearing about his death, she is transported back to 2008, where she meets the high school version of her idol.
The drama unfolds as Im Sol navigates through past events, uncovering secrets and realizing that she is Ryu Sun Jae’s first love. This time-travel romance brings a unique twist to the theme of first love, blending fantasy with heartfelt emotions.
4. Queen of Tears
Breaking records on tvN, Queen of Tears stars Kim Ji Won as Hong Hae In, a chaebol heiress known as the “Arrogant Queen”, and Kim Soo Hyun as her husband, Baek Hyun Woo, who comes from a farming family. Their marriage faces numerous challenges, with Baek Hyun Woo contemplating divorce until he discovers Hong Hae In’s terminal illness.
This drama intricately weaves the complexities of first love and marriage, offering viewers a profound look at love’s endurance through life’s toughest trials. It’s a must-watch for fans of deeply emotional storytelling.
5. Welcome to Samdal-ri
Welcome to Samdal-ri tells the story of Cho Sam Dal (Shin Hye Sun), a successful photographer forced to return to her hometown after being slandered. There, she reconnects with Cho Yong Pil (Ji Chang Wook), her childhood friend, first love, and ex-lover.
Set in the picturesque Jeju Island, this drama explores the rekindling of a complicated relationship amidst the beautiful backdrop of Samdal-ri. It’s a touching narrative of finding love and redemption in familiar places.
Final Thoughts
These five Korean dramas offer a diverse range of stories centered around first love, from heartwarming reunions to time-travel adventures and emotional journeys. Each series brings something unique to the table, promising to captivate audiences with their intricate plots and lovable characters. Whether you’re a die-hard romantic or just enjoy a good story, these dramas are definitely worth adding to your watchlist for 2024.