With the extraordinary success of K-Dramas in 2021, it is worthwhile to rewind and shine the spotlight on some of the best characters, scenes, and fashion moments that we saw this year. So, sit back and take a trip down K-Drama memory lane with us! Note: Dramas ending in 2022 (such as “The Red Sleeve”, “School 2021”, “Now, We Are Breaking Up”, “Let Me Be Your Knight”, etc) are not included on this list.
Most Endearing Male Leads
Hong DuShik (“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”), Lee SuHo (“True Beauty”), Ahn JeongWon (“Hospital Playlist Season 2”), Jung JiUn (“The King’s Affection”) These characters have stolen our hearts and made us swoon over them but more importantly, they have made us want to protect them and keep them close to our hearts even after the drama is over. Kim SeonHo’s Hong DuShik from “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”, ASTRO Cha EunWoo’s Lee SuHo from “True Beauty”, Yoo YeonSeok’s Ahn JeongWon from “Hospital Playlist Season 2”, and SF9 RoWoon’s Jung JiUn from “The King’s Affection” in particular are all characters that will stay with their viewers forever. Hong DuShik is able to retain his selfless nature while also learning to love himself and unlearn his trauma. Lee SuHo is a sincere lover and an honest friend who shows JuGyeong (Moon GaYoung) her true beauty and himself realizes the importance of forgiving. Ahn JeongWon is patient, sensitive, philanthropic, and embodies golden retriever energy. Finally, Jung JiUn is vibrant, full of life, and the brightest bearer of joy and happiness.
Most Endearing Female Leads
Kim YuMi (“Yumi’s Cells), Pyeong Gang (“River Where The Mood Rises”), Yang HyeSun (“My Roommate Is A Gumiho”), Kang Sol A (“Law School”) These women are so precious and pure-hearted that it is hard not to want to be best friends with them. Their presence is charming and warm and their smile could light up the whole world. Regardless of age or gender, one can relate to these characters freely and the fact that they’re so empowering makes it a hundred times better. Kim GoEun as YuMi, Kim SoHyun as Pyeong Gang, Kang HanNa as Yang HyeSun, and Ryu HyeYoung as Kang Sol A make the fictional K-Space a better place. YuMi’s cells make her even more realistic and easy to understand/relate with whereas Pyeong Gang’s ambition and strength remind us to pick our battles and make sure we win but never lose our innocence along the way. Yang HyeSun is playful and naive but she knows how to stand up for herself and more importantly, for others. Kang Sol A is the quirky girl next door that everyone wants to be friends with because of how reliable she is.
Most Inspiring Male Leads
Ki SeonGyeom (“Run On”), Jung YiHyun (“Happiness”), Kang KoBi (“Shall We Have A Cup Of Coffee”) Ki SeonGyeom, played by Im SiWan is living proof that sticking to your guts and standing up for what’s right has never let anyone down. He never lets life’s difficulties put a pause on living and perseveres endlessly but all without any feelings of anxiety for the future. He lives in the moment and so should we. Park HyungSik plays a tenacious detective Jung YiHyun in “Happiness” who signifies the importance of honesty and resilience. He is selfless beyond measure and emotionally perceptive but also street smart and wise. In other words, he is the best of all the worlds. Ong SeongWu’s character Kang KoBi’s metaphorical journey of growth and self-realization through the course of “Shall We Have A Cup Of Coffee” reminds us that it is never too late for a second coming-of-age. There is no end to learning and life is just a long journey towards that consciousness. We should all take a page from KoBi’s book.
Most Inspiring Female Leads
Yoon SaeBom (“Happiness”), Jo YeonJu (“One The Woman”), Oh KangHee (“Police University”) One cannot simply have a list of some of the most inspiring K-Drama characters and not include the SaeBom x YiHyun couple! Yoon SaeBom, played by Han HyoJoo is a fiery young woman who is fearless, immensely skilled and competent beyond belief. Her quick thinking and resolute demeanor quite literally saved humanity. She runs the world she lives in and we’re just happy to be along for the ride! Lee HaNee does a spectacular job in playing two women who could not have been more diametrically opposed in terms of their personality or worldview. Jo YeonJu is cut-throat, bold, explosive, and essentially, both a lover and a fighter. Kang MiNa too, is a strong woman but of a different kind. She finds power in her own identity and breaks free from the shackles of society to pursue her own happiness. If that’s not inspiring, we don’t know what is. Jung SooJung (also known as, Krystal Jung) shines bright like a diamond in her role as Oh KangHee in “Police University”. Oh KangHee is the very definition of an independent and capable woman (much like Krystal herself) who demonstrates remarkable courage and strength, both physical and emotional, throughout the drama. She is honest with her feelings and doesn’t dilly-dally in love, which makes her even more charming.
