20 best Korean TV series of 2021: part 1

Asian TV series are becoming an integral part of world cinema, bringing fresh novelties from the Land of Morning Freshness to the screens. Korean dramas in 2021 are not inferior to highly rated Western TV shows, and their variety of genres attracts a wide audience. Watching your first drama is worth it to continue supporting the talented and tireless filmmakers from South Korea.

Squid Game (2021)

---

From the very first episode, the South Korean drama gained immense popularity, becoming the most anticipated and highly rated show on online platforms. Its fascinating plot combines elements of drama, thriller, and action-adventure. The protagonist, Son Gi-hoon, finds himself on the brink of despair after a divorce and plunges into debt. He lives with his mother and is forced to ask her for money by placing bets. When he learns about his ex-wife’s plans to take their daughter abroad, as well as the need for an expensive surgery for his mother, Song Gi-hoon makes a risky decision and participates in a dangerous survival game where the winner will receive a multi-million dollar prize.

The Devil Judge (2021)

---

A fantastic drama with an unusual plot is deservedly among the best Korean series of 2021. Amidst the economic crisis in the country, crime is growing rapidly, and the government is taking drastic measures. All the scandalous and high-profile cases are heard live, where harsh sentences are handed down in front of the public. However, an assistant judge notices his boss’s hypocrisy and decides to find out what secrets the ruthless officer of the law is hiding.

Doom at Your Service (2021)

---

After the loss of her parents, Tak Dong-gyeon accepts life’s injustices, but a terrible diagnosis changes her mood. Anger and despair force the girl to express her emotions, and suddenly she accidentally calls upon a being that mediates between humans and the gods. They offer her a contract for a hundred days. What will happen during this time between the desperate heroine of the drama and the mythical creature Mel Man, called for some sinister purposes?

Mouse (2021)

---

The new 2021 drama is set in South Korea, where a dangerous serial killer is on the loose. The maniac’s attacks force the country’s residents to live in constant fear, and the police are one step behind the criminal. Detective Go Moo-chi is ready to do anything to catch the dangerous killer, and his inexperienced partner Jeong Ba-rim gets in his way as he struggles with his own fears and tries to understand the nature of psychopathic tendencies.

Vincenzo (2021)

---

When he was a child, Park Chu-hyun was adopted by an Italian family, so he spent most of his life away from his homeland. After receiving a prestigious education, Vincenzo became a legal advisor in an influential mafia family. Having entered the struggle between criminal clans, the consigliere decides to take the contents of the hideout in Busan and try to avoid problems. However, unexpected circumstances interfere with the plans of the main character of the crime drama, forcing him to turn off the planned path.

Sell Your Haunted House (2021)

---

In the popular 2021 Korean drama, viewers are introduced to Hong Ji-ah, a young woman who buys a haunted property to exorcise otherworldly forces and subsequently successfully sell the home. She works in tandem with a former con man who has an amazing gift of persuasion. But one day, this enterprising couple from the fantasy detective series will have to face an extremely powerful creature.

Nevertheless (2021)

---

The protagonist of the Korean series, student Park Jae-on, has an unsurpassed charm and attractive appearance that can capture the hearts of women in a matter of minutes. However, he carefully hides his emotions, considering love a manifestation of weakness. Meeting Yoo Na-bi makes him rethink his priorities, but the girl remains unavailable despite the passage of time. Her previous failed relationships led her to vow never to give in to the power of feelings again.

My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021)

---

Fans of romantic stories and oriental legends will definitely enjoy this new fantasy drama from South Korea. The protagonist, a werewolf named Shin Woo-ye, has been collecting energy into a magic pearl for thousands of years, dreaming of remaining human. But by accident, he loses the amulet, which is swallowed by student Lee Dam. Now Shin is determined to get the amulet back to fulfill his cherished dream and save the unfortunate girl. After all, Li Dam does not suspect that years later the pearl will bring death to its usual owner.

The Witch’s Diner (2021)

---

Jeong Jin’s life resembles a continuous series of misfortunes – one disaster after another. The protagonist of the Korean series has lost her lover, her boss fired her, and her favorite restaurant is facing bankruptcy. In a moment of complete despair, Jeong-jin meets a mysterious witch who offers her a unique proposal for her establishment. Jo Hee-ra wants to create a restaurant where customers will be served dishes with magical powers. These amazing dishes fulfill the wishes of visitors, but in return, each person must agree to a deal with the witch.

So I Married My Anti-Fan (2021)

---

A pleasant comedy Korean drama will delight viewers with both a funny plot and attractive characters. Young journalist Lee Geun-young plans to interview the famous musician Huh Jun, but the meeting ends in an unpleasant public scandal. As a result of the reporter’s failure, the magazine decides to fire her, and she blames her troubles on the famous singer. Determined to take revenge on the Korean star and ruin his life, but fate has unexpected surprises in store for them.

Read more:

• 20 best Korean TV series of 2021: part 2