Korean Dramas, or K-dramas as they are more affectionately referred to, first infiltrated our motherland along with the Hallyu (the Korean word for the "K-wave") in the early 2000s.

They, alongside all other things Korean that everyone is still mad about, enjoyed sustained interest that doesn't seem to be dying down anytime soon.

This is aided by Mediacorp’s Channel U, which has continually shown K-dramas at its prime slots (weekdays at 7pm and 10pm). There are also many Korean TV channels such as One and KBS available for locals to subscribe to. Recently, a free app called Viu was launched in Singapore for users to stream and watch their favourite Korean programs (with English subs) within 8 hours of its release in Korea.

More importantly, the staying power of K-dramas can be attributed to its popularity among many Singaporeans with too much time on their hands.

But even if you don't fit into this stereotypical mould, you're no less likely to enjoy this very short list* of shows to try:

(*We nonetheless refuse to take responsibility for the abandonment of any household duties, missed appointments or life obligations that might follow.)

1. Descendants of the Sun

If you haven’t heard of this massive ratings hit which is possibly re-igniting the K-drama craze in Singapore, you either have a pair of superior all-things-Korean blinkers or are living under a rock.

This drama, currently airing, centres on the romance of a captain serving in the special forces and a medical doctor. It is beautifully shot, for one, but of course, the cinematography isn’t the only pretty in the show:

Why it's worth watching: Anyone who ever dreams of being told cheesy lines like this in their lives will be able to live this reality vicariously (ironic as that may be) through Descendants of the Sun. 

Never mind that Soong Joong Ki does not and will in all likelihood never meet or know you.

For an hour every week (or however many hours you spend binge-watching episodes at one shot), you are both extremely and frighteningly pretty.

2. You Who Came From The Stars

Recently the subject of comparison with Descendents of the Sun, this was all the rage in 2013, and for good reason.

This drama had a strong plot, a gorgeous alien male lead in the form of megastar Kim Soo Hyun and a heart-stopping romance featuring the glamorously hilarious Jun Ji Hyun.

Despite their 12-year age gap, this unreal-looking couple had a winning chemistry that made this show a hit.

Just watch this fan-made music video of one of the songs from the show's soundtrack:

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Why it's worth watching: If you had a perfect alien boyfriend like Do Min Joon (and you don't, so there's something to aspire to), this would be your reality. What are you talking about? Of course you want to know the ins and outs of what happens in their lives!

3. What Happens To My Family?

This family drama was among many to air on Channel U sometime last year, but it stood out because of its meaningful and realistic plot.

A terminally-ill father seeks to change the general attitude of his grown-up children toward life, and the show tracks their coming-of-age processes. While the characters are slightly over-the-top at times, the various families portrayed in the drama reflect familiar family dynamics.

Disclaimer: It involves a whole lot of tears, but it has great humour and adorable romances which eventually make it a lighthearted show.

Why it's worth watching: Family K-dramas that strike a perfect balance between realism, melodrama and humour are rare — it obviously follows, therefore, that one should appreciate it by watching it. Don't you want to know if the father stays alive long enough to see his children change?

4. Bubblegum

It may have a light-hearted title, but this is in no way a light-hearted drama. Hailing from one of the smaller cable television networks in Korea, Bubblegum is a well-written but underrated series about Alzheimer’s Disease.

As with shows like this, it does get overly melodramatic towards the middle, but the story poignantly captures the effects of Alzheimer’s — not just on the patient but on his or her family and friends.

Excellent acting on the parts of Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won, in particular, really made this show and the passionate romance between the two leads come alive.

Here's a sampling of scenes from the show put to one of the songs from the show's sound track:

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Why it's worth watching: This show is best to trigger a good cry if you need one. Its acting, dialogue, music and even cinematography will likely leave you emotionally hooked from the first episode you watch. Don't say we didn't warn you.

5. Healer

Yet another underrated gem, but this one hasn't yet made its way into Singapore. Healer may look like an action-packed show, but to classify it as simply that wouldn't be doing the drama justice.

With its tight storyline about a night-errand guy with superior fighting skills and wearable smart-gadgets, Healer is a meaningful series touching on themes of justice, courage and honesty. While it is a drama that may appeal to several groups of people, we're not going to deny the natural draw of lead actor Ji Chang-wook.

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Why it's worth watching: Apart from the both dorky and cool awesomeness of Healer, female lead Chae Young Shin (played by Park Minyoung) is a character worth having a woman-crush on — not only is she a spunky journalist, she is also a righteous individual who will fight for justice, no matter what. She’s #goals.

Top photo: Soompi.com.

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