7 K-Dramas That Spotlight Hardworking Leads In Blue-Collar Jobs

Television showmakers, including South Korean ones, often center their stories around white-collar professionals such as lawyers, doctors, detectives, managers, and CEOs. It is certainly fascinating to watch these characters navigate their careers, especially when the drama unfolds in a workplace setting.

But in reality, not everyone works in an office. Many people work in manual labor or skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, construction, tailoring, farming, driving, and various other service industries. And these professions can also provide material for exciting storytelling.

So, are there any K-dramas that put the spotlight on blue-collar workers? As rare as they are, we managed to find at least seven that fans recommend for your must-watch list.

Love Affairs in the Afternoon (2019)

IMDb rating: 7.1/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki

Son Ji-Eun's life is turned upside down after she moves to a small town due to her husband's career. Feeling suffocated and restless, Ji-Eun decides to take a part-time job at a local grocery store. There she meets a charismatic biology teacher who brings a spark to her mundane days, but also leaves her wrestling with guilt.

Strongest Deliveryman (2017)

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Kocowa, Tubi, Roku

Choi Kang-soo and Lee Dan-ah, the leads of the drama, are two very similar people. They both work as delivery drivers for a restaurant and are both driven by the pursuit of money and a better life. When their paths cross, Kang-soo and Dan-ah embark on a friendly competition that turns out to be transformative for them.

Modern Farmers (2014)

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, SBS World

This K-drama combines the worlds of music and farming. A struggling rock band moves to the countryside to work the land one of the members has inherited. Their goal is to earn enough money to record a new album that will propel them to fame. However, the musicians soon discover that farming is far more challenging than they ever imagined.

Taxi Driver (2021-present)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Netflix, Viki, Kocowa, SBS World

Kim Do-gi's job is anything but ordinary, but it falls squarely in the blue-collar category. On paper, he's a taxi driver. In reality, he works for a company specializing in revenge services. Do-gi assists clients in seeking retribution against those who have wronged them. All the while harboring a grudge of his own.

Fight for My Way (2017)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Aha, Kocowa, Roku

The four main characters begin their journey in monotonous blue-collar roles, each stuck in a rut. Though they start out with limited skills and emotional maturity, as the series progresses, the dream of a better future and a more fulfilling career helps them transform their lives.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Where to stream: Netflix, TVING

Yoon Hye-jin, the female lead, is the quintessential white-collar worker - a dentist who escapes her hectic city life for a peaceful seaside village. There she meets the male lead, a beloved local handyman with a variety of skills. As he helps her settle into her new surroundings, a wholesome romance blossoms between their contrasting worlds of white-collar and blue-collar lifestyles.

Move to Heaven (2021)

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Where to stream: Netflix

This series revolves around a deeply traumatized uncle-nephew duo adjusting to life together while running the family business. They offer a unique service known as 'trauma cleaning,' where they organize and handle the belongings of the recently deceased in order to bring peace to their loved ones.