Korean dramas never disappoint when it comes to unique ideas. They weave captivating tales, some bordering on the eccentric. Take, for instance, the latest drama “Chicken Nuggets” (2024) starring Ryu Seung Ryeong, Ahn Jae Hong, and Kim Yoo Jung. This drama follows a father’s quest to reverse his daughter’s accidental transformation into a chicken nugget.
The transformation of humans into bizarre creatures adds a special allure to fantasy dramas. Below, we delve into some of the most distinctive human metamorphoses ever seen in Korean dramas. Let’s dive in!
1. Zombies
still cut drama Kingdom (doc. Netflix/Kingdom)The zombie phenomenon has been a recurring theme in Korean dramas, often triggered by widespread epidemics. Titles like “Kingdom” (2019), “Happiness” (2021), and “All of Us Dead” (2022) have garnered immense popularity. Such is the fervor for zombie-themed dramas that many receive multiple seasons and even spin-offs.
2. Angel of death
poster Tomorrow (doc. MBC/Tomorrow)In “Tomorrow” (2022), characters are bestowed with the mantle of angel of death by a divine decree. This transformation also featured prominently in “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (2016), where a former king becomes an angel of death due to past transgressions.
3. God of death
instagram.com/mbcdrama_nowDistinct from the angel of death, the god of death is tasked with eliminating evil individuals. In “Kokdu: Season of Deity,” Kokdu, originally human, is cursed to serve as the god of death due to unresolved grievances.
4. Monsters
still cut drama Gyeongseong Creature (instagram.com/woojihyeon_)Set in post-war Korea, “Gyeongseong Creature” (2023) explores a military experiment gone awry, resulting in the creation of monstrous beings. Amidst failures, one subject, Choi Seong Sim, undergoes a successful transformation into a monster, sparking governmental interest for military purposes.
5. Chicken nuggets
still cut Chicken Nugget (doc. Netflix/Chicken Nugget)The recently aired “Chicken Nuggets” introduces a quirky premise: Choi Min Ah unexpectedly transforms into a chicken nugget due to a mechanical mishap. This prompts her father, Choi Seon Man, and best friend, Baek Joong, to embark on a bizarre journey to reverse the transformation.
6. Symbiosis with aliens
Parasite: The Gray drama poster (instagram.com/netflixid)In the upcoming Netflix drama “Parasite: The Grey” (2024), based on a renowned manga, aliens invade Earth, seeking symbiosis with humans. These parasites transform their hosts into peculiar creatures while also preying on ordinary humans for sustenance.
These six transformations showcased in Korean dramas are undeniably unique. Which do you find the most peculiar? Share your thoughts in the comments!