Male Comfort Characters
Lee IkJoon (“Hospital Playlist Season 2”), Shin WooYeo (“My Roommate Is A Gumiho”), Han SeoJoon (“True Beauty”) There are always some characters that you hold dear to your heart and go back to whenever you’re feeling down. These are your comfort characters. Lee IkJoon (Cho JungSeok) from “Hospital Playlist” is one such character who you can simply be in the virtual presence of and feel better instantly. From life advice to dad jokes, he’s got it all. The ageless nine-tailed fox Shin WooYeo (played by Jang KiYong) carries the wisdom of the world and is always ready to dish out literature quotes that will leave you feeling like you’re the most special person in the world. After all, sometimes all you need is someone to call you their Fermina Daza. A character that has pretty much been immortalized in viewers’ hearts, Han SeoJun from “True Beauty”, played by Hwang InYoup, has us wrapped around his pinky finger, and for good reason too! He’s the best friend, lover, brother, and son that everyone deserves, and every time you see his warm smile, you cannot help but feel loved and in love at the same time.
Female Comfort Characters
Kim Dali (“Dali And Cocky Prince”), Kang DaJeong (“You Are My Spring”), Kim SoYong (“Mr. Queen”) Kim Dali (Park GyuYoung) is a character that a lot of viewers can relate to, especially when it comes to the fact that she finds strength in vulnerability. A character that tells us that it is okay to express yourself unapologetically, even if you make mistakes along the way is definitely a comfort character. A sweet soul and a strong woman, Kang DaJeong (Seo HyunJin) is like a sister who you look up to but who also needs to be comforted once in a while. She represents the inner child and the wounded adult, allowing her audience to identify their problems with hers and as such, making way for them to experience catharsis. For the pure reason that no one does comedy better than Shin HyeSun in “Mr. Queen”, Kim SoYong (or, should we say BongHwan) is the go-to character if you’re ever in the need of a little pick-me-up. The way this character accepts themself as they are, regardless of gender, sexuality, or otherwise is truly progressive and empowering. Besides, it’s always great to mindlessly laugh a little.
Characters Whose Visuals Had Us Floored
Ha Ram (“Lovers of the Red Sky”), Yoon JiWoo (“My Name”), Myul Mang (“Doom At Your Service”) There was something so ethereal and otherworldly about the beauty of Ha Ram, both as a person but in this regard, his appearance that our jaws never came back up from the floor. A major part of his appeal as Ha Ram came from his natural contour and unnatural eyes, giving him a godly presence. Ahn HyoSeop is unbelievably handsome but Ha Ram’s visuals are simply unmatched, even more so because of the personality he imbues it with. Han SoHee gave us two starkly opposing visuals in 2021: first, the sweet and naive Yoo NaBi in “Nevertheless,” and then the fierce and lionhearted Yoon JiWoo in “My Name”. While she looked gorgeous in both avatars, Yoon JiWoo’s visuals are undeniably elite. The short blunt bob means business and we’re here for it! Han SoHee’s soft features amplify her character’s duality and we just cannot take our eyes off of her. Seo InGuk plays Myul Mang or Doom incarnate in “Doom At Your Service” and he does it with the utmost elegance. If Destruction looks this good, maybe it’s not that scary after all! His sharp facial structure, complemented by his slightly gothic sense of fashion and above all, the beauty mark under his eye all come together to create an angelic being that we can’t get enough of.
Characters Who Deserve A Big Warm Hug
Nam SooHyun (“At A Distance, Spring Is Green”), Lee DongShik (“Beyond Evil”), Gu HaeWon (“Reflection Of You”) These characters went through hell but chose to let the fire purify their soul rather than burn their flesh. Nam SooHyun (Bae InHyuk) never once compromises his righteousness and integrity, choosing always to put others before himself even when it goes against his own good. We wish we could tell him that it is alright to be selfish and love oneself without reservations as well as allow others to love him unconditionally. Lee DongShik (played by Shin HaKyun) is the very embodiment of the phrase, “God gives the toughest battles to His strongest soldiers” but with what the man went through, it seems as though God must have overestimated his endurance. Lee DongShik deserves the world. Woefully flawed in her motivations from being unable to get over a betrayal that took away the colour of her life, Gu HaeWon (played by Shin HyunBeen) is a character that is too close to reality for comfort. She is no angel who can forgive the ones who did her wrong and neither is she the devil who can seek revenge by any means necessary. She’s too human and as such, too helpless. Thankfully, she doesn’t let her life pass her by and finally decides to start afresh but after everything she went through, we just want to give her a hug.
