7 K-Drama Characters Who Prove We Are Not Defined By Our Phobias
What irrational fear do you have?
Surprisingly, projects we watch for entertainment can hold the key to solving real-life problems. If a character you can relate to manages to overcome his or her difficult life situation, it can bring inspiration and drive you to move forward in real life.
This is why K-dramas in which the main characters suffer from some kind of phobia are so popular. Not only is such a protagonist unique thanks to their irrational fear, but they usually overcome everything that prevents them from living a happy life, inspiring viewers along the way.
If you want to see how K-drama characters deal with their phobias, here are seven amazing series to watch.
Clean with Passion for Now (2018)
IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
Jang Seon-kyul has it all - wealth, good fortune and a thriving cleaning business. But his life is far from perfect due to his extreme mysophobia, an intense fear of germs. A new, feisty and messy employee clashes with Seon-kyul's germ-free world. But surprisingly, it brings relief.
Perfume (2019)
_30998.webp)
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Where to watch: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
Min Jae-hee, a miserable, suicidal housewife, receives a magical perfume that transforms her into a young, beautiful woman. Embracing her new look, she becomes a model for a successful fashion designer plagued by PTSD, trypophobia (fear of holes), and other psychological conditions. Together, they must find a way to navigate these troubled waters.
A Good Day to Be a Dog (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
Han Hae-na suffers from a peculiar curse that turns her into a dog whenever she is kissed. This is exactly what happens when Hae-na accidentally locks lips with her co-worker, Jin Seo-won. Now only Seo-won can break the spell, but there's a catch - he has an intense fear of dogs.
Forest (2020)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to watch: Viki
The two leads of this drama have contrasting phobias. Kang San-hyuk, a rescue worker haunted by a forgotten trauma, can't be near fire. Jung Young-jae, a successful surgeon, struggles with a phobia of water. The two meet in a mystical forest that draws them together and uncovers deep connections born in the past.
She Was Pretty (2015)
_30998.webp)
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa, iQIYI, WeTV
A childhood trauma left Ji Sung-joon with a phobia of rain and social awkwardness. During a difficult time at school, he found solace in his friendship with the popular and pretty Kim Hye-jin. Years later, they reunite only to find that the roles have been reversed: Sung-joon is now successful and admired, while Hye-jin struggles to stay afloat.
I'm Not a Robot (2017)
_30998.webp)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV
Kim Min-kyu, a wealthy genius, lives in isolation due to a severe psychological allergy to physical contact. His life takes a dramatic turn when he receives a new android robot for testing. But it turns out that the only thing that now brightens Min-kyu's lonely existence has a dark secret.
Secret Garden (2010)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, iQIYI, WeTV
This modern-day Cinderella story features a romance between daring stunt actress Gil Ra-im and wealthy CEO Kim Joo-won, who suffers from claustrophobia. When mysterious events cause the two to switch bodies, Joo-won must confront both his fear and his growing attraction to Ra-im.