Korean dramas offer a variety of stories that captivate viewers worldwide. One of the most intriguing themes is the story of characters who are cursed. These curses can range from turning into mythical creatures to living an eternal life. Here are seven dramas that present the most unique and imaginative curse stories. Check it out!
The Allure of Cursed Characters
Korean dramas have a knack for weaving fascinating tales around characters with unusual curses. These curses often lead to intriguing plot twists and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a curse that changes someone’s appearance or brings perpetual bad luck, these dramas use curses to explore themes of love, fate, and redemption.
1. Bride of the Century (2014)
Bride of the Century is a drama that revolves around the cursed Taeyang Group family. The family’s curse dictates that the first bride of the eldest son will die on their wedding night. The story takes off when Choi Kang Joo (Lee Hong Ki) is set to marry Jang Yi Kyung (Yang Jin Sung), who mysteriously disappears. Her place is taken by Doo Rim (also played by Yang Jin Sung), who looks just like Yi Kyung. This drama combines romance, mystery, and a unique curse that keeps viewers hooked till the end.
- Cast: Lee Hong Ki, Yang Jin Sung, Sung Hyuk, Jang Ah Young
- Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video
2. Plus Nine Boys (2014)
Plus Nine Boys is a blend of family, romance, and comedy that revolves around four brothers who believe they are cursed by the number nine. The brothers, each at an age ending in nine, face a series of unfortunate events. The drama humorously explores their attempts to break free from this supposed curse. With a mix of heartwarming and hilarious moments, this show offers a unique take on the idea of bad luck and curses.
- Cast: Kim Young Kwang, Kyung Soo Jin, Oh Jung Se, Yook Sung Jae, Choi Ro Woon
- Where to Watch: Viki, Apple TV
3. The Beauty Inside (2018)
The Beauty Inside tells the story of Han Se Gye (Seo Hyun Jin), a top actress cursed to change her appearance every week. Her curse is both a blessing and a burden as she navigates her life and career. Along the way, she meets Seo Do Jae (Lee Min Ki), a man who cannot recognize faces. Their love story, filled with unique challenges and emotional depth, is a standout in the realm of cursed narratives.
- Cast: Seo Hyun Jin, Lee Min Ki, Lee Da Hee, Ahn Jae Hyun
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
4. Jinxed at First (2022)
Jinxed at First follows Gong Soo Kwang (Na In Woo), a fish seller plagued by bad luck since meeting Lee Seul Bi (Seohyun). Seul Bi has the ability to see the future through touch, a curse passed down from her mother. This drama blends fantasy and romance, creating a captivating story about fate and the power of curses.
- Cast: Na In Woo, Seohyun
- Where to Watch: KBS, Viki
5. My 20th Twenty (2023)
In My 20th Twenty, Sowon (Yuju Cherry Bullet) is cursed to remain twenty years old forever after refusing a witch’s request. Born in 1981 but looking perpetually young, Sowon’s journey is filled with challenges as she seeks to break the curse with the help of Kang Hyun (Subin VICTON) and Sang Wook (Dawon SF9). This drama offers a fresh perspective on the theme of eternal youth and the consequences of defying magical forces.
- Cast: Yuju (Cherry Bullet), Subin (VICTON), Dawon (SF9)
- Where to Watch: Wavve
6. Destined With You (2023)
Destined With You is a fantasy romance that follows Jang Sin Yu (Ro Woon), a lawyer cursed with a mysterious illness inherited from his family. The cure lies in a 300-year-old book found by civil servant Lee Hong Jo (Jo Bo Ah). Their intertwined fate, driven by a love potion and an ancient curse, makes for a gripping and emotional storyline.
- Cast: Ro Woon, Jo Bo Ah
- Where to Watch: JTBC, Netflix
7. A Good Day To Be A Dog (2023)
In A Good Day To Be A Dog, Han Nae Na (Park Gyu Yeong) is a teacher cursed to transform into a dog whenever she kisses someone. The chaos begins when she accidentally kisses Jin Seo Won (Cha Eun Woo), her colleague. To break the curse, Nae Na, in dog form, must kiss Seo Won again. This drama cleverly combines humor, romance, and fantasy, making it a delightful watch.
- Cast: Park Gyu Yeong, Cha Eun Woo
- Where to Watch: MBC, Viki
The Enduring Appeal of Cursed Characters
The presence of characters with unique curses adds a layer of intrigue and excitement to Korean dramas. These stories not only entertain but also explore deeper themes of destiny, love, and transformation. Is there a drama from this list that is your favorite? If not, these titles are definitely worth adding to your watchlist!