Top-Rated 2016 Korean Dramas You Can't Miss
Hey guys! Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? Let's talk about the fantastic world of Korean dramas, specifically the ones that took 2016 by storm and earned some seriously high ratings. We're diving deep into the dramas that had everyone hooked, from heart-wrenching romances to nail-biting thrillers. If you're a seasoned K-drama fan or just starting your journey, this list is a must-see! 2016 was a stellar year for Korean dramas, with a plethora of amazing shows that captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. The storylines were diverse, the acting was phenomenal, and the production quality was top-notch. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to rediscover some of the best dramas of 2016! This article will highlight some of the most popular and highly-rated Korean dramas of 2016. We'll delve into their plots, characters, and what made them so captivating. Get ready to add some amazing titles to your watchlist, because you are going to want to watch these! Let's get started. Get ready to rediscover the magic!
Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)
Alright, first up, we have Goblin, also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. This drama was an absolute phenomenon, and for good reason! This fantasy romance drama tells the story of Kim Shin, an immortal goblin (played by Gong Yoo) who is tired of his immortality and is searching for his bride, the only person who can end his life. This show wasn't just popular in Korea; it was a global sensation! From the moment it started airing, it had everyone talking – on social media, in the office, everywhere! Goblin has it all: a captivating story, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that'll give you goosebumps. The storyline is unique and compelling, weaving together elements of fantasy, romance, and comedy. The chemistry between the cast members, especially Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, was undeniable and heartwarming to watch. The show explores themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life, which resonated with audiences of all ages. The cinematography in this drama is simply breathtaking. Every scene is beautifully shot, making it a visual feast for the eyes. The production team spared no expense in creating a world that is both magical and realistic. The drama's success also boosted the careers of its actors, making them even bigger stars. This drama made a huge impact on Korean popular culture. The fashion, the music, and the overall aesthetic of the show were widely imitated and admired. Goblin is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good romance with a touch of fantasy. The drama has become an iconic piece of work. The show is full of heartwarming moments, making it a perfect drama to watch with family or friends. If you haven't seen Goblin yet, what are you waiting for?
Why Goblin was a Hit
This show had all the right ingredients to become a massive hit. First off, the storyline was fresh and intriguing. The concept of an immortal goblin searching for his bride was unique and captured the imagination of viewers. Second, the cast was superb. Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, and Yoo In-na delivered outstanding performances that brought their characters to life. Their chemistry on-screen was undeniable, making the romantic relationships in the drama feel authentic and touching. Lastly, the production value was top-notch. The cinematography, music, and special effects were all of high quality, creating a visually stunning and immersive viewing experience. These aspects combined made Goblin one of the most loved dramas.
Descendants of the Sun
Next, let's talk about Descendants of the Sun! This drama took the world by storm and became a global phenomenon. It was all anyone could talk about back in 2016. The romantic drama tells the story of a special forces soldier and a surgeon who fall in love while working in a war-torn country. The storyline is packed with action, romance, and beautiful scenery. Descendants of the Sun is a perfect blend of action and romance, with plenty of thrilling moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show explores the lives of soldiers and doctors as they navigate dangerous situations and face personal challenges. The on-screen chemistry between Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo was electric, captivating viewers with their sweet romance. The show's success also boosted their careers. The drama’s success led to a surge in tourism to the filming locations, especially in Greece. The drama also sparked a trend in fashion and beauty, with many fans emulating the looks of the characters. Descendants of the Sun is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good action-romance drama with a compelling storyline, a great cast, and breathtaking visuals. The drama offered escapism, excitement, and a glimpse into the lives of individuals who put others' needs first. The beautiful scenery enhanced the dramatic plot lines.
The Allure of Descendants of the Sun
Descendants of the Sun became a massive hit for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the storyline was unique, focusing on the romance between a soldier and a doctor in a war-torn setting. This combination of action and romance captured the attention of viewers worldwide. Secondly, the cast was exceptional. Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo's on-screen chemistry was undeniable and fueled the popularity of the drama. The supporting cast also delivered outstanding performances, making the characters even more relatable and the story even more compelling. Lastly, the production values were high-quality. The cinematography and music were excellent, enhancing the viewing experience. These elements contributed to the drama's massive success and popularity.
