[Ishani's Picks] Top 10 K-Dramas To Make You Laugh & Cry At The Same Time

Watching a K-Drama is like going on a journey of emotions that is usually more fulfilling than the destination. If you're looking for a K-Drama that will make you laugh, cry, swoon and whine, I've got the perfect list for you!

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"Prison Playbook"

"Prison Playbook" is quite literally, a slice-of-life drama set in a prison. Naturally, therefore, it is peppered with moments of refreshing humour but the fact that it is based in a world of crime never changes. So, if you're looking for something dark but also light, "Prison Playbook" is what you need.

"Reply 1988"

There's nothing more tumultuous than reality, and a drama that comes closest to mirroring that is "Reply 1988". Set in a time of nostalgia, "Reply 1988" has a strange way of making its viewers connect to its characters and go through the same emotions that they do. As such, nothing fits the bill more perfectly than "Reply 1988" if you want a little bit of everything.

"The Legend of the Blue Sea"

One of the finest romantic comedies of all time, "The Legend of the Blue Sea" has the most hilarious moments of outlandish humour juxtaposed with the poignance of love and loss. In the span of one episode, you will experience a hundred different emotions, and you'll love every single one of them.

"Hi Bye, Mama!"

So, you want to laugh like there's no tomorrow and also have a cathartic cry? Well, "Hi Bye, Mama!" has got your back. One moment, you'll be rolling over laughing, and in the next, the waterworks will begin. However, it is so well-balanced that you'll keep wanting more. Now, that's what I call a piece of art.

"Twenty Five Twenty One"

This list would not be complete without the K-Drama that the world laughed and cried with, "Twenty Five Twenty One". It was a huge hit at the time of its airing, especially with Netflix making it available for streaming, and each episode was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. You might just end up feeling hollow by the time this drama ends, but you won't regret a second of it.

"D.P"

Now, this might be the most unlikely entry on this list, but "D.P" is the perfect example of a drama that excels at both comedy and tragedy. One of the lead characters of the series, Han Ho-yeol, played by Koo Kyo-hwan, is the source of the former, and he does a brilliant job of bringing comic relief to a drama that is, by virtue of its plot, rather tragic. "D.P" is most definitely a must-watch.

"Be Melodramatic"

"Be Melodramatic" is all about owning your emotions, and this drama lives up to its name in the fullest. With characters that become as endearing as your own friends, you go on a journey of love, laughter, and light, watching them heal and find their own happiness. Naturally, their mistakes might make you laugh, but their growth will make you cry.

"Kill Me, Heal Me"

A K-Drama that has its foundation in trauma and mental illness, more specifically, dissociative identity disorder (DID), is bound to be a serious and solemn one. However, "Kill Me, Heal Me" deals with it in the most refreshing, although not always accurate, way, spreading awareness about mental health through a romantic comedy. You do not want to miss this one.

"Tomorrow"

"Tomorrow" is truly a marvel of modern fantasy, and the way it portrays a diverse array of societal issues alongside a romance that transcends space and time is extraordinary. The dynamic of the main characters contribute to the comic elements, but the core of the story is heart-rending and, thus, perfect for this list.

"Hotel Del Luna"

Finally, another fantasy K-Drama that has my heart is "Hotel Del Luna". The characters are written in such a wonderful way that, just like any ordinary person, they have different sides to them that evoke different reactions. You will fall in love with each one of them, and the ending will leave a deep impact on you. The perfect mix of laughter and tears, "Hotel Del Luna" is a masterpiece.

By Ishani Sarkar.