7 K-Dramas To Get Lost In Corridors of Fictional Colleges & Feel That Youthful Joy
The shows that help you feel the innocent excitement of a life just beginning.
There's something touching and timeless about coming-of-age shows and movies. Whether you're a teen or well past those years, there's a magnetic pull to stories of young people finding their footing in the world, navigating those innocent first crushes, and forging real bonds. Without a doubt, the best genre for this is the college-set drama.
If you're in the mood to immerse yourself in the hallowed halls of a fictional campus and follow the ups and downs of its students' early trials and romantic escapades, here are seven picks tailor-made for the journey.
Dear. M (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to stream: Viki, WeTV, iQIYI
An anonymous confession explodes like a bomb on the student forum, igniting a wildfire of curiosity across the university campus. Four students from different departments form an unlikely team with the sole purpose of uncovering the mysterious author behind the infamous post, leading to heart-pounding adventures.
Gangnam Beauty (2018)
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
Kang Mi-rae has been bullied all her life because of her 'ugly' appearance, and decides to change her life 180 degrees when she enters university. After plastic surgery, her looks improve, but true happiness doesn't come. It looks like Mi-rae will have to fight her inner demons to find her footing in her new college life.
At a Distance, Spring Is Green (2021)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Viki, iQIYI
An unexpected bond blossoms between a wealthy college freshman harboring hidden pain, an honor student struggling with family issues, and an average teenager striving for recognition. The heartwarming atmosphere of a found family, sprinkled with an irresistible bromance between the main characters, is sure to tug at your heartstrings, according to fans.
Growing Season (2020)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Viki, WeTV, PlayList Global
This lesser-known show is a hidden gem, according to viewers, thanks to its realistic approach to depicting the struggles, triumphs, and friendship of three college girls navigating the maze of young love. The K-drama isn't afraid to delve into taboo topics surrounding intimacy that are often left unspoken in the genre.
Age of Youth/Hello, My Twenties! (2016-2017)
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IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki
The heartfelt, two-part slice-of-life saga follows the lives of five twenty-something college girls. Despite their diverse and sometimes tragic pasts, they share a roof and a strong bond that helps them navigate life's hurdles together.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki
Kim Bok-joo is a determined and slightly goofy young weightlifter who enrolls in an athletics college. In the midst of a new life filled with studying and perfecting her technique, Bok-joo forges bonds with friends new and old. Some of these bonds will even evolve from simple friendship to something much deeper.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Where to stream: Netflix, TVING
The fan-adored coming-of-age story of Na Hee-do unfolds over two pivotal periods of her life. In the past (the 1990s), she's a feisty fencing prodigy chasing the dream of athletic stardom amidst a tumultuous time in South Korean history. In the present, she's weathered some tough blows and is determined to reclaim her glory.