img credit: dramafever.com

Must watch korean drama 2016 

Best Drama

Signal. I love everything about this drama from the impeccable acting to the plot. This show has a solid package. I enjoyed every minutes of the show. It was an unforgettable drama for 2016. It has an addictive plot, perfectly paced, rich of emotions and the best suspense-building. It’s a genuinely thrilling drama to watch. The interaction between a past detective with a present detective through a magical walkie-talkie to solve cold cases has successfully glued me to this drama from the beginning till the end. I keep asking what would happen if they change the past through the present. Will A die in present if they changed the past? What will happen to B ? What's the effect of the change? Will it alter the life of the innocent? I keep asking these questions.The writer was great in manipulating time of space. It was a riveting drama that barreled towards the finish line without ever slowing down. The plotting were very tight but every characters got sufficient air to breath. The pace and quality of this drama is never declined toward the end of episodes. Its packs of heart-racing twist and turns which makes me engrossed in every minutes of this drama. I remember, waiting for the next week episodes is like a week of torture for me.I think no other drama able to constantly deliver thrills as good as Signal. Some of you might hate an open ended ending but I like it to be a cliffhanger so that I can wish for a sequel. In short, Signal worth to be the best drama in 2016.

Honorable mentions: Remember , Romantic Doctor Kim , Squad 38


Best Historical/ Saeguk Drama

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo. Some or many might disagree with me for Scarlet Heart Ryeo be the best period drama in 2016. I just can't name others. Historical genre is one of my favorite genre but 2016 is not a very great year for saeguk. Scarlet Heart Ryeo is not the best saeguk drama I ever watch. It was a hot mess in every way but I just like this drama and eagerly waiting for the next episodes. This drama have many holes that the writer fails to answer my many questions. But I mysteriously like this drama. Since Scarlet Heart Ryeo is oddly voted as the best period drama, let me name another drama which I have high anticipation; Hwarang. I know this show is not yet complete and still in the early stage to give some merits. There is only so much to be said when the show isn't over yet. But the story of Hwarang and King Jinheung of Shilla Dynasty itself is already very interesting to know. I was curious about a group named Hwarang when I watch Quen Seon Duk. I am happy that they produced a drama based on legendary Hwarang. The first 4 episodes was a really good episodes and I eagerly excited to follow the show and would like to know how the writer will adapt historical events into this show. They already lay down a nice 4 episodes for me. I felt curious of what might happen next. With the king disguise as Hwarang, revenge to be taken, love triangle, bromance... ohhh I have a lot of expectations for Hwarang.

Honorable mentions: Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, Mirror of The Witch


Best Romance / Comedy Drama

Jealousy Incarnate. I watch this drama with my great skills of marathon. The script was fun, the characters were original and I like the chemistry between the leads in this drama. When I first watching this drama, I feel skeptical and thinking that this drama would be another cliché romcom drama. But, Jealousy Incarnate getting funnier in each episodes. Even though the main hero were diagnosed with a heavy and rare disease but the message were delivered very sweetly and in an amazing way. The serious dose of comedy make it a lightweight drama and easy to watch. I laugh hard at Hwa Shin characters. He is a jerk ass but he later becomes a cute wounded puppy who needed love. His thoughts, action and behaviors is very funny even though he is described as a cool anchor by his colleagues. Go Hyo Jin successfully delivered her character in this drama again. She always have great chemistry with her co-stars. Bromance + bronemey in this drama makes this drama even more interesting. I think this is the best comedy drama for 2016.

Honorable mentions: Something About 1%, Please Comeback Mister



Best Youth Drama

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo have a normal storyline, nothing extraordinary from any other school/teenage drama, but it reminds me of how good youth can be. To be honest, there is no much admiration for this show. Plot was minimal, pace was leisurely and they only centered the story on Kim Bok Joo and Jung Jun Hyung. I am fond with Kim Bok Joo character in this drama. She is a realistic character. She can be the best girlfriend but she can be a selfish person too. She know how to be jealous and angry. She has personality dilemma; ideal type of a woman she wanted to be vs her Olympic dreams. One more thing, chemistry between Nam Joo Hyuk and Lee Sung Kyung is seriously no jokes! They looks so compatible together and make lovely couple and very likeable. The backup story of friendship, teammates and family love have make this drama more enjoyable to watch.

Honorable mention: Let's Fight Ghost, Replay 1988



Best First Half Drama


W: Two World. When this drama first aired, I was like 99.99% confirm that it will be among my top favorite drama for 2016 because the concept is new and refreshing. I have a serious adrenaline rush because each episodes continually give me the suspense and proved to be entirely at different level than any other drama that I've watched. I felt the writer was brilliant with his idea. How can he imagine to bring a manga characters into a real world? His imagination must be at different level. And then, the second half happen. I felt something is wrong. The writer fails to continue the excitement. With a repetitive plot, it just steered the show in a wrong directions. But W, is definitely not a failure. It just the fun is declining or maybe I should blame my high expectation for them since they are doing so well at first.

Honorable mentions: The K2, Cheese in the Trap, Descendant of the Sun


Best Actor
Best Actress

Park Shin Hye (Doctors Crush). I am never a fan of Park Shin Hye. But I like how she played the role of Yoo Hye Jung in Doctor Crush. She has different role than her typical week and poor girl. She is tough and showed us her amazing fighting skills. It’s good to watch different side of Park Shin Hye in this drama. Perhaps action drama for her next project is a good idea?