The Unexpectedly Funny Characters
Court Lady Choi (“Mr. Queen”), Lee YongTae (“Racket Boys”) Cha ChungHwa was exceptional as the uptight Court Lady Choi in “Mr. Queen”, giving her character iconic status in K-Drama history. By the end of the drama, she becomes one of the most beloved characters, making us curious about her love story as well. Kim KangHoon has been growing up right in front of our eyes and Lee YongTae in “Racket Boys” was one of his first leading roles in a drama. Needless to say, he takes the narrative to a whole new level and even more so because he becomes his character completely. We will never forget Lee YongTae for the laughs he brought us.
The Scariest Characters Who Were Also Somehow Charming
Jang JoonWoo (“Vincenzo”), Jung SunAh (“The Devil Judge”) The psychopath/sociopath hybrid Jang JoonWoo was completely out of his mind for the entirety of “Vincenzo” and his cruelty sent chills down our spine but wasn’t he cute though? Curly-haired intern turned slicked-back haired supervillain, 2PM’s Ok TaecYeon can do it all. Jung SunAh from “The Devil Judge” is the kind of character to make you go, “I support women’s rights but more importantly, I support women’s wrongs”, especially after knowing what she went through. Kim MinJung’s voice is unbelievably alluring and her fatal charm can make anyone bow in front of her. Despite the fact that she is undeniably evil, you cannot help but occasionally sympathize with her motivations.
Best Cameo
Lee JaeWook in “Move To Heaven” 2021 had some incredible cameos in a number of dramas but one that was both touching, impactful, and significant in the course of the narrative despite the character’s short appearance was Lee JaeWook’s cameo in “Move To Heaven” as Kim SuCheol. A weakling who Cho SangGu (Lee JeHoon) takes under his wing and helps transform into a fighter in mind and body, Kim SuCheol leaves a deep and indelible impression on viewers’ hearts.
The Most Romantic Scenes That Made Our Hearts Flutter
“A Love So Beautiful”
Shin SolYi (So JooYeon) is giddily tipsy and Cha Heon (WEi’s Kim YoHan) is too much in love with her to be able to hold his feelings back. With a final confirmation that Shin SolYi would remember his confession the next morning, Cha Heon leans in for a kiss. The high school sweethearts thus finally become a couple and we couldn’t be happier! “She Would Never Know”
SF9’s RoWoon and Won JinA made every single scene of “She Would Never Know” look picturesque but something about their famous “staircase” scene just feels out of this world. Playfighting turned passionate is one of the cutest tropes out there and we just can’t get enough of their electric chemistry. “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”
“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” is filled with scenes that can make your heart flutter but this one, where Chief Hong (Kim SeonHo) brings back Yoon HyeJin’s (Shin MinAh) shoe that was lost at sea, leaving her happier than ever, glowing in the light she brings to Hong DuShik’s life is simply wonderful and wonderfully simple. His smile as he cycles away with Yoon HyeJin dancing around in her favourite heels in the background is too precious for this world.
Duos With Soulmate Energy
SuHo & SeoJun (“True Beauty”), YoHan & GaOn (“The Devil Judge”), YiGyum & ChunSam (“Royal Secret Agent”) SuHo (ASTRO’s Cha EunWoo) and SeoJun (Hwang InYoup) are like two peas in a pod, albeit two angry peas (especially in the first half of “True Beauty”). Through circumstantial encounters, rivalry in love, and a whole lot of forgiving and forgetting, the two were able to find their way back to each other, and ever since then, they have never looked back! Bound by tragedy, Kang YoHan (Ji Sung) and Kim GaOn (GOT7’s JinYoung) were essential to each other’s well-being and growth as humans. They might not have been the friendliest of duos but they definitely had love in their hearts, which ultimately gave birth to a strong, unshakeable bond that can be sustained even when far apart. The duo we didn’t know we needed but definitely the one we deserved, Kim MyungSoo (also known as INFINITE’s L) and Lee YiKyung are comedic gold as Sung YiGyum and Park ChunSam. With their impeccable timing, they bounced off of each other, bringing us an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Biggest Plot Twist of 2021
Major Spoiler Alert! “Mouse” Not only did “Mouse” have one of the most compelling narratives in all of 2021, but it was also filled to the brim with plot twists, keeping audiences on their toes in anticipation of the ultimate revelation. When it finally comes, you cannot help but feel a whirlwind of emotions, from betrayal to shock and worst of all, despair. It feels as though the world you believed in is falling apart and you don’t know who to trust anymore. Lee SeungGi does a terrific job at portraying the conflicting forces working within Jung BaReum and their outward, murderous manifestations. From his unassuming introduction to the operatic ending, Lee SeungGi had us hooked. Without a doubt, the truth about Jung BaReum’s identity was the biggest plot twist of 2021.
