From Cliché To Addiction: 7 Makjang K-Dramas Sure To Unleash Your Inner Drama Junkie
Your perfect guilty pleasure list.
Makjang K-dramas are a unique genre known for its tendency to dramatize anything and everything with extreme and unrealistic clichés like switched identities, amnesia, revenge, power, blackmail, and whatever else you can think of.
Basically, anything goes in the world of makjang, and that's what makes the genre so fun and addictive. When you turn off your inner critic, the wild developments of the plot in fact make for an unforgettable viewing experience.
If you're into the melodramatic vibes of makjangs, here are seven K-dramas that are sure to be your jam.
Jang Bo Ri Is Here (2014)
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
The main plot revolves around the fierce competition for the right to be the next head of the tailoring conglomerate, and its consequences. The drama features many classic makjang tropes such as toxic relationships, family secrets, and a lost child who returns after many years.
Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) (2021-2022)
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
Where to stream: Netflix
The three-season drama focuses on three families of middle-class professionals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. The plot delves deep into themes of betrayal and cheating, leading to all sorts of twists and turns, from unplanned pregnancy to divorce.
The Last Empress (2018-2019)
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki
This K-drama is set in an alternate modern-day Korea that has remained a monarchy. Oh Sunny is a cheerful and witty musical actress who marries the Emperor and enters palace life full of power games, jealousy, revenge, blackmail, and mystery.
Temptation of Wife (2008-2009)
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa
Goo Eun-jae is a makeup artist with a big dream but a tragic fate. She has to marry the man who assaults her. He soon gets tired of her and finds a lover, which leads to Eun-jae's death. Luckily, the death is fake and Eun-jae returns with a new identity to take revenge.
Perfect Marriage Revenge (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, TVING, Wavve
Han Yi-joo is the adopted daughter of a rich family involved in illegal activities. Her life begins to crumble when her husband falls in love with another woman and her family throws her under the bus when things get heated. This leads to Yi-joo's death. But the woman wakes up one year before the events and plans a perfect revenge.
The Penthouse: War In Life (2020-2021)
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, iQIYI, WeTV, Kocowa
This melodrama tells the story of several toxic wealthy families living in an elite building, the parents' marital shenanigans, and the kids' school life. If you are into onscreen screaming, extreme plot twists and murder mysteries, this show is for you.
The World of the Married (2020)
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+
Ji Seon-u is a famous doctor married to an aspiring director. She thinks her family is perfect until she learns that her husband is cheating on her. In true Makjang fashion, Seon-u plots a violent revenge that includes double-crossing and stabbing the liar with scissors.