Gone are the days when international television series were

solely dominated by Hollywood productions. Today, Korean dramas,

commonly known as K-dramas, have captured the hearts of millions

worldwide, transcending language barriers and captivating

audiences in all corners of the globe. From heartwarming romances

that left us swooning to gripping thrillers that had us on the edge of

our seats, Korean dramas have the remarkable ability to transport

audiences into a realm of emotions and storytelling like no other.

Africa, with its diverse and dynamic population, has quickly become

a significant market for these captivating shows. This is a selection

of a few of the best K-dramas we have watched in the year 2022

and 2023.

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a captivating K-drama that has

captured the hearts of viewers around the world. This legal drama

revolves around the life of Woo Young-woo, a rookie lawyer with

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who has the love of all kinds of

whales. As she takes on challenging cases, Woo’s unconventional

methods and sharp intellect captivate both her clients and the

audience. The drama masterfully combines elements of suspense,

humor, and romance, creating a compelling narrative that keeps

viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intriguing storyline,

charismatic characters, and thought-provoking themes,

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a must-watch K-drama that leaves

a lasting impression.

Business Proposal” is a captivating romance K-drama that

weaves a tale of unexpected love and complicated relationships.

The story revolves around Shin Ha-ri, a diligent employee who

agrees to a blind date on behalf of her friend, only to discover that

her mysterious date is none other than her own boss, Kang Tae-

moo. As Ha-ri and Tae-moo navigate their complicated professional

and personal lives, their encounters spark a connection that goes

beyond their initial expectations. Alongside them, we witness the

intertwined stories of Cha Sung-hoon, Tae-moo’s loyal secretary

and friend, and Jin Young-seo, Ha-ri’s supportive best friend. As the

plot unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions,

exploring themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of

workplace dynamics. With its intriguing premise and an ensemble

cast of talented actors, “Business Proposal” delivers a delightful

blend of romance, drama, and unexpected twists that will keep

audiences hooked from start to finish.

“Alchemy of Souls” is a mesmerizing fantasy K-drama that takes

viewers on a captivating journey through the lives of Nak-su and

Jang Uk. Nak-su, an elite warrior with formidable skills, finds herself

trapped in the feeble body of Mu-deok due to an accidental soul

transfer. This unexpected twist of fate leads her to become Jang

Uk’s servant and master, embarking on a path of forbidden love and

self-discovery. As Nak-su teaches Jang Uk her warrior skills, they

both find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Their journey

unfolds against the backdrop of a mysterious and dangerous magic

spell called the “alchemy of souls,” which holds the power to switch

souls between bodies. Throughout the series, the young mages

strive to overcome their twisted destinies, navigating the

complexities of love, loyalty, and personal growth. “Alchemy of

Souls” promises an enchanting tale of romance, magic, and the

resilience of the human spirit as these characters find strength and

courage in their intertwined fates.

“Taxi Driver” is a thrilling and captivating Korean show that has

gained immense popularity among viewers around the world. The

show revolves around the enigmatic and unconventional character

of Kim Do-gi, a former special forces officer who becomes a taxi

driver. However, his taxi service goes beyond transporting

passengers as he leads a covert vigilante organization seeking

justice for victims who were failed by the legal system. With its

intriguing plotline, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking

themes of revenge and redemption, “Taxi Driver” keeps viewers on

the edge of their seats. The show’s dynamic cast, led by Lee Je-

hoon, delivers compelling performances that bring the complex

characters to life. As the story unfolds, “Taxi Driver” delves into the

darker corners of society, exploring themes of corruption, power

abuse, and the pursuit of justice. With its engaging storytelling and

thought-provoking narrative, “Taxi Driver” has become a standout

Korean drama that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

“Twenty Five Twenty One” is a captivating Korean drama that

takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through time, showcasing the

intricate and evolving romantic lives of five main characters.

Spanning from the year 1998 to 2021, the series delves into the

interconnected relationships of Na Hee-do, Baek Yi-jin, Ko Yu-rim,

Moon Ji-woong, and Ji Seung-wan. In a fascinating twist, the story

is unveiled through Na Hee-do’s daughter, who discovers her

mother’s diary from the year 2021, unraveling the tales of love,

heartbreak, and personal growth. With each episode, the audience

is transported to different eras, witnessing the characters’ joys,

sorrows, and the enduring power of love that transcends time.

“Twenty Five Twenty One” beautifully weaves together romance,

nostalgia, and the exploration of how our past experiences shape

our present selves.

“The Glory” is a gripping Korean drama that explores the

consequences of school violence and the pursuit of justice. The

series revolves around a former victim who, scarred by her

traumatic experiences, makes the bold decision to drop out of

school and meticulously plans her revenge against her bullies.

Years later, she seizes an opportunity to take on the role of a

homeroom teacher at the elementary school where the child of one

of her bullies attends. As she assumes her new position, she uses

her authority to seek retribution against those who once tormented

her. “The Glory” captivates viewers with its intense storyline,

shedding light on the long-lasting impacts of bullying and the

complexities of revenge. The show’s powerful performances and

thought-provoking narrative earned it recognition at the prestigious

59th Baeksang Arts Awards, with eight nominations and three wins,

including Best Drama, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.

In conclusion, the growing popularity of Korean dramas in Africa

has opened up a new avenue for cultural exploration and

appreciation. Africans have wholeheartedly embraced these

captivating shows, eagerly diving into the rich tapestry of Korean

culture and getting lost in its diverse and captivating narratives. The

phenomenon of Korean dramas transcends geographical

boundaries, bringing people from different corners of the world

together through the shared experience of watching these must-see

shows.

By Edna Deus