7 Relatable K-Dramas That Speak To The Male Experience

It is widely believed that K-dramaland's target audience is female. That's probably because many South Korean shows revolve around women's struggles and put female characters in the lead, whether it's a romance or a thriller.

However, this is not entirely true. Among the vast number of K-dramas, there are quite a few that appeal to male audiences, with protagonists who feel both human with their less-than-perfect lives and realistic challenges, and inspiring for never throwing in the towel.

Here are seven prime examples.

If You Wish Upon Me (2022)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Hulu, Disney+, Viki, Wavve

Yoon Gyeo-ree has had a hard life. He was orphaned at an early age, spent time in prison, and struggles with severe depression. Eventually, he finds himself doing community service at a hospice. There, a dedicated team of volunteers works to fulfill the final wishes of terminally ill patients. This unexpectedly becomes a deeply healing experience for Gyeo-ree.

Hot Stove League (2019)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

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

This slice-of-life sports drama centers on a struggling baseball team on the brink of corporate liquidation. A new general manager unites with the players and staff to have an extraordinary next season.

Live (2018)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Tubi, iQIYI

This drama dives into the lives of rookie and seasoned police officers within the same patrol division. The protagonist, Yeom Sang Soo, aspires to be an average cop, but instead becomes known as a magnet for bad luck.

Prison Playbook (2017)

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, iQIYI

Kim Je-hyuk, a renowned baseball star, finds himself serving a one-year prison sentence after intervening to protect his sister from an attacker and leaving him badly hurt. While in prison, Je-hyuk begins to bond with his fellow inmates and guards, one of whom turns out to be his childhood friend.

The Good Bad Mother (2023)

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Choi Kang-ho, a no-nonsense prosecutor, experiences a serious car accident that leaves him severely injured and in a childlike mental state. Now Kang-ho must relearn basic skills, which leads him to reluctantly return to live with his estranged mother, whom he blames for his childhood trauma.

Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+, Viki, Tubi, WeTV, iQIYI

Jang Geu-rae's lifelong passion for baduk (Go) takes a sharp turn when he fails to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional player. Instead, he enters the corporate world as a contract worker, hoping to land a permanent position. While navigating the cutthroat environment proves challenging, Geu-rae finds his baduk skills useful in real life.

Navillera (2021)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Where to stream: Netflix, TVING

This fan-adored K-drama centers on two male protagonists. Shim Deok-chul is a 70-year-old retired mailman with a lifelong dream of becoming a ballet dancer. Lee Chae-rok is an aspiring ballerino and Deok-chul's reluctant tutor. Together this unlikely duo faces many trials and tribulations, supporting each other along the way.