Signal
Now, for those of you who love a good thriller, let's discuss Signal. This drama is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. It follows a group of detectives who use a mysterious walkie-talkie to communicate with a detective from the past, solving cold cases and preventing future crimes. Signal is a thrilling mix of crime, mystery, and fantasy that will keep you guessing until the very end. The drama's unique premise and clever plot twists make it a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre. The drama explores the themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of the past. The writing is exceptional, with each episode building upon the previous ones to create a cohesive and captivating narrative. The acting in Signal is outstanding, with the cast delivering powerful and nuanced performances. If you're a fan of crime dramas and like to have your mind blown, Signal is definitely worth checking out. The show has a dark tone, with a lot of tension and suspenseful moments. The show's success spawned several adaptations and inspired many other dramas in the same genre. Signal has become a benchmark in the crime genre. The series is known for its intricate plot and well-developed characters.
What Made Signal Stand Out
Signal stood out for several key reasons. Firstly, its unique premise of using a walkie-talkie to communicate between the past and present was highly original and intriguing. Secondly, the writing was superb. The plot was intricately woven, with each episode building suspense and revealing more about the characters and the cases. Lastly, the cast delivered outstanding performances, bringing their characters to life and making the drama even more compelling. These key aspects contributed to the drama's overall success and recognition.
Uncontrollably Fond
Let's move on to Uncontrollably Fond. This drama is a heartbreaking romance that will tug at your heartstrings. The story tells of a childhood love that reunites later in life, and they must overcome many difficulties to be together. While the drama is filled with emotional moments, it is a very enjoyable watch. The show deals with themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life. The drama showcases stunning visuals and captivating music, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves a good romance drama. The drama also explores the challenges of fame, success, and how to deal with the public's perception of you. The drama provides escapism and allows viewers to connect with their own emotions. This show offers some beautiful scenery. The music is perfect for the scenes and makes it even more memorable.
The Appeal of Uncontrollably Fond
Uncontrollably Fond appealed to many viewers due to a few key factors. First, the romantic storyline, focusing on a reunion of childhood friends and their subsequent struggles, resonated with many viewers. The drama is full of beautiful scenes, and the drama's storyline is very engaging. Second, the cast delivered outstanding performances, portraying raw emotion, which made the drama engaging. Finally, the themes of love, loss, and destiny resonated with viewers, and this allowed them to get involved and watch the story. These aspects combined made Uncontrollably Fond an unforgettable drama.
W – Two Worlds
Next on our list is W – Two Worlds. This fantasy romance drama is one for the books, combining elements of romance, suspense, and action. The story follows a surgeon whose father is the author of a popular webtoon. The main character finds herself transported into the webtoon world, where she meets the webtoon's main character, a wealthy and handsome man. The drama has a unique and imaginative plot that will keep you guessing until the end. W – Two Worlds has a unique storyline and a great cast, and it received high ratings. The special effects and production value of the show are excellent, which made the drama even more popular. The drama explores the themes of fate, destiny, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The drama’s success led to a rise in interest in webtoons and fantasy stories. It's a drama that will make you think about reality and how people react to unexpected situations. The drama keeps viewers on their toes.
Why W – Two Worlds was Successful
W – Two Worlds achieved great success for the following reasons. First, the unique and imaginative plot that blends the real world with a webtoon world was truly original. Second, the chemistry between the lead actors, Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo, was fantastic, captivating audiences with their interactions. Lastly, the visuals were amazing. The special effects and production design made the world of the webtoon come to life, contributing to the drama's appeal and popularity.
Conclusion
There you have it, guys! These are just a few of the top-rated Korean dramas from 2016 that you absolutely must watch. Each drama offers something unique, whether it's a heartwarming romance, a gripping thriller, or a fantasy adventure. So, if you're looking for some great shows to binge-watch, make sure to check out these gems. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be captivated by some of the best storytelling that Korean dramas have to offer. Happy watching! Which drama will you watch first? Let me know in the comments.