The Scene That Was A Cultural Reset
“Mine”
— 몽고메리 낟알 (@ID_224) June 19, 2021 One of the most wonderful portrayals of a coming-out scene in a K-Drama ever was the moment when Jung SeoHyun (Kim SeoHyung) revealed to her husband that she was a lesbian and he responded with full-fledged support, taking the information as a matter of fact rather than as a shocking confession. Not only was this scene deeply empowering and very necessary, but it was also a healthy example of what a genuine ally looks like. The K-Drama industry has come quite far when it comes to queer representation in mainstream media but it still has a long way to go and ‘Mine’ is definitely a step in the right direction.
Most Satisfying Scene
Spoiler Alert! “Vincenzo”
Out of all the K-Dramas that aired in 2021, “Vincenzo” (debatably, of course) gave us some of the most satisfying scenes ever as our favourite Korean Italian Mafia boss stopped at nothing to exact his revenge. One scene in particular that saw viewers worldwide cheering was the pig’s blood ritual that Vincenzo (Song JoongKi) performs on Jang JoonWoo (2PM’s Ok TaecYeon), much to the pleasure of Hong ChaYoung (Jeon YeoBeen). This scene was so gratifying and enjoyable, especially with Vincenzo and Hong ChaYoung amplifying the indignity of the situation by blowing gum, throwing popcorn like confetti, and yelling “Bravo”, that even though there are much harsher scenes of revenge, this one will remain superior.
Most Heartbreaking Scene
Spoiler Alert! “Youth Of May”
“Youth Of May” was a moving and emotionally charged drama from start to finish but the tragedy truly hit when we saw MyeongHee (Go MinSi) quietly pass away while HeeTae (Lee DoHyun) remains oblivious. The world shatters around them and all that is left in the wake are ruins of their love. “One Ordinary Day”
“One Ordinary Day” saw a young college student get sucked into a storm of chaos with no way out. On the surface, this drama could be about the failure of the judicial system but deep down, it is defined by the overwhelming pain, confusion, rage, and grief that Kim HyunSoo (played artfully by Kim SooHyun) experiences and how it changes him as a person, so much so that he can never have an ordinary day again. One of the most heartbreaking scenes comes in episode 6 when the cross-examination of the prosecutor puts Kim HyunSoo in such a vulnerable place that he allows himself to be gaslit into thinking that he could have killed GukHwa. The moment he utters “I don’t know”, is the moment he realizes that he has lost himself. “Squid Game” A scene that singlehandedly made viewers all over the world lose their minds with sadness was when JiYoung (Lee YooMi) sacrificed herself for Kang SaeByeok (Jung HoYeon) in “Squid Game”. Everything about the sequence was so poignant and heartbreaking yet somehow noble in intention that it tugged at our heartstrings and left us in tears.
Best Fashion
Take this as a joke if you will but “Squid Game” had the biggest impact on the fashion world in 2021. Every major fashion brand had at least one tracksuit set that resembled the uniforms of the players from the Game. Halloween 2021 was absolutely dominated by “Squid Game” costumes and people couldn’t stop talking about them either. BTS’ V even wore the masked guard costume at the group’s concert! It only makes sense therefore that it would make it to this list. On a more direct note, “Sell Your Haunted House” and “Dali And Cocky Prince” both featured some colourful characters with unique tastes in fashion that you can definitely take a note from. Most importantly, the sense of fashion that these characters had was a reflection of their inner world and as such, a great narrative tool as well. Thus concludes our review of the year 2021 in K-Dramas. Share your K-Drama opinions with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!
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