10 must-watch K-dramas based on true stories

New Delhi: The world of K-dramas is dreamy, fictional and filled with slow-burn romance between the leads. Those immersed in the Hallyu wave know that cheesy romance and meet-cutes are a staple in South Korean dramas. But, you will be surprised to learn that some of the most-talked-about K-dramas are based on true stories. Yes, you read that right!

Korean dramas are not purely a work of fiction. Be it a tear-jerker romance or a nostalgic trip to high school filled with revenge and wrath, these K-dramas will evoke a sense of motivation, love and sometimes sadness.

K-dramas inspired by true events

From historical tragedies to modern-day crimes, here are 10 K-dramas that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Scroll down to read about them!

1. The Glory (2022-2023)

Bullying in Korean schools is no joke and The Glory pulls no punches. Inspired by real-life cases of school violence, this revenge thriller follows a woman who meticulously plans payback against her high school tormentors. The chilling accuracy of the drama even led to renewed discussions on bullying laws in South Korea.

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2. Taxi Driver (2021-2023)

Ever wished for a vigilante cab service to take down criminals who escape justice? Taxi Driver is based on real-life cases handled by a law firm that helped victims get revenge on wrongdoers. The drama takes inspiration from a webtoon, but the cases—corrupt officials, workplace abuse, and school bullying—mirror actual crimes in Korea.

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3. Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)

It sounds too wild to be true—a South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and falls in love with a soldier. But Crash Landing on You is loosely based on a real incident where a South Korean actress accidentally drifted into North Korean waters. Love might not have been on the menu for the real-life event, but it sure made for great drama.

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4. Signal (2016)

Imagine a detective communicating with the past through a walkie-talkie to solve cold cases. Signal is inspired by the infamous Hwaseong serial murders, one of South Korea’s longest unsolved cases—until 2019, when the real killer was identified. Talk about life imitating art.

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5. The Red Sleeve (2021-2022)

This historical drama is based on the actual records of King Jeongjo and his court lady, Seong Deok-im. Unlike fairy-tale romances, it explores the painful reality of royal duty versus personal desire. If history books were this engaging, we’d all be top students.

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6. Reply 1988 (2015-2016)

Nostalgia alert! Reply 1988 is a love letter to ’80s Korea, drawing from real cultural shifts and family dynamics of the time. From the Seoul Olympics buzz to classic K-pop hits, it’s a slice-of-life drama that hits home for anyone who grew up in a close-knit neighbourhood.

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7. Youth of May (2021)

This heart-wrenching drama is set during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a student-led protest that was brutally suppressed by the military. Although the love story is fictional, the historical setting is painfully real, making it one of the most impactful K-dramas in recent years.

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8. Fight for My Way (2017)

Everyone loves an underdog story and Fight for My Way delivers just that. Inspired by real-life taekwondo athlete Choo Sung-hoon, the drama follows a struggling martial artist trying to make it big. It’s all about chasing dreams—no matter how many punches life throws your way.

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9. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016-2017)

Think of Hwarang as Korea’s version of a royal boarding school drama, except it’s based on actual elite warriors from the Silla Dynasty. These flower boys weren’t just about good looks; they were highly trained soldiers shaping the kingdom’s future. Talk about ancient K-pop idols with swords.

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10. Move to Heaven (2021)

Inspired by a non-fiction essay, Move to Heaven tells the story of a “trauma cleaner” who organises the belongings of the deceased. It’s a poignant look at life, death, and unspoken family bonds. If you’re not crying by the end of each episode, you might just be a robot.

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So, the next time you dive into a binge-watch session, remember: reality might just be the best scriptwriter of all.