7 K-Drama Leads Who Have Crazy Superpowers In Otherwise Realistic Universe
Special abilities always add an intriguing twist to a story.
Have you ever wondered why superhero origin stories tend to be hits? It's really quite simple. We often identify with the main characters of the projects we watch or read. And if they stand out from the crowd of ordinary people, we feel special too.
In the realm of K-dramas, there's a plethora of series featuring protagonists with supernatural gifts in an otherwise normal world. If you're a fan of the genre, here are seven recommendations for your next binge-watching session.
The Girl Who Sees Smells (2015)
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa
After a murder attempt that takes the lives of her loved ones, Choi Eun-seol gains the extraordinary ability to perceive scents as visible colors and shapes. The male lead is her exact opposite. After losing his sister to the same serial killer, he also loses his sense of smell. The two team up to catch the culprit who ruined their lives.
Kiss Sixth Sense (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to stream: Disney+, Hulu
Our protagonist, Hong Ye-sool, has the ability to see the future of a person she kisses. After an accidental lip-to-lip encounter with her boss, she suddenly realizes that they are destined to be together. But the road to happiness gets complicated when Ye-sool's ex enters the picture.
My Lovely Liar (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Where to stream: Viki, TVING
Mok Sol-hee has an uncanny ability to detect lies, which turns out to be more of a curse than a blessing. Unable to trust anyone because of her gift, she resigns herself to a life devoid of everyday happiness. But everything changes when she becomes involved in a murder case where she's the only one who believes in the suspect's innocence.
Behind Your Touch (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Where to stream: Netflix, TVING
Bong Ye-bun is a veterinarian with the gift of psychometry. This means that she can see the past of everyone she touches. When a passionate detective arrives in Ye-bun's hometown, a series of mysterious murders unfold. The two form an unlikely team to uncover the truth behind the crimes, while tackling smaller cases along the way.
May I Help You (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Where to stream: Prime Video
Meet Baek Dong-ju, a funeral director with the unique ability to communicate with the deceased. As the departed entrust her with their final wishes, Dong-ju embarks on a mission to fulfill these requests with the help of a lone employee who runs a daily errand service.
I Can Hear Your Voice (2013)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, iQIYI, WeTV
After a traumatic experience witnessing his father's death, Park Soo-ha gains the ability to hear people's thoughts simply by locking eyes with them. This makes him an important part of the team that solves crimes with unconventional methods.
Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Disney+
Born with superhuman strength passed down through her family, Do Bong-soon reluctantly takes on the role of bodyguard for a wealthy heir. When a series of kidnappings rock their community, the unlikely duo join forces to investigate the crimes.
As a bonus, the series has a spin-off, Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023), which follows the journey of the protagonist's cousin, who inherits similar super strength.